“Absolutely.” I double checked that the strap was tight around Oberi’s belly, then lifted Ava onto the saddle. I situated her feet inside the stirrups and secured each leg with Velcro straps— three for each leg. Then I draped another strap across her thighs, like a seatbelt, and secured that, too. I held on to her and tugged lightly on the saddle to make sure she was secure. She barely moved.
“Ancestors, it’s perfect!” Ava cried. “Oberi, let’s go for a ride!”
I held the door open as Oberi went into the abandoned hall. Kallie and Marcus followed to watch. Her hooves clicked across the ground slowly and deliberately. I stayed by Ava’s side, holding her hand so I could catch her if she fell.
“I want to go faster,” Ava said.
Oberi increased her speed to a brisk pace, and I followed along beside her. Ava laughed gleefully. “It’s working! Oberi, faster!”
Oberi turned at the end of the hall, then took off at a quick trot. My hand slipped out of Ava’s grasp. She screamed happily as Oberi jogged to the other end of the hall.
“Ancestors, I stayed on the whole time!” Ava cried as Oberi slowed.
“This is wonderful,” Marcus said.
“I couldn’t have created a better illusion myself,” Kallie added.
Oberi walked back to me, and Ava brushed her hands across my shoulder. “I want you to ride with me.”
I braced myself against Oberi’s back, then leapt upward, tossing a leg over her. I sat behind Ava and curled my arms around her.
Ugh. You two are heavy, Oberi complained.
“Shut up,” I said. “You’re a mutabeecha. You can bench, like, a thousand pounds.”
More, actually, Oberi replied proudly.
“Then what are you complaining about?” I asked.
Oberi blew a breath.Just giving you a hard time. Though, I don’t appreciate your junk rubbing on my bare back like that!
“Yeah, I’m sure you can feel that,” I said sarcastically.
Ava leaned back to say in all seriousness, “You’re very gifted.”
“Is this better?” I resituated myself and slid closer to Ava, keeping our weight as close together as possible.
“Much better,” Ava said.
Oberi took a few steps.I think it’ll work.
“It’ll work?” I repeated. “I just pulled off the biggest illusion I’ve ever done, and that’s all you have to say.”
Well, it’s the truth!Oberi nickered.Verywell done. Isthatbetter?
“Much,” I replied, before turning my attention to Ava. “This is a good next step in physical therapy. We can practice getting up and down from the saddle.”
“I think with enough practice, I can do it,” Ava said. “Though I might have to start with some magical assistance.”
“We’ll learn. Together,” I offered.
Oberi took off down the hall again, and my hair whipped around my face. For a brief moment, it felt freeing, and I could imagine we weren’t locked in the Institute at all. If I could create illusions this strong, we might actually find a way out of here soon.
We rode Oberi up and down the hall a few more times, before we returned to our secret room. I hopped off her back and helped Ava back into her chair.
“There’s just one problem,” I said. “How are we going to transport the saddle with us? We need it to be available at a moment’s notice.”
“I can subconjure it and keep it in my stash,” Marcus offered.
