Chapter 12: Benny's Talent

"Hey Chester," Zeek poked at Chester to wake him. "Check it out, Benny and Star sittin' in a stall.."

"Zeek, I may like Benny but I will have no problem killing you." Star said mockingly without opening her eyes.

"I'd take her word for it buddy," Chester laughed poking him back.

Star opened her eyes and noticed Lance and Elizabeth were missing, she nudged Benny awake.

"What?" Benny mumbled.

"Lance and Lizzy are gone." He opened his eyes quickly and sure enough their sleeping bags were empty.

"Yo news flash to the horses who cant see, there down by the river." Benny ignored Chester's sarcasm and looked to the river.

"Lets go see them."

Benny got up and began walking to the river. They were sitting on the grass near the river, Benny snuck up behind them. He tried to be as quiet as possible as he walked to Lance with his back to Benny. When he got close enough he stretched out his neck and shoved Lance into the water.

"Hey!" Lance shouted before falling under the gentle currents. Elizabeth was laughing and Benny and Star couldn't hold their laughter. "Well its good to see your happy again Ben."

Benny whinnied in reply. Lance got out of the water and everyone walked back to their camp and packed up. Soon enough Benny and Star were saddled up and they were back on the road home. Once they reached the ranch, it was time to show them what he's got. He became excited when Elizabeth turned him to the arena which held the barrels.

"Alright buddy, let's show em' what we've got," Elizabeth whispered to him and patted his neck. Benny nickered and leaped into a gallop. He flew around the first barrel and then headed to the next, he rounded the second barrel with no troubles at all and then sprinted to the last barrel. He carefully rounded it, getting as close as possible without touching it and sprinted back. He bowed his head proudly as he slowed to a walk. Lance's expression almost made Benny laugh, it was the look of unbelief. Star softly nickered and smiled to congratulate him.

"Wow! You weren't kiddin'. You both were amazing!" Elizabeth blushed and patted Benny.

They walked back to their barn and Lance and Elizabeth unsaddled them and groomed them. Benny listened as they talked to eachother.

"Hey Elizabeth, Star is going to the pro rodeo and if Benny keeps that up he will too," Elizabeth shrugged, upset that soon she would be leaving Benny behind once again. "Also, I need to be working with Star and getting her ready so I wont have time for Ben." This began to make her angry but she did not say anything and let him continue. "So umm, how would you like to work here as a rider for Benny, we'll pay good, we really need you."

"What! Are you serious!" She threw her arms around him. "Yes! Of course! Thank you so much Lance!" She blushed when they broke apart. "You hear that Ben, I'm stayin' with you! We're going to get to the pro rodeo, no matter what it takes!"