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Chapter 1

Tatanka Ska

"Like the wind and the buffalo grass, we belonged here.

We would always belong here."

One summer a long time ago, the seven sacred council fires of the Lakota Sioux came together and camped. The sun was strong and the people were starving for there was no game.

Two young men went out to hunt. Along the way, the two men met a beautiful young woman dressed in white who floated as she walked. One man had bad desires for the woman and tried to touch her, but was consumed by a cloud and turned into a pile of bones.

The woman spoke to the second respectful, young man and said, "Return to your people and tell them I am coming." This holy woman brought a wrapped bundle to the people. She unwrapped the bundle giving to the people a sacred pipe and teaching them how to use it to pray. "With this holy pipe, you will walk like a living prayer," she said. The holy woman told the Sioux about the value of the buffalo, the women and the children. "You are from Mother Earth," she told the women, "What you are doing is as great as the warriors do."

Before she left, she told the people she would return. As she walked away, she rolled over four times, turning into a white female buffalo calf. It is said after that day the Lakota honored their pipe, and buffalo were plentiful.

Darkness unfolded the camp of the Lakota tribe; heavy clouds were gathering.

Little Creek could not sleep. The wind blew wild from the west that night. The blizzard had called the young man to come, and it was the voice of the blizzard that was sounding from the west tonight. A fierce cold blast buffeted Little Creek, as he felt compelled to follow the bewildering sound of the wind that kept ringing in his ears. A mysterious force drove him away from the sleeping camp and towards the noise of the blizzard as it called even more insistingly, moaning through and through around the village. Night surrounded the young warrior, the hours went slowly and at last the wind dropped. In the intense quiet, snow began to fall, white flakes drifting down, ever-moving, whispering ever so quietly. Little Creek was overcome with the complete silence of the night. White flakes fell without a sound on to grass and tree, leaf and and rock, then, as the night wore on, the snow fell softly into snow, for the ground was completely covered.

To Little Creek, breathless and tired from living those hours within the deepest rhythm of the world, it was as though he suddenly heard a stallion's cry from miles away, muffled by the falling flakes. But it was a small call that he really heard and even recognized. Could it be his beloved friend, the spirited Mustang? The golden horse who could never be broken?

He walked along in silence, never uttering a word. Any way, it would be unnecessary...for to whom could he speak? The young man was all alone in the dead winter's night, surrounded by the white snow and the distant calls of the wind, blizzard and of an unknown cry of the future.

Night was blue now. The star-bright darkness fitted close around him, cold on hair and skin. Through the trees, far below, some unusual flickering lights were twinkling. He turned west, crunching in the heavy snow, away and away from the camping grounds of the Lakota. The wind began to blow strongly again. Once he had a feeling that something fascinating was close. His eyes searched for it even, as if the memory of it was deeply buried in the back of his mind.

And then, just in that instant, he spotted a white, invisible shimmer moving through the whirling blizzard. The snow made it hard for the intrigued Little Creek to clearly see what paced ahead of him. It was gliding now, as a ghost...a vision...nothing more.

But what was it?

There were two lights in the darkness, it were the enormous eyes of something... of someone. A throbbing, roaring noise came closer and closer too. Little Creek halted in his step, freezing as the crystal statue of the winter's night. Remaining deadly still, his gaze was steadfastly fixed on the creature before him. The great, white ghost that he had been so eagerly following, had found him instead.

In that moment, it seemed as though the heavy wind, snow flurries and the moaning blizzard died away, making it easier for Little Creek to distinguish what sort of creature stood before him.

A pearly, frost covered, white beast, as white as the snow that lay around the lands emerged from the faded whirlwind. Little Creek couldn't help but gasp in awe. The eyes of the creature were red, its nostrils puffed out flames that shook the young man's entire core with unexplainable feeling, but its white hide was gleaming with such light, that it brightened up the entire darkness of the night.

"Tatanka Ska..." Little Creek muttered, meaning in the Lakota tongue 'White Buffalo'.

He had seen this buffalo before, and whenever he attempted to get closer, it disappeared as a phantom would.

This time, however, the young man refrained from nearing the gleaming, white beast. He simply waited, waited for some sort of sign. Why else would this mysterious white bison show itself to him?

"I have come to bring peace, and help you find your light." The distant whisper of the wind came to his ears, as his eyes continued watching the white vision in front of him.

Little Creek slowly stretched out his hand, presenting it a willow hoop, on which was woven a net. It was a dreamcatcher.

It was then, the blizzard commenced, flakes started to fall again heavily, and the white buffalo began to dissolve, fading into the shadows of the glowing snow.

