By Rachel Dib
“Prince Heltor gave you a pet?”
“Quinn is a noble steed,” Brix corrected.
“That mutated deer is a noble steed?” Moxly lifted a brow. “You got punished, didn’t you?”
“Firstly, Quinn is a dragon not a deer.”
“Explains the scales, but not the antlers.”
“Secondly, it’s an honor to have her.” Brix lifted his chin. “The emperor of the Jade Isle gifted her to Prince Heltor, and Prince Heltor gave her to me. He said riding a kirin would distinguish me as his Captain of the Guard.”
It’ll distinguish you, all right. Moxly clapped Brix’s shoulder. “Whatever you gotta tell yourself, bro.”
Brix snapped his fingers, and the kirin looked up. “Quinn, to me!”
Without hesitation, the beast trotted to Brix’s side, her head held high and her fluffy tail erect.
“Well, that’s nifty.”
“Kirin are known for their easy dispositions, loyalty, and obedience.” Brix rubbed the beast’s nose. “Quinn could even hunt for us if need be. I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
“Steed,” Moxly corrected.
“And a companion of sorts. I’ve been spending a lot of time with her recently.”
“Oh, I know. So far, you’ve skipped out on the Adlers’ game, our bros’ night, and volunteering with the Joey club. I had to teach fifteen seven-year-olds how to track snipes all by myself!”
Brix winced. “I’d meant to help you with that.”
“Sure, you did.”
“Sorry. I’ve been busy readying Quinn for the Crown Dressage.”
“Today’s Crown Dressage?” Moxly lifted a brow. “Isn’t that for horses? And what about the mages’ demolition derby! You promised you’d go with me three months ago!”
“The derby isn’t until five. We’ll have plenty of time to get there. As for the dressage, it was Prince Heltor’s idea.” Brix shrugged. “Quinn learned our routine remarkably fast. I think she knows it better than me.”
“Captain Cartwright!”
The brothers turned to see one of the Lower Guard sprinting towards them, his helmet plume flopping wildly.
“Captain Cartwright! There’s been an incident in the armory. Lieutenant Bizbing requests your assistance.”
Brix nodded. “I’ll be right there.” He then whispered a hurried, “Keep an eye on Quinn,” to Moxly before rushing after the sentinel.
Moxly clicked his tongue. “Right.”
He glanced at the kirin to see her gazing intently after Brix. She stomped a foot while making a low mewing sound deep in her throat but didn’t follow.
“Right,” Moxly repeated. “Okay, look, you’re going to stand right here until—”
Snorting, Quinn flicked her tail and trotted off.
“Hey! I thought you were supposed to be obedient.”
Quinn’s ears flicked towards Moxly as she bent her head to sniff a bush.
“Fine, but don’t eat it,” Moxly warned. “It might be poisonous or something.”
Quinn snapped off a leaf.
“I said don’t…” Moxly clenched his fists. Obedient my foot.
“You know what?” A moment later, Moxly’s features began to change. His bushy, black hair thinned and shortened, his shoulders broadened, and his green eyes darkened to match his brother’s chocolate brown.
When the transformation was complete, Moxly snapped his fingers. “Quinn, to me!”
The kirin lifted her head, regarding him briefly before striding towards him. When she was a foot away, however, she paused, sniffing the air.
“Okay, so I don’t smell right. I still have the face. Come here.”
Quinn tilted her head.
“Hmm, what about this?” Moxly straightened and crossed his arms. “It’s me, Brix: Mr. Uptight and Boring.”
When Quinn sauntered to his side, Moxly chuckled and stroked her nose. “Huh. Who knew scales were so soft?”
“Captain Cartwright.”
Moxly turned to see a man in a black suit beckoning to him.
“Captain, you and your…” the man cast a disapproving eye over Quinn. “Steed are expected at the arena.”
“We’ll be there in a moment, thank you,” Moxly said sharply. “By the way, it’s best not to insult dragons. They might eat you.”
When Quinn lowered her head and snapped her jaws, the man paled and hurried away.
“Good one,” Moxly smiled. “We might get along after all.”
Quinn pressed her muzzle to Moxly’s cheek, but he gently batted it aside. “Okay, we’re not that close, but I see why Brix likes you.”
Tossing her head, Quinn glanced toward the castle.
“Yeah, I think he’ll be a while.” Moxly sighed, taking Quinn’s reins. “Let’s go. Hopefully Brix meets us there.”
As soon as they reached the arena’s entrance, a crew of yellow-clad people rushed towards Moxly, pulling him one way while a reluctant hand drew Quinn another. Before he knew it, they had dressed him in a black riding coat with a matching shirt, tie, and breeches dyed the dark blue of the High Guard.
When he rejoined Quinn, Moxly found she’d been refitted with a saddle the same dark blue as himself.
“Did they treat you okay?” he asked as Quinn nuzzled his hand. “If they didn’t, I give you permission to eat them later. Just don’t tell Brix.”
“Captain Cartwright. You’re up next.” A man in a purple suit waved Moxly towards the door. “This way.”
“You ready for this, girl?” When Quinn replied with a deep-throated mew, Moxly nodded. “Hope that’s a yes, because this whole dressage thing is not my style.”
Hauling himself into the saddle, Moxly patted her neck. “Time to see if those riding lessons my mother forced upon me will pay off. Let’s ride!”
“There you are!”
Moxly looked up to see Brix stalking towards him, his usually tidy hair all askew and a bruise forming under one eye.
“Looks like you had fun.”
Brix grimaced. “I can’t talk about it.” He turned towards Quinn who pressed her nose to his forehead. “I’m glad to see you too! Guess we missed the dressage, though, huh, girl.”
Moxly coughed. “About that.” He held up a blue ribbon.
Brix blanched. “You didn’t. Please tell me you didn’t impersonate me in the Crown Dressage. Do you know what will happen if someone finds out?!”
Moxly grinned. “At least you won, right?”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Great story! I wish I could train my dogs that well.
Kirin are mythological creatures not seen nearly as often as their cousins, the unicorns…
…though, in this case, they certainly deserve the attention! Love it!
Oh my gosh, I had no idea that kirin were mythological creatures!! I just looked them up after reading this and they’re beautiful. Such a fun story!
Fun dialogue! And fun to see the returning characters
Love the interactions between Quinn and Moxly. “I give you permission to eat them later.” 🤣
Good laugh!
Great fun read. Wish I could teach Gilmore to be obedient like Quinn, keep up the great sis
I liked this one, had some comedy. Yes disobedience, ended in a positive note, just let the children now it can go this way, lol.