A/N: Here's my first fic here. Hope you guys like this and remember, any comments, questions, anything, are greatly appreciated.
He stared at the ruins of the Temple of Time. How long had it been since he had come to visit this place? Memories and duties had kept him back, not allowing him to see this burial ground. He let a sigh escape his lips, watching the setting sun play on the cracked steel of the Master Sword as it sat embedded in the rock before the altar. What he wouldn't give to alter the past.
A gentle caress of the wind touched his face, bringing with it memories of her, memories that ate at his soul, destroying his veneer of calm and tossing him back to the times better left forgotten. Yes, what he wouldn't give to change the past...
* * *
Ket swatted at the man's groping hand and sighed. Tonight was going to be fun. The crowded tavern echoed from the raucous cries of its patrons, and Ket could feel a headache forming right between her eyes. Bevry's going to be happy, she thought sourly. This place is packed.
The tavern's owner, Bevry, who resembled an ox in looks as well as strength, would appreciate the flow of money that began pouring in early this evening. But she stayed safe behind the beer counter.
Ket, on the other hand, had to be out in the slew of bodies, dealing with all the drunken mercenaries that hit on anything with two legs. She knew the other serving wenches received the same advances, some even appreciating the cat calls. She never tried to understand their philosophy of giving the men company for cash. To her it was not worth the disgrace or trouble.
Not that the extra income was not needed. Living on her own in Lexandri, the large town lying on the border of Hyrule and Dalite, was an expensive experience. But this city offered a great opportunity to earn money, much better then the tiny village where she stayed a month ago. There a coin was harder to find then the legendary relic, the Triforce.
So now she resided here, trapped in the only job she could find. This is worth it, she told herself. She often said those words to herself. They were her personal mantra, helping her keep her determination and drive to persevere despite her poverty and lack of chances to prove herself, to show the world she was more then a dirty peasant. This is worth it, she repeated, fending off another unwanted consort and trying to balance a tray filled with mugs of ale at the same time. It's better then begging on a street corner.
After serving the crowded table their drinks, she headed back to the bar. Bevry stood behind the counter, a pleased gleam in her muddy brown eyes. "Would ya' look at this," she proclaimed proudly to Ket. "The place hasn't been this busy in ages."
"Wonderful," Ket replied sarcastically. "Do you need any more orders carried over?"
"Yeah," Bevry said, handing the girl a mug. "This is for the woman over in the corner."
Turning in the direction Bevry pointed, Ket found the customer. Sitting in the dim recesses of the tavern lounged a wiry woman, probably the only occupant sober enough to sit up straight. Not for long, Ket thought, grabbing the liquor from Bevry's massive hand.
Threading between the tables with the ease born of countless practice, she headed over to the woman's table. "Here you go," she said to the woman, setting the mug onto the scarred wooden surface.
She turned to leave when the woman said, "Wait."
"What do you want?" Ket asked rudely, looking over her shoulder at her.
"I'm curious. What's a Hylian doing here this close to the border?"
Squaring off to the woman, Ket met her gaze. In the dim candlelight, the stranger's eyes shone a deep chestnut, enigmatic and full of self-confidence. Her hair reflected steely gray in the dim light, matching the metal of her light armor. A pair of pointed ears, like Ket's, caught her attention. Another Hylian like me, Ket thought with surprise. She's the first I've seen here before. Normally it's only humans from Dalite that come to Lexandri.
"What business is it of yours?"
"Touchy, aren't we?" said the woman with a wry smile.
"I don't like people asking about me," Ket replied shortly. She made to leave saying, "I've got a job to do."
Before she could depart, a noise from the front of the bar stopped her. Forcing their way through the packed crowds, a small group of soldiers strode into the bar. Their deep brown armor reflected dully in the light, enhancing the silver emblem of a bird in flight etched on their backs.
The noise level from before died significantly as more patrons noticed the soldiers' appearance. What are Dalitian soldiers doing here? Ket wondered. They have never come over to Hyrule before, at least not to this town.
