Chapter 4

Watchful Eyes on Rain

" Get it out, Check it out

I'm on my way and I don't feel right"

The previously blue sky slowly began to change as the dark clouds started to cover it like an enormous blanket. The wind blew stronger, hotter as the following hour elapsed. The birds of the feather, the small land animals, deers of the forest all started to seek shelters. Esperanza was growing restless and it wasn't because of the approaching storm. It wasn't even because of Spirit's absence. She knew real well that no matter what, her son always had his attention back to his herd and he would never intentionally stray away from the band. He and Rain would be back soon. That wasn't what worried the wise lead mare.

For couple of hours now, the golden palomino had felt that she and the herd were being watched. She couldn't tell for sure what was bothering her, but there was someone's observing eyes in the deep thickets of trees. Someone was lurking...the presence of a stranger lingered in her mind. Esperanza shuddered at that thought and decided that it would be wiser to move the herd somewhere safe. But she couldn't make this decision on her own. And so, she waited for Spirit to come back and prayed that there weren't any threats nearby.

Her fiery son and his favourite mare returned as soon as they noticed the change in weather. Spirit galloped back to the herd, closely followed by Rain and greeted his mother with a soft nuzzle. "Was everything alright? I didn't scent any predators about."

"We're fine, my son." Esperanza responded, quite relieved and glad that the leader of the band was back. "But I think it will be wiser if we find shelter."

Spirit's eyes quickly settled on the anxious mares and yearlings in his band that were slightly tense because of the approaching storm. He nodded and looked back at Rain. "Follow my mother, she will lead the herd and I'll be at the rear."

The paint mare obeyed and walked forward along with Esperanza as the horses began to move out, while Spirit started snaking some of the slow herd members in order to quicken their pace. They started towards the mountains were there still lay considerable amount of snow. The young lead stallion believed that the big cover of these rocky mountains was enough to shield the herd away from the severe weather conditions. But it seemed like that the much awaited storm was not coming that day.

Evening arrived. The wind was still blowing hard, instead of cold air closing down on them, the night was hot. The snow had become even softer, and the shine had gone from it. The heat was slightly more oppressive.

Rain couldn't help but wonder what the skies were going to bring them. Could it be thunderstorm? April showers maybe? Who could tell? Back in the village, if she felt nervous or stressed out, Little Creek would gently stroke her and whisper soothing words to her. But now she was in an unfamiliar territory without her trusty human, and still feeling bit uneasy in the wild settlement, she huddled closer to her beloved stallion. As soon as her quivering shoulder touched Spirit's, she found herself relaxing at his calmness and reassuring nickers.

The weather was not bothering the stallion. Even though some of the herd members paced restlessly about including his dearest Rain, he knew that it was a natural occurrence and as long as they had shelter, all would be well. What caused his wariness however, was the exact same thing that his mother, Esperanza felt that afternoon: Watchful eyes...someone's presence. But whose?

Spirit threw his head up and tried to smell the stranger he believed was lurking around, but nothing...it seemed like that uneasy feeling went away. Or did the mysterious stranger just vanish? For now, Spirit no longer felt threatened and he was relaxed and calm once again. Yet the thought of some predator attacking his herd or desperate bachelor stallions sneaking in to steal his mares, especially Rain, couldn't leave him alone.

He kept his full attention fixed on the herd that night, refusing to fall asleep as they all remained hidden in the mountains.

All the next day the wind continued to blow hard. Spirit noticed that more and more water had started to run down the hillsides from the fringes of the snow.

The young lead stallion pawed at a thick patch of snow and found that it was rotten through and through. It crumbled and broke, then began to melt and join the little streams, the slowly moving sheets of water and the squelching swamps.

The entire herd moved about restlessly, grazing here and there, filled with a dread they did not understand, and unable to obey their instincts and make upwards, because above them, everywhere, the mountain snow was deep and now it was rotten, so that they could not get far through it at all. Spirit tried to force a way up, the need to be higher was so urgent in his veins and his nerves, but soon found he was floundering, belly-deep, in glutinous, wet snow, through which he could no longer push his way. With every hour, of course, the snow retreated up the hill-sides, slithered off the rocks, broke and slid, became water; but even though, with every hour, they could walk higher on wet ground and pressed down grass, the animals began to feel desperately that they should be higher, yet higher.

