The horse tossed his head. He was still young and headstrong. Ari was in awe of this gift from the King. The horse traced his bloodline back to Lightfoot, a bloodline that was worth more than any other, always producing intelligence and courage.
Ari turned the horse down the path to the gate, using only his knees to guide him. A horse should become an extension of the Rider, his cousins had told him. Ari patted the horse's neck. This autumn, if he was accepted, he would begin training with his new companion to become a Rider of the Mark.