Chapter 74: First Ride

Chapter 74: First Ride

Stryg sat on a bench near the magic academys gates. The sky was clear and the sun shined down without mercy. He tried avoiding looking up at the bright annoyance. The heat wasnt particularly bothering, although it was warmer than what he was used to.

Most of the students had gone home for the summer, which meant the academy was fairly empty. Strygs home was an apartment only a block away from the school, so not much had changed for him. Loh was still his master and intended to continue training him during the summer, which was why he was sitting on a bench while grumbling about the noons sunlight.

Loh had told him to wait near the gates at about noon. The plan was for her to come by and pick him up. Of course, she was late, as usual. He was debating going to find some shade when his master finally strode up on an elegant centaur.

Stryg, good, youre here, Loh said.

Master, I thought you were going to bring the carriage, he tilted his head.

Not today. I had something better in mind, she grinned. She reached out her hand, Get on.

Stryg looked at the large centaur skeptically.

She wont hurt you. Her names Ruby. Come on, we have a busy day ahead of us, Loh waved him over.

Ruby bowed her head, This one will do her best to ensure you have a peaceful ride, young master.

Stryg looked Ruby over. Her lower body was a sleek auburn. A saddle of burnished white leather wrapped around her body. She wore a red silk shirt on her upper body. A pair of reins were attached to a leather harness around her abdomen and chest.

She had pale skin with fiery orange hair. Stryg noticed the slightest hint of freckles behind her makeup. Her jade-green eyes held a warm light as she gazed down at the goblin.

Right Stryg slowly grabbed Lohs hand.

Loh grunted as she tried to pull him up, Damn, youre heavy. What are you carrying in that satchel, a couple of steel ingots?

Just my savings. Youre the one who told me to bring them, Stryg frowned.

For a very good reason, she let go of Strygs hand. You are heavier than you look. Just get up here, yeah?

Stryg nodded. Rubys lower back stood at about 5 feet and a half. Stryg was only a little over 4 feet. He raised his hands, grabbed the saddle, and hauled himself up. Ruby grunted as he sat, but said nothing.

You sit in the front, Loh said.

Stryg settled himself on the saddle, his back to Loh, What am I supposed to hold onto?

Loh reached around him and grabbed the reins, Dont worry too much, think of my arms like railings. Youre not gonna fall off. But, if you really feel uncomfortable you can always grab Rubys hair.

The centaur turned her neck to look at him, Please, dont hesitate. This one was bred for comfort. Use this one in whatever way makes you feel relaxed.

Bred? Stryg asked.

Loh pulled the reins gently, signaling Ruby. The centaur began trotting down the street, heading towards the trade district.

Stryg swallowed at the jostling movement and found himself grabbing Rubys long red hair.

I take it youve never ridden a centaur before, huh? Loh grinned.

Stryg spoke with a nervous tone, I have, once. When a poacher caught me from Vulture Woods and brought me to this city. I wasnt so much riding as being strapped down though. I hated it.

Lohs smile fell. Sometimes she forgot how different his life had been to those of an aristocrat or even a commoner for that matter. She could tell from his rigid movements that he was still very much uncomfortable.

Dont be nervous, you have no enemies here. Not while Im around. Besides, like Ruby said, she was bred for the comfort of the rider. This will be a smooth ride, so take a deep breath, relax and enjoy the breeze, Loh said.

Im not nervous, Stryg cleared his throat.

Of course not, Loh chuckled.

A-anyway, whats this about breeding?

Oh, well, Loh cocked her head in thought, Centaurs are bred for different kinds of purposes. Some are bred for battle, others for work, etc. Rubys line was bred for wealthy individuals who wish to take strolls around the city every now and then.

Thats all she does? Stryg furrowed his brow.

The centaur said nothing at the slight.

Nonsense, Ruby does much more than that, Loh shook her head. Shes a great listener and very patient. For example, youre pulling on her hair quite tightly and she isnt even making a peep of protest.

Stryg hadnt realized how hard he had been pulling. He weakened his grip.

Not at all, shes been wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to see us, Loh said.

Its my pleasure. Its been too long my friend. When I heard you were coming I simply had to handle the tour myself, Karlok clapped his hands together. Now, this must be the apprentice you spoke about in the message, yes?

Yes, were here today to buy him his first centaur, Loh patted Strygs back.

Stryg slightly inclined his head, I am Stryg of the Ebon Hollow tribe.

Karlok twitched at the tribes name, but smiled right afterwards, Well, Mister Stryg, I believe we can find you a centaur suitable for your needs, whatever they may be.

We are looking for a centaur suitable for travelling, Loh interjected.

What sort of travelling conditions? The Valley? Travelling by boat? Forests, mountains, tundra? Karlock rattled off.

Travelling through the Valley, long distance stamina, and some battle potential, Loh said.

Hmm, Dusk Valley has become more and more dangerous these past few months. Okay, follow me. Ill show you some of our best stock, Karlok said.

He led them upstairs to the 4th floor. The floor was covered in pristine wood and iron pens. Centaurs stood in each pen, most standing still, while a few potential buyers walked by.

Most of the higher floors are used solely as showrooms to display some of our finest centaurs, Karlok began.

None of them are wearing clothes, Stryg noted.

They have no need for clothes, young lad, Karlok chucked. The vast majority of draft centaurs never wear anything more than a harness. Although, aristocrats do enjoy dressing up some of their own personal pets. Make them look pretty, respectable, or whatnot.

He walked up to the first pen, This one here is Maximus. He is one of our best battle centaurs. He was just broken in recently.

An enormous grey centaur stood quietly, his eyes closed in meditation. His lower back reached over 7 feet. His upper body added another 3 feet. His entire body rippled with muscles, even the orc, Kegrog, looked small in comparison.

How are these creatures at the bottom of the food chain? Stryg muttered in wonder.

Huh? Karlok cocked his head.

Ah, I think he means how did you come about breeding centaurs? Loh explained.

Karlok stroked his beard, My family has been in the business since the beginning, almost 400 years ago. The beastkin were roaming the Ebon Realm for a few years at that point. The ebon lords had just decided the beastkin were not only a failed creation of the Mortem, but animals too. Feral creatures that posed a danger to our Realm.

The ebon lords commanded that every beastkin be either captured or killed, Loh recalled.

Exactly. Most beastkin were defeated, but they didnt go down without a fight. Many died in the battles against the beastkin. Of course, a few of the beastkin with advantageous traits managed to escape, like the lamias. My forefathers in the Northern Lands managed to acquire some of the captured centaurs, Korlak said.

He went on, There were only a few of the creatures known as horses in the Realm at the time and only the ebon lords had them. As you know, the horses in these lands would eventually all die out. But, one of my ancestors was very clever. He realized that centaurs could be the mount our Realm needed and so he entered the breeding business. And as they say, the rest is history.

So, Stryg what do you think of Maximus? Loh asked.

Hello? Stryg called out to the centaur.

Maximus kept his eyes closed.

Stryg furrowed his brow, Hey, Im talking to you, Maximus.

The centaur didnt respond.

He can also be a little rough around the edges, but I promise hell get the job done, Karlok added.

I believe it, Ive never seen a centaur like him. Youve really outdone yourself, Loh said. She glanced over at the pen, Huh? Stryg, what are you doing!

Stryg pulled out a copper coin and hurled it at Maximus forehead. His head jerked back from the impact.

Do I have your attention now? Stryg glared.

The creature opened and narrowed his eyes at the small goblin. Stryg hissed back.

Hmph, Maximus closed his eyes again.

Can we see others? Loh smiled wryly.

Most definitely, right this way, Karlok gestured.

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