The Finest Challenge

They are the Finest Creations - mystically forged creatures of perfection sent by the Creators to aid the Fallen (humankind) during their mortal existence. Though they resemble horses and ponies they are supremely bright, communicate telepathically, and are moral. They are assigned to bond with individuals of great potential and to protect them from harm while guiding them along a path of virtue. This is as it has been for years unto creation ... until a Finest is separated from his mentor before he has been invested with a charge. The young equine takes on the care of two orphans, not realizing that man's potential may rest in their future. In their path: an evil mastermind whose manipulation of court politics could bring a dark age. The Finest Challenge was originally published by Tor Books in 2006.