Bevry approached the group cautiously. Dalitian soldiers were renowned for their ability to cause trouble wherever they pleased. Riots that tore cities apart were rumored to have started because a Dalitian soldier just felt like having some excitement.
A man separated from the pack, stepped forward, and began talking to the tavern owner. Bevry's immense size dwarfed the man's slight stature so greatly that the sight made Ket fight the urge to laugh. From where she stood, Ket vainly strained to overhear their conversation.
The scrape of metal against steel turned Ket's attention from the soldiers and back to the woman. The stranger's gaze focused intently on the newcomers, her eyes narrowed in concentration. She appeared ready for a fight, her hand resting lightly on the leather hilt of the sword bound to her waist.
Glancing around the tavern, Ket noticed that most of the others sat in the exact same position of readiness as the woman. Feelings of unease began to trace their way down Ket's spine, cold fingers of dread chilling her skin. Slipping her hand through the small slit in her skirt, she gripped the handle of the dagger she wore strapped to her thigh, feeling its weight reassuringly.
Bevry continued to talk to the leader, a puzzled but otherwise calm expression on her face. The rest of the soldiers grew restless with the waiting and began to prowl around the tavern. One of the men made his way in Ket's direction, aimlessly poking at everything in sight. The woman behind her grew still, intently watching the soldier as he approached. Ket tightened her hold on the dagger, feeling her heart instinctively race from the high tension that filled the bar.
When the man neared the table, he glanced in her direction and caught sight of Ket. His dark eyes widened in surprise and a nasty grin spread over his face. "What do we have here," he said to no one in particular. He stepped closer and attempted to touch Ket's ears. She jerked her head to the side, trying to keep a neutral expression on her face.
The soldier only smiled and said, "A Hylian, what a pleasant surprise. Hey boss! Lookie what I found!"
Ket's heart stilled as the man at the counter turned at the sound of his man's voice. "What do you want, Jethren? I'm busy."
"Not too busy to see this," Jethren replied with a grin. Ket attempted to back discreetly away from the man and promptly ran into the tavern wall. Cursing silently, she hoped she could defend herself if the soldiers tried anything. She did not expect any help from anyone else. All her life, she only depended on one person, herself. Life had taught her repeatedly that no one else could be trustworthy.
The captain walked up to Jethren, an irritable expression covering his weathered features. "What's the fuss about?"
Jethren snatched Ket's wrist and dragged her forward. "This," he said.
The captain's eyebrows raised at the sight of the struggling girl. "I'll be," he said softly. "A Hylian. What are you doing here?" he demanded.
Surprising herself with her nerve, she replied scathingly, "Trying to work."
Her reply threw the two soldiers off balance. Used to people replying meekly, with eyes downcast and bodies hunched as if awaiting a blow, they were thrown by her biting tones and posture. She stood ramrod straight, her blue eyes like the core of a flame. She resembled a disgruntled noble, not the serving wench she was.
An amused grin flitted across the captain's features. "I see you found a spitfire," he said conversationally to Jethren, who scowled.
Quick as a striking snake, the captain's gauntleted hand lashed out, catching Ket square on the jaw. She sagged against the wall while the room spun around.
Touching her throbbing face, she glared at the two men standing before her. "Looks like you need to be put in your place, girl," Jethren said with a twisted smile. He advanced towards her and Ket reached for her dagger, wondering if she could defend herself from two trained soldiers.
Before either could initiate the first blow, a deadly quiet voice said, "Stop."
Startled, Ket saw the stranger from before stand up, her naked sword ready to strike. She had forgotten about the woman when the soldiers approached her. Now she was making her presence known, challenging them defiantly.
"Two Hylians in one day, what are the odds?" the captain remarked, looking pleased. "I'm surprised you dare come so close to our borders."
"I thought our countries were finally at peace," the silver haired woman said sarcastically.
The captain smiled at her as if she were a simpleton. "Not while I'm alive. You Hylians, you're all a bunch of arrogant bastards. The King may have been forced to sign that treaty, but that changes nothing."
