“I like the idea of helping Aaron out, and being a horse sounds interesting. But what about the quest I am on? If I am a horse, won’t that impact their chances?”
The wizard looked at him thoughtfully. “If you agree to help Aaron, I will provide the aid your friends need to complete their quest. They will succeed and return to their own reality.”
“And you could try something really different.” Aaron began to stroke Mike’s equine back, probably something he did to bond with a real horse. It did feel nice. “A real adventure, not some silly game.”
Mike shifted a little on his hooves. “If I say yes, what will I be? A human mind in a horse’s body?”
The wizard smiled. “That would be difficult for both of you. A Knight’s mount has to serve – it is a partnership, but an unequal one. “
“So, I would be Mike the Horse?” Mike grunted in pleasure as Aaron continued the massage of his equine back.
“Yes. You will keep your memories and knowledge, but you’ll have the comprehension, the mental facilities of a horse, which will limit how you can use the information. And being a horse will get more natural to you.”
Aaron moved forward and reached up to rub under Mike’s chin. It was a strange gesture, but very pleasant.
Mike found himself leaning into the firm pressure. He really liked this young human. “So, I’ll end up a smart horse. At least in this world, I’ll be a real animal, but me as an animal.”
“Mind, body and soul.” The wizard spread his hands. “A package deal. You can’t ask for more different than that.”
Mike knew he should ask a lot more questions. Like, what happens if he gets killed? How would he change back? Would he end up living a normal horse’s life here? If he went back, would he be his human self or a horse? But what came out of his mouth was “Do it. I want to be a warhorse. Aaron’s warhorse.”