Prince of Horses

He reigned in his mount, stood in the saddle, and studied the trail ahead. Something didn’t look right.

Before he could speak or identify the problem, a mounted figure raced past him.

With a squeal of delight, the young priness urged her mount faster.

“Eirny,” he shouted after her.

Too late. Part of the hill thundered down across the trail in front of the horse and rider. The horse screamed and reared.

He screamed again as she flew from the saddle and slammed her head against a rock.

A sickening crack echoed through the trees.

His stomach turned and his heart dropped. He slid from the saddle and sprinted forward.

She lay still. Too still. A dark puddle pooled around her head.

He dropped to his knees and cradled her in his arms. An unearthly wail slipped from his lips as tears streamed down his face.

After several long minutes, he scooped her up and strode back to his mount. Gently, he draped her form over the creature’s neck. With a single, fluid move, he swung up behind her and pulled her against his chest.

The ride back to Castle Beorgar seemed to take an eternity.

The castle guards greeted him at the gates. One tried to take Princess Eirny from him.

“No,” he protested, and urged the steed to the palace steps where the king and queen greeted him.

“What happened?” the queen demanded, as the royal healer took the princess’ body from him.

He shook his head frantically. “There was a mudslide. Her horse reared. I couldn’t stop her. I couldn’t save her.”

The king enfolded his son in a reassuring embrace. “It’s alright, my boy. You did what you could.”

Tears streamed down his face. He sobbed into his father’s shoulder. “I’m sorry.”