THE THING IS Theodred is in no way proud of his relationship with Eoten. It is a necessary allyship of equals, Eoten is not HIS horse, they are colleagues (maybe they are friends, if fractuous ones, but he would never presume) and nor does he show any particular skill or quality on Theodred’s part, expect perhaps his unfathomable stubbornness.
Ides, however, is his horse. She is a mottle-coloured sturdy creature, neither particularly large nor small, not fast or slow, but enduring of heavy pack loads and careful with her feet. She is also the envy of any rider who knows her and the true symbol of Theodred’s horsemanship.
Theodred took her in wild off the Kingstead, tamed her, trained her, conditioned her and none can claim any influence on her but himself. And what an influence that is! Ides is alert to danger yet does not spook easily, she is obedient when it is prudent and yet cunning and independent as well, she has naturalised to many commands, both verbal and silent, many being as complex as ‘go and hide nearby’ or ‘run beside me and ready to bear me away’. Eoten might be a far more powerful warrior and competent companion in battle but Ides does not flinch from riding into battle and keeps an even and level gallop to aid Theodred’s aim with spear and bow. She shadows Theodred’s movements when left to her own devices but can also seamlessly fit back into the herds of wild horses when necessary. She trusts Theodred as her leader and accepts his judgements of dangers and risks and is also boundlessly fond of him.
It is Ides who Theodred is most proud of, and most comfortable around. In the cold of the wilds Theodred happily sleeps with his back to Ides’ flank and her head cradled in his lap. She will nibble at his shoulder, snuff at his hair and play dead with him in moments of leisure. Eoten is, of course, utterly appalled by the display, but he is respectful to her and comfortable enough to allow her to walk in step with him.