The next day started with the ringing of a loud bell. Muttering, Mirana
pushed back and got out of her bed. She opened the curtains and opened the
window. The morning air was refreshing. She was just going through her
closet when a knock on the door gave her a fright.
Quickly opened. A maid stood there carrying a bowel of steaming water.
The girl curtsied and went past Mirana into the bathroom. She returned
empty handed. She bobbed a curtesy again and said, "My name is Silna, lady
Mirana, and I am your maid."
Mirana gasped; she had never had a maid.
"If you need help with dressing, or face-paint I'll help. I can also sweep
and clean. Do you need any assistance?"
Mirana was taken aback "No," she stuttered "I don't think I'll need help
with make-up or dressing. Just bringing the water and maybe sweeping will
do!"
Silna could hardly contain her surprise. Well mannered she nodded, curtsied
and left.
Mirana brushed her teeth and washed her face in the hot water. Than she turned back to the closet. It was difficult to choose an outfit. The queen had given her dresses for every occasion. Finally, clothed in a dark green, tunic dress that reached her ankles and a white blouse underneath, Mirana made her way down the corridor. She had managed to tame her hair into a loose bun and her new black boots hardly made a sound on the floor. She knocked on the door that led into the royal wing, which was opened eventually by a grumpy looking servant. "Yes?" He asked Mirana suspiciously. "I am to dine with the royal family." Mirana explained shyly. "Oh?" The servant asked, but didn't open the door further "I wasn't told about any guests for breakfast!" Mirana was about to loose her temper with the man, when she heard Sam's voice behind the servant. "Is there a problem?" "Yes." Said the man "A young lady at the door." Sam's head poked out and his face broke into a grin "Good morning, Mirana! Come in, come in!" Turning to the servant he said "It's okay, Stefan, she's welcome. When ever she wants to come in, let her!" Stefan bowed and closed the door behind Mirana.
Sam guided the way into the private dinning room of the rules of Aquas and their family. The king was already seated. Mirana curtsied. "Good morning, child. Please, both of you sit down. I feel guilty sitting here on my own!" Neptune motioned to two chairs. "So Samiel, how was the party yesterday?" The king looked at his son, eyes dancing. "Well, father, the usual - awful! Why do I have to dance?" Sam looked pleadingly at his father. "Can't you change that tradition?" "Why Sam, if my old eyes didn't fool me, you were happily dancing with Mirana yesterday!" Mirana jumped as her name fell. She hadn't followed the conversation. "But father, that was mostly to keep Lady Gadin of my back!" Sam said desperately. "Yes, your majesty, I was only helping his highness." Mirana helped her friend. Sam glared at her, but didn't say anything because Korala entered with Evie and Sarisa. "Good morning!" Korala said while trying to get her youngest daughter to let go of her skirt. Sarisa nodded to her brother and Mirana and kissed her father on the cheek. Than she sat down next to him. Korala forced Evie onto the chair next to Mirana and sat down on the child's other side. The meal was very informal. Korala and Neptune asked Mirana everything about the airer's world and the girl answered in between bites.
"What are your planes for today, Mirana?" Korala asked while the servants were clearing the table. Sam answered, "We invited her to train with us! Father, that reminds me, is there a horse Mirana can use?" Neptune scratched his shaven chin, "Well, if she knows how to ride she can choose any of the spares. Try her on Shelly and than go from that!" "Thank you, your majesty." Mirana said. "Mirana, my wife probably already told you: Don't bother with the 'your majesty', your father and I were close friends. Just call me Nep!" Mirana nodded "Yes, your - Nep!" "Are you sure you want to spend the day with Sam and the other Pearlers!" Korala sounded disbelieving. "Yes, Korala, unless you have something you would like me to do?" Mirana answered. "No, no child, you can go with Sam. But remember, if you want to spend some time with girls, Sarisa will be happy to introduce you to a few young ladies." Korala offered. Mirana swallowed but kept quiet. Sam stood up and motioned for Mirana to follow "We'll be on our way! Do we another formal dinner and party tonight?" Korala shook her head, "No, yesterday was the farewell: They are leaving today." Sam sighed in relief and together with Mirana left the royal wing.
They stopped at Mirana's room for her to change. Minutes later she reappeared in breeches, tunic, blouse and boots. She had undone her bun and was still trying to tie her hair into a tail at the back of her head.
Ter and Perin were already saddling their horses when Mirana and Sam entered the stable. "Hello, hey Mirana, pass me the brush there!" Welcomed Perin her. Handing him the item, she followed Sam to a box "What should I do?" "Can you get Shelly's saddle and bridle form the empty stall over there?" By the time she had saddled the horse, Don, Kevis and Cerry had turned up. Perin, Ter, Sam and Mirana went to the training yard. Sam gave her the reins and told her to give Shelly a go.
Mirana tightened the saddle girth, checked the length of the stirrups and swung herself onto Shelly's back. After a couple of rounds just a slow walk, Mirana nudged Shelly into a trot and finally into a control canter. She rode to the edge of the yard where the boys had been watching. "Not bad!" Sam said. Ter nodded agreement. Don was leaning next to the prince "Of course she's good, I taught her!" Mirana laughed and slipped out of the saddle. Sam opened the gate "Let's find you a horse!" He tied Shelly to the fence and, while the other boys mounted, Sam and Mirana went back into the stable. At the very end of the passages were the spares. Sam had a look at all of them and finally said, "I think you've got a choice of two, the others are to easy." He pointed at a bay gelding and a totally black mare. "You might be better of with the gelding, the mare has a reputation of being very picky with riders."
