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Javan grinned as Léof sped into a canter. A mischievous glint came into his eye. He would see what paces this new horse had. With a whoop of joy, he dug his heels into her sides and stretched himself forward. She leaped at once into a gallop, gaining on Léof and then passing him quickly. As though anxious to meet Herefola’s set speed, Æthel tossed her head. Javan looked back over his shoulder and saw Léof tighten the reins momentarily. Then he, too, bent forward over his mount’s neck and the bit loosened in Æthel’s mouth. She lowered her head slightly and plunged forward into the faster gait without urging.
Side by side, the two horses galloped, passing with thundering hooves over the deep green grass. They went in a great, sweeping arc, bringing the walls of Edoras about to their left.
Slowly, the horse’s feet went less swiftly. Léof and Javan drew rein as one accord and they brought the mares to a stop. Javan looked at Léof and laughed as he panted for breath. Herefola’s sides beneath his legs heaved as she pulled in air, but she was not weary. She pranced hotly beneath him, eager for more movement.
“We should walk them out some now,” Léof said, turning Æthel’s head away from Edoras. Javan quickly came by his side.
“Léof,” Javan said, pulling Herefola back into a relaxed walk. “Can we find a place where the horses can jump? You did say before that we might be able to, didn’t you? Can we do it out here, please? If it’s against the rules, no one will know out here. It’s a perfect chance!”
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