There was really no question, Mike realized. He was incomplete, unfinished as he was - he had the form and the training, but without a warrior on his back he had no purpose. The contact with Aaron surged once, hitting Mike's mental barrier. Then the Warhorse made the decision and opened up to his Master. The second surge flowed into the Warhorse's mind and memories, filling in the gaps and holes and altering what was already there ever so slightly to be a perfect whole. Mike had not quite understood how deep this change would go, and felt some fear as the core of his being simplified. It was far too late to change his mind - that mind was already gone, rebuilt into a more focused awareness, a more basic sense of self as the Warhorse.
He rumbled low in his throat and nuzzled the Master, drinking in the human scent with quivering nostrils. The memories and knowledge of his past were buried deep now, and though he knew he had been much like the Master at one time, that knowledge was unimportant. The Master stroked his neck and spoke in a happy tone that pleased the Warhorse.
The younger human made sounds and waved a stick, and the Warhorse felt the pressure of straps, of saddle, of reins. Then the Master swung up on his back. It was a familiar feeling, one that brought the Warhorse comfort and security.
Aaron patted the horse's neck. "Will he remember his companions when we get there? What should I tell them?"
Llandros shook his head. "They are not of this world, and will not be able to accept that this animal was their friend. Better they think of him as a beast, which is what he truly is."
"I guess I'll have to let him go back to being a centaur when we are done." Aaron sighed.
"Assuming he survives," replied Llandros, "That is one possibility." Then the boy wizard grinned. "Take care of him, allow him mares when available and keep him healthy and comfortable in his new life. It is even more likely that the Warhorse will want to remain as he is now, if we give him the choice."
Aaron looked uncertain. "We did say this would just be for the duration of his party's quest."
"No. I said that we would only help his party if he agreed to be your warhorse. So I plan to keep him like that as long as you are a warrior." Llandros stepped back and admired the animal. "Far more useful."