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Description

The next morning the Bullhorns were summoned to a part of the complex they hadn't seen before. It turned out to be a stable, housing several dozen Rahae, six-foot tall flightless birds with horns. They were tan, with red heads and backs, and they were known for their aggressiveness. Noryx appeared and said, “These birds have been specially trained for combat. Now I need to train you guys how to ride them.” This should be fun. Noryx continued, “Who wants to go first?” Several hands shot up in the air, including Ranyx's, and at the same time several other Bullhorns stepped backward. “Warhol,” Noryx said, “Come.” Ranyx was surprised Xartak had raised his hand. You'd think he wouldn't want to draw attention to himself after shooting Jenex in the foot.

As Xartak approached the Rahae, Noryx said, “The most important thing to remember is never grab a Rahae by the horns. You'll be on the ground faster than you can blink.” Xartak attempted to mount the Rahae, but it would have nothing to do with him. Xartak got his foot halfway over the Rahae's back when it started running in circles. Xartak could do nothing but hop along with it to keep from falling down, and at the sight of this, everyone started laughing, even Noryx. Xartak fell off, then stood up quickly, clearly embarrassed.

“Now, that's all right, they're used to the trainers, but they can still be finicky when it comes to new people,” Noryx said, “Anyone else want to give it a try? Beshop? Go ahead.” While Beshop tried to best Xartak, Ranyx noticed something on the ground. He reached down and picked it up. It was Xartak's notebook. “Hey, Xartak,” Ranyx said, “You dropped your notebook.” Xartak rushed over, snatched it away and said, “Don't touch my stuff,” then stormed off. You're welcome. What are you hiding, Xartak? Ranyx turned his attention back to Beshop.

He had actually succeeded in mounting the Rahae, but he couldn't make it do anything for the life of him. “Okay, now, what you need to do is relax,” Noryx said, “Watch your poison barbs, Beshop, you don't want to sting the damn thing. Do you have any idea how much these birds weigh? It'd take four of us to drag it back to the stable.” After several more minutes of the Rahae not responding, Noryx said, “All right, that's enough. Let me show you how it's done.” After Beshop dismounted, Noryx swung himself onto the Rahae in one strong, fluid motion. The Bullhorns stared in awe. “Now, being this high off the ground might seem scary at first,” Noryx said, “But you'll get used to it.” Noryx gave the Rahae a light kick and flicked the reins, and the Rahae immediately started walking. “You need to be confident and show the bird who's boss,” Noryx said as he led the Rahae around the Bullhorns, “Don't show any signs of fear or it won't take you seriously.” Noryx quickly pulled back on the reins and brought the Rahae to a stop in front of them again. He dismounted and said, “Now, who's next?” As each of the Bullhorns took their turns, Ranyx began to wonder if he was ever going to get to try. Finally, Noryx called his name, and Ranyx walked towards the Rahae with confidence. I can do this. This will be easy. Ranyx climbed onto the Rahae's back and took hold of the reins. He flicked and kicked as he had seen his father do, but did it a little too hard, and the Rahae took off at full speed. Ranyx struggled to keep control as the Rahae bolted through the complex.

“Look out!” Ranyx shouted as the Rahae ran out of the training area and toward a troop of soldiers marching in formation. Ranyx jerked back on the reins and stopped the Rahae before it ran into them. He pulled the reins to the right, and the Rahae turned around. “Now, you behave yourself this time,” he said as gently flicked the reins and gave the Rahae a little kick. The Rahae trotted back to the stables, and Ranyx brought it to a stop in front of Noryx.
“Well, I guess that could've been worse,” Noryx said, “But you didn't fall off, despite the fact the Rahae was running faster than I've ever seen one run before. With more training I'm sure you'll make a fine rider.”

Ranyx dismounted and walked over to the group of Bullhorns who already had their turns. Xartak was not among them. Where did Xartak run off to? Ranyx looked around, and spotted him on a hill overlooking the compound. What in the name of Tyra is he doing up there? Ranyx squinted and saw that Xartak had his notebook in his lap, and it looked like he was drawing in it. There is definitely something up with that guy. Ranyx wanted to go up and see what he was doing, but before he could, Hezner ran up and said, “That. Was. Awesome. How did you get it to go that fast?”

