The Wrong Side of the Coin Chapter 2

The Ride of Fate

"How am I to ride horses when I am this fatigued" Liam complained

" You should have thought about that before swinging that sword at the post until you could not hold it anymore" His mother called over her shoulder as she went back inside.

Liam grumbled the entire time he was preparing the horses. When he completed saddling his fathers horse he heard the door close to the house. When he looked up he saw his father approaching.

"I heard you liked our gift." His father commented as he approached.

"Of course!" Liam stated enthusiastically. "It's the greatest gift I have ever received!"

"Your mother told me of your excitement. She also told me that you were quite worn out once you were through."

"Yes I was. I still am as well, but I am ready for my lessons."

" Good, mount up we have quite the ride ahead of us!" Commanded his father

They both mounted up, Liam on his black stallion and his father on his white mare.

"Hya!" Yelled his father as his horse strode forth from the stables with Liams' following close behind.

"Where are we heading today?" Liam called out to his father.

"Further then we have gone before." His father answered with a smirk. They rode for what seemed like forever when his father turned to him.

"This is where things get interesting." He stated. Then his horse took off down the path littered with fallen trees and shrubbery. Liams' father had no trouble maneuvering through the terrain and keeping his saddle. " Your turn!" He heard his fathers voice shout from the path.

"Coming!" Called Liam as he spurred his horse forward. As he approached the first fallen tree he readied himself and stood in the stirrups as his horse leapt over the obstacle. When the horse landed he nearly somersaulted over its head but barely managed to retain his balance. For the next obstacle he slowed his horse down before the shrub and then it took a much slower leap to clear it. This time Liam retained the saddle without an issue. He repeated it several more times until he finally reached where his father was waiting.

"Took you long enough." His father stated with a grin.

"Hey, at least i did not fall along the way." Liam stated defensively. "It was much better than last week in the clearing by the house."

"Yes, but i also noticed that after that first jump you slowed down. How will you ever improve if you do not challenge your abilities?" His father asked suddenly serious.

"You are correct father. I simply wished to perform the jumps while retaining my saddle before i attempted to do it with speed." Liam replied instantly.

"Smart answer." His father said with a raised eyebrow. "I see you have your mothers wit. Let us head back before the sun drops below the horizon." He added as he mounted up.

Then they pointed their heads towards home and spurred their horses forward. On their return journey Liam spotted something amiss.

"Was there a downed tree here before father?" He questioned.

"I do not believe there was." His father said after some thought. "No matter though, there is no problem with some extra practice!" He shouted as he spurred his horse to full gallop. Liam immediately followed suit.

'I can do this.' Liam thought to himself. 'Keep my knees bent and stand and feel the horse leap underneath me.' As the horse leapt through the air Liam looked forward to where his father was in front of him. Saw the grin on his face as he reveled in the ride. Then saw the fountain of blood spew forth from his neck as a bolt pierced completely through. Liam screamed and lost his balance as his own mount hit the ground at full gallop. The last thing he remembered was the sensation of falling, and seeing his father fall from his horse for the first... and last time.