"Really?" returned the woman, arching an eyebrow. "According to Section V of the Treaty for Peace between Hyrule and Dalite, you are committing treason to both countries with your words. Would you like to spend the rest of your life rotting in a prison?"
Jethren and the captain stared at the woman, stunned into silence. Finally the captain choked out, "Who are you?"
Pointing the tip of her blade at the captain's throat, she replied, "I am Impa, Guardian of the Royal House of Hyrule, and trusted advisor to His Majesty, King Regius. I should have you arrested immediately."
The woman's words whirled in Ket's mind. Impa, of the Royal House? What was a noble Hylian doing in this backwater town? More importantly, why was she risking her neck to help her out? Rumors of Impa and her fighting prowess made her a renowned warrior, one who handled the sword as if the metal became an extension of her arm. She could easily best these fools. Still, that did not explain why the silver haired woman would pit herself against a troop of soldiers to aid a nobody like Ket.
"You, arrest us?" Jethren said scornfully. The swarthy man drew his blade and said, "Try."
Before the two could cross swords, the captain held his arm in front of his man, blocking the way. "We will do nothing," he said, the words sounding forced. "We are on Hylian soil. But if you dare cross over, Impa, this story will end differently."
"I await the time," Impa said coolly, sheathing her weapon, her body poised and ready for any surprise attacks.
Turning on his heel, the captain left, followed closely by his men. However, the tension remained in the air. Having a noble with police power was just as bad as having soldiers appear in their midst.
Impa ignored the suddenly sober stares and approached Ket. Grasping the girl's chin in her firm grip, she gently touched the bruise darkening over her cheek, causing Ket to flinch. "He got you good," she told the girl with a slight smile.
Ket only stared at the woman and asked the question that continued to assault her mind. "Why?"
Frowning, Impa asked, "Why what?"
"Why did you bother to help me?"
"Are you that beaten down that you can't believe someone will help another because it's the right thing to do?"
Ket let out a snort. "No one helps anyone without having a motive. That's the way life is."
"Do you actually believe that?" Impa asked incredulously.
"Of course," Ket replied with a derisive laugh. "You've been pampered in the palace for too long if you think it's any other way."
A pained expression crossed over Impa's face at Ket's words. "Then I pray the Goddesses show you differently," she said softly.
"Right," Ket said scornfully. Seeing the woman's saddened expression, Ket hesitated. She should offer her rescuer more gratitude instead of acting like an ingrate. "Thanks," she blurted out, then took off for the sanctuary of the kitchen.
Ket left the tavern counting the coins Bevry handed her when she finished work. Not a bad haul altogether. At least she would be able to pay that hag who owned the room she rented near the market district. If you wanted to call that small hovel an actual room, Ket thought wryly. Oh well, its got a roof at least. That's better than some of the places I've slept in.
She was nearly past the entrance of the tavern when she heard a noise from the alley at the building's side. Wondering if the soldiers had waited for her to leave, she drew her dagger and passed the seemingly empty alley, feeling her heart pound for the second time that day.
When nothing popped out to attack her, she felt her nerves calm down. At least until the sound rose again. Only this time it seemed like the plaintive mew of a kitten. Curious, she had always had a soft spot for animals, Ket cautiously peered into the darkened alley, squinting to see in the deep gloom. The sight she found brought her dinner somewhere in the vicinity of her throat.
Fighting the nausea, she ran to the crumpled figure on the dirty ground. The woman from before, Impa, lay bleeding and half conscious, her once silvery hair dyed red from an open cut on her forehead.
Acting quickly, Ket tore a hank of cotton material from her skirt and wrapped the makeshift bandage around the dazed woman's head. Checking over the rest of her, Ket noticed her right arm now twisted at an unnatural angle. Great Goddesses! she thought angrily. What did her attackers do, beat her with bricks?