Mirana opened the box door and entered the gelding's stall. He was a quiet fellow and except for a white sock and a white star completely brown. He was still young but his mouth looked hard. Someone had been riding him to hard. Mirana left the stall and went to the mare. She was already waiting, her head poking out of the box. She sniffed at the girl's tunic while her ears went back and forward. Gently Mirana blew into the nostrils of the mare who did the same back. The girl had seen Don do that with Joe. She had asked him why and he had told her that that is how horses get to know each other. Carefully Mirana pushed the horse head back and opened the box door. The mare was of average size. A look at her teeth told Mirana that she still had to grow about a hand. Her coat was midnight black, but it was a bit dusty; no one had brushed her for some time. The mare's eyes were clear. She watched Mirana's inspection interestedly.
Sam had moved forward and was leaning on the door. "Like I said, she's very temperamental. But if you want to try her, go ahead." Mirana nodded. She got a brush and cleaned the mare's coat. Sam went to find a saddle and bridle. He returned and watched as Mirana lifted the saddle onto the horse's back and bribed her to open her mouth for the bridle.
When they returned outside, the sunlight caught in the mare's black coat, making it shine. The mare pranced as Mirana went through the same procedure as with Shelly. The other boys were practising tilting at the other end of the riding yard, only Sam watched Mirana. Carefully she placed a foot into the stirrup. The mare tried moving away, but Mirana had a firm grip on the reins. She waited for the horse to stop moving before swinging her other leg over the rump. The mare waited expectantly while Mirana got comfortable, her ears pricked up. Turning to Sam, Mirana called, "What's her name?" Sam called back "She doesn't have one. You can pick one!" Mirana nodded and prodded the mare's flanks. The mare jumped into a trot. Mirana sat back and pulled softly on the reins till the horse returned to a walk.
Sam had mounted and he and Don were watching Mirana. She rode past them and Don's dapple grey gelding made a long neck and sniffed at the mare's side. Her head spun and she neighed angrily. But it didn't sound like the sound a horse made; it sounded more like a howl. Quickly Mirana pushed her into a trot. Her gait was fast and she was pulling into a canter when Mirana saw the group of girls from the night before line up along the fence. Gulping, Mirana guided the mare away from the fence and loosen the reins. The horse took the hint and jumped into a canter. It was like nothing Mirana had ever experienced of even believed possible. It felt like riding a giant wave. A giant, powerful, black wave! Quickly Mirana fell into the rhythm of the pounding hooves. The mare had a lot of wind; she could probably go forever.
When Mirana returned to a trot and finally a walk, she knew that everyone was watching her. The girls at the fence were eyeing her jealously and the boys with deep respect. Sam broke the silence by calling across the yard "No one has ever ridden that horse like that! Most riders went flying after half a round." Mirana rode up to the boys and out of earshot of the girls. "What are you going to call her?" Kevis asked her. "I'm not quite sure! I'll think about it!" was her answer, "Right now I want the girls to go away and to watch you tilt." The boys laughed and returned to their practise.
Don stopped Mirana from ridding the other end of the yard again. "Would ya like to learn?" He asked. "Learn what?" "To tilt!" Mirana's eyes widened "You mean, you would teach me?" Don nodded "Sure! Come on!" They trotted down the enclosure to a free dummy. A barrel with lances stood next to it and Don chose two. One he kept, the other he gave to the girl, who was surprised by the weight. Don showed her the proper grip, how to sit, where to put her weight. Every now and again one of the others would interrupt to correct or add something.
Sweaty but pleased Mirana led the mare back to her stall. Perin was behind her leading his Spiderfinger, making sure not to come too close to Mirana's horse. While Mirana unsaddled her mount and gave her a bucket of feed, the other boys had come in and were also unsaddling. Perin was finished and lounged on the box door to Kevis's mare. "What now? We still have about two bells left till lunch." Cerry joined him. "How about a go at archery?" He asked shyly. "Why not? Hey, Mirana are you listening?" Ter called. Mirana jumped and blushed. She had been staring into space thinking of the mare. Quickly she nodded and turned to the conversation.
The archery yard was next to the riding yard. In the shed each boy took his bow, string and arrows. Mirana wasn't sure what to do, but Don grabbed her arm and pulled her to one of the cupboards. "Stop acting like a wallflower, Mirana, we ain't goin' to bite ya!" Mirana blushed. Don pretended not to notice, "Here, try this one." He handed her a bow. She took it but continued looking at Don. "Go on, lass, is it to light, to heavy, out of balance. . .?" Mirana raised on eyebrow, "Don I've never done this before!" "What? Oh, well, ahm, here, I'll show ya." He took the bow out of her hands and showed her how to hold it. Than he gave it back to her and repositioned her hands a few times before she got it right.
