Chapter 13
"How To Be Brave?"
"What if I'm far from home? Oh, brother I will hear you call...What if I lose it all?" - Hey Brother by Avicii
The soft, evening snow fell gently on the glistening, moving pelt of a blood-bay mustang. His pacing stride was swiftly flying across the vast, winter landscapes of the prairies. An onlooker would've observed that the young, lone horse was in an urgent hurry, for he tried to go at a full gallop wherever the icy ground allowed him to. He mostly kept in the cover of trees, staying close to the comforting, secure atmosphere that forests had to offer and of which he was now part of...heart and soul. From a first glance, it was clear that this stallion was on an important mission. Stern creeping frosts and the wind touched him like steel, the cold night was approaching as the sun made way to the moon. While on the outside, it appeared that the young mustang was confident and self-assured in what he was doing, inside, however, he was conflicted, uncertain and very doubtful of his success. In fact, presently, he had begun to mentally reproach himself for agreeing on this journey to the Lakota settlement.
Whatever made him think that Rain would listen to him, of all horses? Especially now?! He had outstandingly ruined all of his chances when it came to earning the alluring mare's trust, admiration and...even her love. During their last, rather unpleasant exchange, she had told him straight in the face that he had lost her forever. Every time he recalled her harsh words, a torturous feeling of a lance piercing into his heart made him shudder from head to toe. Perhaps, the worst part of it all, was the anguished reality that he was the only one to be blamed for everything. There was absolutely no way Rain would even look in his direction...let alone listen and comply to help. This was a huge mistake!
With a heavy sigh, Bolder noted that despite the differences the two young horses shared in the past, Spirit was still a far more appropriate and a safer choice when it came to visiting Rain. She would listen to him more than to Bolder. If there was a stallion who could get through to her, it was definitely Spirit...after all, Bolder knew quite well that no matter what she said out loud, deep down, she still loved the son of Strider and Esperanza. He didn't know whether to get furious about that bitter fact, or simply turn round and gallop back to Spirit and get him to go and speak with the young mare himself.
But he knew he was being silly. It was far too late for such rash decisions.
Yes, he had messed up. Yes, he should not have agreed on this particular mission. Yes, there was a probable possibility of being utterly ignored, rebuffed and dismissed by Rain...But the least he could do was try. He had already started the journey and he had to finish it. Somehow...someway. And perhaps...this was his final chance to make things right with the beautiful mare again? Who knows? Anything was achievable if one set his mind to it.
And in that moment, Bolder had set his entire mind as well his heart on the matter. He wanted to save Nova's brother and his band and he desperately wished to reconcile with Rain. Therefore, he was willing to take the risk...
Resolutely, the young stallion galloped off, barely noticing that the forests and the trees were thinning out. Before he knew it, he was dashing all alone along the great, wide, boundlessly open plain. The icy chill shivered the Little Big Horn River as the silver moon lit up the sky accompanied with the brightest stars. In spite of the enchanting beauty of the winter's night, the cold air needled the Lone Stallion, almost as though it were a spray. He was growing tired and hungry, yet not once did he think of stopping to get some rest. He was stubbornly determined to reach the Lakota village and he would do just that! No one and nothing would get in his way!
"Hmmm..." Thoughtfully mused Little Creek, pacing around Rain, measuring her growing belly with an efficient detail. "You're looking bigger than last week, my pretty girl. I'm certain everything is going the way it should." He said assuredly more to himself, than to her, giving the lovely mare a quick pet on the neck, while she softly munched on her hay, quite at ease with her condition. She lifted one eyebrow amusingly at Little Creek, sensing her friend's anxiousness despite the comforting words. He kneeled down and felt her stomach, gently massaging it in circles and then pressed his head against it as if to hear the tiny creature living inside her. Rain pursed her lips, trying to suppress a giggle. She noted with a very entertained expression that as the time for foaling approached, Little Creek became more and more protective and restless, impatiently awaiting for the arrival of an adorable, new addition to their small family.
After a minute had passed, he stood up again and commenced to inspect Rain once more, repeating the exact same routine. "How strange..." Little Creek rubbed his chin afterwards, contemplating deeply on the matter, his eyes glued on the paint mare's belly. "I thought the foal of the Great Mustang would be kicking fretfully by now. But I suppose it's still too early for that. You still need to fill out here and there and you never know with first babies, they like to stay cosy for a little longer."
Rain had heard from Silver Moon and other experienced mares, (who had given births before) that their offspring would often fidget and kick at their stomachs, making the final stages of the gestation period extremely uncomfortable. And while Rain expected that being in foal was not supposed to be easy, she was dreading the idea of having a late, overgrown baby, kicking, bucking and throwing up a storm in her belly. If the young one indeed took after its unrestrained, wild sire, the inexperienced Rain was pretty much done for. She silently prayed for it not to be the case...however, as Little Creek had said to her, it was still way too early for such conclusions or assumptions. Four and a half months to go!. She thought to herself.
