Page 79 of A Legacy of the Light

“We’ll let the horses rest for a minute, then we’ll see about that,” he challenges.

“How far do we go?”

“You see those boulders?” he asks, jutting his chin in the direction behind me. A large group of rocks start on the shoreline before disappearing into the water’s depths. It’s far enough that the horses will really be able to push.

I nod in confirmation. “I’ll save you a spot on that rock when I get there first.”

Tavish chuckles and hands me some water. Thanking him, I take a few gulps before giving the travel flask back to him. He lifts it to his mouth and drains the rest of it.

“You’ve got my cooties now,” I wink at him.

“Dhia, help me, you’re such a child,” he laughs as he puts the bottle back into his bag.

I shoot him a saccharine smile and stroke down Mabel’s neck while she drinks. We let the horses rest for another ten minutes and mount up again.

Tavish faces Atlas toward the boulder we’ll be racing to. “I really hope you’re ready to eat your words, Elsie. I’ve got one hundred and thirty-five years on you and I’m Seelie.”

“All that does is remind me that you’re old, Tavish.”

He laughs. “Ready?”

“On three?”

He nods and we count together.

“One.”

I take a steadying breath. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a horse at full gallop.

“Two.”

I make sure my feet are firmly in the stirrups and have a good hold on the reins.

“Three!” we shout in unison.

We spur the horses into action, Tavish and Atlas making a quicker start. Mabel’s strong body gathers speed underneath me and we race after them. I rise slightly in the saddle and lower my body closer to her back so I reduce the wind resistance as she gallops wild and free.

Her breathing comes out in heavy pants as she works hard to catch Atlas. The joy in my veins spreads like wildfire and my heart soars. I’ve missed this, the freedom you feel while riding so unrestrained. It makes me feel invincible and I love it. I love the feeling of Mabel’s powerful hooves hitting the ground and the wind whipping my hair behind me.

In that moment I feel our spirits connect and I can almost sense that she loves this as much as I do. She was born to run like the wind through the woodlands of this kingdom.

Tavish moves ahead of us by a length. I grip the reins tighter and urge Mabel faster. She pushes harder with an intensity that catches me by surprise and I respond with a wide smile. The Craobh responds, too, to the pure, unadulterated adrenaline running through me. I like to think it’s responding to how happy I feel in this moment, riding the most wonderful horse I’ve ever had the privilege to mount.

“Come on, girl, let’s catch them,” I encourage her.

We pass Tavish about halfway to the finish line. His growl of frustration and urging Atlas to run faster trails me over the wind roaring past my ears. I release a laugh and risk a glance behind me.

Atlas’s powerful legs are pumping as fast as they can, but they are no match for me and Mabel. She has put about three horse lengths between us now, and I marvel at her speed. I pull my focus back ahead and the boulders acting as our finish line draw closer. Tavish is gaining on us.

But not fast enough.

We pass the rocks first and I slow her down and settle back into the saddle before throwing my arms up in celebration.

I hoot at the top of my lungs and turn Mabel to face Tavish and Atlas, the former pulling the beast to a slow.

Both horses are panting hard and, I’m not going to lie, I’m smug as hell. There was a moment when I was worried we couldn’t beat them. Atlas is strong, and Tavish is clearly an experienced rider. Just not as good as me.

“Holy shit! Elsie, I’ve never seen anyone ride like that! I didn’t even know Mabel had that in her.”