Page 105 of The Other Side

“Well done, Rogue.” Will reached down to gently stroke the horse’s neck. “Good boy.”

Rogue flicked an ear back at the praise, his stride as relaxed as ever when Will asked him to move off again.

Osian nodded approvingly. “You’re getting the feel of it.”

Will’s smile was impossible to hide.

“Feel comfortable going a little faster?” Osian asked. “But obey Fi. No trotting.”

Will nodded eagerly.

Without another word, Drum pressed in gently with his legs and Dream sprang forward into a smooth canter, her mane lifting in the breeze.

Will gave an excited whoop and Rogue surged after her. Osian followed on Ginger. The ground began to blur beneath him and laughter burst out of him. The three horses thundered along the edge of the field, the rhythm of their hooves drumming through the earth, the wind tugging at their clothes.

When Drum gradually brought Dream back to a walk, Rogue eased down almost instantly, matching her pace without needing another instruction. Ginger settled beside them a moment later.

“I can’t believe I did that,” Will whispered, his cheeks flushed and his eyes shining.

“You did,” Osian said. “And you stayed balanced the whole time.”

Rogue gave a soft whinny.

Drum laughed. “I think that was him reminding us he deserves most of the credit.”

Will chuckled and rubbed Rogue’s neck. “Fair enough. You’re definitely the clever one.”

Rogue lowered his head as if accepting the compliment.

They reached the shade of an old oak, where Osian swung lightly out of the saddle. He looped Ginger’s reins around a sturdy branch before stepping over to Rogue.

“Ready?” he asked.

Will nodded.

Osian steadied Rogue while Will carefully swung one leg over and slid to the ground. His knees wobbled slightly as his boots touched the grass, and he laughed at himself.

“You okay without help?” Osian asked.

“Yes.” Will carefully limped over to a patch of grass and awkwardly dropped down.

Once Osian knew Will was all right, he turned to the horses. He and Drum slipped off the bridles, freeing the horses from their bits before fastening lead ropes to their halters. They tied each horse beneath the tree, loosened the girths so the saddles sat comfortably, and all three immediately stretched their necks down into the long, sweet grass, tearing off mouthfuls with contented sighs.

Osian sat next to Will, put the backpack between them and unzipped it. “Sandwiches, apples, crisps, shortbread, and water.”

“Give Rogue some apple. Tell him it’s from me,” Will said.

Drum got to his feet and fed each horse a piece. “From Will, from me, from Osian.”

“Fi does make lovely sandwiches,” Will said. “She made the shortbread too.”

As the three of them sat eating, Rogue suddenly appeared at Will’s back.

“How did you get free?” Osian sighed.

“More apple?” Will offered him a piece and Rogue picked it delicately off his hand, then sighed so deeply it sounded almost human. He lowered his head until his muzzle rested lightly against Will’s shoulder.

Osian smiled. “He trusts you.”