-Break-

Walking with my compatriots, I say, “Where are we going.”

Setanta says, “Home.”

“But this is the capital, shouldn’t we be heading towards the outer regions since you’re a noble.”

Smiling, he says, “You will see.”

I look at Ibar, who with a tired look says, “Get ready sister.”

“I know.”

So we all continue on with our horses in tow through the city. Against my idea, we head deeper inside instead of outside, and eventually, we reach the giant castle at the centre of the city.

Standing in front of the towering gate, Setanta says, “We are here.” Then like an idiot he walks directly toward the tower gates.

Grabbing him, I say, “You’re not funny.”

Ibar says, “You can’t just walk into the castle of one of the four kings.”

“I know you like to constantly disrespect people, but if you disrespect one of the four kings that means utter annihilation.”

“The only way you could actually do worst is if you spit on the high king himself.”

Setanta says, “I have already spit on the high king himself.”

Me and Ibar look at each other, and then shout, “WHAT!!!!!!!”

Ibar says, “Wait sister this must just be some kind of idiotic prank.”

“You’re right, Setanta enjoys his daydreams.”

“What do you mean I am not lying.”

“Hahahaha, a comical joke indeed, but now let us go before you get us executed.”

Suddenly a trumpet sounds, and someone shouts, “LORD SETANTA HAS RETURNED!”

Then the giant gates that guard the castle open us, and then Setanta says, “About time.”

In utter shock at what is going down, we look and ask, “What is going on?”

Sighing, he says, “This man here is Setanta Ó Faoláin, son of Lugh Ó Faoláin, next in line of one of the Ó Faoláin; a red branch family, and also the current family that controls the eastern province of Gorias.”

“Does that mean?”

“Setanta family is one of the four powers that our only eclipsed by the king himself.”

Both me and my brother shout hysterically at this revelation.

Then suddenly we look at Setanta and say, “Maybe the red branch families aren’t really that special.”

“In all honesty, all the excitement and respect I have has dropped.”

Ferdiad laughs, and Setanta says, “What treasonous things to say.”

But before he can do anything, a man runs out and screams, “SETANTA!”

“Oh it’s Darragh, how are you doing!”

Before Setanta can finish the man puts his palm over Setanta’s face and starts to squeeze, then Ferdiad says, “This is a member of his father's coill, a council of sorts that helps run Gorias. He is in charge of diplomatic relations.”

He stares at us and then we stare back at him, and then he says, “It must have been hard for you both.”

Then with an understanding look, we say, “Thank you for your understanding.”

“Now Setanta we have business to attend to immediately.”

Darragh walks back into the castle with Setanta in his grip and the Ferdiad says, “Come on, let’s look at your new home.”

As we walk inside we see an incredibly beautiful area, it is eye-catching all around. But more than that, it is an incredibly packed area with many different people constantly moving around, yet not a single one of them is bumping into one another, they all work in harmony.

Looking throughout the area I cannot see even a speck of dust, as this castle is just as clean as the purest of rivers. But the most important thing would be, the endless string that wraps all around the castle.

I didn’t notice them at first, but then as the wind started to blow, it made the string produce sounds that filled with area with a delightful aura. Almost as if all the tension in my body vanishes by just being here.

This place feels much greater than I, but as our group moves through it people bow at us and say, “Good day.”

These people's clothes despite being merely help, are much more well-made than mine, yet they bow to a child like me. This constantly happening makes me feel amazing.

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Looking at Ibar, I say, “Look how important we are!”

Ibar says, “Don’t let it get to your head.” Then he starts to blow kisses at the woman who are bowing their heads to him.

Walking inside we are greeted, by a group of men. They are the best-dressed people we have seen this entire time, and all of them are standing in groups with flags over their heads.

As we walked inside each of them had looks of annoyance to pure anger on their faces, but as they saw Setanta many of them tried to cheer up, but the feelings they previously had were still clear enough.

Darragh then says, “Setanta, here we have members of esteemed family such as the head of the Mac Fiachra family, Rásaíocht Mac Fiachra. The first son of the Ó Aibell family Luath Ó Aibell. Even the first daughter of the Mac Duilleog, Giorraí Ní Duilleog. And a member of the impressive red branch family the Ó Lúcogadh, Téad Ó Lúcogadh the second son.”

Ferdiad asks, “Darragh what is the purpose of this.”

“Oh each and every one of these warriors are here to fulfil Setanta's request for charioteers and they have sent some of their best. Getting all of them to come on such short notice was difficult but we were able to do it.”

Ferdiad looks at Setanta who makes a confused face, and then says, “I forgot I did that, well it was unnecessary all of you can go home, your unless.”

The face of everyone in the room sours, and then Darragh says, “Setanta what do you mean, you asked me to bring them.”

Grabbing me and my brother, he says, “I have found my charioteers I don’t need those guys.”

Darragh looks at Ferdiad who says, “I had believed I knew everything, but your selfishness never ceases to amaze me.”

The nobles look at me and my brother with contempt that causes me to shake, but causes Ibar to scowl back at them, then Téad walks forward and says, “I refuse to stand for this insult.”