As soon as the mysterious figure vanished from sight, Little Creek jolted awake, surprised to find himself in his own tipi tent. Rubbing his eyes in confusion, the young man slowly looked around, realizing that he had seen a dream yet again.

For three days now, he had been seeing the same dream over and over again. At first he thought nothing of it, but now his heart throbbed in wonder. What could all this signify? And why was it, that this 'Tatanka Ska' came to him three times already? What was the meaning of this all?

"Oh, great, White Bison, what do you want from me?" He asked out loud, feeling hopeless and dumbstruck.

Autumn had come with wind and gold, just like the second spring where every colorful leaf was a flower. It was that perfect season when the day is filled with warmth, and the night is chilled with cold, prophesying of the coming winter. The days had gotten shorter, as the nights grew longer. But the sun stayed and the birds continued to sing, but one could not be deceived that it was still summer. The crispy air of fall surrounded the lands, alerting everyone that there was winter to heed. Wild was the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods, as it echoed of the upcoming change in season. Loudly blew the north wind, through the shivering trees, the branches shook, and the leaves, as if falling in love with the ground, fell and kept falling down. Then came the first frost of autumn, that reminded the free roaming mustangs and all the creatures of the wild, that winter was no longer far away. By afternoon, the sun was warmly shining again, casting over its brightness of warmth around lands, and melting all the snowy frost from the ground. It was still early for snow and cold. Still early.

All summer, Spirit and Cloud had remained together, sharing the same grazing grounds with their herds. They knew quite well that the busy, desperate hot months of the season were the times when stallions stole fillies, fought other band stallions, and fillies left their own bands to run with their new mates, and foals were begotten. To avoid all the drama on the range, the two wise horses, decided that peace would come to them if they unified their forces, at least for the summer. That strategy proved helpful, and neither Cloud nor Spirit were greatly disturbed by troublesome bachelors that bustling season.

They did have unserious fights with the upstart youngsters here and there, especially after Nova joined the Cimarron herd, but the young bachelor stallions quickly learned that crossing Spirit and Cloud was not a good idea, and so, they stayed away. The dangerous threat of men had departed from their lands too. That summer a rumour was spread by one of the owls that a certain golden stallion and four, clever mares had left the two-leggeds without their horses in the middle of the night. A young doe spoke of fifteen escaped geldings, that had been led away from their furious masters. Western meadowlark chirped about an unforeseen mission where an intelligent stallion and four brave mares of the Native American tribe, succeeded in driving off menacing two-leggeds from their lands once and for all. An Eagle cried about how not one of those two-leggeds had managed to find any trace of their missing horses.

Of course, all of these were simply gossips and most of them weren't even really sure who these courageous horses were. But every creature acquainted with the son of Strider, knew in the back of their mind that it was indeed the cunning scheme of the golden stallion... of an unbreakable horse that could fly as though possessing invisible wings.

But now the autumn was upon them, bringing the promise of winter. It was time for a change, and a new beginning. The mustang way of life - which always grew hectic around spring and summer - now began to settle down. The mares had been stolen, the stallions had been challenged, the fillies had left their family bands for new herds, the colts that had come of age had become bachelors, the foals were conceived and everything was once again growing peaceful. Winter was coming and the cool season was the time of leisure, a time of bonding together to survive the harsh conditions of the wild. A time to forget old rivalries and focus about finding nourishment and withstanding the cold.

Esperanza felt that more than anyone. She possessed all the wisdom and experience to know that the seasons were once again changing, and with that change, came new responsibilities. Generally, she was never the one to worry about the herd's survival in the winter. Thanks to Strider's expertise, the Cimarron band always had a winter grazing ground, where they usually moved for the entire season. In fact, her concern did not lay in that at all. But nevertheless, the palomino beauty was worried. What was the root of her troublesome thoughts? Or perhaps, who, was it? The answer was pretty simple: Spirit.

She was once again anxious for her only son...her spirited, golden colt, who was a colt no more, but to her, he would always be her main concern. Perhaps it was odd for a dam to feel such connection towards her offspring? After all, the mares and stallions had more than just one foal and when the time came for them to live on their own, sire and dam no longer gave too much thought to them. But to Esperanza, Spirit was indeed her one and only son, from her beloved, black stallion, Strider. To her, Spirit was not only her colt, but a reminder of her and Strider's deep love for one another. Obviously the young stallion's distress would always worry her.

She had noted almost instantly, that after Spirit returned from the Lakota camp, he had become solemn, less animated, his previous enthusiasm for life was no longer as evident. Especially, after Esperanza and Cloud had told him of Misty's cruel deeds against Rain and of her banishment. He had grown jaded, was often seen brooding on his own, without seeking the company of anyone, not even his best mate the Bald Eagle. It wasn't that he disregarded his family, friends and herd. No, not at all. Spirit was still the same protective, caring, loving and compassionate soul he'd always been, but there was something in his eyes now. Something that only the ones that knew him all too well could notice. Was it sadness?

