The Mount

by Carol Emshwiller

"Charley is an athlete. He wants to grow up to be the fastest runer in the world, like his father. He wants to be painted crossing the finishing line, in his racing silks, with a medal around his neck. Charley lives in a stable. He isn't a runner, he's a mount. He belongs to a Hoot. The Hoots are alien invaders."--Page 4 of cover.