As a much less enthusiastic Jon clopped his way to school, Karyn saw a young Tobanio Pinto mare wave from across the street. She hustled over, easily falling into pace with Jon. "Hi guys!" she whinnied.
"Hey Kyla" Jon smiled back. "Finished with your deliveries?"
Kyla Leeson? Karyn blinked at the slim pony girl. She did look very athletic, obviously her track skills had influenced her new life. Her white fur had chestnut splotches, larger near her head and shoulders. She wore short track pants and a small shirt. Karyn noticed a prominent "Pony Express" badge and the logo "First with the news" stitched across it.
"Yeah, I usually finish off the morning route with plenty of time, but a late package came today. You mind if I head to school with you guys?"
"Sure" Karyn said, Jon nodding in agreement.
"So" Jon asked as they trotted along. "How's business been?"
"Its going ok, but I can't wait till I finish school and can be a Pony Express runner full time. My apprenticeship is getting a little stale and I want to try some new routes, maybe even intercity."
"Isn't that dangerous? I hear it gets pretty thick with bandits once you are a few hours outside of the outer farms."
"Yeah, but they want the big hauls, you know, like wagons or trains, not a little pony like me. Not that they could catch me anyway." She smiled at the thought. "It isn't like I have much other choice, I can't pull a big load or really even carry a big rider like you, er, no offense Karyn."
"None taken."
As the two equines talked, Karyn wondered about this new world. She had wanted a little fun, but now it seems that her wishes had inadvertently added some danger as well. How could there be bandits? And why wouldn't people ship things by truck, instead of courier? She resolved to find the answers in school.
