There's a second where frustration overtakes him, and Wilhelm is paralyzed by not knowing what to do next. But he forces himself to re-focus, to not fold to despair, because otherwise he'll have a lot more to be kicking himself over later.

As he surveys the fleeing horses, assessing which one might make the easiest target, he feels the winds shift. Within minutes, it's like he's standing at the center of a large tornado, one that's twisting in every direction at once. Then, a fresh scent suddenly pervades the air. Wilhelm can read the confusion in the animals' expressions — they want to come toward the enticing scent as much as they want to avoid the strange winds, but they also want to avoid him.

Slowly, he carves out more space between himself and the trees, moving along the margins of Zoya's wind. That way, the horses have what they think is a safe path forward. And, thank god, they do start to pour in that direction.

This time, when Wilhelm throws out the incantation, he throws into it all the conviction he can muster. The shimmering loop of magical energy cinches the horse's neck. The animal, aware that something is hindering it, starts to toss its head and pull against the strange force it feels.

It's a weird sensation — he can feel the horse's resistance, as if he really is holding a rope. He takes a few involuntary steps forward before digging his heels in and concentrating on the magic he's created — which, fortunately for him, is stronger against the wild horse than his arms.

"I got one!" he yells.