Read Online Talent For Trouble by Bianca D'Arc - Free Book Online

on their land and how, only a few days later, a large herd had gathered. There were untamed lands and mountains off to the west of the estate, where most of the horses had carved out a living for themselves. They would still roam free, but if they needed any sort of help, be it food or water or medical assistance, they now had a refuge. Jeri and the staff of capable horsemen she had chosen and was training would see to it that her promise to the wild horses of Geneth Mar was kept.
    “You can still speak with the horses.” Jana’s voice was full of pride and a bit of awe as she regarded her little sister. “Papa had the same gift.”
    “Did he?” Jeri was excited by the idea that her gift had been passed down from her lost parent.
    Jana frowned slightly. “He never spoke of it with you? I mean, I know it was his big secret, but when I turned thirteen, he sat me down and told me about his gift. He taught me how to shield my own fledgling powers and warned me never to speak of them to anyone but him or Mother.”
    “They both died before I turned thirteen.” Jeri’s voice held aching sadness, and Jana held her hand out to her sister, an offer of comfort.
    “I remember his words, Jer. I’ll tell you what he told me.” Both women were fighting back tears. “Papa said that I should embrace my gift and not fear it, but rather fear the Wizards that would try to use me for my gift. He said he and Mama had lived in fear of the Wizards their whole life, but by being careful and shielding tight, they had survived so far. He warned me to do the same, but above all, he told me to be happy. As he was with Mama and us.”
    “Little did he know we would have so little time left with our family.” Jeri’s face was sad, her eyes wistful. “He was such a good man.”
    Tears rolled down her face, and the two girls clung to each other, the men placing their broad hands on the women’s backs in silent comfort.
    Before long, they all decided to troop outside and see the horses. The herds had always been a source of peace for Jeri, and Jana remembered her time among the horses of their homeworld with fondness, though she hadn’t been around horses in many years. Jana was tentative, at first, her wobbly legs unsure on the uneven turf, her gait uncertain as the huge animals bore down on them. Jeri, of course, was fearless, holding up her arms to the big stallion that galloped over to receive her attention first. Jeri’s laughter rang out through the countryside and lightened every heart that heard it.
    Jana remembered her childhood spent among the herds on Mithrak as several of the young colts and fillies gathered around her, tickling her with their velvety muzzles. She reached out to them with her hands and her unshielded mind, surprised when she received a few faint images of happiness and warmth from their complex minds.
    “Jeri!”
    Suddenly, a huge black stallion moved his way through the smaller horses, vying for Jana’s attention, and stopped just in front of her, eyeing her carefully. Jana held her breath. This was, by far, the most gorgeous animal she had ever beheld, and he seemed to know it. He was haughty and powerful, sizing her up as she regarded him.
    “I call him Darkest Hour.” Jeri’s soft voice came from not too far away. Jana knew her sister was watching them, but she couldn’t tear her eyes from the great stallion that faced her. “He is the leader of the wild band from the western mountains. The yearlings are all his get.”
    Jana could see it then, the remarkable resemblance between this strong stallion and the young horses that had so playfully greeted her. They had his strong shoulders and powerful build, though none had a match for his pure black, glossy coat.
    “He’s magnificent.” Jana’s voice was a mere breath of sound. The stallion stamped his foot once as if in agreement and bowed his head just slightly. She took that as a sign that she could move closer. She wanted to touch this