The Return of the Dragonhawk

Chapter 10 - Justice is not Cheaply Bought

"If you be coming to the mounting block, Yer Kynship," Rhoz instructed Inteza, straining to keep her composure, "yer nag awaits."

The expansive lawn of the palace garden was aflutter with activity. The horses from Drawynsdell were outfitted and waiting, resplendent with ribbons of red and gold. A dozen servants stood ready to assist Drawyn's party with the task of introducing the fine art of equitation to Kyn Inteza, Kynets Odra, Mera and Auri, and the ladies of the court. The pupils were lined up against the palace wall in order of rank, exhibiting varying proportions of terror and delight.

The seamstresses had been busy. The ladies were wearing morning dresses shortened to mid-calf length, complemented with matching leggings. Their frivolous pointed shoes had been replaced by riding boots such as the men wore. Two of the younger ladies were obviously revelling in their freedom, pacing back and forth with long, manly strides.

Arabelle had broken with tradition altogether, wearing a leather hunting outfit that had been her husband's. She watched the horses with practised eyes, betraying not the slightest notice of the stable boy Pym. Rhoz carefully looked past her as she led Swan to the mounting block that Drawyn had improvised the night before. She breathed into the mare's nostrils and stroked her neck while the elder Drawyn gallantly helped Kyn Inteza mount the small platform. He signalled two footmen to come and help guide Her Kynship safely onto Swan's back.

Kyn Inteza's face was a study of dread as she slid gingerly onto the saddle, her skirt riding up into an ungainly mound of fabric. Her knuckles white, she clutched Swan's mane in one hand and the pommel of the saddle in the other while the footmen adjusted the stirrups. When Swan took her first step, Inteza gasped as if she had been thrown into freezing water. Drawyn talked to her encouragingly as Rhoz led Swan slowly around the margin of the lawn. Inteza gazed rigidly ahead, her hands frozen to her mount.

A flutter of applause hailed Kyn Inteza when her feet were safely on the ground again. She collapsed on a bench, breathing heavily. Rhoz had never before seen her mother visibly frightened.

Now that etiquette had been observed, the others crowded to the mounting block, eager for a turn. Arabelle stood back, watching them with amusement on her face. While the other horses were being charged with their precious cargo, Rhoz brought Panax to Arabelle.

"Try this one, yer Kynship," she murmured. "He be my favourite."

"You may call me 'mistress', my boy. I am only the Dowager Kyn, after all."

"As you wish, mistress." She held Panax's bridle while Arabelle mounted, then let him go free. He behaved himself admirably, trotting and cantering over the lawn in circles and figure eights while the other horses walked sedately around the edge with their novice riders.

"He is an honest little horse," Arabelle told Rhoz when she returned. "A trifle wilful -- but that makes him interesting." She grimaced when she dismounted. "I am much out of practice. No doubt my legs will serve me notice of it tomorrow." She lowered her voice. "Come to my chamber by the secret way whenever you can slip away."

"Good mistress, you be wanting to ride this one on the morrow?" Rhoz said in a carrying voice, bowing. "I be remembering for sure."

"I mean to take him further afield tomorrow," Arabelle said. "Take care that he is well-fed and rested."

"Gladly, mistress."

Arabelle strode towards the door of the palace, followed by the others, who were bubbling with excitement. Auri, the youngest of the kynets, remained behind to pet Lucky.

"I like this one," she said. "May I have him for my own?"

The elder Drawyn smiled down upon her. "That be for yer da to decide. In the meantimes -- off you go. You be seeing Lucky again tomorrow."