Finding nothing to work as a splint, Ket hoped that Impa remained unaware enough to ignore her wounds. Grasping the woman's torso, she hauled Impa's battered body over her shoulders and headed to Galen's home. The old Lexandri healer would not be pleased at being aroused this late at night, but the kind man never turned down an injured patient.
Legs trembling from the extra weight, she made her way to the small cottage that housed the wizened physician. A fine mist began to weave through the air, chilling everything it touched. The lanterns left alight from the city guardsmen did little to dispel the late night murk, and shadows pooled at every corner, keeping their secrets hidden from view.
No sound disturbed the heavy calm that lay over the town, as if the entire population had disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving only Ket and the stranger, alone and forgotten in their vast world.
Trying to dismiss her troubling thoughts, she caught sight of the symbol of an herb painted on a weathered, wooden sign hanging over a closed door, signifying the abode of a healer.
Reaching the door, she shifted Impa's weight, freeing her hand. Impa moaned slightly and Ket felt her heart tighten. She pounded on the wood, wishing fiercely that the face of Impa's assailants received her strikes instead of the door. She despised anyone who hurt another, especially someone who had shown her kindness.
Suddenly her hand met only air. Galen stood before her, his white beard and hair tousled from sleep. "What do you-" his words broke off when he caught sight of Ket's burden.
Motioning her in, he retreated back into the cottage. Inside, only the sputtering tallow held in Galen's hand illuminated the main room. Here Galen practiced his trade. Beds lay scattered throughout the room, their white coverlets gleaming in the candlelight. A counter off to the left of the door held all of Galen's tools and herbs to cure his patients. An opening in the back of the room lay hidden in darkness, leading to the healer's kitchen and bedrooms.
Following Galen's instructions, she waited until he finished clearing a bed that lay near the far wall. When he accomplished his task, she relieved her aching back of its burden, letting Impa fall to the soft mattress. Galen brought a set of clean bandages and supplies over and began to administer to Impa's wounds.
Rubbing her aching neck, Ket backed out of Galen's way, allowing the healer to work. With practiced ease, he cleaned and bandaged all of the warrior's wounds, barking orders to Ket when he needed assistance. After taking care of her cuts, he focused on Impa's broken arm. Sighing deeply, he said, "Ket can you give me that bag on the table by the window?"
Spotting the dark brown leather of the object he spoke of, Ket snatched up the bursting bag. She handed it to Galen, who was manipulating a splint made of yew in his hands. "I'll need your help when I set her bone," he told Ket grimly.
"Just tell me what to do."
Showing Ket what he needed, she positioned herself above Impa, pinning the woman down. Galen took hold of her injured arm and pulled, setting the bone. Even in her unconscious state, Impa felt the pain. Her body jerked against the burning of her nerves and she let out a terrible scream. Ket's heart wrenched at the sound but she continued in pressing Impa's fighting body down.
Finally the woman quieted and Ket glanced in Galen's direction. The wizened man had Impa's arm bandaged around the splint so that the bone could heal straight. Now he ground an herb he pulled from his bag, twisting the heavy pestle with quick, precise movements, turning the feathery leaves into a fine powder. "What's that for?" Ket asked, curious.
"This is Angel Hair, a potent pain reliever," Galen answered, still grinding. "Its found only on Death Mountain, miles away from here, near its peak. But it's worth the trouble harvesting the herb. This powder, when mixed with liquids, will block the greatest of pain."
"I see," said Ket, watching the prone figure.
"By the way," Galen asked, looking at Ket, his beady eyes glittering fiercely in the light thrown from the fire. "Where did you find her?"
"Next to Bevry's Tavern, in an alley," Ket said. "I think she was jumped by a group of Dalitian soldiers. They started a fight in the tavern with her, and they left before the argument was settled."
"Figures," Galen said disdainfully. "Those Dalitian barbarians always try to cause trouble. Especially towards Hylians. I'm not even sure where this idiotic prejudice first appeared. It's just always been there."
