Jule's mother was less than pleased, but over a dinner of roast potatoes and corn, Travis explained to her that Julia was fifteen, nearly old enough to be married, old enough to have an apprenticeship, and that if he had to, HE would take her as an apprentice. And besides, it was HAVEN, by a place frequented by the Highborn AND priceless horseflesh, and If anyone wanted to kidnap or attack someone, they'd have to get beyond the noblefolk's guards, and the horses', and every trainer in the place!
And then Juliana sighed and gave in, with a witty remark and rueful smile.
"I couldn't keep you here, could I? You'd only find a way onto a horse's back and be at Haven before the caravan!"
Jule blushed and looked down at her food.
"On that note," Travis said, "Jule'll need a mount if she's to ride in the caravan. Now don't worry;" He said to Juliana, who had frowned, "I've got a little mare who we were going to use for broodstock, but Devoi will be happy to sell her. She had some promising works, but she started favoring her left fore, and the horse leech said she shouldn't be raced. She goes well enough, she's sound and she'll obey any command you give her. A bit flighty, but Jule should handle her well enough."
Juliana made a small noise of protest.
"We can't afford that; there's no use for you to spend your money on an expensive mare…"
Travis silenced his sister with a smile. "No trouble; she's no stellar pedigree, just the hmm- accidental offspring of a farmer's hunter and one of Devoi's colts. Runaway, I believe his name was. She was supposed to be a hunter; jumped a few fences and beat the racer colts home. Hunter turned racer. She's nigh on a gamble to Devoi; he'll be happy to have her in our Jule's hands."
Juliana relaxed. "If you're sure she's reasonable…" Jule knew then that she had won.
Jule went to bed early that night. The Ashkevron race was only two weeks away, meaning that in order to arrive in time for the horses to accustom themselves from the quiet farm to the busy, loud city of Haven, they would leave this restday, so she would need her sleep. Jule doubted they'd get much rest with the horses to watch.
As early as she had gone to bed, the summer twilight still let her see her room. She flipped onto her back and stared at the ceiling beams, wondering about the filly her uncle had picked. Runaway was no slacker, he'd won more than his fair share of sprints, always coming from behind. And a hunter dam!
She pictured long, tall fillies with lean muscles and glossy coats, with eager doe-eyes and glossy coats of every color. Eventually, the fillies were joined by mares and colts and stallions, fast and nimble as the wind, led by a beautiful figure clad in white, who carried her into dreams.
She awoke bright and early the next morn, with sunshine pouring in her window. Jule yawned, wondering why she awoke so early. Then she sat bolt upright, remembering. Today Uncle Travis was going to get her a horse.
Jule dressed hurriedly, throwing on breeches and a tunic before stumbling down the stairs in her eagerness.
She breakfasted on the cold remains of last night's supper and shoved on her boots before bolting outside.
Her uncle would already be at the track, checking the condition of the turf and checking on his charges. Taking great joy in the fresh morning air and mist, she walked over the grounds to the track.
Sure enough, Travis was there , holding the lead of an ordinary looking chestnut filly. Jule approached the rail and slid slowly under it, careful not to startle the mare.
"Who's this?"
"This is Lyre," Her uncle said without turning around. "The mare I wanted for you."
Jule looked the mare over. "I thought you said she was Runaway's get."
"She is."
"But she's so- so ordinary looking!"
Her uncle chuckled. "Look again, Julia. Don't be fooled by her brown coat and coarse mane. See her fine head, her graceful carriage? She's a good horse for you, though I'd not let you underestimate her."
Jule obediently looked again. This time, she did see the well-shaped hooves, the graceful arch of her neck, the intelligent eyes and sensitive ears.
"Up on her; girl, let's see how you do with her."
Jule used the fence to boost herself onto the tall mare's back. Lyre fidgeted, but remained still. Silently, Jule stroked the filly's shoulder, thinking calming thoughts and muttering soothingly at her. Lyre quieted, even though she continued to mouth her bit.
"Now just remember," Travis cautioned as he handed her the reins "She's sensitive, so a light cue will do. And warm her up well before you run her, on account of that foot. It needs babying, and that's the only reason you got her. Otherwise she'd be a champion. Now off with ye!"
Jule nudged Lyre to move forward with the lightest of touches. The horse swung willingly forward, eager to move. After a few laps. Jule cautiously moved into a trot. Soon after that, Travis nodded that she could run the mare as she wished.
Jule squeezed, and the mare responded with a surge of power that caught her by surprise. Fast as Nightwind, they moved into the backstretch as one entity. Jule, afraid that she could no longer distinguish between the horse and her, abruptly stopped. Lyre fought her for a few strides, enjoying herself to much to want to stop, but settled down to a sedate canter.
Jule breathed a sigh as Lyre became Lyre and Jule could have her mind to herself. But one thought lingered, and continued to linger until she fell asleep that night.
What the Hell happened back there?