"That's better!" Don said finally, "Now, is it too heavy? Too light?" Mirana shook her head "No, it's okay like it is." "Good!" the boy grabbed two strings and a dozen arrows and led the way outside.
Ter took over from Don. He showed her how to bend the bow and loop the string over both ends. Next how to put an arrow to the string and finally how to shoot.
Mirana's first arrow landed two feet in front of her. Ter grinned, "Don't worry, we were all beginners at one stage!" Mirana glared but didn't comment. Her next arrow flew over the target and came to a rest in the dust. It didn't get better. Ter showed her how to aim, but the closest Mirana got to the hitting anything was a shoot, which ended just to the right of Sam when he went to collect his arrows.
With very sore fingers Mirana finally unspun the bow and trooped with the boys back to the castle. Cerry and Perin were teasing Kevis about the ball last night and Sam and Don were deep in a discussion. Ter had been watching Mirana. Now he produced a little jar out of a pocket. He picked up her left hand and hissed in sympathy. The skin had rubbed off and blisters were forming on every finger. He unscrewed the jar and gently dapped some cool paste onto her hurts. "Thank you," she sighed, but than she looked more closely at her fingers. The skin had healed in a matter of seconds and she could use her fingertips without having to wince. She looked suspiciously at Ter "What's in that cream?" "Herbs and my mother's gift." "What do you mean: Your mother's gift?" Ter raised his eyebrows, "Her magic!" "What!?" "Magic, loads of people have it around here!" Ter raised his hand and around it appeared a dark green light. Mirana jumped back, eyes wide open. "Mirana, it's okay! Really, it's the Gift. It lets me light fires, move items, but only little ones. My Gift isn't as strong as my mother's, though, she's a healer." Mirana drew back from Ter. Sam looked astonished, "Didn't you know about it?" Mirana shook her head vigorously, "Does any one else have it?" Cerry and Perin raised their hands and light played around them too. Cerry's shone a light yellow, Perin's red.
Mirana took a deep breath. This is a strange world, she thought to herself, a king and queen who want to be addressed with their first names and now magic! She shuddered. Quickly she pinched herself. It hurt. So I'm not dreaming, Mirana thought and tuned back into the conversation. " . . . in the library, a bell after lunch?" Sam was saying. The other boys agreed and quickly went to their rooms.
A bath was waiting for Mirana when she entered her room. She stripped and stepped into the hot water. Lying back, she closed her eyes and had quickly dozed of. She woke with a start because the water around her had gotten cold. Groaning Mirana rose and wrapped a towel around herself. Dressing in the same outfit she had worn to breakfast, she made her way down the hallway. Again Stefan opened the door to the royal wing. He frowned at her but let her pass without a word. Nodding to him, Mirana took the left hallway and knocked on the first door on the right.
"Come in!" The King called. Mirana opened the door and slipped inside. The table was set with a delicious variety of foods. Nep was already sitting at the head of the table but otherwise no one else of the royal family had arrived. "Sit down, Mirana, I don't bite!" Nep said and pointed at the chair on his right. Mirana sat mumbling a thank you. Nep grinned "Really, youngster! Don't have to be shy with me. Sam tells me your great company." Mirana blushed at the compliment. Quickly changing the subject she asked, "Sir, with the magic? Why do some have it and some don't have it?" The King leaned back in his chair looking thoughtful "To be quiet honest, I don't know! I guess it is because in the beginning people and gods lived together before we were sent from their Realm. So some children were born as half gods. That's probably where the magic came from and it explains why some have it and some don't. It normally runs in the family, but take us for example! My wife has the Gift, not very strong though, and I have the Gift. But only Sarisa has it." He sighed and scratched his chin, "Magic is very complex! If your Gift is strong, you can heal, you can read the future, you can kill and you can do the same things as with a weaker gift; light a fire, move items, little things."
At that moment the door opened and Korala strode in with Evie tailing behind. "Ah, hello, Mirana!" Korala said "Now where is Sarisa when you need her?" She swept out of the room. Evie shyly walked up to Mirana and pulled on her sleeve. "Yes Evie?" Mirana asked. She had no experience with younger children. At the orphanage they all had kept their distance. Evie extended her hand. On her palm rested a small shell. Not really knowing what to say Mirana picked it up and told the young princess "This is pretty! Where did you get it?" Evie smiled slightly and again pulled on the older girls sleeve. "Yes?" Mirana asked for a second time. As an answer Evie climbed onto her lap. Mirana smiled while Neptune laughed, "She's normally never this quiet! Hey, Evie, tell Mirana where you got the shell!" Evie looked at Mirana and said loudly, "Daddy gave it to me!" With that she leaned back against Mirana's chest and played with Mirana's hands.
