Page 125 of Wind Rider

“Your first Test is a race. Bitter Creek is five miles from this spot. Unlike the rest of the course, here each team is free to find their own way to the creek.”

River felt the jolt of surprise that went through Anjo. None of the Riders had known where the Test would begin until then, and relief flooded River.

We know the best way to get to Bitter Creek!Anjo communicated silently to her Rider, tossing her head with pleasure.

Good thing you like swimming!River had to work at not cheering andreminded herself to focus through her excitement on her mother’s instructions.

“At Bitter Creek you will face your second Test, and from there you must follow the marked course. There will be decisions you must make today—as a team. My advice is to choose with wisdom and compassion—and to choose quickly. Finishing first will not assure your place as Lead Mare and Rider, but the Mare Council will seriously consider it as they tally the points you earn today during this amazing event we call our Mare Test.

“Stationed throughout the course will be members of the Mare Council. Some of them you will see, but many of them you will not. Just know that the Councilmembers will be judging each team.

“Do not forget that it is tradition that there is a two-mile sprint at the end of the course. There will be a black flag marking the beginning of the sprint, and another marking off the first mile. For that first mile it is expected that all Riders dismount and racebesidetheir mares. The second black flag you see will mark the beginning of the second mile. You may remount then and race for the finish line, where I will be waiting to greet you.

“Riders, the year I won the Mare Test there was one fatality during the competition, and another mare was permanently lamed. The course is dangerous. Never forget that. Remember, you cannot be Lead Mare and Rider if you do not survive today.

“If you have not crossed the finish line before the sun sinks below the horizon, you will be disqualified from the Test. Are there any questions?”

River wanted to shout,Yes! What can we expect? Should Anjo and I be conservative in our choices today? Should we be reckless and just get across the finish line first? Help! What should we do?

We should be ourselves—wise, strong, and bold,came her mare’s serene reply.We are the best team for Herd Magenti. We will win.

River stroked Anjo’s neck.You’re right. We can do this—together.

“When I drop this flag your Test begins. I wish blessings on each of you from the Great Mother Mare.” Dawn’s gaze found River again. “And may a mare’s luck be with she who is to be our new leader.”

Echo spun around so that her back was to the line of contestants. The beautiful mare had known almost twenty winters, but she moved like a filly. Her muscles rippled under her shining coat as she sprinted forward. Her white mane was dressed in purple ribbons that perfectly matched her Rider’s—and that also was the same color as the huge amethyst crystal that hung from around Dawn’s neck, silently showing support for her beloved daughter. Echo slid to a stop. Dawn raised her hand overhead and the purple flag whipped in the wind. Then, just as the sun broke above the horizon, the Lead Mare Rider dropped the flag—signaling the beginning of the Mare Test.

Anjo surged forward with the other eleven pairs. She and River had already decided how they were going to begin the race—not in the lead, but also not trotting away last. As expected, Alani and her buckskin mare raced to the lead, setting a pace that would be impossible to keep up for more than a quarter of a mile or so, but they had the crowd cheering in appreciation of the mare’s speed.

River was surprised to see Luce and Blue keep pace with Alani and Doe, and behind them less than a mare’s body length were Skye and Scout.

They waste energy to show off. None of them would be adequate Lead Mares or Riders,Anjo said smugly as she galloped in the middle of the rest of the contestants, lengthening her stride and breathing easily.

After about one mile the teams started to spread out. No matter how well conditioned, some mares would always be faster than others—and it only took the opening sprint to begin to weed out those who did not have speed from those who did.

Alani and Doe were still in the lead, though River had lost sight of them. She also didn’t see Luce and Blue, but Skye and Scout had dropped back far enough that they were visible. There was one pair between them and Skye, a strong team from Herd Magenti West, Daisy and her eight-year-old mare, Strawberry, whose red roan coat was unmistakable.

Behind them the rest of the contestants spread out in a loose line. The closest were galloping easily like Anjo, but several of the other teams haddropped down to a canter, and when River glanced behind her she could just see that there were a few teams trotting in the rear.

“I don’t blame them for saving their energy,” River told Anjo.

They are not as well conditioned as I am, nor as fast,came her mare’s arrogant, but true response.

Ahead of them River watched Skye and Scout veer sharply to the left, and then Daisy and Strawberry followed them.

“Straight on,” River said.

I know. I like where we are going.

“Sometimes I think you’re more fish than horse,” River teased.

Anjo snorted.Do those behind us follow or veer?

River watched over her shoulder as Anjo continued her ground-eating gallop. “More than half of them veered. Most left, but some right.”

Good.

“Left or right, they’re going around the lake. That’s going to put them behind us. Let’s slow to a canter. Save your strength for the swim.”