That time on Chiaroscuro when Orell Mikin accidentally trampled a tower guard…
Watchtower <Palace District>
A squared-off wooden tower with window openings on all four sides, giving shift watchmen an unimpeded view of the Imperial Thoroughfare and the surrounding territory. A ladder leads about fifteen feet down toward street level.
The watchtower creaks under the weight of Sprinter, who whinnies in fear, his hooves sliding on the floorboards as they sway beneath the unaccustomed weight. The horses head snaps about wildly.
Two Bladesmen in the watchtower turn to see the horse and its rider trotting into the cramped base of the watchtower. “Light keep us…what *are* you doing, sir?”
From Sprinter’s saddle, Orell Mikin looks down from his horse, at the bladesmen, “Quick, men, help me hold the horse steady, ” as he pulls steadily back on the reins to hold his horse steady.
As he pulls back on the reigns, the horse whinnies again, its teeth closing around the bit. The beast’s eyes roll back in its head as a sound comes from deep within its broad chest, and its front hooves fly up, pawing at the air and starting the approaching guardsmen.
Holding on tightly to the horse’s neck, Orell Mikin manages to stay on the horse. He shakes his head, as he grits his teeth and steadily tugs on Sprinter’s reins as he whispers in its ears, “Come on, boy, easy…. Relax.”
One brave bladesman dodges to try to get past the flailing hooves, but one iron shod hoof hits him squarely in the chest. The bladesman crumbles to the ground and the horse balances on his rear hooves, bucking wildly, then drops and bucks the rear hooves, now with the bit in his teeth, trying to throw the rider and bolt for the door.
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