Chapter 77: A Centaur’s Debut

Chapter 77: A Centaur’s Debut

Thank you for your patronage, Karlok smiled as he took Strygs coins.

Despite only paying half-price for Rhian, Strygs coin pouch was almost completely emptied. He didnt mind very much, he rarely spent large amounts of cash. He had only recently come to grasp the concept of money and though most people seemed obsessed with coins, he didnt see much use for hoarding it.

Karlok handed Stryg several documents, a quill and some ink, All you have to do now is sign here, here, up there, and right at the bottom after that line.

Stryg skimmed over the documents as Loh paid Karlok for her own new centaur, Maximus.

Finished, Stryg said as he signed his name on the final document.

Wonderful. On behalf of the Swift Winds establishment, allow me to congratulate you on your first-class centaur. I assure you, she will not disappoint, Karlok placed his hand over his heart.

Stryg looked Rhian over. You are a member of Ebon Hollow now, he smiled.

This One will do her best to serve, Master, Rhian forced a smile.

She had believed she would be bought by an aristocrat, after all there werent many who could afford such an expensive show horse. While magi were often wealthy, most were part of a Named House and therefore aristocrats. Not to mention proper maintenance for a showhorse was very expensive. The chances of not being bought by a member of the high-class were very low. She would have never imagined finding herself serving a goblin, albeit a mage one.

Well, Maximus, I hope Karloks recommendation of your battle prowess does not disappoint, Loh looked the enormous centaur over.

This One will not fail you, Maximus bowed his head.

Strygs smile fell a bit, So, he respects you, just not me then, huh?

That tends to happen when you throw coins at someones face, Loh chuckled.

Before you both leave, Swift Winds has complimentary gifts for customers and their new centaurs, Karlok snapped his fingers.

A couple of workers came running over. They carried over two small chests and presented one each to Stryg and Loh.

Inside you will find a docility collar with a fully charged magestone ready to be applied to your centaur if you so wish. While you both were upstairs, I took the liberty to throw in a jacket. We will also deliver a months supply of quality centaur feed to your doorstep before the end of the day, Karlok explained.

Stryg grabbed the simple grey jacket and tossed it at Rhian. Im glad we got a jacket.

Centaurs are normally naked, it is of no concern for us, Rhian grabbed the jacket.

It should be. I would rather you not be naked in front of others, Stryg said sternly.

...Understood, Rhian put the jacket on.

Show horses often wore elaborate clothes during their races and other performances. It seemed her new master at least had some semblance of understanding for what she was.

Oh and before I forget. Karlok signaled his workers. The most important gift of all.

The workers brought out a pair of harnesses and saddles.

For all your riding needs. They are made from the finest leather in Hollow Shade, Karlok said with pride.

This is great. Itll make shopping for our travelling equipment a lot simpler, Loh said.

Excuse me, I heard you mention something of travelling earlier, but where exactly are we going? The Night District? The Commoner District? Rhian furrowed her brow, Or do you mean we are travelling to the docks?

I thought I told you not to talk unless spoken to, Loh crossed her arms.

Rhians eyes widened in fear, Please forgive me, this One forgot her place.

Karlok raised his hand to smack her, but paused, Ah, you are now Mister Strygs pet. He will be the one to discipline you.

She looked over at the goblin, waiting for punishment.

Stryg scratched his cheek, Actually, I was wondering the same thing. I know we are heading out of the city, but where exactly are we going?

That is for you to find out. Loh walked over and whispered into his ear. Dont go easy on her just because shes pretty. She needs to learn her place, otherwise she may be a threat to you later.

Im not going easy, Stryg frowned.

He just didnt see the need to hit her for asking a simple question. Rhian would learn her place soon enough. She was a beta of the tribe and he was the alpha, the chief. Stryg doubted Rhian would try to challenge him for leadership of the tribe. If she did then he would not hold back.

