Somehow I was half awake and half asleep. My visions took me all the way back in time when I was just a little colt.
Mother and I trotted in an open field on a bright summer afternoon. The wind blew gently and I was almost swept away by it. I didn t really care and laughed as I rolled in the thick grass or even if my coat got dirty.
I looked up to the sky and noticed a dark cloud that slowly covered the sun. One could easily think it was about to rain and that s Mother called me, "Hurry back, Honey, we must find shelter!"
I tried to get up but the wind pushed me against the ground.
"Bree, come on, let s go!" she cried.
I tried to crawl and head towards her yet it seemed almost impossible; my legs were so stiff because I was afraid.
And that s when an enormous creature rose from the darkness and it covered me in smoke. It was like a walking skeleton of a horse with huge wings and eyes that mesmerized.
"Run..." he said and then roared, "Run, I tell you!"
I jumped out of bed feeling very warm. The turntable kept playing the same song over and over.
"Hush now, baby, don t you cry, don t you cry..."
When I went to put it away it was so chilly I could see my breath.
"How can it be like this in the spring?" I said to myself, "something isn t right."
A sound like that of a rattle snake invaded the bedroom and I became agitated.
I trembled some more and pressed my hoof against my forehead; I burning up and my mouth felt dry and sore. The only reasonable thing was to go back to bed and wait to get better in the morning.
Suddenly a very weak voice said, "He s too young to die. In his dreams he shall find redemption."
"Who s there?" I asked nervously.
"It has come to my knowledge you have been after me for a while...I am the owner of this mansion."
"You don t mean...Madeleine?"
"No, she perished a long time ago and went in peace. I have made sure you re safe and comfortable. She was vain and selfish and got what she deserved."
It sounded like a girl about my age.
"But who are you?"
"A forgotten one, almost a nobody. Luckily you look like you still care about us."
"Us?" I said as I breathed heavily.
"Yes, us! We are very rare these days and the one who are still alive are treated poorly."
"I...don t understand."
Finally I gave in to a deep sleep ignoring what time it was.
The next day Rosie May came to see how I was doing since I had overslept.
"And how are you this morning, Dear?"
"I was kind of feverish last night. I think I m okay now."
"Really, are you sure?"
"Yeah...I keep having nightmares though. There s something I need to do about it. Do you recall anything about this house that was unusual before I came to live here?"
"I wouldn t know that since you hired me!" she said.
"I mean, if you have ever heard far beyond the silly legends that surround this mansion?"
"Other than the famous actress? No but you can always consult the library when you need."
"Right; I just wanted to have a quick answer because all I get is nothing but tidbits but I need a remedy."
"By the way, Blak called you earlier but I told him you weren t feeling well and he said he should try to reach you again."
"Oh no!" I sighed. "He must be worried sick. It s alright; I ll take care of it, thanks."
"Anything else I can bring you?"
"Yes...how did you know I wasn t well?"
She fell silent for a few seconds, "My intuition told me you needed help so that s why I brought you some medicine for your throat. I believe it wasn t very prudent being out in the rain."
"You sound just like my mother. She always said I was such a hoof-full."
"Oh, but it is a genuine pleasure taking care of such a charming pony like yourself; it s no trouble at all. Why I have taken care of larger families; nothing that a unicorn can t manage."
"And what if you didn t have magic?"
"There s always a solution."
After I took my meds I felt light as a feather and went to the library to try to reach Blak. Coincidentally the phone rang as soon as I entered.
"Hello?" I began.
"Marelyn?" said Blak. "Sweetheart, you sound so low; what s the matter, are you in pain?"
"No; it s just that I haven t been able to sleep well, that s all."
"But that s serious anyway. Bad dreams, I suppose?"
"Yeah...they re not normal. They used to be about things that I feared the most but now..."
"Now what, Love?"
"There s something else and it knows about me. It sounds crazy, right?"
"Maybe they are asking for a favor."
"Why me?"
"If they are what I think they are they need your help."
"Great; They told some time ago that there was nothing wrong with this place whatsoever."
"Maybe they weren t looking right. I believe you but stay calm, don t be afraid."
"That s a damn good explanation, Blak. My ex told this story in a whole different way and it almost drove me crazy."
"I m sorry about that, Love; that s why you have me now."
"I miss you so much...damn, I m kind of emotional now."
"Get some rest, my love; you do sound tired."
"How will I know if what lies in here won t hurt me?"
"It already has! It s making you restless."
"You re right."
"My heart goes out to you; stay strong until I come back."
The Sunday edition of The Ponywood Reporter was laid out nicely in the desk as usual for me. It came fat and full of useless news and gossip. As I flipped through the pages I came across the ad section and stumbled upon one that said:
Mamma Lyon, professional psychic. No job too small or big, satisfaction guaranteed.
That crazy hipogriff apparently set up a little shop down on Primrose Avenue as if she didn t cause enough trouble in New Horseleans.
Why didn t I ask her before about this? Oh yeah, now I remember; I was too obsessed about a certain pony. The time was perfect to go see her now and not so far away from home.
"Here we go again.." I said to myself.
(continued)...