𝙳𝚊𝚜 𝙷𝚎𝚛𝚣: 𝙱𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝙴𝚒𝚗𝚜

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐

Púca – Of Celtic origin. Resembling an Alp in its impish behavior and shape shifting ability, a Púca is a fairy type being that is commonly seen as a black horse with flowing mane and luminescent eyes. However, unlike an Alp, a Púca is not known to consume blood. They are creatures that enjoy scaring people, but become loyal should they find a person with whom they bond. It was once told of a Púca that transformed itself into a large black steed that carried its human King into battle for his Kingdom.

Just as the sun has now risen, the soldiers gather in one of the military stables lined with black and grey horses, yet to be loosed to their pastures. Eber stands in the middle of the isle with his arms folded as Koza is the first to ask the Gypsy, "So why are we here? It is but only a few hours before we are to leave Loviturä. Should we not be preparing for the journey?"

The woman walks to one of the large stalls with a grey mare, then turns to Koza. "This is preparing." She beckons with an outstretched finger. "Come." He steps up to the stall and passes her a doubting glance. "Holy Water reacts to your body like it mistakes you for a Saint. You are able to fool God, but can you fool his creatures?" The Woman pulls open the door and Koza cautiously proceeds into the stall. He holds out a flat hand to the mare that gradually begins to smell him. He shuffles closer through the straw when, of a sudden, the mare's eyes flare wide and she rears to the rafters, kicking out her strong legs at the Captain. Koza hurls himself back out of the steed's

domain as Lorelei shuts the door in an instant to keep the riled mare from charging out after him.

Koza sits on the cobbled floor of the isle bracing himself with his palms, panting. He looks up at the Gypsy. "And what is this to teach us?"

She looks to the Commander. "What horses will be used for this trip?"

"The four in the back." Eber nods his head the direction beyond the Gypsy. "The grey and the roan will be mounted and the two black Drafts will pull the carriage."

"And their tack?" she wanders a glance over the leather wears. Eber walks to the sectioned tack that had been set out from the rest and waves a hand at it. The Gypsy takes her bag to the tack and sets it down at the first saddle. Opening it, she pulls out vine-like weeds and begins winding it around the bridles.

"What is that?" the bald man asks.

"It is Wire Vine." She winds it tightly so it cannot be seen easily apart from the leather. "It is a weed with a strong scent to animals. With it, a horse will travel through treacherous lands guarded by large mountain cats, through battlefields that reek of death all without the single throw of a head." She holds up the first finished bridle. "With the Wire Vine they will not be able to smell you." Koza raises his head with enlightenment, realizing just how experienced the Gypsy woman is, and how he has every reason to put all his faith in her. "Which of the two cobs will be yours Commander?" she returns to weaving the vine.

"It does not matter."

Upon that, there is a nicker of disagreement that comes from a stall down the way. Lorelei pays heed to the call and walks the row of stalls coming to a majestic coal black Friesian standing sixteen hands at least. The stallion preens his head and snorts hot breath, commanding attention. "Cerny." The Gypsy breathes his name knowing the muscled beast in an instant.

The soldiers watch closely and she glides a subdued glance over her shoulder to Eber who's remaining by the tack. She pulls the latch in a single movement and releases the stallion. The black beast runs from the stall and down the isle, preening and shaking his head lofting his long mane in utter self-worth. He pounds one feathered hoof after the other onto the cobble floor, sending Koza, Thayer and Ermanno scrambling for the wall to keep from his way. Cerny slows to a trot and comes full stop in front of Eber. The horse flares his nostrils and heaves his large lungs to show his readiness for any task asked of him by his master. Lorelei grins and strolls back to Eber, inspecting the steed as she passes by.

"Cerny is unaffected by the change of your scent." She stops when shoulder to shoulder with Eber. "It seems he will always accept you as his master."

Making no motion to touch the stallion, the Commander stands with arms folded accepting the nearness of Cerny's bowed and nudging head. "He is getting old and cannot make such journeys anymore." Cerny puffs air from his nose in rebuttal.

Quickly, Lorelei takes hold of Cerny's head, nuzzling his face. "Do not listen to this cruel man! You are strong, and brave, and have many years left of adventure." The horse nickers softly to the woman.

Eber releases a sigh. "Very well."

Excitedly, Lorelei spouts, "Wonderful! I shall return to weaving the vines for the others."

Koza and the men watch Lorelei pass by, then look back to Eber, and see Cerny raise his muzzle to nibble his lips at the side of Eber's head. Shifting his gaze to the horse, Eber's subtle annoyance fades. "...Stop it." Cerny's flopping lips in Eber's hair continue.

(A/N: Púca huh? Hmm, reminds me a black horse I know....)