The door opened again and Korala entered again "I can't find Sarisa. I need her to find something for me and . . ." Neptune interrupted her "Korala, my dear, sit down and relax for a moment. Sarisa will show up, don't worry!" Korala sighed and sat down on his left. Turning to Mirana and seeing Evie, she laughed "Oh dear! Evie, how about you come and sit next to me and give Mirana some room?" Evie nodded and slid of Mirana's lap. The princess smiled at Mirana before walking around the table. Loud voices could be heard on the corridor. A moment later Sarisa and Sam came in arguing. " - he's one of my best friend and you're my sister! You can tell me!" Sam was saying. "That's exactly why I am not telling you, for Meridor's sake!" Sarisa was red in the face as she sank onto the chair at the opposite end of the table from the King. "Really, brother, grow up!" Fuming, Sam sat down next to Mirana. "Well, now that we're all siting, how about we start eating?" Neptune said. He poured himself a glass of water and took a helping of green salad. He didn't seem to be at all worried about the fight between his children. Instead he turned to Mirana, "So what horse did you ride? Did Sam choose a good horse for you?" Sam choked on his tomato. Quickly he wiped his mouth on his napkin and answered, "She had a go on Shelly and it turned out she's a really good rider." Mirana blushed. "I had a good look at all the spares and I thought the brown gelding or the black mare would be suitable. And well, it was her choice after that!" Quickly he turned back to his plate.
Neptune raised his eyebrows "The black mare or the brown gelding? Goddess, those are the best spares we've got! Or well, at least the gelding is! The mare's a bit of a pain! You chose the gelding?" Mirana gulped. "No sir. I chose the black mare." Silence fell around the table. Korala stoped trying to get Evie to eat her vegetables and Sarisa looked up with interest. Only Sam kept eating. "And?" Korala asked curiously. "Did you fly?" Mirana smiled, "No, it went really well!" Neptune raised both eyebrows "Sam, we are talking about the black mare that threw Sir Patric, right?" Sam flushed and nodded, "Yes father. Mirana rode the mare that has thrown every rider!" Korala gasped, "I wish I could have seen it! Gods, that horse must have strong nerves." Mirana was steadily getting more and more embarrassed. Neptune turned to her, "Would you mind riding her again this afternoon? I would love to see that horse learn some manners!" Mirana looked questioning at Sam. He shrugged and said, "Sure, we were planning to go to the library, but I doubt they will miss Mirana and myself too much!" Mirana smiled. "Great, we'll meet you down at the yards a bell after lunch."
After Mirana had again changed into breeches and a tunic, she and Sam made their way back to the stable. "Thanks Sam, but if you rather want to spend time with the others you can! Mirana said while walking down the passage in the stable. "Don't be silly! Your part of the group, I can't just leave you!" Mirana blushed. Why was everybody giving her compliments? Stepping onto the black mare's stable, she pulled out an apple. The mare's ears twitched. Slowly she took a step forward and stretched her neck. Gently she took the apple out of Mirana's hands and munched on it. Than she took another step closer and bumped her head into Mirana's chest. Mirana laughed and found a brush.
The Monarchs and Evie were already waiting when Mirana, the mare and Sam came out of the stable. Sam opened the gate to the yard and winked at the girl before closing it behind her again.
The mare fidgeted while Mirana checked the girth and stirrups. Mirana patted her neck before taking a deep breath and swinging herself onto her back. The horse pranced while Mirana placed her right foot into the stirrup. A quick look to the side of the yard showed that Nep, Korala, Evie and Sam were all leaning on the fence watching her. A group of men a bit to the right of the royal family were also observing her.
Concentrating on the mare, Mirana gave her a small nudge. Straight away the horse jumped into a trot. Mirana sighed and pulled her into a walk. After a round Mirana loosened the reins and the mare leaped into a trot again. Mirana gently pulled on one rein till they were trotting in a circle. Sitting down, Mirana pulled her back into a walk and finally to a stand. The mare's neck was arched gracefully while she stamped the ground with her front hooves. Mirana waited a moment before spinning the mare's hindquarters around and giving her a gentle kick, which brought her into a canter. Once again, Mirana felt like riding a wave. The mare's muscles bunched under her and relaxed again. The steady beat of the hooves in the dust and the black mane flying. Yes, thought Mirana, I am riding a wave! A powerful, black wave!
When Mirana brought the mare to a stop in front of the King and Queen there was a silence. Mirana stoked the mare's neck and saw Sam smiling at her. She grinned back. Than the men who had been watching, soldiers form the look of their uniforms, started clapping. Mirana blushed scarlet. Quickly she dismounted so to hide her face. When she turned around again, she found the monarchs smiling proudly at her. "Goddess, Sir Patric should watch you. He'd die of shame!" The Queen laughed. "Well, youngster, you definitely know how to ride! That mare is known within the palace as the biggest challenge. Congratulations! You can think of a name for her!" Nep opened the gate for Mirana. Thoughtfully Mirana made her way back to the mare's box. A name for a powerful, black mare? "What are you thinking about?" Sam joined her. Mirana loosened the girth and pulled the saddle of her horses back. "A name!" Sam looked taken aback "That can't be too hard! Call her Black Beauty!" The mare snorted while Mirana laughed, "It's got to suit her! I mean, she's black and she's gorgeous but that name's more for a peaceful horse!" "I guess!" A black wave, a black wave, a black wave - Mirana's thoughts were interrupted by the mare's neigh. But again it sounded it more like a howl. A black wave that howls, a black wave that howls, a black wave that howls - it hit Mirana. The mare howled like a wolf and was powerful like a wave. So her choices were either 'Wolf" or "Wave"! She told Sam this. He nodded "Not bad! I like both, though!" "So do I!" Mirana finger combed the mare's mane. "How about you call her both: Wolf Wave! Wolf for short!" Mirana looked up startled "I like it! Wolf Wave!" The mare gently nipped at her tunic. "That's settled: Wolf Wave!" Sam looked pleased with himself. Wolf snorted and rubbed her neck against Mirana's shoulder.