Rain's anxiousness seemed to double as she was witnessing these new and strange occurrences that never before bothered her. None of this felt right to her. She also sensed someone watching her from the thickets of bushes. That frightened her even more. Who was out there? For that very reason, Spirit stuck close to her, trying to keep her at ease. He knew that this was Rain's first Winter/Spring away from her homeland and her precious friend, Little Creek. He was determined to make her feel safe and secure. And so, he kept by her by his side, refusing to lose sight of her even for a second.

Misty, the the black mare had her dark eyes glued on the paint newcomer. She was angry and yet felt completely helpless. What could she do? She couldn't kick her out of the herd. Her glare intensified when she saw Spirit rubbing his head against Rain. Who was this two-legged loving pet? Why did SHE get all the attention and love? Why was she to become the future lead mare when Misty was the one capable of leading the herd by Spirit's side?

"Is everything alright?" Asked chestnut Scarlet, when she noticed the black mare's irritation.

"She's always attached at Spirit's flank as a newborn foal is to its dam." Snorted Misty. "How is she going to lead this herd when she can't even lead herself without Spirit and Esperanza fawning all over her?"

Scarlet was not at all surprised by her bitter answer. "Well, this is all new to her." She explained kindly "Rain's never been into the wild before. She needs extra guidance and protection until she'll become more confident."

"Nonsense!" Exclaimed the furious black mare. "She just wants to keep Spirit all to herself. She enjoys being the centre of attention."

Scarlet decided that arguing with Misty would be pointless as usual. It seemed like the black mare failed to realize that she had described herself. She was the one who loved being the centre of the universe and always believed that her beauty surpassed everyone's in the herd. She was also arrogant enough to believe that Spirit preferred her to Scarlet. The chestnut decided to ignore the black and busied herself with calming her agitated and anxious twin foals.

Misty rolled her eyes at Scarlet. That silly chestnut never failed to annoy her. But for some reason, she never felt threatened by her presence like she was beginning to feel by Rain. Scarlet had always been a charity case to her. Spirit had found her wondering all alone and heavily pregnant in the middle of nowhere, and being compassionate and kind, took her in...not because he was attracted to her, but because he felt sorry for her. At least that's what the black mare liked to believe. As for Misty herself, she had been won by Spirit from a blue roan band stallion. And Misty had made up her mind that she was much more important to the young Spirit than Scarlet every would be. Again, she failed to understand that Spirit, had 'won' her from the blue roan only because he had observed the stallion's abusive behaviour towards the black mare and decided to save her from the gruesome stallion. He certainly did not get into a fight with the blue roan for wanting to claim Misty. In fact, the dun stallion tried to avoid getting into fights with other stallions for fillies. He didn't wish to steal anyone's mare. Unless of course, the circumstances absolutely called for it. But as mentioned before, Spirit was a different horse. Far different from the young stallions. His interests lay far beyond what any young stallion his age cared about. He was an adventurer a true free spirit, who wished to roam his lands and explore things unknown to him.

Of course Misty did not understand any of it. She looked at things from her ignorant point of view, recognizing a rival in Rain. She kept glaring after her, hoping for thunderstorm to begin and for lightening to strike that spoiled, papered two-legged pet, Rain!

While Spirit was busy keeping the herd in check and observing the weather, Esperanza again felt someone's presence. Someone, who was not part of the herd. She moved anxiously about, hoping to spot anyone in the trees, but the herd had settled closer to the mountains and further from the thickets of trees, so it was hard to make out the possible lurker. She remained closer to the youngsters of the herd, and protectively guided the foals to their dams. Whoever this stranger was, Esperanza hoped that they would just go away without causing trouble. This didn't feel right.

Rain began to note the herd's disoriented behaviour, she also noticed how restless Esperanza was. Spirit seemed to be calmer, although, she did spot desperation in his brown eyes a couple of times. The odd weather conditions and uncertainty of where they should move next, concerned Spirit. She could tell that he was searching for ways to get his band away from the mountains. The snows seemed to be melting and dripping down from the hills. This was no longer a safe place for them. Nevertheless, she remained by his side and hoped that soon things would resolve.

By the afternoon of the fourth windy day, heavy black clouds were moving over the sky.

It was the soaring Bold Eagle, the companion of Spirit who, with his great wisdom, knew it first. He flew over his friend and warned him of the coming storm.

The young stallion was experienced enough to know how true and precise were the words of the king of the sky. He quickly turned to Esperanza and Rain, both stood huddled closer together and told them to start moving the herd.

