Return to Kinthaldith

A novel by Meredith Skye

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That morning, Jesh went about preparing for the trip. At the supply warehouse, Jesh presented Karrit, the storekeeper, with a list. Karrit was an older man with a humorous disposition. "I need these things for Lord Risser'toranth," Jesh said.

Karrit nodded but stood there staring at Jesh as though assessing the situation. "So, you've been assigned to the Heir?"

Jesh nodded. "Yes."

Karrit smiled slightly. "Has he already forgotten about the 'pitchfork-in-the-rump?'"

"I hope so," said Jesh, wondering if everyone had heard about that incident by now. Karrit laughed and moved toward the back to fill the order.

On the wall hung various styles of servant robes in the traditional pale blue and white of the Hasson colors. Jesh touched one, feeling the fabric. He desperately wanted to wear the yinnesthan again. He felt ashamed of his own black tunic—the color of thrall.

He turned back to Karrit and realized he was staring at him. Jesh let go of the tunic and stepped back.

"Do you need anything for yourself?" Karrit asked.

"No," said Jesh.

Karrit studied him a moment. "I have some black fabric. If you want, I could make you another tunic."

Jesh felt ashamed but realized that Karrit meant no offense. "No, thank you. I'm fine." He had several black tunics already.

Karrit nodded and finished gathering Lord Risser's items. He put them in a bag and gave them to Jesh.

"Thank you," said Jesh and turned to go.

"Good luck," said Karrit, with a bit of a twinkle in his eye.

Jesh paused and looked back at him. "Thanks," Jesh said and left.

* * * * *

After lunch, Jesh hurried upstairs, helped organize some last-minute things for Risser, and brought his bags downstairs.

The Heir was already in the stables, preparing his horse. Jesh brought down the last few bags. As he approached, he overheard a conversation between Risser and Arden, one of the stable hands.

"But, My lord, this horse is--"

Risser silenced him with a scowl as Jesh approached. "I trust you remember how to ride a horse," Risser said, studying Jesh.

Jesh set the bags down. "It's been a while." He recognized the horse as 'Moonlight,' and he had a reputation for being a little wild. Surely this isn't the horse they would give him?

"My lord," objected Arden again, quietly, but Lord Risser motioned him to be silent again.

"Let's give you a test then and see how you do." There was a mischievous look in Risser's eyes. He did mean to give Jesh the wild horse.

Jesh went to pick up the bags, but Arden got to them first. "I'll put them on." Carefully, the stable hand loaded them on Moonlight, trying to calm her.

Risser watched with amusement as Jesh tried to mount. The horse was uneasy and kept moving. It was hard to hold her still, and Jesh was nervous and afraid he'd fall and make a fool of himself in front of Risser. If this was a test, he wanted to pass. He got his foot in the stirrup and almost got up, but the horse bolted forward, and Jesh fell.

Arden caught the horse and held its reigns. Lord Risser laughed aloud, enjoying the scene.

Determined, Jesh took the reigns back and finally managed to get his foot back in the stirrup. This time, he mounted quickly. Moonlight bolted forward, but Jesh reined him in. He almost lost his balance but managed to stop the horse.