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In the opposite stable Samson, the Captain’s horse, is happily watching all the commotion. The Captain and his horse only ever leave the Garrison in the case of the most intense conflicts. Commander Crush is leading the cavalry today, and Handsome is used to long, arduous excursions.
KristalClear and Handsome know each other well. There’s a certain telepathic chemistry between them. Handsome seems agitated. KristalClear can tell, and tunes in to the wavelength.
« What’s wrong? »
« Wild goose chase, » says Handsome, « the pigeon tells me that the raiding party is led by BlackDog. »
« So, what does that mean? »
« BlackDog is the second in command. BlackCloud isn’t there. The raiders will be long gone by the time we arrive! A long journey for nothing. An overnight rest, and then another long journey back here tomorrow. »
« That’s a good thing isn’t it? No fighting? »
« All that energy being expended for nothing. And it intrudes into my weekend! I’ll have only one day’s rest instead of two. Have you ever been to the outpost down south? Only one groom, and he can barely cope working his stable alone. I’ll be hot and smelly! The whole cavalry will be hot and smelly! Samson and the Clydesdales are going to get all the attention until we get back here tomorrow. Are you coming over tomorrow? And hose me down? Make me feel human again? »
« You’re not human! »
« You know what I mean! Can you be here? »
« I’m always here on Saturdays! Though I guess there won’t be much to do until you lot get back. Just equipment cleaning! Followed by tons more cleaning when the whole cavalry returns. Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning! It’ll be a long day for me too. »
As CandiCrush leads a party of 36 mounted marines out of the gates, KristalClear blows her a kiss. Or perhaps that was a kiss for Handsome?
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