He turned to Ket, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know, I'm surprised you haven't been harassed by one of them, since Lexandri's so close to the Dalite border. You've been here near four months and I've never had to treat you for any beatings."
Remembering her earlier experience, she murmured, "Just lucky I guess."
A moan from the bed diverted their attention. Impa had regained conscious and stared at her surroundings, trying to place the unfamiliar room. She attempted to rise and quickly stopped, lances of pain shooting through her body.
Galen rushed over to her, holding a cup of juice mixed with the Angel Hair herb to the woman's bruised lips. "Drink this," he ordered. "It'll ease the pain."
Impa complied, desperate for any relief. After finishing the cup, she spotted Ket, who stood at a distance. A faint smile appeared on her lips. "I guess I owe you my life."
"Returning the favor," Ket replied quietly.
"But I thought people only cared about themselves, that they never bothered to help others."
"I repay my debts, that's all."
"I see," said Impa, the smile remaining.
"I take it you two know each other?" Galen guessed.
"Yeah," Impa said. Changing the subject, she asked, "What are the chances of me finding those cowardly bastards and repaying them tenfold?"
"Did you actually see them?" asked Galen, already knowing the answer.
Grimacing, Impa said, "No. Damn cowards lured me into the alley. I think they paid off some peasant to act like she needed help and led me to them. I, being the great trusting idiot that I am, followed her in and got blindsided. That's the last thing I remember."
"With no witnesses and no proof, I think you will have to be satisfied that the Goddesses will mete out their own divine punishment," advised Galen.
"Maybe so, but I'd feel a whole lot better if I could squeeze their necks with my bare hands."
Ket smiled, silently agreeing with her. She would rather extract payment for the damages the attackers wrought than sit back and let the deities have all the fun.
"How long do I have to rest?" asked Impa, dreading the answer.
"At your condition, I'd wager at least two weeks for the cuts and bruises to completely heal, another two after that for your arm."
"A month?!" Impa cried, then winced at the pain that shot through her body.
"Longer if you don't keep still," he advised shrewdly.
"Oh Great Din, this is just what I needed," Impa muttered.
"If you're worried about payment, I don't charge a lot," Galen consoled.
"That's not it," Impa said. "I need to return soon, or at least get a letter out to let my superiors know where I am."
"Not a problem," Galen said with a smile that wrinkled his leathery skin into deep creases. "You write the letter and I'll send Ket to deliver it."
"What?" asked Ket.
"You will be helping me take care of Impa," Galen said sternly, fixing a bright beetle-like eye on her. "I've got other patients to tend to. I can't spend all my time on her, and she needs constant care."
Ket frowned. "I don't see anyone else here."
"Don't be a fool, girl," snapped Galen. "Only those who're direly ill stay here."
"That makes me feel so much better," Impa quipped.
Ket glared at her. How could she play nurse and still earn enough money for food and rent?
Sensing Ket's thoughts, Impa said, "I can pay you if you do decide to help. Plus I'm sure he won't mind it if you stayed here with me, would you Galen?"
"I guess not," Galen replied with reservation. Turning to Ket, he said, "But you take care of yourself. And I won't help you out with her. Not too much anyway."
Ket only stared at the healer, unsure of how to reply to the sudden change in her life. Impa replied for her, saying, "Understood."
Ket watched the two continue to haggle over arrangements and wondered how she got wrapped up in this mess. What happened to her policy of never involving herself in others lives? It complicated matters too much.
Heaving a sigh, she looked over the surroundings that would become her home for awhile. Well, this place is better than the hole I was staying in. Try to think positive, she told herself. How hard can it be to take care of an invalid?
As she discovered in the following weeks, the task was no where near as easy as she first believed. Impa had to be constantly watched over. Her bandages needed to be changed regularly with fresh dressing applied to the wounds. She had to keep the injured woman fed, clean, and needed to massage her body to prevent bed sores from forming since she required bed rest for most of the time.
Ket never worked so hard before. Rising with the sun, she also helped Galen with his patients to repay him for the free board. By the time she went to bed, normal people were fast asleep and wandering deep in the realm of dreams.
