dismount
alight from a horse, bicycle, or other thing that one is riding
stalwart
loyal, reliable, and hardworking
lout
an uncouth or aggressive man or boy
piteous
deserving or arousing pity
bandura
Ukrainian string instrument
skirmish
an episode of irregular or unpremeditated fighting between small or outlying parts of armies or fleets
doughty
archaic, humorous brave and persistent
capacious
having a lot of space inside; roomy
stallion
an uncastrated adult male horse
deuce
a thing representing, or represented by, the number two, in particular
flog
beat someone with a whip or stick as punishment or torture
meddle
interfere in or busy oneself unduly with something that is not one's concern
fondle
stroke or caress lovingly
carouse
drink plentiful amounts of alcohol and enjoy oneself with others in a noisy, lively way
besiege
surround a place with armed forces in order to capture it or force its surrender
conflagration
an extensive fire that destroys a great deal of land or property
steppe
a large area of flat unforested grassland in southeastern Europe
feeble
lacking physical strength
propensity for
an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way
hetman
a Polish or Cossack military commander
Cossack
a member of a people of southern Russia, Ukraine, noted for their horsemanship and military skill
dire
extremely serious or urgent
turbulent
characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion, not controlled or calm
unsheathe
draw or pull out (a knife, sword, or similar weapon) from its sheath or covering
obstinate
stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action
fatigue
extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness
valorous
brave
neigh
a characteristic high-pitched sound uttered by a horse
athwart
from side to side of; across
