Peter Rakoczy: The Music of My Life

Chapter 4: An Unexpected Surprise

Count Rakoczy led his sons through the manor to a back door that opened to an inner courtyard. He then proceeded to walk through a colonnade that connected the main house to the stables. The storm had slowed down a bit, but it was nonetheless bitterly cold and windy. Peter only wore a thin linen shirt.  He wrapped his arms around himself to keep warm.

"Well, here we are," Count Rakoczy stopped inside the stables. He lit the oil lamp by the main gate. The dim light cast playing shadows on the walls.

Stellian could not contain his excitement.

"Papa, is it what I think it is?" Stellian's eyes sparkled in the dark stables.

"That depends on what you're thinking," the Count teased him.

Stellian was already walking to the stalls. The family owned several horses but some were getting to be a bit old. They were better suited for pulling their carriages than for riding.

Stellian suddenly stopped in front of a stall and exclaimed: "My God! He's beautiful!"

Count Rakoczy chuckled. "I thought you might say that."

Peter followed his brother and peeked inside the stall. A gorgeous black stallion neighed as he playfully pawed at the ground. He released great puffs of steam and pricked his ears when Stellian petted his head. On the stall gate was a hand-written note that read: 'To Stellian from Papa. Merry Christmas!'

"Aren't you a beauty?" Stellian was obviously enthralled.

"Wow," Peter said. "He certainly is a looker!"

"What about you, Peter," their father joined them. "Aren't you curious to see what you got?"

Peter nodded. "Yes, Papa."

"Then look over here," Count Rakoczy pointed toward a stall on the opposite side. It also had a note attached to the gate that said: 'To Peter from Papa. Merry Christmas!'

When Peter peered inside, his green eyes widened. A beautiful white mare stared back at him with her large brown eyes. She gave out a soft whinny and blew white steam into Peter's face. Peter laughed and stroked her head.

"What a pretty girl you are," he spoke gently to the mare.

"Merry Christmas boys!" Count Rakoczy addressed his sons in his booming voice. "I hope you are happy with what I got for you."

"Papa, this is the best present in the entire world!" Stellian couldn't contain his joy. "I love him! I shall name him Caesar!"

"And I shall call my mare Alba," Peter announced. "For her beautiful white coat."

"I just wish I could ride him right now!" Stellian said dejectedly. "But this storm will never end!"  He stomped his foot, feeling frustrated.

"You'll have to be patient, my boy," Count Rakoczy told Stellian. "I'm sure you'll be able to take him out for a run soon enough."

"Does my present make more sense to you now?" Judith had quietly joined them in the stables. She placed a hand on Stellian's shoulder, startling him.

"Oh yes. Thank you, sister!" Stellian sounded slightly apologetic. "I now realize it was the perfect gift."

"Very well then," Count Rakoczy said satisfied with everyone's reactions. "I am going back inside. It's freezing out here."

"I think I will join you, Papa," Judith said as she braced herself against the cold.

Peter and Stellian decided to stay a bit longer and spend more time with their horses. Stellian picked up a brush and started grooming Caesar's silky dark mane. Peter found a sack of raw sugar cubes and gave Alba a treat. She snorted appreciatively in response.