As promised, Halt meeting Abelard. I did decide to be nice to poor Tara for once as well.
Read, Comment, and Enjoy!
Chapter 7: Ranger Horses
Tara tilted her head. The Rangers around her were chuckling and sniggering. All were watching Halt follow Young Bob into the stables. The Bobbities had told her that all true Rangers needed a proper Ranger horse. Yet there was a secret every Ranger must learn. Like them, she would find it funny when Halt learned. Tara pressed up against Egon's leg. She wanted to know what was happening. Secrets like these were never funny. The older Ranger patted her head gently. His warm eyes said everything was going to be alright. Both looked to the house as the door opened. Robina walked out with a try of mini, warm tarts and mugs of apple juice. The woman waved her hand. Egon nodded. Tara grunted as he nudged her towards Robina. Slowly the girl approached. Reaching the house steps, she glanced back to the barn. Halt still hadn't reappeared.
Robina handed Tara a slightly larger tart, "Eat up, little Tara. The more you eat, the better you'll get." Tara tentatively bit into the tart. She only managed to eat the crust. The last tart she had eaten was one her aunt had made – made specifically to make her niece sick. Robina, seeming to understand the girl's hesitation, spoke with a warm smile, "It's apple with a little bit of cinnamon."
Seeing no guile in Robina's eyes, Tara took a larger bite. True to word, the apple tart had a small dash of cinnamon on top. The apples had been carefully caramelized. As a whole, the tart was absolutely delicious. Worry melted away. Hunger took over. Robina's smile grew even larger, an impossibility in Tara's mind. Then the woman put her hands on her hips. Sharp eyes had spotted the Bobbities hiding around the corner. Both kids shrieked with delight as their mother shooed them away. There was no menace. Robina and Young Bob knew better. There children could stick around for the fun then return to their chores.
The interaction made Tara's heart hurt. Her parents had died when she was three years old. There was no memory of them. There were no loving interactions like Robina had with her kids. Only pain and suffering. Only loneliness. Tara shook herself. That part of her life was over. She was with the Rangers now. They loved her. Egon always told her stories at night of his younger days. Berrigan played all her favorite songs on his gitarra. When she was scared, Halt held her close. He never had to speak any words. His tight embrace was always enough. Crowley was always ready with a joke, witty comment, or plan to annoy Halt. Leander's ears were always ready to listen and learn. On the roads, he did everything he could to make her comfortable. Whenever he was practicing his skills, Leander let Tara follow like a shadow. Even Norris, as rough and stiff as he was, showed her love in his own way – by letting her help with chores while ensuring she never strained too much.
Creaking made her head snap towards the barn. The Rangers shifted apart. Halt walked past, eyeing his comrades with suspicion. Following leisurely behind him was a dappled gray stallion with slightly darker gray mane and tail. Large, dark eyes turned to Tara. The girl smiled. This horse seemed a good fit for Halt. She glanced up to Robina. The woman nodded quietly. Tara bounded down the steps and raced over to the paddock. Leander scooped her up, placing her on his shoulders. Every Ranger exchanged a knowing, expecting look. Tara raised an eyebrow, something she was quickly picking up from Halt. Her eyes turned to Halt. The man was walking the horse around. Finally, he stopped, flipped the reins over the horse's neck, and moved to mount. Instantly Young Bob moved forward to stop him. Tara felt Leander's shoulders tighten.
"Planning to mount up, are you?" Young Bob said, grasping Halt's arm firmly.
"Well, unless you think I plan to spend to of our time walking beside him, yes," was the immediate, sarcastic reply. Tara felt Leander snigger quietly. Several of the other Rangers were doing the same, desperately fighting to remain quiet.
"Alright then," Bob said, seemingly reluctant.
Halt glanced sharply over to the Rangers. All had innocent expressions on now. Those dark eyes turned to her. Tara shrugged. She, like him, knew something was going on. However, like him, she had no clue as to what it was. Slowly the newest Ranger turned back to Bob. His expression said he was definitely suspicious.
"Is there anything I should know?" he asked, voice low and clearly unhappy.
"Let's see. I told you that a Ranger horse can never be stolen, didn't I?" the breeder said after a couple seconds of deliberation.
"Yes. You did," Halt grumbled. "A fine trait to have in a horse too." He signaled to the saddle, "Now, if you don't mind?"
Tara watched as Bob backed away. Easily he leaned against the paddock fence. Brown eyes switched over to Halt. She could sense the Rangers' anticipation growing as the bearded young man swung into the saddle. The horse glanced back to his new rider. Halt gathered the reins together…
Right before the stallion launched into a fury.
Tara watched as the horse bucked, reared, jumped, and twisted. Halt was clearly hanging on for dear life. The Rangers didn't bother to hold in their laughter anymore. Crowley sank to the dusty ground, tears in his eyes from laughing too much. The little girl bit her lip. She wasn't quite sure why they found it funny. A thud and a grunt indicated that Halt had finally lost. Brown eyes studied the man closely. Was he hurt? The horse turned to the man and tilted its head. Tara felt her muscles tighten. If it tried to finish Halt, it would have to deal with her. Leander eased her off his shoulders. His arms wrapped around her. She growled. It was clear he understood her intent. It was clear he intended to stop her.
