© Becca, Dana Simmons and Starbright 2001 The Young Riders is an Ogiens/Kane Production, created by Ed Spielman.
We only borrow his characters for fun. No infringement of copyright intended. There is absolutely no financial gain for the authors. We survive on the feedback, and we need plenty of it.
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Chapter 4
Ike woke from the unmistakable sound of a transport-ASA humming as it gathered air for the landing. Flicking on the EA he realized the time was 5.36 and it was barely light outside. With a groan he eased himself up from the bed and dragged himself to the window. All he could see was thick trees. Shaking his head he chuckled, he had forgotten he chose a room that had no view to speak of, and now he really wanted to know what was going on. Getting his clothes on while walking out the door he knocked once on Buck's door. He'd follow if he wasn't already out. Surprised he noticed the door to Lou's room open up as he passed.
"Ike, what's goin' on outside. All this schwoozing?"
"Transport ASA," Ike said and shrugged his shoulders, that was his guess.
"Must be one of the largest," Lou nodded and started down the stairs. Glancing at him over her shoulder she continued, "damned early too. Or did we oversleep? I swear I was so tired last night I couldn't think straight, but I think Teaspoon said he'd set the alarm for us all."
"He did," Ike confirmed as the reached the landing. Looking out the panoramic window he turned to take his jacket and threw Lou hers. "Another thing we gotta learn," he smiled, "to dress according to the temperature outside."
"Thanks Ike," Lou smiled back, "I would'a rushed right out."
Tentatively she pushed ahead of Ike while he struggled to get his jacket on and the EA to stay in place at the same time. Lou realized her EA was still in her room. She was promptly picking up new habits in this place. Opening the front door a breeze of fresh damp air reached her. It wasn't unpleasant, it was just different from last night's air. It felt like totally new air had filled the world. Everything changed so fast out here. In the cupola it all stayed the same, the air greenish from the protective layers and the temperature stable. No scents or winds. She actually hesitated before stepping out. Then she looked at the sandy platform in the clearing up ahead. A beautiful horse was being led out from the vessel. The light eerie and fogged made it look like the animal was dancing as it walked down the walkway. "Ike," she exhaled and started running.
There were six horses in the corral already, beautiful majestic animals. She had never been near a horse before so she stayed away, instinctively sensing she ought to still her moves. She walked up to the horse standing closest to her, looking at the vessel and moving uneasily. It was a black horse with a white star in the front. "Hey boy," she hummed to the beautiful animal. The horse turned to look at her and she drew a deep breath at the sight of the bowed neck and the muscular legs trampling. The horse was tied to the railing and it seemed like it wanted to be free.
In the corner of her eyes she watched as Teaspoon walked up to Ike, handing him the rope of a halter. Telling him to hold the horse since they were having trouble with a mare. The big animal calmed down as Ike stroke the strong neck.
Walking closer to the black horse she talked softly to it and it seemed to react to her voice. Lou was baffled that it bowed its head and the soft muzzle caressed her hands. "Oh, you want some goodies? I'm sorry I don't have anything. Never told me you was comin'." The horse scraped the ground with its fronthoof. "I know, you show me what a bad bad human being I'm being. I'll ask if somebody got something. Seen the vet around? He might have somethin'." She stroke the neck and the horse stood perfectly still, neck bowed and the dark eyes glittering in the early morning light. Her hands feeling the soft skin of the beautiful animal and the warmth it emanated. Tentatively she touched the coarse black mane, tugging at it slightly. The horse rested his muzzle in her open hand, breathing deeply, taking in her scent. "Oh boy," Lou whispered, "I think I'm in love."
The horse rubbed its head against her shoulder, the eyes now calm and trusting.
She turned to look at Ike holding the brown horse. His eyes met hers over the distance and she saw in them how amazed he was at the large animal standing at his side. Obeying his voice even though it with one jerk of the head would be able to free itself and run away. Nothing would stop it. Instead it rested by his side, awaiting the tiny human beings' orders.
No words were needed, Ike and Lou knew it both. This was amazing.