To be continued . . .
Author's Note:
That got longer than planned! Please review, I really need some ideas! I am thinking about getting some one killed! Who should it be? Thanks, Lady Fencer
Mirana brushed her teeth and washed her face in the hot water. Than she turned back to the closet. It was difficult to choose an outfit. The queen had given her dresses for every occasion. Finally, clothed in a dark green, tunic dress that reached her ankles and a white blouse underneath, Mirana made her way down the corridor. She had managed to tame her hair into a loose bun and her new black boots hardly made a sound on the floor. She knocked on the door that led into the royal wing, which was opened eventually by a grumpy looking servant. "Yes?" He asked Mirana suspiciously. "I am to dine with the royal family." Mirana explained shyly. "Oh?" The servant asked, but didn't open the door further "I wasn't told about any guests for breakfast!" Mirana was about to loose her temper with the man, when she heard Sam's voice behind the servant. "Is there a problem?" "Yes." Said the man "A young lady at the door." Sam's head poked out and his face broke into a grin "Good morning, Mirana! Come in, come in!" Turning to the servant he said "It's okay, Stefan, she's welcome. When ever she wants to come in, let her!" Stefan bowed and closed the door behind Mirana.
Sam guided the way into the private dinning room of the rules of Aquas and their family. The king was already seated. Mirana curtsied. "Good morning, child. Please, both of you sit down. I feel guilty sitting here on my own!" Neptune motioned to two chairs. "So Samiel, how was the party yesterday?" The king looked at his son, eyes dancing. "Well, father, the usual - awful! Why do I have to dance?" Sam looked pleadingly at his father. "Can't you change that tradition?" "Why Sam, if my old eyes didn't fool me, you were happily dancing with Mirana yesterday!" Mirana jumped as her name fell. She hadn't followed the conversation. "But father, that was mostly to keep Lady Gadin of my back!" Sam said desperately. "Yes, your majesty, I was only helping his highness." Mirana helped her friend. Sam glared at her, but didn't say anything because Korala entered with Evie and Sarisa. "Good morning!" Korala said while trying to get her youngest daughter to let go of her skirt. Sarisa nodded to her brother and Mirana and kissed her father on the cheek. Than she sat down next to him. Korala forced Evie onto the chair next to Mirana and sat down on the child's other side. The meal was very informal. Korala and Neptune asked Mirana everything about the airer's world and the girl answered in between bites.
"What are your planes for today, Mirana?" Korala asked while the servants were clearing the table. Sam answered, "We invited her to train with us! Father, that reminds me, is there a horse Mirana can use?" Neptune scratched his shaven chin, "Well, if she knows how to ride she can choose any of the spares. Try her on Shelly and than go from that!" "Thank you, your majesty." Mirana said. "Mirana, my wife probably already told you: Don't bother with the 'your majesty', your father and I were close friends. Just call me Nep!" Mirana nodded "Yes, your - Nep!" "Are you sure you want to spend the day with Sam and the other Pearlers!" Korala sounded disbelieving. "Yes, Korala, unless you have something you would like me to do?" Mirana answered. "No, no child, you can go with Sam. But remember, if you want to spend some time with girls, Sarisa will be happy to introduce you to a few young ladies." Korala offered. Mirana swallowed but kept quiet. Sam stood up and motioned for Mirana to follow "We'll be on our way! Do we another formal dinner and party tonight?" Korala shook her head, "No, yesterday was the farewell: They are leaving today." Sam sighed in relief and together with Mirana left the royal wing.
They stopped at Mirana's room for her to change. Minutes later she reappeared in breeches, tunic, blouse and boots. She had undone her bun and was still trying to tie her hair into a tail at the back of her head.
Ter and Perin were already saddling their horses when Mirana and Sam entered the stable. "Hello, hey Mirana, pass me the brush there!" Welcomed Perin her. Handing him the item, she followed Sam to a box "What should I do?" "Can you get Shelly's saddle and bridle form the empty stall over there?" By the time she had saddled the horse, Don, Kevis and Cerry had turned up. Perin, Ter, Sam and Mirana went to the training yard. Sam gave her the reins and told her to give Shelly a go.
Mirana tightened the saddle girth, checked the length of the stirrups and swung herself onto Shelly's back. After a couple of rounds just a slow walk, Mirana nudged Shelly into a trot and finally into a control canter. She rode to the edge of the yard where the boys had been watching. "Not bad!" Sam said. Ter nodded agreement. Don was leaning next to the prince "Of course she's good, I taught her!" Mirana laughed and slipped out of the saddle. Sam opened the gate "Let's find you a horse!" He tied Shelly to the fence and, while the other boys mounted, Sam and Mirana went back into the stable. At the very end of the passages were the spares. Sam had a look at all of them and finally said, "I think you've got a choice of two, the others are to easy." He pointed at a bay gelding and a totally black mare. "You might be better of with the gelding, the mare has a reputation of being very picky with riders."