Spirit wanted Rain to carefully observe how his mother directed them, so that in time, she could do the exact same thing.

"We might be safer on the other side. Over there, the country up above is not so steep." Spirit looked at the running water of the fast flowing stream.

"Do you think it's wise to leave our territory? You know, Spring is coming and there will be a lot of bachelors about." Cautiously warned Esperanza, dreading the idea of her son getting into a deadly fight with one of the agitated stallions.

"We don't have another choice." Answered Spirit.

"But the river it is very deep and flowing fast," joined in Misty, trying to sound knowledgable and important. "I think we should stay put. At least not until we're absolutely sure that storm is on the way." She had completely missed the part where the Eagle himself had warned the lead stallion.

"There's no doubt that storm is coming." Firmly said Spirit, who did not appreciate how proud and clueless the black mare sounded. Esperanza pinned her ears at Misty and motioned her to retreat back to the herd. The young mare had no other choice but to comply. As she was reluctantly passing Rain, she raised her chin and swished her tail, deliberately smacking her with her long tail.

This pesky action was not seen by Spirit nor Esperanza. But Scarlet observed it silently and shook her head. Misty was asking for trouble. Thankfully, Rain, who had comprehended the black mare's intentions and feelings towards her, decided to ignore the unruly behaviour. There were far more important things to think about at the moment. She turned her sparkling blue gaze back at Spirit and Esperanza.

"Wouldn't it be better if we crossed the river?" Suggested the palomino dam of Spirit, thoughtfully eyeing the running water.

"No, Misty's right. It's moving too fast." Rain replied, suddenly struck with an idea. "We must walk beside it."

Esperanza and Spirit looked at each other in surprise, as the lovely paint began to pave the way for them, gently and slowly.

"Let's move out!" Exclaimed Spirit, as he trotted up to the rear of his band, keeping them all in line. "We're following Rain." He said proudly and smiled to himself. Yes, indeed. His beloved mare was proving to everyone just how capable she was.

Gaining courage and new-found confidence, Rain cautiously walked forward, Esperanza started to trail after her, then the rest of the herd followed including the jealous Misty, and then Spirit who was in the back.

Night would fall soon, and it would come quickly because the world was already dark with cloud. The horses kept on, scrambling along the rugged, steep sides of the river. Often they were held up by crags which were difficult to get round.

Rocks and earth were slippery with melting snow and water, and sometimes they had to plough their way through deep, rotten snow. It was a bad journey, and Scarlet's twin foals could not travel fast because they were still very small. Even the yearlings, who more agile and sturdy, found it hard going. The mares were anxious, too, for mares in foal or with young at foot are peculiarly sensitive to danger.

Each one, knew that it was water of which they were afraid, great water caused by the melting of the snow in the wind. They knew, too, that rain must be coming, but not even the Bold Eagle who flew along with them could imagine what was going to happen, because snow as deep as this last winter's had never been in his experience, nor four days of constantly blowing hot wind on snow, followed by rain.

It was the instinct of the wild animals that told them all that here, in this narrow valley, with steep, high mountains on one side of them and the rushing river on the other, that they were in great danger.

The rain started to fall - heavy, splashing drops of rain on their backs, on their ears. It made the going even more difficult, and made each horse more afraid. Almost as soon as the rain started, the sound of the river grew louder, and the water through which they walked on the steep hillside grew deeper. Lightening could be seen, thunder could be heard, and pouring rain continued to splash and splash.

Spirit could not rip his eyes away from the paint mare's lovely form, who glided in the heavy rain like a ghost. He knew that if they were going to get through this, it was all because of her. He couldn't believe it. Even his mother, the experienced lead mare, couldn't help but recoil in fright. Yet the former Lakota mare kept on with sheer agility and strength. She, who was named after the rain itself, was not going to fear it. Not now, not ever.

Rain felt certain responsibility for everyone in that very moment, and she could not disappoint and fail them. She needed to move forward, and show the herd that there was nothing to fear and that they were going to make it, even thought the weather seemed so harsh and so dangerous.