Teaspoon arrived to stand at their side with two horses in his hold and Kid finally walked up holding a mare that was dancing around him, Lou could hear him softly scolding the lively horse.
"Hold them boys and girls, they're taking off. Might give 'em a bit of a fright. Just hold on to them and talk to them. Lou, you stay by Lightning and keep him calm. Seems to have taken to you." Teaspoon spoke to them in a low voice, calming both them and the horses.
Lou turned back to the horse behind the railing, climbing in though the fence she stood by its side and repeated the name 'Lightning' to him in a soft voice. The vessel hovered for a while before it rose straight up to find its destined course. The horse at her side trampled nervously. With a hand on the strong back Lou hummed soothingly to it and felt a shiver run through the animal. A wave of tenderness run through her at the thought that something this majestic and large was scared, but it still trusted her, enoguh to react to the touch of her hand. "Good boy" she whispered, tears of joy pricking behind her eyelids.
The horses in the corral stirred and ran as the vessel rose.
"Whoa girls, take it slow," Kid chuckled at the frightened mares. They didn't mind him much, they got hay in their sight and rushed to take a bite. Their rounded bellies telling its tale.
The vessel was gone from the sky and the horses calmed down.
Teaspoon walked up to Lou and loosened the rope that tied the horse to the railing. "You come with us Lou, Lightning and the rest will be in the second corral. Expecting mothers need be left alone."
Lou grinned at Teaspoon's second hand wisdom served as if it was personal knowledge. She gripped the rope without hesitation, somehow she trusted this horse. She wasn't afraid of him at all. Without thinking she took the lead and the horse followed. Teaspoon waiting at the open gate, a grin on his face.
"Taken a likin' to each other have we?" He snickered in Lou's direction.
"Ain't against some law, is it," Lou teased back. "I swear he's the handsomest male in the whole bunch."
"Women," Teaspoon sighed as he followed her, "only lookin' at the surface."
Lou smiled at his remark and her eyes fell on Kid holding the dancing mare. He was softly talking to her and the mare seemed to be enjoying playing with the Kid. Testing him.
"Okay girl, that's enough. You had your play." He stood right on front of the horse and stopped her playful rushing. For a moment Lou thought the mare would run right into him and trample all over him. But she didn't, instead she calmed down immediately and her head sank. Standing still she let the Kid move his hands over her ears and tag playfully at the mane. "That's my girl," Kid cooed. "Done makin' trouble now?"
The horse nibbled his coat and neighed softly.
Ike turned to Lou and smiled as the horse seemed to go from trouble into submission at the changed tone in Kid's voice. "Has a way with ladies don't he?"
Lou fumbled with the rope and wondered what Ike was on to.
Teaspoon snickered and walked past the rest of them into the corral. "Get over here and let them horses loose. I need breakfast!"
Kid let the lively mare loose first, then he remain watching as the rest of them let theirs loose. The calm morning suddenly filled with neighing and trampling of hooves. In a fit of energy the horses ran around the vast corral, bucking and rising to their hindlegs occasionally, to then take mighty leaps forward. As on a cue the mare in front turned and ran straight towards them, hooves smattering against the ground. It was like thunder coming at them. Lou moved out of the way as the horses ran straight at them. Kid whistled and raised his hands and the horses turned, showering them with sand as they galloped away from them.
Lou tensed at the sight of the horses running around, backhooves lifted and ears back. It looked dangerous. Kid caught her eyes and smiled. "They're just fighting for leadership, they won't hurt each other. Not too bad at least. They just need to figure out who is who."
"You got the monitor on?" Teaspoon asked.
Kid nodded but never took his eyes off the horses. "It's on, just feels better seeing for yourself."
"Well let's leave 'em alone and finally get some breakfast." Stepping out of the corral he beckoned the rest to follow. Lou had to grip Kid's sleeve to get him out of there.