Near the end of the month, her seemingly endless line of chores abated. Impa now moved on her own with ease, though her arm still ached if overworked.
Enjoying one moment of free time, Ket sat on the warm, sun baked earth outside Galen's home, savoring the touch of the solar rays on her face. She sat washing a bundle of dirty linen bandages when Impa strode up. "I've decided to leave today," the warrior informed Ket.
"Are you up to it?" Ket asked, surprised that the idea of Impa leaving filled her with sadness. She had unknowingly grown to enjoy the woman's wry humor and gentle voice.
"Yes, I've stayed away from the castle for too long."
"Do you need help packing?" Ket asked softly, turning her head to face the wooden wash tub so Impa could not read her emotions.
"No, I'm already set." Impa hesitated, unsure of how to continue. Finally she said, "I have a proposition for you."
"A proposition?"
"Yes. I would very much appreciate it if you accompanied me on my way to the castle."
Ket opened her mouth to answer, but she couldn't think of rational reply. For lack of anything else to say, she stammered, "You, you what?"
"I want you to come with me," repeated Impa with a broad smile at Ket's stunned expression.
"But, but why?"
"I need to prove to you that people do help others because it's the right thing to do. Besides, I still owe you the money for helping me and I don't have it on me."
"You mean the only way I'll get paid is if I travel hundreds of miles to the capital?" Ket said incredulously.
"Basically."
Ket groaned loudly, letting the bandages drop into the wooden wash basin. "This just figures."
"Do you have somewhere more important to be?"
"No, not exactly," Ket drawled. "But the prospect of walking across the country is not an enticing one."
"Who said anything about walking?"
"How else are we going to get there? By flying?"
"With horses," Impa said, as if it where the most obvious answer.
"Whose?"
"Mine. I have my own that I left at the inn where I was staying, and can buy another off some trader."
"With what money?" Ket asked, arching an eyebrow. "I thought you were broke."
"Details, details," Impa said, waving her hand dismissingly. "You'll get paid, rest assure."
"Right," Ket replied sarcastically. "Well I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but I've never ridden a horse in my life."
"That can be quickly amended," Impa said with a knowing grin.
"That's what I'm afraid of."
Impa left to find a suitable horse and retrieve her own, leaving Ket to ponder her situation. She had no reason not to leave with Impa. Her job here was nothing spectacular and her home certainly did not resemble a palace. Maybe she would find better work in Hyrule Castle Town, the capital of Hyrule where the castle sat. Besides, she would not receive her money until then.
By the time Impa returned, she had her mind made up.
The sun shone like a brilliant ball of flame set high in the clear blue sky when the woman walked up to Galen's home leading a pair of saddled horses.
One mount caught her attention right away. The horse pranced beside Impa, his proud neck arched, his creamy mane cresting and falling against his neck while he moved. His coat reflected golden in the noon light, reminding Ket of coins and priceless treasures.
Her mouth fell open involuntarily, watching the sinewy horse follow Impa, a mischievous gleam in his warm brown eyes. The other horse paled in comparison to the golden. He trailed behind the two, his head bobbing sluggishly as he walked. Spots of caked mud decorated his tarnished gray coat, resembling rusted metal. "What do you think?" asked Impa.
"He's gorgeous."
"He is, isn't he," said Impa, turning to face the golden with a proud grin. "His name's Zephyr."
"I have a gut feeling he's your horse and the old plug is the one from the trader. I think you got a rotten deal. Did you actually pay for him, or did the seller give you money to take him off his hands?"
"Hey now," chastised Impa playfully. "He may look dirty and decrepit, and he does smell like wet boots, but he's not lame and has a decent disposition. Perfect for any beginner rider."
Ket smiled. "So how do you plan to teach me?"
A wide grin appeared on Impa's face. "You're going?"
"I have to, or I'll never see that money."
"Glad to see where your priorities are," Impa said wryly. Motioning to the horses, she said, "You'll learn to ride these guys like I did."
