Richard Parker - The Black Horseman

“Morn,” both William and Tam said in unison. Vio nodded but said nothing.

“I’m sorry,” Krys added but Gwaynn waved him away.

“We will see,” Gwaynn said more hopeful than he felt and then watched as the other students topped a rise and headed down to join them. B’dall approached, but he said nothing and just smirked at Gwaynn. Tar Kostek was not with them, nor apparently would he be joining them, because they all lined up and began to run.

At the two-mile mark, Vio and Gwaynn began to pull away from the rest of the students. Gwaynn was tucked in behind her, as was his normal position of late, but for some reason just before the turn he moved over, sped up and past her, actually reaching the point ahead of her. Vio had not trailed at the half way point now for more than six months and she smiled despite her heavy heart. Her competitive spirit however, caused her to speed up, but as she did Gwaynn did likewise. They had an enormous lead when they finally passed the students heading the other direction and they were holding to their pace. When the finish finally came into sight, both were near exhaustion, but both continued to run all out. They even increased their speed the last quarter of a mile. Gwaynn was still in the lead and was determined that the girl would not pass him, not today. As they came down to the end Vio managed to run side by side with him and together they flashed toward the finish. But just at the end, Gwaynn with his last ounce of energy, lunged through the finish just ahead of the girl who could not be beaten. They both collapsed on the ground, panting hard and then Gwaynn turned over and threw up his morning bread.

“Very, very impressive,” said a voice to their left. Gwaynn looked over and saw Tar Kostek moving down a dune toward them. It was several moments before either could talk, but Kostek just stood above them, waiting. Finally Gwaynn caught his breath enough to stand, his legs very wobbly. He moved over until he stood above Vio, who was still breathing hard and he extended a hand. She smiled and took it and he helped her to her feet. Together they began walking around, getting their wind back.

Eventually they headed back to where Kostek stood.

“It’s true then,” Gwaynn stated. He had to know. “I am to go to Lato Island?”

Vio stopped where she was, all attention, looking closely at her Master.

“Yes,” Kostek said. “That appears to be the decision.”

“Do I have anything to say about where I go?”

Kostek frowned. “That is not up to me. I am to take you before the Council this afternoon. They will make the ultimate decision. But know that whatever they decide, it will be in your best interests.”

Gwaynn nodded but said nothing, and moved off down the beach with Vio following. He stripped and ran out into the sea. She followed him. They swam about, not speaking, just enjoying the cooling wetness, until finally she swam over to him.

“Will you go?” She asked, only her head above water. They were in very deep.

“I’m not sure I will have a choice,” Gwaynn answered, facing her. They were only a few feet apart, but she would not go closer.

“I hear it is a beautiful island, gardens everywhere,” she added quietly. Gwaynn had no answer for that and began to move toward the beach.

“Gwaynn,” Vio said.

“Yes,” he answered without turning, still moving slowly away from her.

“Gwaynn,” she said again. This time he stopped and turned back to her, noticing a hint of panic in her voice.

“The…the other night,” she began and he noticed that her face was growing red, “the night of the storm. I…I saw you here on the beach with that girl.”

Gwaynn said nothing, but he felt his face grow hot as well. He looked at Vio, who stared back, her dark eyes growing impossibly large.

“Do you love her?” Vio asked, barely above a whisper.

Gwaynn frowned, having never actually thought about it. “I like Mille,” he answered and Vio scowled at her name. “You’d like her too.”

“I’m sure,” Vio answered, gathered her courage and moved a bit closer.

“Do you love her?” Vio asked once more.

Gwaynn rubbed his face. “No,” he answered finally. “I like Mille, but I cannot become too involved with anyone.

Now Vio frowned, her heart soared with the first part of his answer and fell with the last.

“But why? I will not be on Noble Island forever,” Vio answered then blushed even harder as she realized just what her statement revealed.

Gwaynn smiled at her, truly touched, but shook his head. “No, I am a danger to anyone close to me, plus I have other things to do. Perhaps the Council is right; maybe it is time for me to go.”

“But Gwaynn…” Vio began.

“Prince Gwaynn Massi,” Gwaynn interrupted, unsure of why he told her, knowing it was stupid and dangerous. He could not help himself, but somehow he knew that she would never betray him. “That’s who I am. My family is dead. I will be dead too, if my enemies ever find out who I am and where I am.”

Vio was shocked into silence and looked at him in horror; suddenly she burst into tears and fled from him.

“Vio,” he shouted, trying to follow, but she waved him off and literally ran from the beach naked, gathering her clothes as she went.

ǂ

Tar Kostek came to collect Gwaynn just after he’d finished pushing his mid-day meal around on his plate. He came on horseback and Gwaynn was surprised to find that Lane had saddled up Prolly for Gwaynn to ride. They were on their way to Herra, the largest town on Noble, located near the center of the island. It was where the Council convened.

“It’s only a bit over ten miles,” Master Kostek said with a slight smile. “You could run it easily, but horses will be a bit more dignified.

Gwaynn nodded and swung up easily onto the horse. He’d not been on one for a long time but like nearly all royalty, he was a very accomplished rider. He turned the horse and was about to spur her into a trot when Mille rushed outside, followed closely by Deirdre and Karin. They all waved goodbye and Gwaynn waved in return then without looking back he headed off after his Master.

Despite the circumstances, Gwaynn found that he enjoyed the trip and even smiled as they entered Herra, which was located on the slopes of a pair of rolling hills. The immense Grand Hall was perched on the summit of the highest hill and was visible for many miles. It was heavily columned and made completely of white granite, which gleamed brightly against the dark blue of the sky.

As they made their way across the Parm River, Gwaynn noticed many small galleys docked along its banks. The low quarter, around the river, was the shopping district and at the moment it was very crowded and noisy. They rode through without stopping, though Gwaynn turned this way and that, looking at the brightly clothed shoppers. They made their way up and up, past more shops and then later a housing district. The higher they went the larger the buildings became. Near the top most were all made of white granite.

No one was waiting outside the Grand Hall when they arrived but two boys quickly appeared to lead their horses off. Gwaynn nodded at them but said nothing, and followed Kostek up the stairs without a word. On either side of the stairs was a large statue of a Weapons Masters, each in a classic fighting stance. The stone Master on the right sported a pair of kali, and the one on the left a long sword. Gwaynn was studying the artwork as he climbed, so he failed to notice that Tar Amon and Tar Endid were waiting for them at the top of the steps.

“The Council is waiting in the Sparring Hall,” Tar Amon said, placing a hand on Gwaynn’s shoulder.

“You are the High Tar,” Gwaynn stated, just a little accusatorily.