"This Spring is going to be full of excitement, my girl." Little Creek spoke up cheerfully, his gaze lit brightly as though mirroring the stars in the sky. "You'll probably laugh at me, but I'm already thinking of what calling we should give the little one. You know all too well that I'll be happy no matter what, be it a colt or a filly...but I can't help wonder what it'll be like to raise a colt. I've never done that before." Reflected the boy, weaving his hands up the long, beautiful, draping mane of Rain and began to braid it one by one.
"Can you imagine if he turns out like Spirit-Who-Could-Not-Be-Broken? Oh! I can see it already! We'll both have our hands full, my darling. Or should I say hooves in your case?" He added, chuckling heartily while Rain let out an amused nicker in response.
She was so glad to see her human this jolly. It had been a rather difficult past few weeks for Little Creek and the only thing that managed to cheer him up and lift his spirits was the thought of Rain's unborn foal.
Little Creek paused, his laughter ceased, suddenly growing solemn, he got lost in the moment as his eyes focused on the flaxen braids he had done for his loyal mare. "You know Rain...I still keep seeing that dream about a white bison, almost every night." His gaze shifted on the lovely paint's intelligent expression.
"I cannot interpret its meaning. Why does it appear before me? Why couldn't we catch it in the hunt? Or who was that mysterious pale-face observing us the other day? Was it a vision also? I have so many unatainble questions...and I feel like a failure in everything I do. You are the only thing I'm proud of." He whispered softly with a heavy heart, staring into Rain's crystal, blue pools that watched him, conveying so much affection and admiration that Little Creek couldn't help but smile, despite the sudden negative thoughts.
A soft, encouraging, whinny escaped Rain's lips, as if to tell him that he was wrong...that he was not a failure and that he could prove it in time. She gently tugged at his shoulder and pulled him close to her. Little Creek wrapped his arms around the beautiful horse's neck, shutting his eyes tight for a second. It was then, Rain felt a small liquid drop on her and knew right away what it was.
"It'll be okay. It'll be okay." They both assured themselves.
As the morning sun peeked from the grey clouds, the Lakota village awoke, resuming their regular duties, responsibilities and chores, that the winter season required each community member to complete. It was true that the winter months were usually a 'slow' time for the tribe, but that did not signify that they would tolerate any sort of idleness amongst themselves. While the cold weather allowed the people to spend most of their time in teepees, they were still doing their best to stay productive. The women were busy making gifts for 'give aways' that would take place in the spring. It included lots of unique crafts of beading, quill work, and clothing which was mainly made from the buffalo hides that their warriors had hunted. The men did small amount of hunting to provide nourishment for their families, they tried to repair the tents and keep the camp well guarded from any outsiders or young ones watched and learned from the adults, eagerly taking on certain tasks to establish themselves as worthy members of their hard-working society.
The four-legged friends of the humans, however, were mostly getting a well-deserved break. Presently, Great Conquest was peaceably eating his breakfast alongside River, Red and Blaze when suddenly, their tranquil existence was rudely interrupted when the bay gelding let out a startling whinny.
"Uh-oh, there she comes! Run for your lives, boys!" He gave an emergency call and swung round, bursting away from their presences as if he had seen a rising demon from hell.
Before the grey stallion could comprehend what was happening, Blaze and Red had snapped into action and were urgently trotting off - not as dramatically as River - but still quick enough to disappear from sight, lest the approaching individual decided to unleash her fury on the 'innocent souls.' After Great Conquest surveyed his surroundings to find out who or what had frightened his companions so much, he spotted none other than Rain, making her way towards him rather timidly. Her blue eyes were concealed in her creamy forelock, as it hang like a veil on the side of her pretty face. The rest of her flaxen mane had beautiful braids trailing down her lithe neck, adorned with the feather that Little Creek had gifted her few summers ago. It was a strange occurrence! How could this stunning, painted beauty receive such negative reception from the male species of her kind? Shouldn't it be quite the opposite? The answer was simple; she had asked for it herself.
Rolling his eyes and growling inwardly, Great Conquest was about to leave her also. He had heard all of her complaints and had no energy to listen to her degrading words again, or put up with her unbearable attitude. It would be better if he joined his friends, but a soft nicker that was released from the mare's lips, made him halt in his step, despite himself.
Rain had undoubtedly observed the kind of 'welcome' River, Red and Blaze had given her. She had noticed them running from her as though she were the She-Devil. She bit her bottom lip, nervously staring down at her hooves and then looked up at Great Conquest. "What's up with them? They took off so swiftly." She said somewhat hesitantly, part of her suspected the reason for it, yet she still asked the question.
"I don't know, Rain..." Sarcastically started Great Conquest. "Could it be that you've become a successful stallion repellent?"
The mare couldn't help but flinch at the grey horse's stingy, hard words; her pride was hurting, her heart beat against her chest with indignation. "River's not a stallion." Her voice managed to come off calm and sweet. "And you're still here, soooo..." This last sentence was uttered with some sass that was typical of her personality.
"That's where you're mistaken; I am leaving." Tartly replied Great Conquest, more than ready to end the exchange.
