Page 194 of Knotting the Firefighters
Designed for long rides and working cattle.
Exactly what I learned during my brief ranch stint in high school.
I gather reins with a practiced grip, position my left foot in the stirrup with proper placement, and swing myself up with fluid motion that speaks to muscle memory rather than recent practice.
Successful mount.
On the first attempt.
Without assistance.
Take that, Hawthorne.
Aidric's expression shifts from smug anticipation to surprised disappointment—clearly, he'd been expecting a struggle that would justify his assistance and demonstrate his superior knowledge.
Disappointed.
Absolutely disappointed that I didn't need rescue.
I settle into the saddle, adjusting reins while projecting confidence, I mostly feel.
"I'm pretty good at riding, if you didn't know," I call toward Aidric with deliberate taunt. "But I suppose there's only one way for you to discover exactly how skilled I am."
Innuendo.
Blatant innuendo.
Worth it for his reaction.
Before he can formulate a response, I encourage my horse forward with gentle pressure from my legs—a traditional cue that she responds to immediately, transitioning from standing to walk without hesitation.
Responsive.
Well-trained and responsive.
This is going to be fun.
"That's cheating!" Aidric's protest carries genuine indignation, like I've violated unspoken rules by taking initiative.
Not cheating.
Strategic advantage.
Learn the distinction, Captain.
Silas and Bear follow my lead—both mounting with varying degrees of grace, Bear requiring a larger horse and a reinforced saddle to accommodate his size. Their laughter carries across the distance, clearly amused by my competitive start and Aidric's resulting frustration.
Calder joins the pursuit, his chestnut mare transitioning smoothly into canter that demonstrates their practiced coordination.
Leaving Aidric behind.
All of us leaving Aidric behind.
Poetic justice.
Aidric gawks at the desertion—expression broadcasting absolute betrayal that Calder specifically would abandon him in favor of chasing after me.
"HE of all people can't leave me behind!" The protest is almost plaintive, wounded pride mixing with genuine hurt. "That's a violation of—of something! Some rule about not abandoning your—your?—"