Mirana opened the box door and entered the gelding's stall. He was a quiet fellow and except for a white sock and a white star completely brown. He was still young but his mouth looked hard. Someone had been riding him to hard. Mirana left the stall and went to the mare. She was already waiting, her head poking out of the box. She sniffed at the girl's tunic while her ears went back and forward. Gently Mirana blew into the nostrils of the mare who did the same back. The girl had seen Don do that with Joe. She had asked him why and he had told her that that is how horses get to know each other. Carefully Mirana pushed the horse head back and opened the box door. The mare was of average size. A look at her teeth told Mirana that she still had to grow about a hand. Her coat was midnight black, but it was a bit dusty; no one had brushed her for some time. The mare's eyes were clear. She watched Mirana's inspection interestedly.
Sam had moved forward and was leaning on the door. "Like I said, she's very temperamental. But if you want to try her, go ahead." Mirana nodded. She got a brush and cleaned the mare's coat. Sam went to find a saddle and bridle. He returned and watched as Mirana lifted the saddle onto the horse's back and bribed her to open her mouth for the bridle.
When they returned outside, the sunlight caught in the mare's black coat, making it shine. The mare pranced as Mirana went through the same procedure as with Shelly. The other boys were practising tilting at the other end of the riding yard, only Sam watched Mirana. Carefully she placed a foot into the stirrup. The mare tried moving away, but Mirana had a firm grip on the reins. She waited for the horse to stop moving before swinging her other leg over the rump. The mare waited expectantly while Mirana got comfortable, her ears pricked up. Turning to Sam, Mirana called, "What's her name?" Sam called back "She doesn't have one. You can pick one!" Mirana nodded and prodded the mare's flanks. The mare jumped into a trot. Mirana sat back and pulled softly on the reins till the horse returned to a walk.
Sam had mounted and he and Don were watching Mirana. She rode past them and Don's dapple grey gelding made a long neck and sniffed at the mare's side. Her head spun and she neighed angrily. But it didn't sound like the sound a horse made; it sounded more like a howl. Quickly Mirana pushed her into a trot. Her gait was fast and she was pulling into a canter when Mirana saw the group of girls from the night before line up along the fence. Gulping, Mirana guided the mare away from the fence and loosen the reins. The horse took the hint and jumped into a canter. It was like nothing Mirana had ever experienced of even believed possible. It felt like riding a giant wave. A giant, powerful, black wave! Quickly Mirana fell into the rhythm of the pounding hooves. The mare had a lot of wind; she could probably go forever.
When Mirana returned to a trot and finally a walk, she knew that everyone was watching her. The girls at the fence were eyeing her jealously and the boys with deep respect. Sam broke the silence by calling across the yard "No one has ever ridden that horse like that! Most riders went flying after half a round." Mirana rode up to the boys and out of earshot of the girls. "What are you going to call her?" Kevis asked her. "I'm not quite sure! I'll think about it!" was her answer, "Right now I want the girls to go away and to watch you tilt." The boys laughed and returned to their practise.
Don stopped Mirana from ridding the other end of the yard again. "Would ya like to learn?" He asked. "Learn what?" "To tilt!" Mirana's eyes widened "You mean, you would teach me?" Don nodded "Sure! Come on!" They trotted down the enclosure to a free dummy. A barrel with lances stood next to it and Don chose two. One he kept, the other he gave to the girl, who was surprised by the weight. Don showed her the proper grip, how to sit, where to put her weight. Every now and again one of the others would interrupt to correct or add something.
Sweaty but pleased Mirana led the mare back to her stall. Perin was behind her leading his Spiderfinger, making sure not to come too close to Mirana's horse. While Mirana unsaddled her mount and gave her a bucket of feed, the other boys had come in and were also unsaddling. Perin was finished and lounged on the box door to Kevis's mare. "What now? We still have about two bells left till lunch." Cerry joined him. "How about a go at archery?" He asked shyly. "Why not? Hey, Mirana are you listening?" Ter called. Mirana jumped and blushed. She had been staring into space thinking of the mare. Quickly she nodded and turned to the conversation.
The archery yard was next to the riding yard. In the shed each boy took his bow, string and arrows. Mirana wasn't sure what to do, but Don grabbed her arm and pulled her to one of the cupboards. "Stop acting like a wallflower, Mirana, we ain't goin' to bite ya!" Mirana blushed. Don pretended not to notice, "Here, try this one." He handed her a bow. She took it but continued looking at Don. "Go on, lass, is it to light, to heavy, out of balance. . .?" Mirana raised on eyebrow, "Don I've never done this before!" "What? Oh, well, ahm, here, I'll show ya." He took the bow out of her hands and showed her how to hold it. Than he gave it back to her and repositioned her hands a few times before she got it right.
"That's better!" Don said finally, "Now, is it too heavy? Too light?" Mirana shook her head "No, it's okay like it is." "Good!" the boy grabbed two strings and a dozen arrows and led the way outside.
Ter took over from Don. He showed her how to bend the bow and loop the string over both ends. Next how to put an arrow to the string and finally how to shoot.
Mirana's first arrow landed two feet in front of her. Ter grinned, "Don't worry, we were all beginners at one stage!" Mirana glared but didn't comment. Her next arrow flew over the target and came to a rest in the dust. It didn't get better. Ter showed her how to aim, but the closest Mirana got to the hitting anything was a shoot, which ended just to the right of Sam when he went to collect his arrows.