"No, please! I wish to speak to you." Desperately exclaimed Rain. "I want to tell you something...important." She whispered the last word shyly.
"Like what? How I'm unworthy of your attention? How disgusting, revolting and abhorrent we, the monstrous stallions are? Yeah, no thanks. I've heard that all before."
"Please, just let me try and get this out." Rain pleaded, realizing that this might prove to be a difficult challenge. "I won't take much of your time and I promise, I won't say anything hurtful."
Great Conquest swallowed a knot in his throat, shaking his head with an 'I do not believe you' look and puffed out air from his chest very impatiently. He did not say anything, and Rain took that as her cue to carry on and speak up.
"I was with the mares just now." She began, a very gentle demeanour taking over her. "They've been nothing but helpful and so supportive about my pregnancy. They're experienced, knowledgable, sweet, doting...but they also give me a lot of space. They offer their assistance only when I ask for it. They aren't irritating and obnoxious."
"Wow...good thing they don't have anything hanging down between their legs. You're secure." Bitterly fired Great Conquest, growing increasingly annoyed with what Rain had just told him. Why on earth would he care about any of this?
"Yes." nodded Rain, as she tried hard to hide an amused smirk that had faintly appeared on her muzzle. "And you know what's absolutely exceptional? They aren't control-freaky, obsessive, and overall crazy in their approach."
Now she had done it! Great Conquest snorted angrily. "Okay, I don't need to hear any of this!" He spat, overcome with rage.
"They're perfect." Threw in Rain, knowing full-well that this would only trigger him even more.
"Well, that's great! I'm happy for you!" Crossly announced the grey stallion, his tone indicating otherwise. "I don't know why you had the need to share that with me, but good for you! Now, you done? Am I allowed to leave?"
"Wait! I'm not finished!" Insisted the young mare, stubbornly cutting him off.
Huffing in frustration, Great Conquest was left to fume in silence and wait for the capricious filly to end her 'praise' of the mares that were obviously so much better than him in every way possible.
"Listen, I discovered a shockingly surprising truth this morning." Rain said, her lovely eyes searching his. "Yes, Conquest, they are absolutely perfect...I could not have asked for better mentors than Silver Moon and Aranda...they are perfectly wonderful...but...b-but-" Here, her voice started to quiver, as she lost it, choking on her words. "...but they aren't you!" She cried, tears spilling out of her blue pools. "Today I found out just how much I miss my micromanaging, obsessive, control-freaky, protective and ever-so precious and loving Conquest!"
It is safe to say that Great Conquest was definitely not expecting such a sentimental outburst from Rain, who had been nothing but jaded over the past couple of weeks. He was so taken aback upon hearing her declaration that for a small second, he froze in confusion. But then noticing the mare's miserable state he quickly pulled himself together, moving forward to embrace her. "Awe no...don't cry. Please, there's no need for tears, darlin'."
"I don't know why I'm so emotional." Rain mumbled in a muffled tone, sniffing as she pressed her nose in Great Conquest's shoulder. "Tears won't stop." She whinnied as the liquid continued to roll down her cheeks.
"Mood-swings are natural in your delicate condition." Explained the grey stallion, gentle smile dancing on his muzzle. "Shh...there, there. You're okay."
"Please, take me back! I want you as my guide." Begged Rain, as though her whole life depended on it. "Forgive my cruel words. Sometimes I get so angry and I don't even know why. The next day I feel happy, the day after that I may burst out into sobs...like now. It's such a strange feeling. It's like I'm falling apart!" Explained the frantic Rain.
"Hey, it's alright. Breathe. Breathe." Great Conquest told her soothingly, nuzzling her nose with his soft touch. "Like I said, it's normal. Hormones have a way of effecting us all." He said, already forgetting his previous anger and assuming the role of a wise advisor.
"So you'll take me back?" Meekly nickered Rain, her innocent expression reminded one of a foal.
There was an intense pause, as Great Conquest silently stared at her, doubling Rain's nervousness and anxiety.
"Take you back?!" He neighed suddenly. "You can count on it! I've missed you too!" He exclaimed, throwing up his head and triumphantly leaping on his hind legs, he spun around.
"Oh! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Joyously squealed Rain, as she too attempted to rear up but was instantly stopped right there.
"No, let's not over-excite the unborn, little one." Great Conquest advised against it.
Rain couldn't conceal her bright grin of happiness. Yes, indeed! Her self-appointed mentor was back in business!
Spirit felt as though in just one night he had transformed from a lover and mate to a father, a brother and even a mother... darn it, if he were a female, he'd probably be a prosperous nurse-mare by now! He had become positively sure that if he were to find out, in that very second, that he was to be a sire, he'd be readier than ever, thanks to the unexpected responsibility of having to foal-sit Nova. And by 'foal-sitting' he was quite literally foal-sitting her. The only thing lacking was the 'nursing' part... for obvious reasons. Yet Spirit was convinced that it would certainly be an option if he were a mare.