“I think I just kicked it a little to hard,” Ranyx said.

“Whatever. There's no way I would've been able to stay on that thing. You're crazy.”

“Thanks... I think...”

Noryx called Hezner's name. “Ooh. Sounds like it's my turn,” Hezner said.

“Have fun,” Ranyx said. Hezner ran over and jumped onto the Rahae's back. Ranyx looked back up at the hill, but Xartak was gone. Now where is he? Ranyx looked around but didn't see Xartak anywhere. Then he watched as Hezner rode over and led the Rahae in circles around the rest of them.

“Well, look at you, Mister Professional Rahae Rider.” Ranyx said.

“I could get used to this,” Hezner said. Just then Ranyx spotted Xartak walking back toward the group. The Rahae saw him too, and freaked out, throwing Hezner to the ground. “Or not,” Hezner coughed. Noryx said, “I told you not to grab its horns.”

“I didn't, Sir,” Hezner said, “I don't know what happened.”

Noryx grabbed the reins, but the Rahae wouldn't calm down. “Well, I guess that's enough for today,” he said as he led it back to the stable.

When they returned to the barracks that evening, Xartak was already there, sleeping. Hezner told Jenex of the day's events. “You should have been there,” he said, “Ranyx was hauling some serious tail.” Ranyx looked over at Xartak and noticed his notebook lying open on the table beside his bunk. Ranyx crawled into his bunk and pretended to sleep until everyone else was asleep. Then he sneaked over to Xartak's bunk to see what he had been drawing. Ranyx carefully removed the tesonite power crystal from the lamp on the table and used its dim blue glow to get a good look at Xartak's notebook. Xartak had drawn a highly detailed map of the entire compound that spanned both pages of the notebook. What the Hell? Is he spying on us? Xartak mumbled and rolled over. Ranyx quickly put the crystal back in the lamp and ran back to his bunk as quietly as possible. I've got to keep a closer eye on this guy.

The next morning Ranyx went to talk with Jenex. “I think Xartak is working for the Drazirians,” Ranyx said.

“What? Are you crazy? Why would he do that?”

“I don't know, maybe they promised him a piece of land or something – That's not the point! Anyway, I sneaked a peek at his notebook last night and-”

“Whoa, what if he had woken up?”

“He didn't. Now shut up. In his notebook there was this really detailed map of the training camp.”

“Maybe he just gets lost.”

“Well, yeah, but what about the fact he shot you in the foot?”

“I told you that was an accident, Ranyx.”

“But we all agree he's creepy, right?”

“Yeah, but that still doesn't mean he's working for the Drazirians.”

“I thought you would agree with me,” Ranyx said, then left. Jenex yelled, “Yeah, my foot feels much better today, thanks for asking!”

After talking with Jenex, Ranyx met up with the rest of the Bullhorns at the stables to continue with the Rahae riding training. Noryx was already there.
“Alright, now that most of you have learned the basics of Rahae riding, it's time to start on some more difficult maneuvers,” Noryx said, “And then later we'll move on to using weapons whilst riding.” A few of the Bullhorns mumbled. “But I know some of you haven't quite got the hang of it yet,” Noryx said, looking at Xartak and several others, “So for those of you who need more practice, there is another trainer at the back of the stable waiting for you. But remember, some of you just may not have what it takes. There's no need to feel ashamed if you don't make the cut.” Xartak and the others headed for the far end of the stable.

To begin, Noryx had the Bullhorns practice making sharp turns at high speeds. After that, they practiced jumping over obstacles.

As their training continued, Ranyx didn't see Xartak much, and the few times he did see him, he didn't seem to be doing anything suspicious, other than his usual lack of socializing.

Jenex was released from the infirmary just in time to complete the riding course. Ranyx, Hezner, Jenex, and Max all passed. Xartak did not. Jenex told the others why. “Xartak tried to mount every Rahae in the stable. None of them would let him ride them. It was weird.”

“See? I told you there was something up with him,” Ranyx said, “Even the birds don't trust him!”

“I still don't think he's working for the Drazirians,” Jenex said.

“Say what you will, the Rahae can smell the foul stench of a traitor.”

“Well if you're so sure, why don't you tell Noryx?”

“Well...”

“See? Just drop it.”