But neither of them was ready to get inside yet, they lingered, looking at the horses in the corral. The occasional sudden movements filling the air with tension as they ranked their fellows into their place in the hierarchy. The occasional head to head and switching of tails. Then it seemed to resolve itself and the mare that Kid had held led the rest of them to the hay. The natural hay they had been provided by Team 2. One of the sections that had come that far as to grow their own feed. Lou couldn't wait until they got there themselves. In a couple of months this place would be filling with people colonizing this part of old Nebraska. Making it a living territory again. If they did their job. They would all be depending on each other and working for a life in the free. They just had to do it, she wanted to be able to walk out and watch the horses in the morning. They just had to do it. It was too beautiful to be lost again.
All of them remain standing besides the railing, looking at the horses, admiring their smooth moves and quick reactions. They were made to be out in the free. As were they, this must have been the meaning from the beginning. Until it got lost somewhere and the destruction of the wild started, the destruction of the foundation of life itself. She hoped they would not wander down that path again. Hopefully they had learned and grown.
While they stood there the morning fog vanished and the sun emerged fully through the morning veil. The warmth of the rays reaching them with full force and enfolding them. The air got clearer and higher, becoming intoxicating with its freshness.
Ike drew a depth breath and whistled appreciatively, making them all smile. Understanding him perfectly.
She glanced at the Kid watching the horses, he seemed confident. The sun bringing out tones of chestnut in his wavy hair, joy in his gentle eyes as he watched the emerging day. Lou found herself resting her eyes on him, the passion in him hidden behind the calm control. But it was there, she could sense it everytime she got close, or watch it when his eyes occasionally flashed the deep burning fire from within. What was he hiding, and why was he hiding it? He turned his head and caught her eyes. And without any words passing through them, or even their EA's on, she again felt his thoughts as if they were her own. There was that bond again, those invisible strings attached between them. Or maybe it was just her hoping? He extended a hand and stroke her cheek with his thumb, "You better put some sunscreen on Lou, your cheekbones are getting red. Better watch out."
She turned her face away and cursed herself inwardly. Knowing full well the sun had nothing to do with it she nodded. "I will," she replied and refused to look at him, afraid her acute case of sunburn would get worse if she did.
"Come on, let's get that breakfast," he said with his eyes on Lou.
They walked back to the house. Ike softly whistling Grieg's "Morning mood".
They met Jimmy at the door, his hair standing out straight he looked disapprovingly at them. "Having fun without us?" He asked with half-a-smile.
"Having breakfast without us?" Lou retorted and looked at the bread in his hand. "Could'a come out and gotten us you know."
"Na-ah, you seemed to have so much fun didn't like to disturb you," he said as he followed them into the kitchen.
"I think Jimmy's afraid of horses," Buck remarked while he poured cafs into their mugs.
"No way sir," Jimmy snorted, "just trying to get some breakfast while Cody's still asleep. Watched him eat last night and the sight was fearsome. When I came down and realized there were authentic eggs being served there was no way I was gettin' out before I got mine."
"Good," Kid stated and threw himself onto a chair, snatching himself some bread. "Since you're so attached to the produce you can be in charge of the poultry arriving in two hours."
"Huh?" Jimmy wrinkled his brow in Kid's direction.
"Twenty hen and one proud rooster comin' your way. Be sure to be nice to 'em Jimmy, so as you can have you eggs every morning."
"But..."
"If you don't prefer the goats or the cows that is? Take your pick."
"I thought the vet would handle all livestock, not me. No way I'm feedin' and milkin' no cows!"
"The vet is in charge of the livestock, Jimmy. Gets to choose the caretakers too."
"No way Kid, never...."
Teaspoon shook his head at Jimmy's hot temper. "Boys boys, Kid's teasing you Jimmy, don't go flying off the handle. We'll take turns taking care of the livestock. But first y'all gotta learn how to ride."
"Ride?" Buck asked, "it's true then, we'll do this from the horseback? I thought that was just for a trial period?"
"Horses are the gentlest to the nature Buck, we don't wanna go down the same road as our ancestors and start using up natures gifts in a mindless manner. Better get used to the idea. Rapid transportation will be handled by ASA's, you all got your license and the ASA's use around here will be monitored strictly. Personal trips and investigative ones with horses. If you won't rather walk that is."