Then the rain began to pour from the sky so that the horses seemed to be pushing their way through a wall of raindrops, and the roar of wind, and rain, and water, began to sound in the hills all round them. The paint mare plodded on and on, still unable to climb upwards through the mushy snow on the precipitous hillsides. Once they all tried climbing, but Scarlet slipped and fell, sliding fast in the mixture of snow and water on the shale surface. She gave a whinny of fright, but stopped sliding well above the river, and got shakily to her feet. Spirit and the others came down to her and, instead of trying to get higher again, kept on a lower level route, still going up the valley with still the paint, young mare in the lead. And always the rain fell in unceasing curtains of beating, heavy drops: always the noise of the storm and running water increased.

A small flat where Spirit and his herd grazed last Spring was under water. The waters were gathering, rising and rising, and because they had never seen anything like this, and were still some distance from any place where they could climb to safety, the horses were becoming desperate. They were all utterly soaked. Rain tried to steady her breathing, she too was slowly beginning to shake even though, she tried hard to keep her composure. She couldn't be the scared little filly anymore. She needed to prove them and most importantly to herself, that she could be a capable lead mare someday. She stopped, waiting for the yearlings and foals to catch up to them. Esperanza watched the young paint in admiration, and followed after her. While Spirit made sure that everyone was moving along and no one had slipped again, or was left behind. Even though, his attention was mostly on getting everyone out of there safely, he couldn't help but marvel at Rain's bravery. Just when he thought that it wasn't possible to love her more...

They passed a band of rock, difficult to climb over and round, and the footholds were not apparent in the gathering dusk and with the water pouring over the rocks. On the other side of it the river was far higher, half-dammed by the rocks, booming, coming up, up, up, rising faster than any of the horses had seen water rise before in ordinary springs. The river had a black, oily look as it rushed past.

Ahead of them, their way lay along cliff sides for several hundred yards.

"Get across here, and then we can work upwards," Spirit instructed Rain, but to get across the cliffs, with their slithering, sliding snow and pouring water, and all the time the rain beating down, was going to be very difficult.

"You lead," he said, "and I will come at the back, making sure that they all get over."

Rain nodded in determination, keeping her head held high, and her heartbeat at an even level. Esperanza, looking slightly frightened and tired, followed behind Rain.

The cliffs did not seem the same as when Rain had crossed similar cliffs before on trail rides with Little Creek. They were much more different. The water that rushed down them made them appear to move in the gloom, made each foothold precarious. She felt anxious, stressed, but shook her panicky thoughts away. No! She needed to remain strong. Rain picked her way with great care, becoming more and more nervous as she heard short gasps for breath behind her, Esperanza's occasional little half-whinnies of fear when her feet slipped and she fought to regain balance for her body. And the river was roaring and rising.

There were only a few yards to go and then a fanning out of less steep ridge. Rain looked behind. They were all still coming along, the line of mares, yearlings, the twin foals and the protective lead stallion, Spirit, who made sure that everyone was following. As soon as her eyes met Spirit's, she felt warm and soothed. They were going to get through this together. The stallion nickered at her encouragingly and she continued on. One foot after another she picked her way on the wet, slippery rock.

Esperanza noticed that black Misty was now traveling in front of her instead of Rain. Had she slowed down so much that Misty caught up and even went ahead of her? How dare she? Only high ranking mare's travel in the front. But Esperanza could not see well anymore due to the heavy storm and wind, she was growing really fatigued. When was the last time they had walked like this? Probably years ago, when her beloved mate, Strider was still alive. She was beginning to fear that they wouldn't make it. But then young Rain's determination and the fact that her bold son was there guiding them calmed her down.

Spirit had all his attention focused on the quivering Scarlet and her tiny twin foals, who were slipping and dragging behind. They were having difficulty in keeping up with the rest of the herd and so, Spirit remained close to them, trying his best to help and nudged them upward with his nose.

Suddenly, there was a wild neigh and the scrabbling of hooves. He jerked his head, swinging his body round, nearly falling himself. Rain was no longer in the lead. Alas! She was over and sliding fast towards the swollen stream, desperately trying to right herself. Forgetting everyone and everything, Spirit instantly bounded down after her, neighing, with no thought of how he would stop himself. Even as he went, he heard a warning scream from his mother, Esperanza, but it was too late to answer - or to stop.

He had almost reached Rain as she slid into the water. He saw her forefeet grabbing at the rocks: then she was rolled over and borne away by the fast-moving water.

Somehow, on small, wet toe-holds, Spirit managed to stop himself just at the edge, just before he, too, went in. He gave one anguished call, and then went leaping back the way they had come, though lower, near to that black swirling water, trying to race Rain, trying to get down to some place where he might call her out on to flatter ground.

