Page 154 of Wind Rider

“We had a perfect role model,” said River.

“Tell that to your younger sisters. Violet wants to cut off her hair. All of it. And Amber will be petitioning you soon to change the Candidate age from sixteen to fourteen.”

River snorted. “I wouldn’t do that if I could—and I can’t. That’s a Mare Council decision.”

“Exactly what I told her, but I’m just theoldLead Mare Rider. What do I know?”

“Mostly everything,” muttered April.

“And I don’t care whether Violet cuts her hair.” River gave her mother a perplexed look. “That’s something she goes to you about.”

“Yes, and she already has. I told her no. She announced that she was taking the question to you.”

“Great. Well, I have that to look forward toafterI make some of the stallion Riders mad.”

“You don’t think they’ll agree with your decision?” Dawn asked.

“Oh, I’m sure many of them will, but as you know it’s impossible to please everyone, and with something this important emotions are running high.”

“You’ll do the right thing—and I will support you,” Dawn said. “So will Jasper. He’s already told me that as the outgoing Herd Stallion Rider he believes it is his responsibility to transfer his loyalty from me to you.”

“I appreciate that. He and Blaze have been a great team these past eight years,” River said.

“They have, but like me they are ready to enjoy the retirement they’ve earned.” Echo trotted up, nickering a greeting, Anjo and April’s Deinos following close behind. Dawn greeted her mare by rubbing her wide forehead affectionately. “And now Echo and I will leave you to address the stallion Riders. Keep an eye on Clayton. He’s definitely leader of a group of young Riders. They follow him around like foals.”

River sighed. “Yeah, I’ve noticed. I don’t think they have any idea how brainless they look.”

“I don’t mind them as much as I do Skye and her clique,” April said.

Dawn shook her head and grimaced. “I will never understand why some young women lose themselves in men. It’s as if they would rather forfeit their wills than spend one night alone in their tents.”

“And River saved Skye’s life during the Mare Test!” April exclaimed. “The way she’s acted since makes me think she’s foolish or stupid.”

“Skye isn’t foolish or stupid. She’s weak,” River said. “That’s why she’swith Clayton. Clayton needs a woman who is too weak to think for herself. That’s also why she’s not Lead Mare Rider.”

“Exactly!” said April.

“Each Lead Mare Rider has to face disagreeing factions within her Herd. My biggest test was right after I took over leadership. The outgoing Mare Rider was ill and unable to give me much guidance, and the Herd Stallion Rider disagreed witheverybreeding decision I made. Every single one. It was tiresome, and it did test my leadership skills, but Echo and I prevailed—and so will you, River. I believe in you.”

“I believe in you, too. And so does the majority of our Herd,” said April.

“Go give the Riders your decision. Stay strong. Stand proud. Do not waver. They’re like yoties—they can smell fear.” Dawn kissed each of her daughters. Just before she mounted Echo and trotted away she said, “Don’t ever forget. A Lead Mare and Rider must always…” And then she mounted Echo and trotted away.

“Be one step ahead of the herd!” River and April recited together.

“You will do well…” Dawn’s parting words drifted back to her daughters.

Anjo butted her gently with her head.I am ready to face the stallions. And I believe in you, too.Her sweet voice filled River with confidence.

“Let’s mount and give the stallions a little show,” said River mischievously.

“Oooh! Good idea. I’ll join you on the field,” said April.

Anjo knelt and River mounted her. She took a moment to neaten the purple ribbons that dressed her mare’s mane, and then she smoothed her own wild curls, which were similarly decorated in purple.

“Take me to the Choosing Theater! Fast! Let’s remind them that if I hadn’t broken my ankle Alani and Doe would’ve never beaten us in any race.”

Hold on!