These are vignettes more than stories, fictional thought experiments. They don't particularly tell how characters cope with problems, but simply examine the Dedicated Cavalry of Grand Normandy (motto: "Potentia pro servientes") from different angles, answering various questions about it.
It starts with a decision.
In this setting, centaurs are made from normal men. What's that like for the men?
How do centaurs feel about horses?
In Grand Normandy, centaurs are made from men who volunteer to be transformed. Why would they do that?
A centaur is as strong as a horse and as agile as a man—given proper training.
Our lads are complete stallions below the waist. And it all has to get wired to the brain somehow.
Know thyself. All over again. And know the other guys, too.
When is the transformation finished?
Centaurs and wine don't mix well. Cf. the Lapiths and Pholos.
How did Grand Normandy come to have the Dedicated Cavalry?
Strong as a horse, agile as a man, tough as both together. Magical, too? Cool!
They're all horsey, now. But some are horsier.
Carlin lies. He lies nobly, but he lies.
What happens when the lads go home to the people who knew them before their transformations?
The transformation spell comes from where, exactly?
They can't get married. What can they do instead?
How much can you change and still have people recognize you as the same person?
Over the hills and far away.
What will you gamble for a shape?
New in Town
Harry Morley
La Fôret
End Game
Danny's first expedition and it has to start like this.
They're not orcs.
Not all the adults are grown up.
Aunt Bett left behind some very odd stuff.
The six recruits followed above are only that year's class. Last year, there were different recruits.
Sometimes, volunteering is the best bargain you can strike.
"What are the odds he knows the word 'cupidinous'?"
Transformation and a new career. A time for ... looking forward.
...on a shining night when Fletcher's not about.
Teamwork.
Truth will out.
They may not be human anymore, but they're still gentlemen.
When debts come due, how much is it possible to lose?
Not all the transformations have gone well.
The history lecture in "Lecture Hall and Pub" mentions that Prince Hugh, the founder of the Dedicated Cavalry, is still alive but in his nineties, as of 2017. So look a few years forward.
Copyright © Earl Wajenberg, 2019