The Birth of Ignaius - (Part 2 of the Ignaius-Saga)

The Race

While Variel was still reading, Kimar was soon fast asleep, so it was no wonder that he was well rested and up quite early in the morning. He actually seemd to be a morning person, who was full of energy while they had breakfast. But maybe he was was just excited, as they would not have to sit in the coach all day, but could ride instead. They were not the only ones who enjoyed this freedom, as Tanier soon brought his horse up to them. "So how are you doing?," he asked and before Variel could say a word, Kimar was answering "Fine!" If anyone was looking at Kimar, it wasn't really obvious that he was Tanier's son. His hair and eyes were lighter, his face more slim and his skin more pale, yet during the short exchange it was very much obvious that they had more in common than first met the eye, even if it was unclear, if nature or nurture had formed the attitude that Kimar seemed to share with his father.

Next the king addressed Variel directly: "I was hoping to challenge you for a little race. Do you accept?" Truth be told, he was looking for a chance to be alone with Variel, at least for a bit of racing. The last day with very little to do had made him restless and a little exercise was just what he needed.

As much as he enjoyed riding, Variel had never been the best at racing or competition on horseback. However, he was an intelligent boy and figured out quickly what Tanier's purpose was. Had he not known, he still probably would have accepted for his own wish to be alone with the king.

He gathered the reins in his hands and adjusted himself in the saddle for better balance and control. "I will gladly accept, sire," he said, giving Tanier a smile that no one else could see. With his new poise, his horse seemed to detect that the pace was about ot pick up, and it snorted and danced back and forth, eager to be off.

"Kimar..." the king said and the boy knew what was expected.

"Counting to three. 1...2...3...go!"

Tanir and his horse were ready as well and on the mark they dashed foreward. As soon as they were on the open road, everyone safely behind him, Tanier gave the reigns to the horse and encouraged it to go faster. He could feel how his horse stretched under him, how it covered more space with every step, while he instinctively adapted his rhythm and balance to the horse.

He had a head start to Variel, not surprisingly, as he had a lot more practice, but as he was careful at first to not put others in danger, Variel could easily close up to him and for now they were flying side by side, as none of the two horses was even close to its limits yet.

Variel was leaned over his horse's neck, gripping with his knees so that he did not mistakenly tug the reins. His vision was focused ahead to ensure they did not come upon anything expected, but he could see Tanier in his peripheral, and he couldn't completely ignore the man. In truth, he wasn't trying to win, as they actually had no destination, but he was determined to at least keep pace with the older man, to stay near him. The feeling of the rushing wind that blew his bangs back from his face, cool on the mildly hot spring day, felt wonderful and freeing. He couldn't remember if he'd ever done this before, let his horse go at a full gallop with nothing in his path to stop him.

He felt a smile curve his lips; this was actually a lot of fun!

For a while they were racing side by side and Tanier simply enjoyed the speed. Then he decided it was time for a little demonstration. He knew that Variel may have the advantage of being several stones lighter than him - but after all he had picked the horses for both of them. He had chosen a fast and spirited horse for Variel, knowing he was able to handle it, but his horse was still superior and - what was more important - rider and horse knew each other well. Tanier made a clicking sound with is tongue and suddenly it looked like everything had only been play for his horse so far. Slowly at first, but more prominently with every minute he gained speed and ground over Variel. The other horse tried to follow and was clearly angry, when it reached its limits.

When he had gained a clear margin over Variel, Tanier slowed his horse down, sat back in his saddle and fell into a comfortable canter, waiting for Variel to catch up. They were now way ahead of the others.

Variel had tried to catch up, murmuring encouragement to his horse and trying everything he knew. It just didn't work. His horse was also frustrated, and when Tanier slowed, Variel had just a bit of trouble getting the animal to do the same. he ended up shooting past the king about twenty meters before he finally succeeded in reining the beast in. "Woah! Woah!" he called as he tugged, laughing a little at his mount's eagerness. He slowed enough to come back level with the king, he and his horse breathing slightly heavier than normal.

"Sire, that was... exile rating!" He smiled over at the older man. "I've never raced like that before."

"Then it was about time," the king replied. He looked happy and relaxed, a broad smile on his face. "You are good on horseback. I am surprised that you never enjoyed racing before. And it is much better here than in the park." The street had indeed been empty and mostly going straight ahead for quite a while now, cutting through a mostly flat landscape with large fields on both sides of the road. But now they were approaching a larger group of trees. As soon as they entered the wood the warm sunlight was replaced by a pleasent chill on this warm day. They weren't far in when Tanier left the street. "I think we deserve a little rest now." He seemed to know where he was going, guiding his horse diligently between trees and bushes, until they reached a clearing. There was still the dead trunk of a huge tree that had lived here and had left a clearing when it finally fell. The king dismounted, allowed his horse to graze and sat down where moss had created a natural cushion.

Variel let his horse fall behind Tanier's as they left the road, following him carefully through the trees and underbrush. The shade was nice, and he was excited about snatching another brief moment alone with his king. He dismounted and left his own horse to rest and eat, settling himself close at Tanier's side.

"I assume you've been here before," he remarked, looking around the peaceful little clearing. "You seemed to know exactly where it was."

Tanier sighed. "You can probably guess how often I have travelled this road. I know it a lot better than anyone could ever want to. It feels like I know every cobblestone and every leaf of grass. I was five when I first traveled this road and it didn't change much since then."

For a moment he was pensive, but then decided that this was not what he wanted to spend his precious time with Variel on. He put his hand under the young man's chin and kissed him. The kiss was light and short, as if he was just taking a sample. And it seemed indeed like he was considering now, if or if not he wanted more. Still it was very much predictable that he came back for more, kissing the young man longer and harder, turning slightly, to face him. While he still kissed him, his hands started to unbutton Variel's jacket.

Variel eagerly joined in the kiss, turning himself slightly as well and tilting his head. He shut his eyes when Tanier began to open his jacket and gave a low moan into the kiss, just hoping they had enough time to enjoy this before the rest of the group caught up to them. It had been about two weeks since he'd last been with his king, so he was overjoyed at this opportunity and made sure his body language spoke to that.

Tanier didn't take the time to fully undress the young man. As soon as the jacket was open, he pulled at the shirt and pushed his hands under it as soon as he could find an opening. His hands travelled over delicate skin and firm muscles, untill they reached the chest, where his thumbs started to tease hardening nipples. He pressed his knee between Variel's legs. Once his trapped erection made contact with the young man's thigh, he moved his hips slightly to create friction and a muffled moan indicated, how good it actually felt.

Soft moans issues frequently from the young man's throat, and when he felt the pressure of Tanier's knee, he began to lightly grind against it, creating his own friction. His mouth opened a bit wider, inviting a deeper kiss. He was hungry and borderline desperate for this contact. The both of them smelled faintly of horse, but that didn't matter. It only served to remind him of that day in the park, by the lake, when they had both learned something quite intriguing about their dynamic.

Tanier was eager to follow Variel's invitation and the kiss got deeper and more intense, when suddenly he noticed some movement behind him, but before he could turn, he was hit and fell into darkness.