When he had returned to the herd, Nova was despairingly with hopeless desperation, waiting to receive some kind of good news. Her naive faith in him and Bolder to heroically rescue Onyx and the rest of the bachelors almost crushed Spirit's heart. How was he to break the horrid report to the innocent filly? It would certainly shatter her into pieces. Despite his conflicted thoughts, however, he found it wise to not hide anything from her and to give her an honest account of all that transpired by the hut of the two-leggeds. Nova deserved to know the truth. Alas! He'd be regretting that decision sooner than expected. The young stallion tried to narrate everything to the shattered filly as delicately as possible, not wanting to escalate the upsetting situation even more. The truth was devastating, yes...but if he could find an easier way to break it down to her, maybe...just maybe, she wouldn't suffer as much. Hah! Some thought!
As soon as he finished speaking, to his shock, headstrong Nova refused to admit defeat and loss. She held out final hope of Bolder accomplishing the task all on his own.
"We aren't sure if that will work." Said Spirit. "You must be prepared for the unfavourable outcome." He told her gently.
"No! No! No!" Sobbed Nova and wept uncontrollably. "I will never accept that! Never!" She continued to whimper, shedding so many tears that Spirit thought she'd cry a river.
Realizing that now was not the time to reason with her or lecture her, he let her weep and simply held her in a tight, comforting embrace. Perhaps, this was what she needed to get over her grief and afterwards, she'd be more willing to see things rationally. But every time any of the herd members would draw near Nova to offer their 'condolences' about her loss, she would snap at them like an immature child, unwilling to listen to anything they had to say. On several occasions, she almost got into a heated fight with the other mares for telling her to move onwards with her life. It took all three of them; Cloud, Spirit and Esperanza to calm the enflamed state of affairs. And by sunset, Spirit felt like he was looking after an unruly brat, who either spend her time sobbing bitterly, or just taking out her sorrows on everyone else. The only one who could somehow get through to her was Spirit and generally, his tactic was pretty simple; he would cling her close to him, letting her vent her frustrations, anger and anguish, or he would tell her a pleasant story to somehow set her mind at ease...to give her something nice to think about.
Presently, Nova, after a considerable amount of consoling from her new 'mother', finally drifted off to sleep. Her body was comfortably nestled into Spirit's form, as he lay beside her, cradling her in a manner with which dams held their newborn offspring. He didn't remember the last time he felt so utterly exhausted and drained. The latest events had been an emotional, physical and quite the hectic journey. So this is how his mother felt whenever she had to deal with his rambunctious outbursts?!
Indeed, Spirit knew that the news he had delivered to the poor, naive Nova wasn't easy to take in. However, he had hoped that she would be more mature about it...more accepting of the heartbreaking report. After all, Onyx was her brother...not her mate. She could deal with his loss. And it wasn't as though he was dead, he had been captured and was going to lead a new life. Why was Nova overreacting so much? Why was she behaving like a small, capricious little foal? Why was it so hard for her to be brave? Catching himself in time, Spirit silently cursed himself for his atrocious thoughts. He was being heartless and he knew it!
Nova was still a filly...she was sensitive and had a heart of gold. Obviously she and her older, full brother were incredibly close. He had witnessed their bond–despite all the teasing–that certain afternoon day. Hearing this awful news would be like a knife stabbing her heart. They were a family and she couldn't bring herself to lose him so brutally. How could Spirit blame her for being so shattered? He was acting like a hypocrite...if he were Nova, his reaction would be somewhat similar.
However, these reproachful thoughts towards himself, did not take away the feeling of complete discomfort and unsettledness in Spirit. There was something so unnatural every time he thought about Nova as more than a friend. Especially after today. It was as though she had become his sister now, which made him sick to his stomach and all he wanted to do was blank out all of the memories of the intimate moment between them, as if it never happened. When he looked at her, he saw a young filly who still had a lot of growing up to do. And he certainly didn't think she was ready for a romantic mate. What she needed was a father and an older brother - an experienced guide, who would help her reach her full potential. Her bravery, independence, confidence was already planted in her...all it needed now was nourishment for the fruits to blossom. Nova required a patient, wise nurturer, not a lover or a breeding partner. She wasn't even fully mature... how was she supposed to raise their offspring when she herself needed a parental figure to raise her?
Spirit did not wish to be both her mate and her father at the same time. There was something so utterly wrong and disturbing about that fact. He had to make a clear choice between these two options.
"Never again." He silently thought to himself, making a resolute decision as he closed his eyes, dozing off.
As the morning light dawned on the wild plains of the West, Spirit was roused from his restful state when he heard hoofbeats crunching in the snow. Instantly thinking that it was Bolder that had returned to deliver him a satisfactory announcement, he leaped up on his feet, shaking the white powder off from his coat, but it was then he noticed that Nova was nowhere to be seen. Before he could come to some sort of conclusion on her whereabouts, he spotted her purposefully trotting forward to meet the arriving horse.
