Frederick’s horse began at a slow pace, but was steadily increasing as he became capable of handling himself despite the velocity. It seemed to know which direction he wanted to go and how fast he wanted it to move, and Frederick merely needed to hang on and stay mounted to achieve that. Horses in this world are quite useful, although it’s a bit sad that they don’t exert their own wills often. He thought about the horses in his own world. They were certainly more wild than these ones, less cooperative, and yet… there was somehow more joy in riding them.

Their farm only had one horse, and his father would likely be unhappy if this one died. Even so, I have little time. I must account for any errors in my planning by making it to the city earlier than planned. Within a few short hours, the village came into view on the horizon. He decided to avoid it, taking a wide circle around but increasing his pace doing so. The horse didn’t seem to be worn-out or anything yet, but he knew that even if it lacked its own will and used his, he didn’t have unlimited focus, either. In fact, my focus is likely below that of an average teenager’s in this world, so I should conserve my energy and focus on simple things.

It was a lonely ride, though. For all the time he spent with his family, in their warmth and care despite their individuality, the contrast of being alone riding a mount that had no personality of its own was stark. He wanted to reach the city in one day, and pushed his willpower and the horse’s body to do so as much as possible, but it seemed he was mentally exhausted before the horse ran out of stamina. The city was in view, but he knew from the hill he decided to camp on that it was still a morning’s ride out if he traveled at top speed.

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I failed to make it to the city before the end of the day… but I suppose I’ll arouse less suspicion if I arrive in the morning anyway. I should consider the bright side. Frederick tied his horse to a tree even though, logically, it couldn’t go anywhere on its own. Although that doesn’t stop thieves from riding off with it. It seemed that horses didn’t eat or drink unless he prompted them, either. Are these actually animals? Or are they more like golems, lacking intellect and only doing as commanded?

Before his father sent him off, Frederick had asked about the ceremony to become a full-fledged adult, but he could only speak vaguely it seemed. The information is minimal and not helpful. If he spoke in riddles, I could figure out something based on the words of the riddle. If he could explain anything, I would be able to draw more information than he gave me by reading between the lines a bit. But ‘don’t forget’ is far too short considering I asked for advice. Perhaps giving information or advice is restricted for these things.

They were in a small forest clearing not far from the road but still out of sight. Frederick decided not to start a fire to stay warm and instead directed the horse to lay down so he could lean up to it and share body heat. He wrapped himself in a thick knitted blanket made by his mother in order to fight the chill that slowly crept over the area in the late afternoon. The sun hadn’t set yet, but it would soon. His consciousness slowly drifted off after he’d closed his eyes for a bit. I should stay awake until dark at least… Finally, Frederick could stay alert and awake no longer.