“They are Dulcet Horses.” Keegan swung down from the animal he rode and led the three remaining to stand in a row in front of Ronan. “They are pure bred with no mixed magic. Strong, intelligent, and I trained them myself.”

Ronan could hear the pride in Keegan’s deep voice. “Which one shall I ride?”

Keegan smiled and shook his head, the sun glinting across his red hair. “Don’t know yet.”

“I like the gray one.” Ronan nodded toward the mare of the three.

“But does she like you?” Keegan’s smiled dipped to a grin. “A Dulcet Horse chooses its own rider.”

“How can a horse make a choice like that?” Arien asked.

“Animals sense things about us,” Keegan explained as he ran a large hand over the gray mare. “They know things about us and choose a rider that best matches them.”

“Sounds like a little horse manure to me,” Ula said as she stepped from the house to Ronan’s side.

“You could always shake your foot at them to be certain you are chosen first.” Ronan grinned when Arien snickered but didn’t look at the witch.

“Sorcha comes from two Dulcets that are strong and mild tempered. She is fast but not reckless.” Keegan patted the gray mare again before moving to the black and white horses. “Ahearn is stronger than Sorcha and acts as protector to the others. He is very intelligent. And Dermot is the gentlest horse I have. He’ll probably choose the most inexperienced rider.”

“Fascinating. I’m curious now,” Ronan admitted staring at the dark eyes of each of the animals when Keegan moved away from them. Ahearn stepped forward almost immediately and nudged at Arien. The boy’s eyes widened.

“Why did he choose me?” Arien asked lifting a hand to rub between the black horse’s ears.

“Only Ahearn knows why,” Keegan answered. The other two horses stood for a moment looking at Ronan and Ula. Then they moved forward in unison and Ronan watched as the gray mare chose him. He’d liked her best anyway.