"Oh father! Father!" She called loudly, her voice ringing in relief. "I'm so glad you're here!" She ran towards the approaching black stallion, whom Spirit recognized as the honourable sire of Nova, Raven.
"My daughter." The great horse nosed his offspring in a greeting and affectionately pulled her close to his heart.
"Oh, father..." Whimpered the filly. "I have a horrid news to share with you."
"It's alright, Nova. I already know it, which is why I've come." Responded the wise stallion calmly, his eyes shifting towards Spirit, who slowly and respectfully drew near to the father and daughter.
"Hail, O, Raven." He bowed ceremoniously. "And please, accept my sincerest apologizes for the disgraceful behaviour I showed you, on our last meeting."
"You have nothing to apologize for." Generously smiled Raven, pleased to find the son of Strider back to his normal self. "In fact, I have made my way to you because I wanted to thank you for being gallant enough to seek out my oldest son. You and the Lone Stallion – the offspring of Flint, have earned my gratitude and utmost respect for trying to aid Onyx. I truly appreciate the heroism you two showed and risked your freedom for him. Yet, I'm grieved to inform you that your chivalry won't be necessary."
Spirit wasn't surprised to find that Raven was in the loop when it came to the latest, devastating events about the capture of the bachelors, but he couldn't understand why the honourable horse had told him that their efforts to save them where no longer required.
"What do you mean, father?" Nova asked, knitting her brows in a frown, as if she had read Spirit's thoughts.
"My dear, we must move onwards with our lives." Began Raven, with a lecturing tone of a sire. "What happened to Onyx is truly gut-wrenching, however, he was old enough to know better and to prevent it with wise decisions. I told him to settle down and stop hanging around those imprudent horses. Did he listen? No. And now, he is paying for it severely. Your mother is overwhelmed with sorrow and it was reported to me that you weren't doing quite well either. But such is life...we, Mustangs, do not have the privilege to dwell on misfortunes and mourn for our loved ones for too long. We must be brave and take heed...we must look at it as a lesson to learn from."
"No, father..." Nova shook her head, her pretty eyes were once again watery. "There is a way to help Onyx. Spirit and Bolder are going to-"
"Do not force your band stallion to risk his life for them! His duty is to guard his herd, not care for your foolish brother." Sternly cut in Raven. "I disapprove of such notions. I know that the son of Strider has a generous heart, but enough is enough. And leave Flint's offspring out of this...he owes you nothing and quite frankly, I find it odd that he would even join to help in the first place."
"Are you saying that we should accept the loss of Onyx?" Silently weeped Nova, tears streaming down her face.
"Nova's right." Spirit couldn't bear to stay silent any longer, not wanting to upset the filly even further. In these dark hours, he had grown increasingly protective of her...just like a caring parent would be of their young one. "We mustn't lose hope. There's still a way."
"What way?" Scoffed Raven, as Cloud, Esperanza and the rest of the herd members walked curiously towards the little party. "He cannot possibly return to the wild after...after losing everything that makes a stallion...a stallion."
"Yes, but he and his friends have a chance to lead new lives amongst kind-hearted humans." Pointed out Spirit, speaking positively for Nova's sake, rather than Raven.
"I've never heard of anything more ridiculous." Raven dismissed his words abruptly. "Two-leggeds are nothing more than vermin on this earth. No horse will ever be happy amongst them."
"I beg to differ." Spirit interjected right away, feeling personally attacked by the stallion's untrue statement. "Not all two-leggeds are cruel towards our kind, and I've experienced it first hand." His heart swelled with indignation at the insulting words of Nova's sire.
Sensing the undesirable tension between Spirit and Raven that began to crack in the air, Cloud suddenly exclaimed, attempting to divert Raven. "How wonderful it is that you've come! Let me give you a proper welcome."
It didn't take long for the genteel Esperanza to join in, very diplomatically and charmingly. "Raven, the great stallion of the Southern lands, it is an honour to have you in the herd of Cimarron. Perhaps, you'd like me to show you around?" She suggested with a courteous bow.
While Cloud's greeting was met with indifferent but nevertheless, respectful nod, Esperanza's offer on the other hand, was accepted almost instantly.
"I didn't realize the herd of Cimarron possessed such beautiful mares." Raven responded softly, his attention was now fully on the lovely, palomino lead mare and no one else. "You must be Esperanza?"
"Thank you and yes, you are correct." Smiled Esperanza graciously, bowing her head in respect.
"I think you'll have to keep an eye on your mother, Spirit." Commenced Raven in a complimentary tone, becoming easy-going once more. "One of these days some stallion may try and steal the beauty for himself."
"You are very kind." Blushed Esperanza and Spirit couldn't help but chuckle at the flattering assertion.
"Not if I have anything to say about it." He nickered meaningfully, but was still quite amused at that thought.
Even though, Spirit and Esperanza both saw Raven's remark as nothing more than just a harmless pleasantry to pay his respects to the lovely lead mare, Cloud unwittingly found himself annoyed and irritated...the worst part was, he didn't know why. However, it was safe to say, that he didn't like it one bit.