Description

The next morning the Bullhorns were summoned to a part of the complex they hadn't seen before. It turned out to be a stable, housing several dozen Rahae, six-foot tall flightless birds with horns. They were tan, with red heads and backs, and they were known for their aggressiveness. Noryx appeared and said, “These birds have been specially trained for combat. Now I need to train you guys how to ride them.” This should be fun. Noryx continued, “Who wants to go first?” Several hands shot up in the air, including Ranyx's, and at the same time several other Bullhorns stepped backward. “Warhol,” Noryx said, “Come.” Ranyx was surprised Xartak had raised his hand. You'd think he wouldn't want to draw attention to himself after shooting Jenex in the foot.

As Xartak approached the Rahae, Noryx said, “The most important thing to remember is never grab a Rahae by the horns. You'll be on the ground faster than you can blink.” Xartak attempted to mount the Rahae, but it would have nothing to do with him. Xartak got his foot halfway over the Rahae's back when it started running in circles. Xartak could do nothing but hop along with it to keep from falling down, and at the sight of this, everyone started laughing, even Noryx. Xartak fell off, then stood up quickly, clearly embarrassed.

“Now, that's all right, they're used to the trainers, but they can still be finicky when it comes to new people,” Noryx said, “Anyone else want to give it a try? Beshop? Go ahead.” While Beshop tried to best Xartak, Ranyx noticed something on the ground. He reached down and picked it up. It was Xartak's notebook. “Hey, Xartak,” Ranyx said, “You dropped your notebook.” Xartak rushed over, snatched it away and said, “Don't touch my stuff,” then stormed off. You're welcome. What are you hiding, Xartak? Ranyx turned his attention back to Beshop.

He had actually succeeded in mounting the Rahae, but he couldn't make it do anything for the life of him. “Okay, now, what you need to do is relax,” Noryx said, “Watch your poison barbs, Beshop, you don't want to sting the damn thing. Do you have any idea how much these birds weigh? It'd take four of us to drag it back to the stable.” After several more minutes of the Rahae not responding, Noryx said, “All right, that's enough. Let me show you how it's done.” After Beshop dismounted, Noryx swung himself onto the Rahae in one strong, fluid motion. The Bullhorns stared in awe. “Now, being this high off the ground might seem scary at first,” Noryx said, “But you'll get used to it.” Noryx gave the Rahae a light kick and flicked the reins, and the Rahae immediately started walking. “You need to be confident and show the bird who's boss,” Noryx said as he led the Rahae around the Bullhorns, “Don't show any signs of fear or it won't take you seriously.” Noryx quickly pulled back on the reins and brought the Rahae to a stop in front of them again. He dismounted and said, “Now, who's next?” As each of the Bullhorns took their turns, Ranyx began to wonder if he was ever going to get to try. Finally, Noryx called his name, and Ranyx walked towards the Rahae with confidence. I can do this. This will be easy. Ranyx climbed onto the Rahae's back and took hold of the reins. He flicked and kicked as he had seen his father do, but did it a little too hard, and the Rahae took off at full speed. Ranyx struggled to keep control as the Rahae bolted through the complex.

“Look out!” Ranyx shouted as the Rahae ran out of the training area and toward a troop of soldiers marching in formation. Ranyx jerked back on the reins and stopped the Rahae before it ran into them. He pulled the reins to the right, and the Rahae turned around. “Now, you behave yourself this time,” he said as gently flicked the reins and gave the Rahae a little kick. The Rahae trotted back to the stables, and Ranyx brought it to a stop in front of Noryx.
“Well, I guess that could've been worse,” Noryx said, “But you didn't fall off, despite the fact the Rahae was running faster than I've ever seen one run before. With more training I'm sure you'll make a fine rider.”

Ranyx dismounted and walked over to the group of Bullhorns who already had their turns. Xartak was not among them. Where did Xartak run off to? Ranyx looked around, and spotted him on a hill overlooking the compound. What in the name of Tyra is he doing up there? Ranyx squinted and saw that Xartak had his notebook in his lap, and it looked like he was drawing in it. There is definitely something up with that guy. Ranyx wanted to go up and see what he was doing, but before he could, Hezner ran up and said, “That. Was. Awesome. How did you get it to go that fast?”