How could this happen? Spirit was frantic! His beloved, his darling Rain was just now confidently guiding the herd to safety. What happened? He couldn't lose her...not again! NO! NO!

Below that narrow place of rocks, the river was not quite as fast; but what would happen to Rain at the rocks? Clattering, crashing, splashing over precipitous stones and through water he went, looking towards Rain's head which showed white, strained up out of the dark river.

"Rain!" Spirit called out to her in horror. "I'll get you! Hold on! Hold on!"

When the river narrowed into the little rocky gorge, Rain was near the furthest bank and swept up against the rocks. Now, surely she would be able to get her feet down and fight her way out. Spirit watched her desperately feeling for something on which to stand, but the force of the water pinned the poor mare to the rocks and seemed almost to be building up against her, submerging her. She gave a despairing cry, and seemed to push off into the middle of the stream. There the water caught her and whirled her down between the rocks, out of Spirit's sight.

"NO!" He roared in anguish. "Rain!" The thought of his sweet mare being hurt again was almost too painful to be true. This couldn't be happening!

Gasping, because all his breath had gone, the young stallion scrambled up and over, his eyes seeking the river on the other side of the rock barrier.

There was no sign of Rain. Yes! Perhaps that was she, in midstream, being rushed along with the current...perhaps it was a white head in the darkness? Spirit galloped as best he could on the steep hillside, calling her. Then night came. There was one startling last cry from the birds somewhere in the sky.

Spirit could no longer see Rain from the bank, and he sprang into the ice-cold river, swimming strongly down the stream. The cold was fierce, binding with steel bands, binding lungs and heart so that his breath became laboured and his movements weaker. This was so much more worse than when he had attempted to rescue her from the river in the human village. At least that time, he could see her, feel her... but now? She was gone. How could his beloved Rain survive in this? He was crashed into a rock, bruising his knees. He bumped his shoulder on another. He raised his head and tried to call, and his neigh sounded strange in the roar of the stream. There was no answer.

The dark, freezing water and the rain on his head were all that he could see or feel - a world of dark water and terrible cold, and the pain of the cold aching in neck, shoulders, ribs, quarters and all down the less protected bone and muscle of his legs, the pain of freezing. He swam on and on, his longing to find Rain greater even than the deep instinct that was telling him to get to the shore, to get out, to save himself.

At last that instinct told him that, if he were to live, he must indeed get out, because he was so frozen by the snow-water that he was barely able to move.

The current had taken him down the centre of the stream, but now it started to whirl him towards the western bank. Spirit began to feel afraid, and wonder if he could find strength to swim across. He must get out on the eastern bank, so that he could get back to his mother and the herd. Now even the pain of the cold was dying down. It was fear that suddenly made him struggle to swim, fear and a sudden tremendous determination.

For quite a distance the current bore him racing on, as though he, a huge stallion, were no more than a dry leaf, but slowly his desperate efforts got him towards the other side, he felt rock under his hooves, he plunged towards the bank, fell, felt rock again and leapt. This time the bank was flatter and he dragged himself out of the current, on to the ground and into the lashing rain.

His great gasps for breath hurt his chest. He could barely move. Then, as he began to grow a little warmer, there was a different sort of pain all over: but there was no time to stop. Spirit started his weary struggle back to the others, splashing through the streaming water that came down from the snow above.

He took as careful note as was possible, in the darkness and the sheets of rain, of where he had pulled himself out of the river. On and on he went, trotting where he could, scrambling over rocks, slipping in the water. Gradually the physical pain turned to a sort of tingling, and then he began to feel warmth again and exhaustion. And then the horrible pain and fear of losing Rain. His heart was again being ripped into pieces. Oh why? Oh why?! He reared, neighing loudly, crying out to the Bold Eagle. Maybe he could help him find his precious Rain?

The Eagle comprehended what the young stallion longed for and started flapping its wings to scan the area where poor Rain had disappeared.

Spirt had to go very slowly over those cliffs where Rain had fallen, so much water poured down them now that they were like an immense waterfall. When he came to the end of them, he threw up his head and called. He wanted desperately the comfort of being back with his mother and the herd ... wanted their company because he so deeply wanted Rain. Rain meant more to him than any other mare ever would. She was his soul mate. His one and only true love. Rain - who had left her beloved homeland and precious human to go with him. How could he let her down like that? How could he let Little Creek down? Didn't he promise to keep Rain safe? What was this disaster? Rain and he belonged to each other, and now she was gone. His heart was being ripped to shreds yet again.