Before he could say something in protest, Raven turned to his grief-stricken daughter. "Come, Nova, let us allow the wonderful Esperanza, here, to show me around. You wouldn't mind accompanying your father, now would you?"
"Of course, not." Whispered the filly as the palomino mare led the father and daughter away, politely introducing the black stallion to the herd members.
Cloud was fuming and he couldn't understand the reason for it. He stared at Spirit in outrage. "Can you believe this?"
"Yes. Gotta go!" The young stallion responded, clearly way too absorbed in his own contemplations to give any thought to Cloud.
"Where are you going?"
"Nova needs a mother figure." Was the puzzling answer Cloud heard as Spirit set off to catch up with the small group.
The Lakota horses were all huddled together as the windy blizzard continued to plague their territories, filling up the snow into huge, mountain-like piles. The humans had found refugee in their teepees, some of them were sitting together by a large camp fire, trying to get warm. Even though, the horses weren't typically as uncomfortable as their two-legged friends, it was still an unpleasant sensation every time the wind blew the snow flurries in their faces. It was a gloomy evening, everyone was sick and tired of winter and were counting down days for the arrival of spring.
"Ughh..." Midnight sulked moodily. "I wish it did something else than just snow up here."
"I know." Agreed Silver Moon in a melancholy tone. "We've had a blizzard every day for the past two months. I'm going crazy with this unbearable weather!" She exclaimed angrily, stomping her hoofs in the snow, looking unsatisfied.
"Aranda, why don't you tell us one of your interesting stories about the wild life of Mustangs?" Suggested Blossom, hoping that this would cheer up her downcast friends.
"Oh no." Muttered Rain in response. "I certainly do not wish to hear about that ever again."
"Oh yes, go on. Tell us about the wild, fiery stallions." Midnight perked her ears expectantly, mischvious gleam brightened her gaze, which earned her an eye roll from Great Conquest.
"Please, Aranda." Silver Moon insisted, as the old mare sheepishly glanced at the young paint.
"I can't stand it again!" Rain snapped, just as Aranda thought she would.
"Oh Rain, you are such a bore." Midnight commented, very irritated and huffed away. "It was only a suggestion to amuse ourselves."
"Find a better amusement." The paint mare retorted sharply.
"How about we chase one another?" River proposed happily.
"Not in this blizzard!" Midnight objected.
"Yes, that sounds simply awful." Added Silver Moon in agreement.
"Then Midnight, why don't you get one of your humans to paint pretty, new markings on you." Blossom interposed, sounding excited about her new idea.
"What's the use when there's no one to admire it?" Whinnied Midnight.
"No one?!" Great Conquest snorted shockingly, quite offended at the mare's crude remarks. "Well, I like that! You hear that, boys? We are no one." He stared back at Red, River and Blaze.
Rain sighed, realizing that they were all feeling extremely gloomy under the ugly weather and if they didn't find some entertainment, they'd soon start bickering with one another.
"Have you ever tried playing hide and seek?" She recommended, suddenly struck with a plan. "Little Creek and I used to pass are time like that often."
"What's it about?" Great Conquest furrowed his brows.
"One player closes his or her eyes for a brief period, (often counting) while the other players must hide. The seeker then opens his eyes and tries to find the hiders; the first one found is the next seeker, and the last is the winner of the round." Explained Rain, stirring up the interest of her friends.
"Hey, that sounds fun!" Red announced intrigued.
"And it'll be quite the challenge to find one another in this weather!" Takoda threw in, who was always desperate to do something daring.
"Who wants to be the seeker?" Blossom announced eagerly.
"I'll go first!" Midnight volunteered and soon everyone was scrambling off to find a decent hiding place, including Rain who was very content with her success to turn the gloomy atmosphere around.
She was about to take cover under a large, trunk of a pine tree when suddenly, the mare found herself abruptly thrust into a nearby bush by something or someone strong. It was dark and she couldn't figure out what had happened. Before she could blink and focus her vision, she heard a whispering, pleading sound.
"Don't be frightened, it's me, Bolder."
"Bolder!" Gasped Rain in shock, her blue eyes wide in horror. "What is this? Another shameless attempt on abduction?!" Heat rose to her cheeks. She had become so furious, that she was sure she'd be capable of killing him right then and there.
"No! No! Please, listen–" The young stallion ventured to explain himself, frustrated that he had received from her the exact reception he feared he would.
"I'll scream!" Warned Rain, hissing through her teeth and swinging round in a threatening manner.
"No, please...I know you hate me, but–"
"HEL–" Before she could do more damage, Bolder swiftly, but gently pulled her tight to him, muffling out her cries with his neck. "Shhh...stop it." He entreated, as Rain struggled to free herself from his powerful grasps.
"I'll let go if you'll stop screaming." Quietly promised Bolder to Rain, who fought hard to get away from his strong grip, yet with no beneficial results.