"When do we start?" Lou asked, "right now?"
"Hold your horses Lou, Kid and me's gonna give you the basics first before you start storming the plains. We'll start this afternoon."
Ike peered at Jimmy and started whistling "Tipperary".
Cody rambled down the stairs rubbing his eyes. "Any food left?"
They were lined up, clad in riding clothes. Tightly sitting trousers with patches on the inside of the legs from the butt down to the ankles. Stiff riding boots that reached to their knees. A protective helmet was strapped onto their heads. Lou felt ridiculous. Kid at least had something he called chaps on. Looking damned good too. The loose leatherylike material worn and fitting him perfectly. Dusty boots with signs of long use. She found himself staring at him, not listening to a word he was saying as he showed Buck, Ike and herself how to hold the reins. He had worn jeans and those chaps on and Lou couldn't for her life concentrate on what he was saying. When he had ridden the mare before, telling them what he was doing as the mare danced under him, obeying unseen aids she held her breath as the sight. It seemed rider and horse was one, molded together into a perfect form.
"All right," Buck and Ike answered in chorus and Lou found herself nodding. What she was agreeing to she had no idea.
He came walking towards her and her knees almost bent under her. Suddenly Lightning seemed enormous.
"Already?"
"I'll hold him so you can get up."
Get up? He wants me to get up? I'm gonna fall flat on my face and make a complete fool of myself. Get up? Oh Mother what have I gotten myself into?
"Just turn the stirrup to yourself, it'll get easier once you've done it a couple of times. It looks harder than it is."
Looks downright impossible to me. That stirrup thing is at level with my nose. Am I supposed to get my foot into that?
Kid stood patiently holding the horse and Lou had no other alternative than trying. Getting the foot into the stirrup was really easier than it looked, she must be more bendable than she thought. Now it was just a question of finding the strength to get the rest of herself up too. She jumped on one leg once and then tried again and cursed as she didn't get even halfway up. The third time she gathered all her strength and suddenly found herself standing in the stirrup.
"Just throw your leg over gently and sit down. Nice and easy. I'll help you get the gear adjusted. You're a natural Lou, one can tell you're fit." He smiled at her while he was doing something to the leather straps by her legs. Lou felt herself blush. She was a disaster but Kid did his best to install some faith into her. Sitting there it seemed so high, she was high above the ground, a living creature under her. She stroke the strong neck. It felt wonderful. She took the reins into her hands and felt assured at Kid's encouraging smile at her.
"Be a good boy," he patted Lightning and walked over to help Buck.
Lightning would be a good boy, Lou decided. They'd both be good. She finally gave herself time to take in the new sensation of the horse under her as it stood perfectly still. She relaxed and let her hands sink lower, the horse answered by relaxing too. Lou was astonished to find that her own mood was transmitted to the horse so easily. Kid jumped onto his horse and beckoned for them to follow as he started walking the mare in a wide circle. Lou held her breath as Lightning started moving. With long steps he carried her forward and suddenly the stable feeling was lost. But it still felt safe and she relaxed slowly as they continued walking the same route. She listened to Kid's instructions and imprinted them into her mind. Learning how to stop and turn the horse under her, learning to read the horse herself. It was fairly easy, she felt connected to the horse. Picking up a trot it became bumpier and she listened carefully to Kid telling them to squeeze their lower legs around the horse for balance. It actually worked and Lou cracked a smile. She only had to squeeze her legs the slightest and Lightning picked up speed, making his steps longer. When she gently pulled the reins he answered by slowing down. Time fled as they followed Kid in different gaits and different directions. Lou loved every minute of it. She was disappointed when Kid announced that the hour was up.
"Already?" she asked, halting Lightning at his side. "Can't we go on for a little longer, I'm loving this."
"Tell me Lou, how does your legs feel?"
"Well," she grinned, "I'm not actually sure I have any legs left from the hip down but who cares?"