"Maybe I should try one of the other horses," Halt wheezed, heaving himself up off the ground.
The Rangers approached Halt. Young Bob did as well. Tara was ushered forward by Leander. She pressed against Halt's right leg. A low whine asked Halt if he was alright. The man glanced down to her. A quick twitch of his lips towards a smile told her that he was unharmed. He was only winded.
"Welcome to our world," Berrigan said, voice full of cheer.
"You knew this was going to happen," Halt accused. His fierce glare did nothing to stop his comrades from smiling.
"Let's say I had a good idea that it might," the singer replied casually.
That's when Leander cackled, "It's happened to all of us."
"I can't say I've noticed your horses constantly bucking you off into the dirt," Halt growled at Leander.
"They don't," Tara muttered bluntly. Halt nodded to her as betrayed looks came from the others.
Leander sighed at her. His attention returned to Halt, "Not constantly. The first time. All because we forgot to ask the right question."
"And that is?" Halt replied.
Egon spoke up, "It's a lesson in not taking things for granted."
Crowley nodded vigorously, "Did Bob tell you that a Ranger horse can never be stolen?" Before Halt could reply, the redhead continued, "He did. I heard him. Why do you think he told you that?"
"I don't know," Halt muttered. "I thought he was naturally garrulous." Tara immediately slammed her elbow into Halt's leg. The Ranger replied by trying to slap her over the head, which Tara easily ducked. He turned to Bob, "No offense, Bob."
"None taken, Master Halt," Bob laughed. He spread his hands, indicating himself, "Gammulous is a good description of me I think."
"Garrulous," Tara corrected quietly to herself. Egon, unlike Halt, actually managed to swat her over the head.
Crowley wisely chose to ignore Tara and Egon by continuing, "He told you just before you went to mount Abelard." Tara glanced to the dappled gray horse, now known as Abelard. "In fact, he stopped you mounting to tell you. Didn't that make you think?"
"Think what?" Halt snapped. However, his eyes told the group that he was starting to understand.
The redhead spread his hands, "Didn't you wonder why a Ranger horse could never be stolen?"
"Perhaps you could get to the point," was the curt response.
"It's a matter of training, Master Halt," Bob said when Crowley indicated for him to speak. "The horses are trained to never let anyone ride them until the secret password is spoke to them."
"Secret password?" Halt repeated incredulously.
"Each horse is given a private phrase, or password if you like, during its training. When the horse is assigned to a rider, he's told the phrase and has to say it to the horse before mounting up."
"What if you're in a hurry?" Tara asked, confused.
"Fair point, young Tara." Bob said, nodding in her direction. He smiled at Halt, "You don't have to say it every time. Just the first time. Once said, your horse will know you're allowed to ride him. Didn't you notice how Abelard turned his head to look at you just before you went to swing up into the saddle?"
Halt frowned. He glanced over to Abelard, who was watching the group with pricked ears. Large, intelligent eyes stared back at Halt. Then the horse nickered. Halt bit his lip. He turned back to Crowley.
"Wouldn't it have been simpler if you had just told me that before I tried to mount?" he asked.
Tara looked up at Crowley as the man replied, "Well, yes, I suppose. But it's something we do with all our apprentices – a kind of rite of passage. It teaches them to never take things for granted. Always question the most obscure and seemingly unimportant piece of information."
Slowly Halt nodded. He stood there for several seconds, digesting that piece of information. Finally, he sighed. Turning to Young Bob, he nodded. With that, the breeder stepped up and whispered the new phrase. Halt rolled his eyes. He turned, shooting a glare at the Rangers, and stepped up to his horse. Abelard turned his head to Halt. Ears were pricked. Tara watched as Halt spoke the words. With that, he mounted. Her muscles tensed. She waited for Abelard to start bucking and going wild again. Instead, the sturdy horse remained calm. He readily obeyed every command that Halt gave to him.
When Halt rode Abelard out into a nearby field, Young Bob touched Crowley's shoulder. The redhead looked at him. The breeder indicated Tara, who was focused on the distant figure of Halt, "I've been thinking about Tara. The lot of you are riding into some dangerous situations. It would be better if the girl had a way to escape without needing you."
Crowley nodded. It had been a discussion going around the Rangers for some time. He watched as Bob glanced towards the barn, "You have something in mind?"
Bob nodded, "I discussed it with Robina. We have a younger horse. She hasn't completed her training, but the password thing works. It simply all the little signals we train the Ranger horses with that she needs to learn. It shouldn't be hard for Tara and the horse to learn together."
Quickly, silently, Crowley signaled for Egon to grab Tara and follow. The little girl grunted as Egon picked her up. Her eyes studied Young Bob and Crowley. The other Rangers glanced at the leaving group. None thought to follow. They would learn about it soon enough. There were never secrets kept amongst the Rangers. Young Bob eased the barn door open as Halt returned to the group in the paddock. Crowley and Egon followed him inside. Tara was put down so she could follow on her own terms.