"Please, Rain...I don't mean to treat you so uncivilly, but this is a matter of life and death. You must listen to me." Bolder continued to implore, while Rain kept her relentless grapple to detach herself from him, fighting hard against his firm hold. The stallion drew her even closer to him, stifling her defiant squeals, softly nipping at her to stop protesting.
At last, Rain comprehended that struggling with a tough stallion that had even defeated a bison bull, was useless and very exhausting, so she seized her hysterics and glared at him angrily. Once noticing that the feisty mare had managed to calm herself, Bolder released her strong grip from her.
"I know you want nothing to do with me, but I promise this isn't about me. The life of eight horses depend on you, Rain. You must hear me out."
"What is it?" Firmly said Rain, letting out a sharp exhale, her eyes throwing sprinkles of fire.
"The two-leggeds have captured a bachelor herd and they are treating them horribly. The stallions have been mutilated...they are in desperate need of our help."
Rain looked at him in silence for a moment, listening to him expressionless and then prompted to depart from his presence, as though she had not heard anything at all, ignoring him completely.
"Rain! Wait! Didn't you hear what I said?" Bolder called her in deep confusion, and jumped in the front, not letting her leave.
"Out of my way." Harshly said Rain, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Weren't you listening?"
"No, I did hear you the first time. I just missed the part where that's my problem." Sarcasm in her voice was clear and unmistakable.
Bolder hung his head in dejection. "Please, Rain..." He beseeched. "Those horses are in grave danger...they've been cut, mutilated like-"
"Gelded." Corrected Rain.
"What?"
"Look, Bolder, those stallions should've known better than to wander so carelessly from the safety of their wild homeland and into the human settlement." She spoke up coolly. "Wild horses must stay away from the domestic environment. And as for gelding...they'll be fine. It's not as bad as it sounds."
"What are you talking about? They were bleeding!" Bolder couldn't believe Rain's indifference. Was she the same caring, fearless and compassionate mare he fell in love with?
"It's normal after that kind of surgery. They'll heal...we have plenty of geldings around here and they are happier than most stallions. They don't have to deal with constant testosterone raging in their system. And while that practice isn't as common amongst our village as with the pale-faced humans, there are individuals that whole-heartily believe that not every stallion is worthy of breeding. They say that inferior horses should not even think about procreating. And lately, I happen to agree with them. Now, if you'll excuse me." She finished unfeelingly and was about to withdraw from the stunned Bolder's presence.
"But Rain, those humans are abusive towards them. We can't possibly abandon them. They need to be rescued. I refuse to believe that you actually mean those harsh words. No! You are so much better than that. Please, try to understand where I'm coming from." The hopeless desperation in Bolder's trembling, pleading voice, surprised Rain on many levels. In that moment, she realized that this wasn't some kind of a trap on Bolder's behalf to get her attention. He was truly dejected, distressed and desperate for assistance. Why he had come to her? She knew not...but at least, he was saying the truth. He actually sounded genuinely heartbroken.
"H-how can I help?" Rain's proud bearing and hostility towards him suddenly dissolved. Bolder stared up at her and observed that her beautiful features had changed. Her previous firmness and annoyance had transformed into empathy. She had grown solemn and even shy...or was it embarrassment for the words she had uttered? Bolder couldn't tell.
"Is there a way your village could take in eight more geldings like they did in the summer?" Faith was restored in Bolder.
At that question, Rain let out a slow gasp, her blue eyes almost popped out of her shells. "W-what did you say?" She mumbled in disbelief.
"I said if there's any ch–"
Bolder did not get an opportunity to finish when Rain immediately blurted out. "Did Spirit send you?"
It was the Lone Stallion's turn to freeze in shock, as though he were caught in his own web.
There was no point in lying to a clever mare like Rain. "Yes." He admitted lowly.
Rain needed couple of minutes to compose herself after uncovering this unexpected secret. She huffed in frustration and faced Bolder again. "You two know each other? How are you entangled in this?"
"Honestly, I don't even know. It happened so quickly...look, Rain...none of this is important right now. We simply need your help."
Rain didn't know whether to feel flattered that Spirit had so much trust and confidence in her and the Lakota village, ( even after everything that transpired between them) or feel upset that he had asked Bolder to go to her instead of coming to her himself with that exact same request.
She tensed, her heart started to race in nervousness as she timidly gazed up at Bolder. "You didn't tell him, did you?"
"No, that's not my place." Came the tranquil response from the blood-bay stallion, that soothed her worries. She was so glad that Bolder had shown her respect and didn't go gossiping about her delicate state. There was a silent interval, until the paint mare resolved to speak up.
"How many horses have been captured?" Rain asked, making up her mind to do whatever was in her power to aid them, putting her personal feelings aside.
"Eight. All of them gelded and marked. I think-" Bolder didn't get to finish when Rain suddenly cried out in despair.
"They're branded?!"
"B-branded?" Bolder repeated, not recognizing the terminology that the mare had used.
"Do they have strange, but similar markings on their rumps or on their necks?" Anxiously questioned Rain. Bolder noticed that she had become increasingly disturbed upon hearing that news.
"Yes. Is something wrong?"
