The Rider of the Heavens

"So if you ever look up at the night sky, and happen to see a diamond blue meteor being trailed by a smaller red one, you know what is taking place before your eyes…The Man who stole the Horses of the Apocalypse continues to ride on, keeping the forces of death away from Earth until the time comes for it all to end…"

— Excerpt from The Tale of Caballarius and Seque

Summary

This Pearl Kingdom legend tells of the mighty Horsemaster Caballarius and his steed Seque. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse descend upon the Earth with the intention of laying waste to the planet, but Caballarius steps forth and offers up his horse in exchange for the safety of humanity. They are amused by the mortal's silly proposal but soon witness the speed and power of Seque. Caballarius speeds away from the distracted riders, stealing their horses from under them. He leads them all the way to the Moon, where the exhausted riders offer Caballarius a spot among them as the Fifth Horseman. Seque senses her master's temptation and stirs him with a defiant stomp of her hoofs. Caballarius comes to his senses and comes up with another plan to keep the Earth safe: he agrees to join the Horsemen if they can catch him.
Towards the end of the third month, subjects of the Pearl Kingdom turn their gaze skyward to watch the noble rider streak across the sky, a bright comet against the inky black. Festivities are held and the best horsemen in the kingdom take part in a series of races and trials to earn the title of Assistant Horsemaster, in deference to the mighty Caballarius.

Spread

The Tale of Caballarius and Seque is widespread throughout the Pearl Kingdom and celebrated annually.

Variations & Mutation

The Tale of Caballarius and Seque is a distorted telling of the Four Horsemen and their pursuit of the Fifth Rider. Versions of this story exist among the Grand Consensus and can even be found in the independent cities near Urssal territory.

In Art

A statue of Caballarius and his steed Seque stands proudly in the palace grounds.

Telling / Prose

The Tale of Caballarius and Seque