Chapter 4 - The Centaur Rider

John picked a bay mare named Oats. He saddled her while I cooled down Lightning. She had enough exercise for today.

John led Oats out into the sunshine. "Aren't you riding too?"

"Of course I am."

"Where's your horse then?"

I smile and led him to the royal pasture. I whistled and waited. A chestnut centaur came running to me. I threw him an apple and turned to John.

"There's my horse." I laughed at the astonished look on John's face. "His name is Apple."

"You can ride a centaur?" John exclaimed.

"Well, I haven't actually ridden him before, but I'm very close." I hopped over the pasture fence and quietly walked up to Apple so I wouldn't startle him.

"He came to us as a colt. He was a present from my father to my mother. My mother tried to ride him but never succeeded. Then my father and brothers tried as well, and now it's my turn." I stroked Apple's mane while I talked.

[A/N: I don't know whether centaurs are immortal or not, or how long their life span is. For the purpose of this story, pretend that Apple is in the prime of his life]

I've tried and couldn't get him to wear a bridle or even a saddle, so I'll have to ride him bareback. I think he likes me the best out of my family, now if only he'll let me ride him.

"Let's go to the creek on the other side of the pasture." I called to John, who mounted Oats.

"Okay Apple, ready for a run?" I whispered to the centaur. "I'm going to get on your back okay, don't be scared, I won't hurt you." I said soothingly while stroking him. I led him so that he was standing next to a stump of a tree. He didn't look scared. He smiled; I think he understands what I say. People say centaurs have no emotions and are stupid, but I think they are quite intelligent.

"Could you please stand still so I can climb on?" I asked. I hate orders so I was careful not to give orders myself. Apple tossed his head and stood still.

Without stirrups, I had to improvise. I stepped onto the stump and onto Apples back. He tensed at first but relaxed as he got used to my weight.

Once I got my balance, I put my hands on to Apple's shoulders and gently squeezed with my legs. I held my breath; I've been on him before but could never make him go. To my relief, Apple started forward with a slow walk. YES! I wanted to shout but didn't for fear of scaring him.

We walked to John, who was staring at me.

"Amazing! You look magnificent on him El."

I beamed. No one ever called me magnificent before. I like it.

John and I rode on across the green pasture. Instead of reins I used my voice and my legs for direction. I learned to make Apple trot and canter. He's a strong and beautiful centaur and a joy to ride. By riding him, I felt so free, so wild, just like a centaur. I felt like I can do anything. Soon, John and I were galloping across the green hills.

When we arrived at the creek, we stopped and dismounted. We let Oats and Apple drink their fill and rest. Meanwhile I talked to John.

I found out that he was two years older than me, same as my brother. John's father was a merchant, his mother died when he was three. But he was recently orphaned. He had a horse when his father was alive, but was forced to sell her after his father's death. He did have things that his father left him to sell to make a living. But John never wanted to be a merchant. So he's working at an inn in Frell, but the owner was selfish and John wanted to find other work.

I almost wept when John told his tale. My heart went out for him. His story made me realize that even though being a princess is a drag sometimes, I am lucky to have a family and a place to live. He was the first person I was actually able to have a normal conversation with.

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It was getting dark, so we had to go. I got on Apple and rode back towards the stables with him.

"You know El," John spoke up, "I believe you are the first human ever to ride a centaur." He paused to think for a bit, "I heard your mother was nicknamed the ogre tamer because she was the first human to tame ogres. So you should be the centaur rider." He smiled at me, his eyes twinkling, when I didn't answer, he looked worried and asked "Well, do you like it?"

"The centaur rider. Hmm, I love it!" I smiled.

We galloped off.


To get to the stables, we had to pass the castle courtyard. Father, Mother, and a couple knights were standing around talking while my brothers duelled. Perfect, now I can show them my success with Apple.

"Hey John, can we ride that way?" I called.

"To, towards the castle?" he was suddenly nervous, "You go ahead, I um, want to see what's over there." Before I could say anything, he rode off to the opposite direction.

Weird. He must be afraid of the castle or something. I was about to go after him when I heard yells.

"Hey look, it's Princess Elly!" shouted one of the knights. I was close enough to recognize him as Sir Stephen.

"Alright D!" Edward shouted.

I saw my parents beam, they look proud. Even Henry looked envious, "How do you do that Elly?"

"I'm not Elly, I'm the Centaur Rider!" I shouted back triumphantly.

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When I arrived at the stables, I discovered John already left. I was disappointed, I didn't even say goodbye. I hope I'd see him again.

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A/N: so there you go. plz Review!
I'm going on a two-week vacation tomorrow (to the Maritimes!!), so I'll update when I get back.