Rhian wasnt paying attention to the exchange. Her heart was pounding in her chest. Outside the city? The goblin had said they would be travelling outside the safety of the walls. That meant potential attacks by bandits or worse, raiders from savage tribes. Even if they didnt encounter such attacks, shed still be subjected to muddy roads and grassy plains. Those conditions didnt suit her, she was meant to stroll down the finest of cobblestone walkways, not trudge through the mud like some common draft horse!

It was bad enough having to learn how to ride properly. He didnt wish to add any extra equipment into the mix.

Well then, have a wonderful day, Mister Stryg. If you ever have any other centaur-needs you know where to find us. Ill be happy to personally assist you once more. May the moon bless you on your journey, Karlok made a flourishing bow.

Strygs lips curled at the familiar saying. And may the stars light your path.

Are you ready to go, Master? Rhian asked.

Stryg wrapped his hands around the reins, As ready as Ill ever be.

The aides pulled the double doors wide open. Rhian looked back one last time at the home she had known her entire life. Shed probably miss it, but not anytime soon. Now was the time for a new chapter in her life, her debut as a showhorse was about to begin. She made a quick bow to Karlok and trotted out the doors.

The sun shined down brightly on the trade district, it was a beautiful day. People walked all around, going about their daily lives. She took a deep breath of fresh air. Stryg squinted at the bright light.

Where to? Your home in the Villa District? The Bourge District? Rhian tilted her head back.

The Scholar District, Stryg answered.

Rhian stretched her legs, this was her debut to the world. It didnt matter if she didnt have an amazing rider behind the saddle. She wouldnt let that stop her from showing the world how amazing she was.

Right away, Ill ride like the wind, Rhian trembled with excitement.

Wait, what?

She dashed off with all the strength and speed she could muster. Stryg shouted in surprise. People all around yelled in shock as they scurried out of her way. Others watched in wonder as the beautiful centaur sped past in a blur of black and grey.

Rhian couldnt hold in her laughter, this was it. The wind on her face, the sun shining down on her glossy ebony coat, the crowds watching her in awe. This was what she was trained for, to dazzle all.

She gasped and skidded to a halt as her reins were yanked back in full force.

Stryg held the reins tight and panted heavily. His eyes were wide open, his pupils thin slits. His ash-grey hair was frizzy from the wind. He hunched over the saddle as if to shield him from some invisible force.

Master? Rhian coughed.

What. The. Fuck. Was that?

What are you talking about? You wanted to get to the Scholar District, yes? My training included a detailed layout of the citys streets. I assure you this is the correct route.

I know where we are going. But, why in all the bloody Realms are you going so damn fast. I almost fell off because of you, Stryg sneered.

Rhian scrunched her brow, Do you want me to go slow?

Obviously, Stryg huffed.

But... I am a showhorse. We are meant to go fast. How can I impress anyone if I dont show them what I am capable of? Rhian frowned.

I don't care what you were raised for. You are now part of my tribe. That means the only one you need to impress is me. I know you can run fast, I saw you on the obstacle course. I dont need you to almost throw me off the saddle to demonstrate your speed, Stryg chastised.

...I see, Rhian turned away and looked forward, This One was mistaken.

How could she have been so foolish? Even if she was groomed to be the finest of centaurs, she was limited by her mundane rider. The world would never know her true talent. The gods had cursed her to a wretched fate indeed.

You said youd win me over in seconds, Stryg looked at the back of her head.

What? Rhian didnt bother to turn around.

Back at Swift Winds, you told Karlok youd win Loh and me over in seconds, Stryg laced his fingers around her dark hair.

How did you hear that? Rhian asked, confused. She had been on the other side of the obstacle course when she had whispered that to Karlok. She didnt recall seeing the goblin use any magic.

Stryg pulled her hair, her back bent backwards, her face an inch below his own. If your way of winning me over is not even looking at me while talking then consider yourself a loser.

Despite the minor pain, Rhian found herself grinning, I havent lost yet.

Perhaps this rider wasnt as mundane as she had thought.

Stryg found himself returning the grin, Is that right?

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