Towards the back of the barn were two horses. One was clearly older than the other. Bob patted the older horse's nose. Then he turned to the younger. The mare followed the breeder out of the stall. Crowley leaned against the stable wall. He scratched the older mare's nose when she nuzzled him, begging for attention. Egon stepped back. Tara glanced at all three men. She didn't like being left alone in new situations. Young Bob smiled gently at her. He signaled for her to approach. Slowly the little girl did. With a snort, the young mare reached out an inquiring nose. Tara glanced to the breeder. He nodded vigorously. With shaking hands, Tara reached out. Nose and hand touched. Instantly the horse's ears came up. Dark brown eyes told the girl that the horse could sense her power. The nose pulled away from the hand to nuzzle the girl's face. Tara laughed as hot breath tickled her neck.
"This young mare is Flare," Bob explained, patting the horse's neck.
"Flare. I like that name," Tara replied. Gently she petted Flare's nose. "Do you like that name?"
The horse tossed her head up and down. Crowley and Egon shared a smile. Young Bob stepped into Flare's stall and brought out her tack. He signaled Tara over. It was clear he wanted to teach her. Tara froze. Brown eyes widened. She looked to Crowley and Egon. She wasn't a Ranger. Was she allowed to have a Ranger's horse? Her heartbeat quickened, each beat driving pain through her body. How was she worthy enough?
Crowley stepped closer. His hands cupped her face, "Don't think that. Never think that. Those words come from your uncle and aunt, people who should never have touched you. Its them who aren't worthy of you."
Tara shook. Tears filled her eyes. Her heart yearned to believe Crowley, yet hope had always been a poison. Every time she hoped for love, a place to be yourself and call home, it was rewarded with a beating. It was met with curses. Egon's hands rested on her shoulders as Crowley drew her into a hug. Soft footsteps marked the arrival of the other Rangers. Each one paused, wondering what was happening. The tears finally fell. Crowley stepped aside to let Halt in. Halt always seemed to comfort her. He seemed to have a connection none of the others had. Tara gripped his shirt with all her might. Halt, in turn, held her tightly. His grip told her that nothing was going to happen. She was safe. She was loved. If she wanted, the Rangers would always be her home, her family.
A soft nicker entered her ears. Flare lowered her nose. She nuzzled the little girl. Tara looked up into those dark brown eyes. Ears twitched a fly flittered past them. The horse nickered again. Halt didn't stop Tara as she reached for the horse. Flare pressed her head into Tara's chest. She let Tara arms wrap around her head. Every Ranger smiled at her as Tara looked around. They didn't care if she cried. All understood her life before had been hell. It was over. Each one would die for her. Each one would love her until the end of their days. Tara turned to Bob. The breeder showed her how to put on Flare's tack. With that, the group headed out into the sunlight.
Flare tossed her head proudly as she walked next to Tara. The sunlight illuminated her reddish-chestnut coat. The chestnut slowly darkened into a dark brown nose and four socks. Her mane and tail were a slightly lighter chestnut coloring. Her legs seemed shorter than most Ranger horses, but they were fine, built for speed. Reaching the paddock, Tara looked back to Young Bob and the Rangers. Each Ranger leaned on the wooden fencing. Eyes spotted Robina standing in front of the house door. A large, warm, proud smile was on her lips. The Bobbities watched from her side with wide eyes. Young Bob approached and knelt down.
"Wind in the leaves," he whispered to her.
Tara nodded. She looked up at her horse. Flare nickered. Her head lowered so Tara could easily reach her ear. Softly she whispered the password. Flare nodded her head. Her tail swatted away a fly. Even though Flare was young, only two-years-old, but still far larger than the seven-year-old girl who had been starved most of her life. Arms wrapped her waist. Halt easily lifted her. One foot went into a stirrup. She grabbed the pommel and swung her leg, just as she had seen the Rangers do. Halt's hands remained nearby until she was secure. With that, the Rangers began teaching her how to ride.
The next dawn would see seven horses leaving Saddler's Farm. Tara and Flare easily moved in between Halt and Crowley. The little girl watched as Halt turned back to look at the farm. There he met Abelard. But there he also left Declan. He knew the Hibernian horse would be well cared for. Yet the moment was still bitter-sweet. Then the Hibernian would smile at her. He leaned over to correct her sitting position. Flare snorted at him, telling the man to leave her rider alone. Tara laughed along with the Rangers. A cool breeze blew past, making her adjust the gray cloak around her body. If she got too cold, a Ranger would let her ride with him until she warmed up again. However, none wanted to separate her from Flare. Just as they would never willingly separate Halt from Abelard.
The two were partners, now and forever.
Another chapter done. Yes, some of the lines were taken directly from the book. Some things are written too perfectly to mess with.
I hope I did John Flanagan proud with the meeting of Tara and Flare. I hope all of you like what I did too. Figured what better way was there for the Rangers, and the Saddlers, to show Tara love than by ensuring she was one of them, in her own way.
Next chapter will have a big surprise, as the Rangers will meet someone who know part of Tara's ancestry – and her true name.