It was not a good area to gallop in. There were too many low growing plants with shoots that might trip us up, but my intent at that moment was just to get us away from the boar. Although I was still keeping my panic tightly controlled, I could feel the adrenaline sending tendrils of fear throughout me.
In spite of these trembles and the urge to gallop miles away, after a moment, not hearing a chase from behind, I slowed Frey and glanced back. The boar was not coming after us. I supposed that since boars were very intelligent animals, this one might have known enough to fear the hooves of my stallion or even to be aware that some humans carried guns. Of course, I didn’t, but he wouldn’t be certain of that.
For whatever reason the boar had decided not to give chase and I was greatly relieved. I patted Frey on his shoulder and soothed his worry, offering him a string of comforting words that not only praised his willingness to do battle, but thanked him for listening to my order to retreat.
“Boars are dangerous, Frey. I know you could have kicked him, but a boar’s skin is thick. That might not have saved our lives. It is best always to retreat when we can, and I thank you for doing that so readily.”
Frey bowed his head, pawed the ground, and nickered in response to my calming words. Whether he understood what I was telling him was not as important as the fact that I was communicating to him that the danger was past, and we could now go on our way in safety.