"How's that?"
"On the fly," Impa said, grinning devilishly at Ket's horrified expression as she passed the girl the horses' reins. "Mount up. I'll tell Galen we're leaving."
While Impa entered the cottage, Ket stared at the two horses. The gray looked dully upon her, but Zephyr seemed to laugh, his eyes dancing with merriment.
"Mount up she says," Ket muttered to the equine pair. "How the heck am I supposed to do that?"
When Impa returned, Galen trailing in her wake, she found Ket in the exact same position she left her in. "Why haven't you mounted?" she asked with a wicked grin.
"Oh, shut up," snapped Ket.
Galen smiled, his beard twitching, telling Ket he was trying desperately to not break down and laugh himself. He leaned against the door frame, ready to watch the ensuing embarrassment begin for her.
Taking Zephyr's reins, Impa demonstrated the proper way to mount. "It's easy," she told the frustrated girl. "Just place your left foot in the left stirrup and swing your right over the saddle and sit. Nothing to it."
Measuring the distance from the horse's back to the ground, Ket said sarcastically, "Right."
Hiking her skirt up, she grabbed the gray's leather reins and placed her foot in the stirrup, attempting to mount like Impa instructed. On her first try she failed to swing her leg up high enough. By the third failed attempt, the horse became bored with the process and decided to help Ket by circling every time she tried to pull herself up, hoping to get her on quicker.
Impa and Galen shook with repressed laughter and Impa was having a hard time staying in the saddle. She had to lean forward, grasping Zephyr's snowy mane to keep herself on. Tears streamed down her face as she laughed hard enough to shake her mount, who watched Ket's struggles with wicked amusement.
Galen now leaned against the frame because he had to. His legs no longer supported his weight, weak from holding back his laughter. He struggled to breathe, holding a stitch in his side while he covered his mouth to hold the mirth back.
Fed up, Ket finally cornered the gelding against the side of Galen's house and quickly threw herself over. Half her body rested over the saddle when the horse began to walk off. Desperately Ket threw her leg over and sat in the saddle. The horse continued to meander along, and Ket asked Impa in a high voice, "How do I stop this thing?"
"Th- the re- reins," Impa choked out through her laughter. "Pull b- back on the reins."
Ket obeyed and nearly yanked the horse's head off. Startled, the horse reared in an attempt to relieve the harsh pressure on his mouth. Taken by surprise, Ket slid off the horse's rump and landed with a plop on the dusty ground, her pride bruised more than anything. The gray set all fours on the dirt and turned to her, as if asking, What was she doing on the ground?
Ket growled at him and gingerly sat up, feeling the lumps that were already starting to form. Her cheeks burned in humiliation. I'm beginning to think whatever Impa's going to pay me is not worth this, she thought heatedly.
"Are you going to try again?" Impa queried, wiping the tears of laughter from her eyes. "We need to leave sometime soon."
Ket held her tongue. She did not think she could give a civil reply to the woman right now. Instead she stood up and faced the horse. She was not going to give up and allow Impa and Galen to ridicule her anymore.
Grabbing the gray's reins, she turned the horse so the creature faced the cottage wall again, preventing him from moving forward. Setting her foot in the stirrup, she quickly threw her leg over and sat up. Before the horse could move off again, she gently, but firmly, pulled back on the reins. With a triumphant smile, she turned to Impa and promptly stuck her tongue out. "Don't get cocky now," Impa warned with a smile.
"Me, cocky?" asked Ket, the picture of innocence. "I am the most humble creature on this world."
"Yeah right," Impa said, giving her mount a nudge from her calves. Instantly Zephyr picked up a strong walk.
Following Impa's example, Ket urged her horse forward, waving good-bye to Galen. With a flick of his tail, her horse set after the two at a bone-jarring trot. Ket sighed as she bounced in the saddle. By the time we get there, I won't be able to sit for a month, she thought, feeling the leather saddle smack her rear.