The Thunderborn Chronicles: Rise of a Healer

When Paramita and Grandpa Khan recovered from the shock, they rushed forward and looked into the stall. A peculiar expression appeared on their faces as they watched Ranav casting a basic healing spell on the horse's head.

"Why do you have to be so stubborn?" Ranav scolded the horse. "First, I had to hit you, and now I have to heal your head. That's so much work! If you had just followed me obediently, we'd both have been at peace."

The horse blinked, seemingly listening, as Ranav continued, "How old are you, anyway? I'm just five! And you couldn't even handle one punch. I'll grow stronger as I age, you know. If you don't obediently follow me today, the next time you meet me, my punch will be much stronger."

Ranav paused and gave the horse a stern look. "Now, answer me. Do you want to follow me? If yes, neigh once. If no, neigh twice."

To everyone's surprise, the horse neighed once after his lengthy scolding.

Grandpa Khan's mouth fell open in astonishment. "This horse has refused to let anyone near it for years, no matter what food or coaxing we tried. But after a beating, it's become as docile as a dog! If I'd known earlier, I'd have given it a good thrashing myself."

While Grandpa Khan reminisced, Ranav interrupted, "Grandpa Khan, let this horse out. I'll ride it today."

Still bewildered, Grandpa Khan could only nod. "Okay, young master."

As Grandpa Khan stepped forward to open the stall and lead the horse out, Paramita asked, "Ranav, how did you do that? So many people, including my father, have tried to control this horse without success."

Ranav shrugged. "I like black horses. When I saw how pure black this one was, I thought I'd give it a try. I tried to communicate, but it felt like it needed a beating. So, I gave it one, and it agreed to be my mount. Simple."

Paramita stared at him in disbelief. "I have eyes! I literally saw what you did. I wanted to know the secret behind it, not a play-by-play. If you don't want to share, just say so. Why treat me like I'm dumb? Fine, I don't want to know anymore."

As Grandpa Khan led the Voidcharger out of the stall, Ranav asked, "Do you have an appropriate saddle for this horse?"

"Yes, we have one that will fit this black horse," Grandpa Khan replied.

"I'll also need safety stirrups," Ranav added.

"What's that?" Grandpa Khan asked, confused.

"They call it a foot holder here," Jessica informed him through their mind link.

"I mean a foot holder," Ranav corrected himself.

"Oh, I'll add that too," Grandpa Khan said. He handed the lead rope to Ranav and added, "You take the horse outside. I'll bring the saddle and foot holders for both of you."

While Grandpa Khan went to the back room, Ranav led the Voidcharger out of the ranch. Paramita followed, bringing her horse, Lucky, along with them.

As they waited, Ranav pondered the horse's name. "Paramita, does this horse have a name?"

"We didn't give it one," she replied. "Everyone just calls it 'the black horse' because, well, it's so black."

Ranav turned to the horse. "No name, huh? I'll call you Midnight. Since everyone refers to you by your color, this seems fitting. Do you like it?"

The horse let out a weak neigh, as if in agreement.

Ranav nodded in satisfaction. "Good horse. From now on, your name is Midnight."

He gently caressed Midnight's head and said, "Be a good horse. If I'm not around, always obey Paramita. Remember her face and let her ride you. And this horse here is Lucky. Treat him as a friend, not a rival. He's a good horse, even if he's not as unique as you. If you reject all other horses, you'll end up lonely."

Grandpa Khan returned just in time to hear Ranav's speech. Watching him talk to the horse, Grandpa Khan was struck speechless. Quietly, he saddled Lucky and then fitted a saddle and stirrups on Midnight.

Ranav thought back to his horse-riding lessons on Earth. He'd taken them with Sarah at Daisy Nook Farm in Ashton-under-Lyne. The farm was surrounded by lush greenery, and the nearby River Medlock was a sight to behold. All the trainers there had been beautiful young women, and Sarah had accused him of choosing the farm just for that reason. Though it had been close to his home, Sarah hadn't believed him, and that one lesson had been his only horse-riding experience in both lives.

Thinking about it now, Ranav couldn't help but smile. He recalled his instructor's advice:

"There are three steps to mounting a horse," she'd said.

"First, approach the horse calmly from the side so it can see you. Lead it to a flat, open area. Hold the reins and stand on the horse's left side."

"Second, adjust the stirrups to the correct length… they should reach roughly to your ankle when your leg is hanging straight."

"Third, hold the reins and part of the mane in your left hand. Place your left foot in the stirrup, use your right hand to hold the saddle, and swing your right leg over the horse's back. Sit gently in the saddle and place your right foot in the other stirrup."

Following these steps, Ranav mounted Midnight. He then recalled the next instructions:

"Hold the reins gently, keeping your hands low and relaxed. Lightly squeeze the horse's sides with your calves to encourage it to move forward."

Ranav squeezed Midnight lightly but got no response. He squeezed harder, only for Midnight to turn its head and give him a questioning look.

"What's wrong? Why won't it move?" Ranav asked Jessica through the mind link.

"Use your voice," she replied curtly.

Ranav sighed. "Midnight, let's go," he said aloud.

To his astonishment, the horse began moving forward. Paramita followed suit, saying, "Lucky, let's go."

Grandpa Khan walked beside them, offering more advice. "Young Master, if you want to change direction, gently pull the reins in the desired direction. You can also tell the horse where to go, they understand everything. If you encounter trees or small obstacles, the horse will sidestep them on its own."

He paused, then added, "If you want to jump over a fence or bush, lift yourself slightly out of the saddle, keeping your weight balanced over your feet with your heels down. The horse will take the leap when it sees the obstacle."

Ranav nodded earnestly. "Thank you for the lesson, Grandpa Khan."

"No need for thanks. It's the least I can do. We'll head to the racecourse now. There are tracks for training there. If you can complete the course, you'll be ready to ride anywhere. With black horse, it won't take long."

Ranav smiled. "His name is Midnight now."