MIDSUMMER’S COURT (part 4 of 14)

[sidhe_faerie]

 ~~~~<O 4 O>~~~~        

In the Tuathan Realm there are few true horses. The faeries in the outlaying villages ride the shaggy ponies they have traded goods for with the farmers in the human world. That’s why Endora was so surprised to see a real horse standing in the courtyard of the Palace. She was a white mare with a golden mane and tail. The mare was wearing a golden leather saddle.

“Where did that come from?” Endora asked the groom holding the reins.

The groom smiled and bowed. “The High Priestess sent her, My Lady.” He said as he bowed to me.

“Why would Aura send her here?” Endora rubbed the mare’s soft muzzle and wondered who the beautiful animal was for. It was a strange thing for Aura to send. Aura usually sent healing potions and salves.

“Because I asked her.” Princess Cara walked down the steps and into the courtyard. “I thought you should learn to ride a horse.”

“Mother, it’s the same as riding a unicorn and I do that all the time. I was just on Astra training with lances.” Endora looked confused at her mother. A new tunic and now a horse? There was something going on. Endora was sure of it now.

“Unicorns are smaller and easier to handle than a full size horse, Endora. Astra is well trained but so is this animal. Take her out and you will see what I mean.”

“Why did you ask Aura to send her?” Endora was sure there was something she wasn’t being told. She could feel it.

“I trust your sister to send only the best. The mare is from the stables of the Crystal Castle in the Kingdom of Zestra.”

“Oh, Aura must have asked Dragas for her.” Endora was beginning to see what the plan was. She would have to send a thank you letter to her future brother in law. Endora wasn’t even crown princess yet and the diplomatic duties were already starting.

“Prince Dragas will make her a fine match and I want you to …”

“Send a letter of thanks. I know.” Endora stepped up on the mounting steps and got into the rich golden leather saddle. The groom handed her the reins. “It also doesn’t hurt that the marriage will unite the remaining magickal families: Draconis, De Danaan and Zestrain.”

“True there are advantages to the union but it is a love match. They met as children.” Cara thought of her eldest daughter and sighed. “Aura marries in the spring and you will go to her for a visit.”

“If I’m not on a quest, I’d love to spend time with her and Dragas.” Endora patted the horse’s neck and turned her towards the drawbridge. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Make sure you are not late for supper. We are dining with your grandmother.” Princess Cara already knew Endora would be late.  She would have to explain it to the Queen and take the blame.

Endora waved as she left the courtyard. There is a plan being hatched and Endora was sure she was somehow a part of it. She was sure the horse was a bribe for something she was not going to want to do. She patted the horse’s soft neck and lean forward. “I think I’ll call you, Sugar Plum.”

The mare snorted with amusement. The pretty white mare seemed to already know her purpose.

Endora took her down the road towards the old carpenter’s hut then past into the farm lands. It was true the horse was larger but she was just as well trained as Astra. She took commands easily and quickly.

After a bit Endora turned Sugar Plum back to the palace. They arrived as the sun was going down. It was well past the time she should have been back. 

PART 5