With very sore fingers Mirana finally unspun the bow and trooped with the boys back to the castle. Cerry and Perin were teasing Kevis about the ball last night and Sam and Don were deep in a discussion. Ter had been watching Mirana. Now he produced a little jar out of a pocket. He picked up her left hand and hissed in sympathy. The skin had rubbed off and blisters were forming on every finger. He unscrewed the jar and gently dapped some cool paste onto her hurts. "Thank you," she sighed, but than she looked more closely at her fingers. The skin had healed in a matter of seconds and she could use her fingertips without having to wince. She looked suspiciously at Ter "What's in that cream?" "Herbs and my mother's gift." "What do you mean: Your mother's gift?" Ter raised his eyebrows, "Her magic!" "What!?" "Magic, loads of people have it around here!" Ter raised his hand and around it appeared a dark green light. Mirana jumped back, eyes wide open. "Mirana, it's okay! Really, it's the Gift. It lets me light fires, move items, but only little ones. My Gift isn't as strong as my mother's, though, she's a healer." Mirana drew back from Ter. Sam looked astonished, "Didn't you know about it?" Mirana shook her head vigorously, "Does any one else have it?" Cerry and Perin raised their hands and light played around them too. Cerry's shone a light yellow, Perin's red.
Mirana took a deep breath. This is a strange world, she thought to herself, a king and queen who want to be addressed with their first names and now magic! She shuddered. Quickly she pinched herself. It hurt. So I'm not dreaming, Mirana thought and tuned back into the conversation. " . . . in the library, a bell after lunch?" Sam was saying. The other boys agreed and quickly went to their rooms.
A bath was waiting for Mirana when she entered her room. She stripped and stepped into the hot water. Lying back, she closed her eyes and had quickly dozed of. She woke with a start because the water around her had gotten cold. Groaning Mirana rose and wrapped a towel around herself. Dressing in the same outfit she had worn to breakfast, she made her way down the hallway. Again Stefan opened the door to the royal wing. He frowned at her but let her pass without a word. Nodding to him, Mirana took the left hallway and knocked on the first door on the right.
"Come in!" The King called. Mirana opened the door and slipped inside. The table was set with a delicious variety of foods. Nep was already sitting at the head of the table but otherwise no one else of the royal family had arrived. "Sit down, Mirana, I don't bite!" Nep said and pointed at the chair on his right. Mirana sat mumbling a thank you. Nep grinned "Really, youngster! Don't have to be shy with me. Sam tells me your great company." Mirana blushed at the compliment. Quickly changing the subject she asked, "Sir, with the magic? Why do some have it and some don't have it?" The King leaned back in his chair looking thoughtful "To be quiet honest, I don't know! I guess it is because in the beginning people and gods lived together before we were sent from their Realm. So some children were born as half gods. That's probably where the magic came from and it explains why some have it and some don't. It normally runs in the family, but take us for example! My wife has the Gift, not very strong though, and I have the Gift. But only Sarisa has it." He sighed and scratched his chin, "Magic is very complex! If your Gift is strong, you can heal, you can read the future, you can kill and you can do the same things as with a weaker gift; light a fire, move items, little things."
At that moment the door opened and Korala strode in with Evie tailing behind. "Ah, hello, Mirana!" Korala said "Now where is Sarisa when you need her?" She swept out of the room. Evie shyly walked up to Mirana and pulled on her sleeve. "Yes Evie?" Mirana asked. She had no experience with younger children. At the orphanage they all had kept their distance. Evie extended her hand. On her palm rested a small shell. Not really knowing what to say Mirana picked it up and told the young princess "This is pretty! Where did you get it?" Evie smiled slightly and again pulled on the older girls sleeve. "Yes?" Mirana asked for a second time. As an answer Evie climbed onto her lap. Mirana smiled while Neptune laughed, "She's normally never this quiet! Hey, Evie, tell Mirana where you got the shell!" Evie looked at Mirana and said loudly, "Daddy gave it to me!" With that she leaned back against Mirana's chest and played with Mirana's hands.
The door opened again and Korala entered again "I can't find Sarisa. I need her to find something for me and . . ." Neptune interrupted her "Korala, my dear, sit down and relax for a moment. Sarisa will show up, don't worry!" Korala sighed and sat down on his left. Turning to Mirana and seeing Evie, she laughed "Oh dear! Evie, how about you come and sit next to me and give Mirana some room?" Evie nodded and slid of Mirana's lap. The princess smiled at Mirana before walking around the table. Loud voices could be heard on the corridor. A moment later Sarisa and Sam came in arguing. " - he's one of my best friend and you're my sister! You can tell me!" Sam was saying. "That's exactly why I am not telling you, for Meridor's sake!" Sarisa was red in the face as she sank onto the chair at the opposite end of the table from the King. "Really, brother, grow up!" Fuming, Sam sat down next to Mirana. "Well, now that we're all siting, how about we start eating?" Neptune said. He poured himself a glass of water and took a helping of green salad. He didn't seem to be at all worried about the fight between his children. Instead he turned to Mirana, "So what horse did you ride? Did Sam choose a good horse for you?" Sam choked on his tomato. Quickly he wiped his mouth on his napkin and answered, "She had a go on Shelly and it turned out she's a really good rider." Mirana blushed. "I had a good look at all the spares and I thought the brown gelding or the black mare would be suitable. And well, it was her choice after that!" Quickly he turned back to his plate.
