Pulling the wagon was an easy task, as the wagon was apparently pulled by Dan alone most of the time. Mike settled into a steady plodding gait that matched his harness mate's and the miles passed quickly. He found that he did enjoy the work and the sensations of mass and power, but was glad this was just a short experiment. This would get boring pretty quickly.
They reached the farm within an hour, a fairly large place with thatch-roofed buildings. A peasant farmer and his son came over to greet Liam, who jumped down and shook hands. The boy immediately moved to Mike's side, obviously curious about the new horse. He stroked Mike's neck and felt him all over, calling him a handsome boy and a powerful beast. Although it was silly, Mike felt pleasure at the praise. Sure, this was just some peasant kid, but the more he petted and rubbed Mike, the more Mike felt a bond forming between them. It was very odd, yet also very pleasant.
The men unloaded the wagon while the boy continued his attentions, but when they were done Liam came forward and started undoing Mike's harness straps. "I can see the two of you are going to get along just fine. Give him a few days to settle in and he'll be as good a plow horse as you ever had."
Plow horse? Mike snorted and looked back at the stable boy, who was rolling up the extra harness straps. Liam grinned and slapped Mike's rump. "You wanted to find out what it was like to be a real horse. These folks are as good a masters as you could ever find, and you'll be a huge help to them, really make a difference. Can't ask for better than that, can you?"
Mike felt confused. The boy was still petting him, telling him what a wonderful horse he was. And it was true. Mike was a powerful, young, healthy animal able to do a lot of work. That thought brought him a sense of pride and satisfaction, but also confusion and vague concern. Wasn't he supposed to be doing something else? An adventure, traveling and fighting monsters? It took him a while to ponder those ideas, and by the time he finally remembered who he was and what he was doing, Liam was gone and he was being groomed by the boy in a crude stall. His new home?