"You should've started with that!" The mare exclaimed, visibly troubled than ever.
"What does branded mean?"
"It's a cruel practice where humans mark our kind with an extremely hot iron." Rain explained, her voice shook in terror at the thought of it. "The pale-faced two-leggeds claim their horses that way."
"What are you saying?" Bolder nickered in concern, dreading to hear her response, for something told him that it wasn't going to be pleasant.
"It means that there's nothing we can do."
"Not you too, Rain. Please, don't say that."
"I'm really sorry Bolder, but I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint." The mare told him, very dismayed on what she was about to elaborate. "There's no way the villagers will accept those mustangs now. Once a horse gets branded by the pale-faced, they become their property. If our tribe were to take them in, they'd be accused of theft and that's exactly what the evil cavalry soldiers want; to find an excuse and attack us again! I'm so sorry, but no one would risk it...not even my sympathetic Little Creek. And he isn't in the chief's good graces right now. He won't take any chances to disgrace the tribe. It's impossible. I'm sorry."
Bolder felt as though he was being punched right in the gut and knocked down in utter defeat.
"It's too late to do anything. The only hope I have is that they find good homes." Rain spoke weakly.
"I see..." The young stallion glanced at the snow-covered ground, trying hard to be brave. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. I didn't do anything, Bolder. I wish I could though..." The mare responded sadly.
"Ready or not, here I come!"
The attention of the two horses was caught by that sudden, excited ringing neigh of Midnight. And it was then, Rain realized that she and her friends were in the middle of a hide and seek game.
"Oh, Bolder, I have to go." The mare said, peering over her shoulder to see what was happening in the camp. "You need to leave before anyone sees you."
"Rain," The gentle, but very forlorn nicker that escaped the stallion, halted Rain in her step. "please, forgive me for everything. I haven't been myself lately and I'm ashamed of it. I said despicable things. I hurt you...I am so sorry."
Whether it was the guilt-ridden countenance of the Lone Stallion, or this miserable, distressed and shattered feeling of defeat, Rain's heart instantly went out to him.
"I haven't been myself either." She smiled faintly. "I forgive you."
That was all Bolder needed to hear to find a small measure of peace in his agonizing thoughts. For him, the loss of those bachelors was the first defeat...he was going to disappoint someone he cared about for the very first time. But Rain's sweet words and forgiveness made it all bearable.
"However, I'll have to ask you to never come back here again." Urgently requested Rain as she walked toward him. Her blue eyes were lit so beautifully, Bolder thought he could get lost in them. "It's only matter of time till you get captured too. Promise me that you'll go deeper into the mountains, where there aren't any two-leggeds about. While for the most part, humans here are all gentle, they will still not miss an opportunity to obtain a wild stallion. Trust me, you're better off without me. Go, and don't look back."
"Rain-"
"Don't argue with me. You know that I'm right. I won't forgive myself if your freedom got taken away for my sake." Persistently spoke Rain.
Bolder didn't say anything, he simply nodded slowly in response. After a very short pause, he gazed at her and said. "Goodbye."
Rain was very tempted to inquire about Spirit's well-being, yet pulled herself together in time and settled on a silent nod of acceptance. There was no need to ask about him...if anyone could take care of himself, it was Spirit. She quietly watched Bolder merge in the dark shadows, dissolving from her sight. Sighing sadly, she turned back to her friends, who were in a heated game of hide and seek. Somehow, she no longer felt like playing with them as a tiny tear spilled from her blue eye.
It was the third night since the strange adventure of Spirit and Bolder had occurred. The young, golden stallion was restlessly waiting for the son of Flint by the edge of his home. He paced back and forth, wondering how the entire exchange between Bolder and Rain went down. At last, he spotted a dark silhouette of a lone horse, sharply illuminated by the silver beams of the moon against the snowy landscape, creating an otherworldly image in front of him. Bolder had been true to his word. It indeed took him two full days to accomplish the challenging task. The golden stallion slowly strode over towards the visitor, not wanting to create unnecessary tumult amongst his resting herd members. When they came in contact, Bolder did not have to say anything, because as soon as Spirit took one good look at his expression, he comprehended everything right away.
"Because they're branded?"
Bolder nodded his answer; he was so dejected and conquered.
"I feared that would happen."
"I suppose we'll have to accept this loss." The Lone Stallion rasped out.
"Say nothing to Nova."
"Too late." Plainly replied Bolder, gesturing him something.
Spirit jerked his head, only to find the filly standing behind him, tears rolling down her face like waterfall, but despite it all, she remained very silent. Spirit rushed towards her and nudged her close. "It's okay, sweetheart. Come here." He embraced her comfortingly as Nova clung tight to him.
Bolder observed the two horses for a moment in complete sadness. He hated seeing Nova so heartbroken and he hated that he had proven to be useless and a disappointment when it came to helping her brother. "I'm sorry." He whispered, knowing full well that the filly had not heard him and before Spirit knew it, the Lone Stallion was gone and once again, disappeared as a phantom.