Page 153 of Wind Rider

“Antreas, we’re ready!” Mari called.

“More than ready,” Sora agreed. “Let’s go to our new home!”

With a cheer, the Pack entered the Rock Mountains as the sun began to climb their eastern edge.

Mari glanced over her shoulder one time at the neat grouping of abandoned, stripped boats that had carried them so faithfully.

“I hope someone who can make use of them finds the boats,” said Nik, following her gaze as he walked beside her.

“Me, too,” Mari said, silently adding,I hope whoever finds them isn’t looking for us.

CHAPTER 22

PLAINS OF THE WIND RIDERS—RENDEZVOUS SITE

“The Mare Council has come to a unanimous vote,” said Morgana, the ancient leader of the Council, motioning for Dawn to approach her.

River’s mother sent her daughter a quick, reassuring smile before hurrying from her side to face the Mare Council. Her boots clicked against the rock floor of the cave, which had been smoothed by generations of horses and their Riders. Dawn bowed low to Morgana, her wrists crossed over her heart. Then the old woman handed her a slim sheet of paper. Dawn read it, nodded, and then turned to face her daughter.

“River, Lead Mare Rider of Herd Magenti Central, the Mare Council has unanimously voted that the decision about whether Ghost be allowed to join the Stallion Run with you as his Rider is best left up to you.”

River felt a jolt of shock. April, who was standing beside her, as River had formally named her sister as her Second just that day, grabbed her hand and squeezed it quickly before releasing it.

Dawn smiled. “I agree with the Council’s ruling. I have spent these past months transitioning my leadership of our Herd to you, and though I was confident in your ability to Lead before you won the Mare Test, I am pleased to announce to the Council and to our Herd that you have exceeded even my expectations. River, I have no doubt that you willmake a wise, considered choice—and beyond all, I know that the choice you make will be what you believe is best for Herd Magenti.”

River crossed her wrists over her heart and bowed to her mother respectfully. “Thank you, Mother.”

“Young River, have you decided where your Herd will spend the rest of the summer?” Morgana’s strong voice carried across the cavernous room, which had been fitted with comfortable pelt chairs and padded with straw for the ancient mares resting beside their Riders.

“I have,” River said. Though she had been Lead Mare Rider of her Herd for the past months, it was Herd tradition for the outgoing Lead Mare Rider to help in the transition of leadership, most especially in deciding which mares were bred to which stallions—and River had been grateful for her mother’s experience and wisdom that summer. But when it came to decisions like when the Herd was to move and to which camp, the new Lead Mare Rider had the final word—no matter how inexperienced she was. River cleared her throat and continued confidently. She’d made a wise choice—April had agreed, and so had her mother. “Herd Magenti is going to remain here, at the Rendezvous Site for the remainder of the summer and into fall.”

Morgana nodded, but asked, “And what is your rationale for remaining here and not heading to one of Herd Magenti’s usual summer campsites?”

“I decided we should remain here because of the Stallion Run. This is a traditional site for it, and so I thought it best if my Herd rest here while the stallions prepare for their Run. It’s a comfortable site, and close enough to the Rock Mountains that it doesn’t get too hot during the height of the summer. I’ll watch the leaves on the mountains, and when enough of them have turned we’ll move to our winter campsite in the Valley of Vapors.”

“That is a sound decision,” said Morgana. “And now you have stallion Riders to speak with. I know they are anxious to hear the decisions made today.” The old woman paused and added, “I am not anxious to hear your decision on the Stallion Run. Like your mother, I have beenimpressed by you and your ability to put the needs of your Herd first—as you did so beautifully during the Mare Test.”

“Thank you, Morgana,” said River.

“So, I amnotanxious about your decision—but I am curious. I look forward to hearing what you decide.” The old woman stood and pronounced, “I call this meeting of the Mare Council closed!”

“It has been said!” echoed the other eleven members of the Council.

Bowing respectfully, River, April, and their mother left the side room of the cave and made their way through the huge entryway, waving as Herdmembers called their greetings.

“Where are the stallion Riders gathered?” April asked.

“I told them to wait at the Choosing Theater,” River said.

“Good idea,” said her mother. “They’ll be holding mock races and running the flags. It gives them something constructive to do while they wait for word about Ghost.” Dawn gave her a sideways glance. “You have made your decision, haven’t you?”

“I have, but I’m going to use this as I announce the decision to the stallion Riders.” River reached into the pocket of her tunic and brought out a brilliant blue stone that nestled in her palm, catching the light of the midday sun and shining with all the colors of the clear summer sky above them.

Dawn smiled. “Blue tourmaline! That is an excellent choice. It provides insight during difficult times and helps with clarity and focus.”

“Andit’s a masculine stone,” added April. “So it’ll resonate with the energy of the stallions and their Riders, automatically calming them.”

“My girls have become such wise women,” said Dawn, putting an arm around each of them and holding them close.