There was a neigh, Esperanza's he knew, came from up above and a little further on. Now he was walking on squelching ground instead of rock, He called again, heard the answer, and turned upwards.

Terribly tired, and more miserable than he had ever been, Spirit joined the waiting herd.

They had heard only the one set of hooves squelching through the mud, and knew he had not brought Rain. And though most of them were extermely saddened by what had happened, perhaps there was one mare in the herd who rejoiced at this horrifying occurance.

"What happened?" Cried Esperanza.

"I do not know," replied Spirit, almost wanting to burst out in tears. "I thought she went through that narrow gorge of rock. I could not really be sure I saw her head above the water on the other side of it, but I thought I did, and then darkness closed right down, and I went into the river to try to find her. I was swimming for so long, so very long, but I never found her." His head drooped down to his mother.

"You got out," comforted Esperanza. "I think she will too. Rain has great courage."

"How could this happen?!" Screamed Spirit in sudden rage and frustration, that were building deep inside him. "HOW?!" His neigh echoed as the thunder itself. The herd shuddered in fright upon seeing their stallion so furious.

"Everything happened so fast, my son. We barely know. She must've slipped like Scarlet, although wasn't lucky like her." The palomino explained, trying to soothe her anguished son.

"Wait and see what morning brings," Willow, his sire's sister began. "We have made it out safely and there's no flood here. We shall wait for you while you go to search for her."

Spirit listened, trying to keep himself collected despite all the overflowing emotions. Though the night was warm, he felt cold. He had been too frozen, he was also deeply tired, and he had lost his precious Rain. He went into a sort of troubled doze, standing there between the two mares, but he felt, all through the hours of darkness, that he was battling in the icy stream.

As daylight came, they could see the river was far, far higher than the night before, and so fast that logs and branches were hurtling down.

Spirit looked at it, feeling that he would have no chance in water that went at that pace, but he knew he must try to find Rain. He looked round at the place they had spent the night. It was certainly the safest place he could see, his aunt was right: there was no flood. It was a grass slope between rock outcrops and cliffs, and all the grass had been under snow until last night and was pressed into the mud. They would be quite safe there for a day or so, particularly as the sky, grey and misty, looked as if it would fine up.

"You cannot try to cross that river today," Esperanza said, worried for her son's safety. "Wait. It will drop, probably by tomorrow."

"I must go down." Spirit insisted, his heart aching and aching. How could he lose his beloved Rain? HOW?! This was a nightmare...nightmare! What happened? Why didn't he pay attention to her? This was all his fault! How could he put so much responsibility on her? Determined to find her, Spirit left the herd, and they watched him start again over the streaming cliffs. He soon vanished from sight, and they had nothing at all to do but wait, and watch what went down the river. After an hour or so, the sun began to come through the mist and warm the air ... the sun that would also make the grass grow, though not today, and today they were hungry.

Spirit was down below the rock gorge when the sunlight began to break through and fall in shafts into the opposite bank. If his beautiful paint mare stood in the bush, perhaps the light would gleam on hide or hair? He walked slowly, his eyes on the other side. He came to the place where he had dragged himself out of water the night before, and where, now, the river was much wider and deeper, and still he had seen nothing. He looked at the water, the brown, swirling water. He hated the look of that river. He walked on downstream for a while, still staring across the river, and he still saw nothing. He called, but he did not know whether, standing so close to the roar of the water, he would ever hear an answer. He went back to the place where he had got our of the stream last night, then remembered that, just above it, there was a stretch of the river where the current swept towards the other side. He went a little further upstream, stood and looked for a while, at the great power of the steam, gave one more call, and plunged in.

He was immediately gripped by the iron cold, seized and twisted by a far stronger, faster current than he had dreamt possible. His chest crashed into a boulder. The water dammed up behind him for just one second, then poured over him, spun him, rolled him, he was past the boulder, legs bruised, water going into his ears, up his nose, tugging at mane and tail.

At last he came up, gasping for air, but the iron bands of cold around him made breathing almost impossible. Then a log hit his head and he swung round. His legs were among rocks, being twisted again, and the cold, the iron cold, froze him. He was swimming wildly, more to keep afloat than anything, but he saw that the current was indeed carrying him towards the further shore. How easy it would be to get out, he did not know.