“Then you can sit down,” Setanta says with an uncaring tone.

“You not only make us wait here for days until you come back but then tell us we are unneeded, this was an utter waste of our time.”

“You act like staying in this castle was some kind of disservice, I am sure it is better than whatever pile of sticks you live in.”

“I am a member of a red branch family.”

Setanta snaps back and says, “So am I and since you believe house Lúcogadh is equal to house Faoláin we can simply go to war and settle this with blood.”

Téad reals back at this suggestion, then trying to place off the fright that is clearly on his face he says, “How quick to war you are, to think the heir of the Faoláin would be so pig-headed. Makes me doubt if Gorias is in good hands.”

Setanta's demeanour shifts to a more aggressive one, but before he does anything Ferdiad grabs him and says, “Don’t be so rash Setanta he knows not what he speaks. But who could blame him he is merely the second son of his esteemed family he knows nothing of rulership or the troubles it brings.”

“How dare an insignificant person like you say such a thing about me.”

“I am an employee of the O Faoláin, specifically one of the people who you would be riding around in a chariot. You complain about my insignificance yet complain when you don’t get picked, you must really be in love with me.”

Setanta says, “Weak men like him struggle to speak their minds, you got to nudge him slightly. Don’t worry he will tell you the truth one day.”

Embarrassed and enraged Téad says, “THAT IS ENOUGH. I am one of the greatest riders in our empire how dare yo-.”

“If you’re so great then the journey home will be quick.”

“But the Faoláin is quite a bit bigger than the tiny piece of land the Lúcogadh’s have so he might get lost. But it is not like a 2nd son such as him being away is any loss,” Ferdiad says.

“That’s it! I challenge your riders to a race, and if I win I request an apology and reparation for all of us here.”

Grabbing both me and my brother, Setanta throws us forward and says, “You’re on!”

I knew it would end up like this; is what I think to myself as the intense gazes make me feel like throwing up.

-Break-

Location: Stables

Walking around the stables with everyone who was in the room following us, I started to feel the tension hit me and I say, “I am going to get sick.”

Setanta says, “Don’t worry, I have chosen both of you as my legs so I am sure it will go splendidly. Now which leg will go.”

I point to my brother, and he also puts his hand up. Ferdiad says, “That was quick, I expected you two to fight more.”

Ibar says, “Not about this.”

“I have better control over my house, but Ibar is great at going fast.”

“I see.”

Ibar walking up to Crunniuc says, “Good boy,” as he pets him.

Téad says, “Hurry up, I don’t have all day.”

“You shouldn’t be in such a hurry to be embarrassed.” Leading Crunniuc out of his pen, my brother says, “You should enjoy these last moments that you can use to hold your head high.”

“We will see about that.”

Setanta says, “Looks like my legs know their worth, I like those words.”

“My brother isn’t needlessly cocky like you, he was just stating a fact.”

“That sounds cocky to me.”

-Break-

As we all sit on the sidelines and watch the two of them prepare to start, Ibar waves towards us and moments later the race starts.

Téad horse takes an early start against Ibar, and I ask, “How many laps is this race.”

“Five,” Ferdiad replies.

“I see so this will not be an issue.”

“Hey what makes one good at horse riding,” Setanta asks.

“Mostly experience. It is mostly just repeating a process but repeating that process in different situations is hard, so having experience is the most important thing.

Second would be horse's capabilities, and by the looks of it the Lúcogadh’s house is much better bread than Crunniuc.”

“Don’t insult Crunniuc like that.”

“It isn’t an insult just a fact, those guys are known for being excellent riders for a reason, and I am sure their horse abilities are mainly the cause of that, I felt it back when we outdid those Lúcogadh riders back at my village.”

Seeing Téad still in front of Ibar, Ferdiad says, “So Téad has the advantage in experience and horse capabilities, so Ibar is at a disadvantage.”

“Yes, but Téad still lacks the third skill necessary. Understanding.”

“Understanding?” Setanta says.

“Yes, unlike weapons horses are living beings, they can’t simply be mastered like a spear, each is different. Sort of think of them as women, there are general skills you can learn to talk to many of them, but each are distinct and requires personal time to understand them.”

“So you're saying Téad lacks that understanding?"

“Exactly. Just like a wife, if you respect and honour her existence while not belittling her existence as a mere tool she will submit to you and be your greatest ally. But if you don’t your wife will become the most deadly poison that will kill you in mere seconds, and horses are much the same.

My brother has spent this journey bonding with Crunniuc and right now, he knows that boy's insides and outs. He knows what Crunniuc can and can’t do and how to bring out or limit its power when necessary, I guess being horse beastkin has given us a rather sharp sense of this.

If you compare that to Téad who is simply making his excellent stead move at high speed, it is obvious who will come out ahead, this match was over the moment we saw how he treated his stead.”

As the race continues Téad horse starts to become fatigued and Ibar pulls ahead with Crunniuc maintaining a very energized sprint, and eventually, the race comes to an end with Ibar in the lead.

Standing up, Darragh shouts, “House Faoláin has won this race!”