Neptune raised his eyebrows "The black mare or the brown gelding? Goddess, those are the best spares we've got! Or well, at least the gelding is! The mare's a bit of a pain! You chose the gelding?" Mirana gulped. "No sir. I chose the black mare." Silence fell around the table. Korala stoped trying to get Evie to eat her vegetables and Sarisa looked up with interest. Only Sam kept eating. "And?" Korala asked curiously. "Did you fly?" Mirana smiled, "No, it went really well!" Neptune raised both eyebrows "Sam, we are talking about the black mare that threw Sir Patric, right?" Sam flushed and nodded, "Yes father. Mirana rode the mare that has thrown every rider!" Korala gasped, "I wish I could have seen it! Gods, that horse must have strong nerves." Mirana was steadily getting more and more embarrassed. Neptune turned to her, "Would you mind riding her again this afternoon? I would love to see that horse learn some manners!" Mirana looked questioning at Sam. He shrugged and said, "Sure, we were planning to go to the library, but I doubt they will miss Mirana and myself too much!" Mirana smiled. "Great, we'll meet you down at the yards a bell after lunch."
After Mirana had again changed into breeches and a tunic, she and Sam made their way back to the stable. "Thanks Sam, but if you rather want to spend time with the others you can! Mirana said while walking down the passage in the stable. "Don't be silly! Your part of the group, I can't just leave you!" Mirana blushed. Why was everybody giving her compliments? Stepping onto the black mare's stable, she pulled out an apple. The mare's ears twitched. Slowly she took a step forward and stretched her neck. Gently she took the apple out of Mirana's hands and munched on it. Than she took another step closer and bumped her head into Mirana's chest. Mirana laughed and found a brush.
The Monarchs and Evie were already waiting when Mirana, the mare and Sam came out of the stable. Sam opened the gate to the yard and winked at the girl before closing it behind her again.
The mare fidgeted while Mirana checked the girth and stirrups. Mirana patted her neck before taking a deep breath and swinging herself onto her back. The horse pranced while Mirana placed her right foot into the stirrup. A quick look to the side of the yard showed that Nep, Korala, Evie and Sam were all leaning on the fence watching her. A group of men a bit to the right of the royal family were also observing her.
Concentrating on the mare, Mirana gave her a small nudge. Straight away the horse jumped into a trot. Mirana sighed and pulled her into a walk. After a round Mirana loosened the reins and the mare leaped into a trot again. Mirana gently pulled on one rein till they were trotting in a circle. Sitting down, Mirana pulled her back into a walk and finally to a stand. The mare's neck was arched gracefully while she stamped the ground with her front hooves. Mirana waited a moment before spinning the mare's hindquarters around and giving her a gentle kick, which brought her into a canter. Once again, Mirana felt like riding a wave. The mare's muscles bunched under her and relaxed again. The steady beat of the hooves in the dust and the black mane flying. Yes, thought Mirana, I am riding a wave! A powerful, black wave!
When Mirana brought the mare to a stop in front of the King and Queen there was a silence. Mirana stoked the mare's neck and saw Sam smiling at her. She grinned back. Than the men who had been watching, soldiers form the look of their uniforms, started clapping. Mirana blushed scarlet. Quickly she dismounted so to hide her face. When she turned around again, she found the monarchs smiling proudly at her. "Goddess, Sir Patric should watch you. He'd die of shame!" The Queen laughed. "Well, youngster, you definitely know how to ride! That mare is known within the palace as the biggest challenge. Congratulations! You can think of a name for her!" Nep opened the gate for Mirana. Thoughtfully Mirana made her way back to the mare's box. A name for a powerful, black mare? "What are you thinking about?" Sam joined her. Mirana loosened the girth and pulled the saddle of her horses back. "A name!" Sam looked taken aback "That can't be too hard! Call her Black Beauty!" The mare snorted while Mirana laughed, "It's got to suit her! I mean, she's black and she's gorgeous but that name's more for a peaceful horse!" "I guess!" A black wave, a black wave, a black wave - Mirana's thoughts were interrupted by the mare's neigh. But again it sounded it more like a howl. A black wave that howls, a black wave that howls, a black wave that howls - it hit Mirana. The mare howled like a wolf and was powerful like a wave. So her choices were either 'Wolf" or "Wave"! She told Sam this. He nodded "Not bad! I like both, though!" "So do I!" Mirana finger combed the mare's mane. "How about you call her both: Wolf Wave! Wolf for short!" Mirana looked up startled "I like it! Wolf Wave!" The mare gently nipped at her tunic. "That's settled: Wolf Wave!" Sam looked pleased with himself. Wolf snorted and rubbed her neck against Mirana's shoulder.
To be continued . . .
Author's Note:
That got longer than planned! Please review, I really need some ideas! I am thinking about getting some one killed! Who should it be? Thanks, Lady Fencer