Page 135 of Wind Rider

River bit her lip and nodded as her mother hurried back to the finish line, flagging in three more teams before the ancient Rider who was leader of the Mare Council made the announcement.

“The final team has crossed the finish line. All others have raised their white flags. The order of finish is thus: Alani and Doe in first. River and Anjo—second. Cybill and Xanthos—third. Lynette and Morgan—fourth. Willow and Gontia—fifth. Gillian and Gem—sixth.”

The crowd spoke in hushed voices, wondering if any of the six missing teams had had fatal accidents, but they silenced the moment Dawn raised her hand.

“Now, following Herd tradition and law, the Mare Council will retreat to the tallying tent to confer,” Dawn said. “And when they emerge it will be with the name of the victor of our Mare Test.”

The Council disappeared into their tent and the Herd settled in to wait.

“Okay, I’ve splinted your ankle and cleaned your foot, but you’re going to have to stay off of it for at least six weeks. And drink this. It’ll help with the pain.”

River brushed away the mug of tea that was heavily laced with something pungent that would definitely put her to sleep.

“Thanks. I’ll be careful with my foot, but I can’t drink the tea. Not yet.” She didn’t add,because there is still a small chance I might be named the winner and then I’ll have to awaken a crystal—which I can’t do if I’m asleep,but the Healer understood. She patted River’s knee.

“I’ll have the tea sent to your tent. Drink it tonight. The pain in your ankle must be terrible.” She paused and then asked, “Did you really run a mile on it?”

“Yeah, but Anjo helped me.” It was then that Anjo reappeared, snorting at the Healer and then nickering softly and nuzzling River.

“See, I told you I’d be fine. But you’re going to have to carry me around for the next six weeks.”

Always. I will always carry you.

“I know, my sweet, strong, wise girl. I know.” River kissed her mare’s nose.

“Well, she can start carrying you now. I have a place all ready for you,” April said.

River smiled at her sister. “Thank you for cooling off Anjo. She looks great.”

“A lot better than you. Hang on a second. Let me try to fix you.” April dunked a clean bandage in a tub of fresh water and set about cleaning her sister’s face. “How did you get all bruised? And what did you do to your hands?”

“It’s a long story. And quit fussing. All the teams are going to look rough.”

“Uh, yes. But not half dead. Hold still. I’m going to rebraid your hair. When they call your name you can’t look so crazy that you frighten the Herd.”

River snorted. “They already called my name. Anjo and I finished second.”

“You know that means nothing until the Council stitches a name on a ribbon and hands it to Mother—and even then that Rider has to awaken a crystal,” April said as she quickly braided River’s long, dark hair.

“Alani’s ten years older than me. I’m positive she can awaken a crystal,” River said softly, staring down at her lap.

April tugged on her sister’s newly plaited braid. “Hey, that won’t matter if they call your name instead—and Alani istwelveyears older than you. It took two Rendezvous until Doe came along and Chose her.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“Well, let’s go out and wait for the Council. I’ll bet your Herd will make you feel better.”

Anjo knelt for River and April gently helped her sister mount. Then they made their way to a bench and table that April’s filly and Ghost were standing beside.

“Thank you, clever girl. Good job keeping the table for us.” April rubbed her filly’s broad forehead.

Ghost says he is the reason no one took the table.

“Well, don’t tell Deinos that,” River whispered to her mare as she gingerly slid from her back. Then April supported her while she hobbled painfully to take a seat at the bench.

“What can I get you? I’ll bet you’re really thirsty,” April said.

River had opened her mouth to say yes—and hungry, too—when the people started coming.