The Last HorseMaster

Chapter Two

"Wait, so where are we going again?" I asked.

"Camelot," the boy answered. He rode right alongside me.

"Why? You live there?"

"You could say that," Blonde answered.

"You're the Prince aren't you?" I asked him.

"Yes. I am Prince Arthur. But how did you know that?" Blonde asked, a bit surprised.

I almost laughed. "I was actually just guessing!"

The boy beside me did laugh. "What? Was it the way he acts like a cabbagehead?" I laughed out loud, but stopped as soon as Arthur stopped his horse to look at us. "I heard that," he said before urging his horse forward again.

I looked at the boy and we both laughed.

"So, what do they call you?" I asked him.

"I'm Merlin. Prince Arthur's servant."

"I see. And how did you know where to find me?"

"A friend told us. He said he used to know you. His name is Gaius."

I smiled when I heard that name. "Ahh, Gaius. I haven't seen him since I was just a young girl."

"How do you two know each other?"

"Gaius lived in Ebervon for a few months and was the only physician we've had in a long time. He taught me much, saying I had a natural talent for healing. When he had to go, well, it was like saying goodbye to a dear Grandfather." Merlin smiled as I told him this. I liked his smile.

"So how well do you know Gaius?" I asked him.

"Pretty well, actually. He's my guardian."

"Really? So will I get to see him again?" I was excited by the thought of seeing my dear old friend again.

Merlin nods his head. "Yes, if you like." I smiled.

Camelot was only a few hours ride and I could tell Arthur was sore from the way he dismounted his finally relaxed mare. I smiled at the horse.

I saw, who I guessed was the king, walking down the steps of the castle and into the courtyard.

"Welcome home, my son," he said, patting his son on the back. Then he sees me, a simple girl riding a large horse with no saddle, bit or bridle.

I dismount Elcreste and motion him to follow me. I bow in front of the king and my horse obeys me by bending one foreleg and bowing as well. The king smiled at this.

"That is truly amazing," he said.

"Thank you, your Highness," I replied. I patted Elcreste on the neck and he nickers. Then I saw him. Gaius. I smiled and walked up to him. He embraced me and I welcomed it.

"My dear Lady Astrid. My have you grown!" he exclaimed. He wore a large smile on his face.

"I've missed you, Gaius," I told him.

"And I missed you." We hugged one more time.

Arthur led me to the stables and I went to the injured horse. Elcreste followed and decided to eat some hay while I looked over the wound.

I held my hands out as I walked up to the horse.

"What's his name?" I asked.

"He doesn't have one," Arthur answered. I turned around.

"Well he's gotta have a name. Names give them strength," I explained. I looked back at the chestnut Gelding and listened for a name. It came to me.

"Ryanor. That's what I'll call him. It means warrior in a tongue I do not wish to speak of."

Arthur nodded and I turned back to the horse. I let him sniff my hand before I pet his neck. I breathed into his nostrils and he returned the favor. My hand slid down his foreleg and found the injured ankle. I was relieved to find the injury not too bad. Nothing more than an average sprain in the forelock.

I pull my medicine bag off my shoulder and retrieve an herb oil from it. I poor some into my hands and rub Ryanor's ankle. I feel him wince and I move more gently, apologizing to him in my mind. He relaxed as I rubbed a few more herbs on it.

"He should recover pretty quickly, though I would slowly ease him back into work," I tell Arthur. He seems surprise.

"Just like that?" he asks.

"Just like that. I will stay here with him for a few nights, with your permission, to keep a better eye on the healing process."

"Yes, of course. Thank you," the prince says, a bit relieved. "And actually, I was wondering if you would like to be my personal HorseMaster?"