“I think I just kicked it a little to hard,” Ranyx said.

“Whatever. There's no way I would've been able to stay on that thing. You're crazy.”

“Thanks... I think...”

Noryx called Hezner's name. “Ooh. Sounds like it's my turn,” Hezner said.

“Have fun,” Ranyx said. Hezner ran over and jumped onto the Rahae's back. Ranyx looked back up at the hill, but Xartak was gone. Now where is he? Ranyx looked around but didn't see Xartak anywhere. Then he watched as Hezner rode over and led the Rahae in circles around the rest of them.

“Well, look at you, Mister Professional Rahae Rider.” Ranyx said.

“I could get used to this,” Hezner said. Just then Ranyx spotted Xartak walking back toward the group. The Rahae saw him too, and freaked out, throwing Hezner to the ground. “Or not,” Hezner coughed. Noryx said, “I told you not to grab its horns.”

“I didn't, Sir,” Hezner said, “I don't know what happened.”

Noryx grabbed the reins, but the Rahae wouldn't calm down. “Well, I guess that's enough for today,” he said as he led it back to the stable.

When they returned to the barracks that evening, Xartak was already there, sleeping. Hezner told Jenex of the day's events. “You should have been there,” he said, “Ranyx was hauling some serious tail.” Ranyx looked over at Xartak and noticed his notebook lying open on the table beside his bunk. Ranyx crawled into his bunk and pretended to sleep until everyone else was asleep. Then he sneaked over to Xartak's bunk to see what he had been drawing. Ranyx carefully removed the tesonite power crystal from the lamp on the table and used its dim blue glow to get a good look at Xartak's notebook. Xartak had drawn a highly detailed map of the entire compound that spanned both pages of the notebook. What the Hell? Is he spying on us? Xartak mumbled and rolled over. Ranyx quickly put the crystal back in the lamp and ran back to his bunk as quietly as possible. I've got to keep a closer eye on this guy.

The next morning Ranyx went to talk with Jenex. “I think Xartak is working for the Drazirians,” Ranyx said.

“What? Are you crazy? Why would he do that?”

“I don't know, maybe they promised him a piece of land or something – That's not the point! Anyway, I sneaked a peek at his notebook last night and-”

“Whoa, what if he had woken up?”

“He didn't. Now shut up. In his notebook there was this really detailed map of the training camp.”

“Maybe he just gets lost.”

“Well, yeah, but what about the fact he shot you in the foot?”

“I told you that was an accident, Ranyx.”

“But we all agree he's creepy, right?”

“Yeah, but that still doesn't mean he's working for the Drazirians.”

“I thought you would agree with me,” Ranyx said, then left. Jenex yelled, “Yeah, my foot feels much better today, thanks for asking!”

After talking with Jenex, Ranyx met up with the rest of the Bullhorns at the stables to continue with the Rahae riding training. Noryx was already there.
“Alright, now that most of you have learned the basics of Rahae riding, it's time to start on some more difficult maneuvers,” Noryx said, “And then later we'll move on to using weapons whilst riding.” A few of the Bullhorns mumbled. “But I know some of you haven't quite got the hang of it yet,” Noryx said, looking at Xartak and several others, “So for those of you who need more practice, there is another trainer at the back of the stable waiting for you. But remember, some of you just may not have what it takes. There's no need to feel ashamed if you don't make the cut.” Xartak and the others headed for the far end of the stable.

To begin, Noryx had the Bullhorns practice making sharp turns at high speeds. After that, they practiced jumping over obstacles.

As their training continued, Ranyx didn't see Xartak much, and the few times he did see him, he didn't seem to be doing anything suspicious, other than his usual lack of socializing.

Jenex was released from the infirmary just in time to complete the riding course. Ranyx, Hezner, Jenex, and Max all passed. Xartak did not. Jenex told the others why. “Xartak tried to mount every Rahae in the stable. None of them would let him ride them. It was weird.”

“See? I told you there was something up with him,” Ranyx said, “Even the birds don't trust him!”

“I still don't think he's working for the Drazirians,” Jenex said.

“Say what you will, the Rahae can smell the foul stench of a traitor.”

“Well if you're so sure, why don't you tell Noryx?”

“Well...”

“See? Just drop it.”