Chapter 81

• Skamerius surveyed the large training ground for the gi’z. It had uneven terrain. Some parts were rocky, some were flat, and some had hills and forested areas. To his right was a high mountain, the only mountain on Ireso Island. He could hear the birds singing and see the beautiful cloudless sky.
• They were camped not far away from it. Tents were scattered, with his hut and the infirmary at the center of it. The north side of it was the kitchen area, where white smoke was seen coming up.
• He observed the gi’z trainers that early morning preparing for what they were about to do that day. The air was crisp and cool, but summer was coming. He could hardly believe he was living on the island for over a year. He had gained knowledge of training these powerful beasts. As soon as they were born, they began their human contact, as trainers were handling and gentling them. They were weaned when they reached eleven months, separating them from their mothers. The trainers then began their gentle groundwork and basic training, which focused on leading, grooming, and other essential behaviors. Still, they were not deprived of their social interaction with the herd. When they turned about two years old, their basic ground training intensified. The gi’z would start wearing a halter, being led, and having their feet handled. They would also begin light groundwork or early under-saddle training, but it would also depend on their maturity and development. At three years old, these beasts were fully trained. They would then be transported and distributed to the mainland. And today was one of them, his second time escorting a batch of them. He had already sent a message to the palace by a rixeau, to convey to the royal couple and his lover that he was coming for a visit. Sometimes, it was Muvreus who would come and visit him at least once a month, but he couldn’t stay long but only a few days. They would always spend it together, either making love or just riding a gi’z and sightseeing around the island.