Chapters (27)
The group collected their belongings, and after making sure Pride was calmed, Rezkin strapped his new friends’ packs to the horse’s back. The battle charger was still agitated by the scent of blood, and his instincts and training made him more aggressive.
Frisha kept her distance from the beast, sure that it was possessed by a demon.
“I’ve never seen a horse act like that. He didn’t try to run away. He was actually attacking people. It was terrifying,” Frisha said.
Lieutenant Jimson nodded beside her. “That is the way of battle chargers. They are trained to not only carry their rider into combat but to participate, as well. Keeping one for a mount requires a firm hand and extreme dominance, characteristics that most people lack.”
“That is a real battle charger?” Tam asked in surprise as he gaped openly at the massive steed.
The lieutenant looked at him quizzically. “Yes, they are rare outside of the upper military ranks. Even most of the cavalry do not have fully trained battle chargers, usually just the cast-offs or those that did not make the cut. The Royal Guard ride them only when escorting the king outside the palace walls, and the higher-ups in command ride them, as do the strikers.” The lieutenant peered at Rezkin out of the corner of his eye. “The average commoner could not get one.”
Tam, secure in his characterization of Rezkin, asked him, “Is that right, Rez? How did you get one?”
Rezkin shrugged, “I took him from my home when I left. There was no one else to keep him, and I needed a horse. I had already trained with him, so it was not a problem.”
“Did you grow up in a castle, like a lord’s estate?” Tam asked. This was the first time he had heard anything about Rezkin’s home.
“It was more like a fort,” Rezkin replied.
“Oh, that explains it—why you seem to have that military bearing even though you’re not in the army,” said Tam. “Did your parents work there?”
Rezkin shrugged, “I never met them.”
“You’re an orphan?” Frisha asked with compassion.
“I do not know. I never really considered it much. They could be alive somewhere, but I would not know who they are.”
“So, who raised you?” she asked.
“The men at the fort. They trained me as well as they could so that I could one day become a grown man and fulfill my purpose. And, now I am,” he said without embellishment.
“Oh, yes, you are …” Frisha sighed wistfully before catching herself. “Grown, I mean. You’re obviously a grown man … and … very capable.” She blushed and ducked her head. Tam snickered beside her, which she followed with an elbow to his ribs.