If Wishes Were Horses

Anne McCaffrey

Tirza and her twin, Tracell, are fifteen. On their sixteenth birthday they will be adults. Their mother, Lady Talarrie Eircelly, is famous for her healing touch and her wisdom. Their father is an excellent tactition who is quickly called when their kingdom goes to war with the neighboring land.

Lady Eircelly has premonitions and makes immediate changes. The flowers are dug up and vegetables are planted. Wood is stockpiled. Extra meat is hunted and cured. Her wisdom pays off as the war continues. When the men need food at the front, the village is able to provide it without starving themselves.

Tirza watches her mother handle everything with aplomb. Except one problem. Tracell wants a horse for his sixteenth birthday more than anything. Yet all the horses have been taken for the war. How can she resolve this problem?

This is one of McCaffrey's short stories/novellas. It has her trademark touch of magic. It's a sweet story, not great writing. It's a good way to use an hour if you're waiting at the doctors office or something similar.