Ike slid down from his horse and found himself sitting on the ground. "Ouch," he said, looking surprised. Buck chuckled while he climbed down and staggered when his feet touched the ground. Kid jumped down from his horse and seemed unaffected.
"Weaklings," Lou giggled at the sight of her fellow team-members moaning as they walked. Kid smiled teasingly and walked up to stand by Lightning's side. The mare tagging behind him.
Oh I'll show you, nothing to it. The moment her feet touched the ground a thousand muscles screamed out in protest and she had to grip the saddle for support. Kid's arm nestled itself around her waist, holding her up. For a fraction of a second Lou contemplated giving in and leaning onto him, just to feel him. But then her pride took over.
"I'm fine, nothing to it!"
"You sure Lou? I gave you a real hard time. Wasn't my intention bein' hard on you it's just that we have so little time."
"We're fine," Buck groaned, "just point me to the closest cushioned chair. I don't know which suffers more, my butt or my legs."
Lou laughed holding onto the saddle. Buck was so right. It hadn't felt half as painful on the horse as off the horse. She was actually numb from her hips down.
"You still have legs?" Ike wondered. "must'a left mine somewhere, coz the ones I'm walkin' on definitely belong to someone else. Hurt too much."
"Hate to brake this to you but you ain't done yet. It's time to take care of the horses." As Kid spoke with his arm still around her waist Lou felt his voice vibrate through her body. Oh please take care of me instead Kid, she begged in her mind, not quite seeing how she was going to be able to let go of the saddle and try standing on her own.
With loud moans the boys started for the barn and Lou shifted more of her weight onto her feet. Kid waited for her as she turned and drew the reins over Lightning's head. With his arm still around her waist they started walking. Lou suspected it wasn't just the ride making her knees wobble.
Noah staggered inside and found Rachel sitting at the table, liniment ready. He was sick everywhere and strongly contemplated returning to the cupola where horses where seen only at the zoo. Teaspoon was a hard teacher, he surely didn't half carry anybody inside as Kid had done with Lou.
"Why ain't you out riding Rach? Why are you being spared?"
"Because I know how to ride Noah. Don't you worry, in a week or so it'll get better."
"You mean you did this willingly? Sat on a horse and were pounded to raw meat?"
"Loved it too," Rachel smiled and took his coat. "It's been a while but I'm sure it'll come back to me. Why don't you take a load off and wait for dinner, it'll be ready soon. I'm just waiting for Sam and Emma to come back from the drive and we'll eat."
"You say sit down? Sit? Are you pulling my damned leg woman? I'm not sitting ever again!"
"Yeah you are," Rachel said and pushed him backwards to the chair in the corner. Noah found the edge of the chair stopping him and his knees bent by themselves and he more fell than sat down in the chair.
"See, you're sitting." Rachel grinned with her face only an inch from his. "Told you so!"
Noah peered at her. "Woman - now that you've gotten me to sit I won't ever get up again, I swear."
"Yeah, you will. When I open that oven and you feel what I've cooked up you'll be up so fast from that chair you'll surprise yourself." Rachel turned to the next man staggering in to the kitchen. "Hey Jimmy, you look beat."
"Women," Noah smiled at her, knowing she was right. He had seldom been as hungry as he felt right now.
"Torture," Jimmy groaned, dragging himself towards an empty chair, "pure senseless torture."
Kid walked in looking like he had been out on a leisurely walk and Jimmy moaned at the sight of him. "Stop looking that damned happy," he growled in Kid's direction.
Cody and Ike walked in, making wry faces at every step. Ike stopped his painful strides at Jimmy's words. With a smile he started whistling "When a man loves a woman." Cody grinned in the Kid's direction, blinking his eyes as if he was flirting - exaggeratedly.
Buck had to laugh in midst of the pain he was in.
Lou walked in on a bunch of hysterically laughing men and a blushing Kid. Rachel and Noah peered at her and she understood absolutely nothing. Looking at Kid she tried to figure out what was going on. Kid turned on his heels and walked out again, muttering something about forgetting to feed the chickens.
Ike struck up "Love hurts" between fits of laughter.
TBC
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