Das Waisenkind

Steve had called and asked me to come by.

Steve: “Gillian, I’m glad you could make it. This is Air. His owner passed away, and the relatives asked me to find him a place. But I don’t have the time to handle it.”

Gillian: “We’re actually fully booked at the moment. Poor guy. You said he’s a trail horse? That won’t be easy to place. I’ll take him with me. We’ll figure something out.”

I brought Air to Meadowland. A trail horse — calm, sturdy, sure-footed. Horses that can handle any terrain. I had never done a trail ride before. Now was the perfect chance to try. It would also help me talk knowledgeably when looking for a new owner. The very next day, I set off.

Josh: “Where are you going?”

Gillian: “Where do you think? He’s a trail horse — I’m riding a trail. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

I chose Redwood Point as my destination, with an overnight stay in Dundull. A good opportunity to introduce myself and meet people along the way. I passed a beautiful little farm and decided to stop. The owner, Kirsty Griswald, welcomed me warmly, and we talked for quite a while.

Gillian: “Oh no — I completely lost track of time. I should head to Dundull before it gets dark.”

Kirsty: “It’s still a fair distance. Ask at the stable if you can stay overnight.”

Since Mistfall stretches along the coast, I decided to ride part of the way by the water. Air moved confidently through the uneven, rocky ground in the shallows. He was curious about everything, but calm. He especially liked the seagulls — the feeling wasn’t mutual. When he tried to sniff them, they simply swam away. On the way to Dundull, we passed a training course used by the Nebelfall Rangers to practice their riding techniques. Of course, I tried it. Air mastered the course effortlessly — smooth, agile, precise. But it was getting late. After spending the night in Dundull, we set off early in the morning. Air moved with absolute confidence through the overgrown, rough terrain. No surprise — it was his job. I, on the other hand, felt uneasy at times, especially when we crossed the rock bridge over the gorge on the way to Redwood Point.

Gillian: “We’re almost there, my boy. You’re doing great.”

Rowan Allaway, whom I already knew from the bear incident, greeted me.

Rowan: “Hi Gillian, good to see you. What brings you here?”

Gillian: “Hi Rowan. I’m on a trail ride. We took Air in a few days ago after his owner passed away. I thought I’d give it a try.”

We put Air out in the pasture with the ranger horses.

Rowan: “Knabstruppers are solid, reliable horses. You know what, Gillian — we’re getting a new colleague, and he’ll need a horse. Leave Air here. If everything fits, we’ll buy him.”

Gillian: “That would be wonderful. You can really tell how at home he feels out here. This would be perfect for him.”

I left Air at Redwood Point. If this worked out, it would be ideal for him. I didn’t hear from Rowan for a long time, which made me uneasy. Then, finally, the call came. They had tested Air in every situation. He passed with flying colors and was already part of the team. Of course they would take him. A huge weight lifted off my heart.