All was quiet upon the land and the knights of the realm were accepting new squires into their ranks. The knights were a tight brotherhood and they only chose the finest recruits. Young Jeremy was one among many who were accepted to squire for the brave knights. He toiled away painting lances, grinding swords and all of the other menial tasks imposed upon him. Life as a squire is not an easy one, but young squire Jeremy found respite amongst the war horses he was charged to maintain.
Squire Jeremy soon was enlisted in training to become a knight himself. He was taught the art of lance and shield, but excelled at all things on horseback. He had a strong connection to his equine friends and showed prowess with the new steeds entering the castle. When not grooming the new horses or working with the Master of horse, he could be found working late into the night perfecting his fighting techniques. It was not long before his talents and efforts were recognized and he was elevated to the rank of knight. Now allowed to ride in the nightly tournaments, Sir Jeremy reveled in the cheers of the drunken crowd.
Sir Jeremy was given his own horse named Detour, a bold bay who was selective as to whom he would allow ride him. Sir Jeremy quickly bonded deeply with this mighty animal and the two became inseparable. At this time, all was not right at the little castle in Lyndhurst. A dark presence crept into the ranks of the knights. This corrupt menace wooed Sir Jeremy with promises of power and wealth. He made Sir Jeremy work harder than he ever had as a squire, hoping to break him under the weight. Sir Jeremy was given many new horses to bring up in their training, leaving no time for his Detour. The easy smile on his face was seen much less often during these days.
Finally the day came when all of the promises made to Sir Jeremy were seen for what they were. Lies. The power and wealth he offered were never going to be given. Sir Jeremy was crushed. He felt used and humiliated. It was not long before he left the brotherhood of knights in search of anything new.
Many cold winters passed. Long forgotten were the days of cheering crowds and thundering hooves. Sir Jeremy found work and purpose where he could, but always searched for something more. He worked on the land and joined other armies, always searching. Then, one day while working upon a Lady's estate, he noticed a young girl riding her pony in the corral. He felt a stirring in his gut. He watched and offered pointers when he could. He talked to the Lady who owned the pony. She asked how someone like him knew about horses. He told her of the times jousting and fighting at the nearby castle. A spark lit. She asked him if he would help them with their little pony. It had thrown the young girl too many times to be counted. Sir Jeremy mounted the pony like he was astride Detour again. Memories of swords and shields flashed in his mind. He brought the little pony into a canter and immediately was bucked off onto his behind.
Sitting on the ground with a big smile on his face, he knew what was missing. Those days of searching for something to fill that void in him were over. He stood, looked at the pony and knew what he must do.
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