Training... Day 2

Again it was an early start... And Joey was already on his feet waiting for Perkins to arrive. He thought that maybe he should try and start a new page with this man. He heard familiar loud, heavy footsteps and he stood back against the wall of his stable. No he was not afraid but he just knew what may happen. When he appeared at the door of Joey's stable for the first time since Joey saw him he wore the tiniest of smiles, but at least he looked happier to see Joey today for some unknown reason. He allowed Perkins to slip on his halter and lead him into the yard. He was tied up in the same spot as yesterday. The cool wind still got to him like yesterday, but he was defiantly more relaxed.

The corners of his mouth would scar, and they would continue to scar until he was no longer of use to the Cavalry. He didn't want the bit in his mouth but he opened it anyway, allowing the bit to slid over his tongue. Once all the straps on the bridle were done up, Joey began playing with the bit in his mouth which relieved the pain slightly. The saddle was once again dumped on his back, and the girth was done up painfully tight. Joey then watched Perkins closely. He was expecting him to fasten his spurs on again, but instead he attached Joey to a long reign, and then he picked up a rather long whip. Joey wondered what kind of training he was doing today.

Perkins led him into a grassy paddock, on his own. He stood in the middle and made Joey walk in endless circles. Joey thought this must help him in some way but he was rather confused. He would often make him change direction, and he would make a clicking sound with his tongue. It made Joey's ears twitch.

"Come on boy." Perkins snapped and there was a crack and Joey shot forward, pain running through his rear all down his spine and all over the rest of his body. He almost took Perkins out. He was not happy with him. The happiness Joey had seen the short man early this morning had completely disappeared and had been replaced by pure anger. Joey knew taking off with Perkins on the ground wasn't the smartest idea and it was a mistake on his part.

Perkins grabbed the reign tightly, and he yanked it so hard the bit ripped through his skin. Joey let out a painful whinny and Perkins made him carry on with his training.

OoOoOo

Joey again worked until he exhausted himself though this time, his body was not only exhausted, it hurt, so much. Perkins dragged poor Joey out of the paddock and he stumbled along the cobbles, into the yard. James was walking towards the two of them. Joey's head was down and his legs were shaking.

"Goodness Perkins. I said train the poor fellow not brake him. What on earth did you do man?" James said storming over. Joey was panting, and his eyes were closed.

"Trained him Sir?" Perkins said covering up what really happened.

James was not happy, his eyes swirled with anger and he was balling his hands into fists.

"Perkins from now on you will no longer train Joey if he is to come back looking half dead every day. I will take over his training from this day forward!" James yelled and ordered Perkins away. Once he was gone he loosened Joey's girth, and pulled off his saddle. He put the saddle on the fence and went to take of his bridle.

Joey shied away from his hand and James felt almost heart broken for the poor lad. "Hey now Joey. It's alright lad I just need to take this off you." he said softly and Joey lowered his head allowing James to undo the buckles and pull off the bridle over his ears.

The bit had become slightly embedded, so James had to pry it out of my mouth. Joey jumped backwards, but James calmed him instantly,

"That looks rather nasty Joey. You wait here and I'll get something to clean that." James said, as he gently pulled on his rope halter again. Joey stood, legs shaking, breathing still high and panting. James arrived back only minutes later with a bucket of water. He placed it in front of Joey.

"That's for you Joey. Won't be a minute." he called as he disappeared from Joey's line of sight again. Joey snorted slightly and drank the water. It felt so refreshing and cold as the water slid down his throat. In only a couple of minutes the whole bucket of water was gone and Joey felt a whole load better. His eyes had closed again and he didn't realise James reappearing.

James had some cloth and a bowl full of warm water that had some salt in it. He tipped up the large bucket that was once full of water. He was now level with Joey's head. He took a light hold of his halter and his eyes slowly opened.

"Now lad, you have to stay still for me and let me clean this alright... It will sting, I won't lie about that boy, but it has to be done." James explained and Joey nodded his head as if to reply. James took a deep breath as did Joey, and he reached the cloth and dabbed it over the cuts on his mouth. Joey started breathing heavily again and trying to free his head.

"Good lad Joey, good lad. Almost done now." he said reassuringly.

He dabbed only a few more times, and then dropped the cloth into the small bowl.

"There we are my boy. Let's get you inside and rub you down shall we?" he asked untying Joey, turning him round steadily and walking him slowly to his stable. Joey again stumbled a good few times.

"There's a good boy." he said reaching for a towel. As he rubbed Joey down he spoke to him.

"I've had a difficult day today Joey... It's been hard trying to teach both young and older Cavalrymen to use riffles as well as sabres... It's tiring. I wish I had taken your training from yesterday. How many times must one explain? I mean I had explained three times yesterday that you would not do what was asked if treated roughly and yet he still did so I-" he got cut off by a voice unknown to Joey.

"Talking to horses again I see Captain Nicholls?"

James looked to the door to see his friend, and fellow Cavalryman Major Jamie Stuart. Joey merely looked at him. Tall man, dark hair, moustache. Dressed like James but different at the same time.

"I believe that they can understand the words of a human being Jamie." James replied as he carried on rubbing Joey down.

"Stunning creature James, well built, strong legs, fire in his eyes. But I must say no horse is a match for my Topthorn."

"I think your wrong about him Jamie. I believe he is a perfect match for Topthorn. From what I've seen he holds himself well." James was about to say more when Jamie cut in saying,

"Don't be daft James. Topthorn is the finest horse in the Cavalry. No horse could beat him at his own game."

And before James could even reply he had turned on his booted heel and walked smartly out of the stables, the doors slamming shut behind him. James merely shook his head with a smile on his lips.

"I see nothing wrong with you Joey. I think we could beat him. What do you think?" James asked hanging the towel over the door walked to Joey's face, stroking each cheek with both hands as he looked into his big brown eyes. Joey slowly nodded his head and James smiled.

"That's a boy. Now rest... We will do some work tomorrow, but seeing as I have other jobs to do you can have half a day of rest. I'll see you bright and early." he said and gave him a pat like he always did.

"Goodnight." was the last thing said before the only sounds heard was breathing and the sound of James' boots hitting the ground and the doors of the stables shutting and being locked.

OoOoOo

Silence, so peaceful. Joey lay in the cosy straw, sleeping deeply, dreaming.

'Running round with my mum, bucking, playing, nipping at her neck and shoulders, wanting her to play with me. Suddenly a boy appeared. "my" Albert. Watching me play behind the gate, smiling as I bucked and frolicked through the field, annoying my mum more and more. I thought I would never ever have to leave my mum. I... I never wanted to, until we were forced apart by man.'

The aches and pains in his body slowly started to ease but he would most likely be very... Very stiff in the morning.

AN: Awww so we met Jamie haha :D x I admit I love James, Jamie and Charlie, they are like my favourite characters haha :) hope you liked chapter four hehe :) See ya tomorrow for training days three and four ;) Please review! Thanks :) All Welcome

~Destrier~ x