Soon he saw that he was going to be swept against some rocks and then probably swirled out into the stream again. He struggled harder, trying to reach the bank upstream from the rocks. He felt his feet on boulders again, he tried to press himself on to them and make his way to the bank. Each time he slipped, he went further down in the current. Slowly, slowly he got closer to the edge of the flood. There was grass underfoot, he might make it. But every second he was also getting nearer to the rocks. With a great effort, he got himself into shallow water and then leapt away from the river as though it might rise still further and catch him. He was weak and trembling.

It was time to start his search. He moved into the bush, wondering where to go. He called once and then listened, but the sounds he heard, blending with the roar of the flood, were only those of the birds. He searched the ground for tracks, and the only tracks were made by deer and small land animals such as rabbits, foxes and squirrels. He turned downstream and walked on, searching and calling. Everywhere a great deal of snow had gone, and, in the warm sun, there was already the feeling of upthrusting life. But there was still neither sign nor sound of Rain.

The sun had come out quite strongly, and he was hot. If the night were dear and frosty the melting snow would freeze again, and the water be stilled a little. He trotted on and on, eyes seeking track, nose seeking scent, ears listening for a call, but always there was nothing. The sun was sinking before Spirit was far enough up the river - to be able safely to cross. Even that crossing proved to be a struggle, and cold and bedraggled and he had no other choice but to turn back towards the herd.

Tears were building in his eyes as he thought of Rain time and time again. This was too much to take in. Where was she? How could he lose her?! HOW?! What was he going to do now? He truly needed a miracle.

Shuffling his legs, his head downcast and his eyes watery, Spirit suddenly heard a cry of his best companion. Snapping his head up, he spotted the great Eagle, who was calling and inviting him to go with him. Could he have found Rain?

Instantly, Spirit galloped towards the direction where the majestic bird was leading him. And just then, as if in a dream, he saw his beloved Rain standing next to a small, dark bush, her entire body shaking. She looked so small and so miserable. His heart almost leaped out of its chest.

"RAIN!" Cried Spirit, in utmost joy and relief. "You're alright! You're safe! My love, my love!" He flew to her, nuzzling and embracing her affectionately.

"Spirit..." Rain nickered weakly, she was almost too frozen to move. But the sudden touch and warmth of the stallion heated her up. "I'm fine. Don't worry." She said, her voice cracking.

"How did you get out?" Spirit asked, flinging his body over her in a protective manner. Holding her quivering form tighter and closer to him. His eyes were drawn to the sky as he thanked God that his beloved was safe.

"I thought it was all over..." Rain began as she pressed her forehead against Spirit's neck. "But someone rescued me...I don't know who...I was carried out of the water. I didn't see who it was. At first I thought it was you." She said confused and then buried her nose in the stallion's fur again. "Never leave me, I was so scared." Whimpered she, in a low tone.

In truth, the pretty paint didn't have time to blink. Everything had happened so fast. She did slip on a wet rocky ground but she was also sure that she had been pushed by a certain someone. Rain had her doubts on Misty. Did she plunge her down deliberately? Her rescuer had acted fast. Before she could realize what was happening, she had been carried out of the water and into the dry land. It must've been someone extermely strong as Spirit. And someone just as brave...but who?

If only she hadn't passed out afterwards, she might've seen who the courageous creature was. Presently, she was just glad to be back in Spirit's embrace.

"Rain I'm so sorry." Spirit nuzzled her, stroking her nose with his. "I was crazed with worry. My love, I'm so glad you're alright." The stallion tightened his grip on her, moving her head closer to him and caressed her cheek. "Come, let's get out of here."

He held on to her for couple more minutes, finding it very hard to part with his beloved even for an instant. They both had quite the scare! However, all was well now. And for a moment, they remained together, Spirit's neck resting over Rain's and his long mane draped over her.

Then, they bounded back to the herd, Spirit was guiding Rain gently and safely, the Eagle followed after them. Although extremely happy and relieved, Spirit couldn't help but wonder...Who could have saved his darling mare? He owned them a great deal...whoever it was. Could it be the owner of those watchful eyes? That very presence that he had felt a day before?

The golden dun stallion's speculations had been guessed correctly.

I'm very proud of how this chapter turned out. It's longest out of all my stories. I hope you all like it. Please, leave reviews and share your thoughts. They motivate me! Much love.