Read Online The World Weavers by Kelley Grant - Free Book Online Page B

“He has a sun horse for Suma !”
    Calim put a hand on Kadar’s back and led him past the tents, to the far side of the oasis. There was a horse tethered in the shade between two palm trees.
    The mare snorted nervously and pranced as they approached. Kadar could see why she was called a sun horse—­she was a palomino, her chestnut coat so pale she looked gold, with a flaxen mane and tale. She stomped her foreleg warningly and dug into the sand.
    â€œShe’s beautiful,” Kadar breathed. “Where is her owner?”
    â€œDead,” Turo said cheerfully. “She threw him and stomped him to death.”
    Kadar looked sharply at the man, but he wasn’t joking. Another Tigu came up and dumped a bridle and saddle at his feet. Kadar glanced behind and found the entire camp watching the scene. Calim gestured toward the mare. So this was a test to prove he really was a Suma . By the grins and nudges between the warriors in the crowd, it was a test the Tigus probably thought he’d fail. The mare was barely broken and dangerous. Kadar grinned. This was going to be fun. The gorgeous mare would be his.
    Kadar moved toward the oasis beside the mare, not looking directly at her. All of his senses were extended, and he spoke nonsense in a soothing tone. She held her ground, and he knelt at the oasis a few feet from her. She stomped her hoof and he dipped his hands into the water and drank, ignoring her. He splashed water on his face as he focused his energy, sent soothing waves to the mare. He heard her wuffle in curiosity and he repeated the sound to her. They held a short conversation of snorts, until she approached him.
    â€œRowl.” Amber startled Kadar, rubbing against him. The mare went still, and then snorted at the cat, who rubbed up against her, purring. Kadar slowly turned toward the mare and offered her his hand, letting his beast magic tickle her nose, tame her heart. She snuffled his offered hand, then snorted into his hair, lipping at it.
    Kadar slowly rose and went to her side, rubbing behind her ears, down her neck, ruffling the pale mane. He pressed her back and gently put weight on it, making certain she was saddle broken. She gazed curiously at him, then lipped at the cat’s tail. Kadar grasped her mane and flung himself up on her bare back.
    She froze for a second, and Kadar held his hands on her neck, focusing his gift on calming her, making her accept him. She relaxed and Kadar nodded to Turo. Turo unfastened her tether, jumping away as she snapped her teeth at him. Kadar kneed her away from the crowd. She responded willingly, as he let her know with his legs and hands where he wanted her to go, nudging her mind with his talent so they understood each other. He let her walk, then canter into the desert. Keeping an eye on the tents, he allowed her to gallop, circling the camp and oasis.
    They raced back to the crowd of ­people and slid to a halt. Kadar dismounted and took the mare by her halter; fastening the lead line Turo gave him.
    â€œShe moves like flowing water,” he told the crowd. Turo translated.
    He grinned as the Tigus went wild.
    â€œSuma!” they shouted. Kadar had to calm the startled mare.
    â€œGood riding!” Turo said, slapping him on the back. “Her name is Asfar. The horse and tent are yours now.”
    Kadar grinned at him. Maybe it wouldn’t be as hard as he thought to fit in. His abilities with hooved animals had been appreciated in the caravan—­but were always overshadowed by his twin’s more revered abilities with the feli .
    â€œTime to sleep. We rise early morning,” Turo told him. “We will deliver the goods to Antajale.”
    â€œAntajale?” Kadar asked.
    â€œOur city. Antajale means deep water. Few from the clans ever see its beauty.”
    Kadar tethered his mare, and then went to his new tent to unroll his mat. His head barely hit the pillow before he was asleep.
    They were up again