It was as though he was with his dearest family - where he truly belonged, wild and free...and yet, he was still surrounded in loneliness. Something was missing...or was it someone? He did not voice his problems, and perhaps that was the reason why Esperanza felt so concerned. He didn't say anything...didn't touch on the sensitive topic, but everything could be read in his intelligent eyes. They were filled with longing. Great longing.

The creamy mare was troubled for her beloved son's future. Misty, the lying, manipulative mare had gone and left without a trace. Rain too, had gone, leaving Spirit's heart dejected and pining for her. And now what was to become of her son's legacy? A magnificent stallion such as he could not remain without offspring or a herd of mares. And it seemed like the time was running out. The summer had been fleeting, it had come and passed rather quickly. Winter was coming and if Spirit continued down that path, he would never have offspring and Esperanza would never have a joy of experiencing what being a grand-dam was all about. Oh, how she had hoped that by the upcoming spring, the little ones would be running around. She'd been wrong and now the longer Esperanza continued pondering about it, the more guilty she was beginning to feel for letting Misty go.

What if she had been saying the truth? What if she was truly carrying her son's foal? What if Esperanza had made a terrible mistake? Did she and Cloud act wisely in keeping Misty's claim from Spirit as a secret?

It was not necessary for him to hear her lies and Esperanza didn't want to disturb her son even more. But what if she had been saying the truth all along? The lead mare was extremely conflicted and tortured with these thoughts, so much so, that Cloud had noticed her anxiety.

And it was for that reason the loyal, dedicated friend of Strider had come up with an idea one afternoon, and rather excitedly, decided to share it with the palomino mare.

"I've been thinking," Cloud said to her, detaching himself from his own group of mares, and walking up to Esperanza. "and I've come to a conclusion that Spirit cannot go on like this."

"Like what?" Esperanza narrowed her eyes, pretending as though, she did not understand what he meant.

"Oh, you know too well. Like this." He pointed, throwing his noble head in the young stallion's direction, as he was grazing alone at the edge of the herd. "It's time for him to stop moping for that filly and understand that there are other lovely young mares around that deserve his attention."

Esperanza lifted her brows unsurely. "And how are you going to achieve that?" It seemed quite impossible to her to make her lovesick son fall for someone else that easily.

"Why are you being so skeptical? I can see it in your expressions that you don't believe it can be done." Cloud replied. "Besides, I thought you were yearning for grand-foals?"

"I am!" Confirmed Esperanza. "But I do not wish to force my own wishes on Spirit again."

"Oh, but who said anything about forcing?" Cloud asked stunned. "I simply mean to push him into the right direction. You know, as a good, experienced parental figure would do? I owe that much to Strider. He was always a great friend to me."

Esperanza smiled sadly at that, as the memories of her darling mate filled her mind. Strider and Cloud had indeed been always inseparable as true brothers.

"I'm afraid it's too late for thinking about foals. But let us hope for the best next spring. Perhaps, by that time, my son will come around?"

"It's not too late." Insisted Cloud in determination. "We still have plenty of time."

"You think?" Hope seemed to surge through the palomino mare.

"Why, of course!" The stallion said nonchalantly. "We're still in the lovely months of autumn, where it is more than possible to beget offspring."

"You are right." Esperanza grinned gratefully. "Perhaps, there truly is time. I shall speak with Scarlet tonight."

"What? Why?"

"Why, to prepare her, of course."

"For what?" Cloud curled up his lip spitefully.

Esperanza knitted her eyebrows in confusion. "So that she can be ready for -"

"No! Forget that!" Cloud exclaimed rather urgently, his voice had angry tone to it, that really surprised Esperanza. "Forget Scarlet!"

"Well, then, who else is there? Your three daughters are now with Raven, if I remember correctly. And the rest of your fillies are not even a year old." She spoke firmly, annoyed at Cloud's sudden refusal. Who was he to tell her which mare to choose for her own son? "Also, Scarlet is an experienced mare, who knows what she's doing. She's also really trustworthy and is more than willing to fulfill this role. And Spirit always liked her too."

Esperanza noticed that the longer she spoke of Scarlet and Spirit, the more irked and tense Cloud became. "No, not Scarlet." He insisted firmly.

"Why not?"

"I have someone else in mind."

"Who?" Esperanza was suddenly intrigued.

"Nova." Cloud said, motioning towards the lovely chocolate, dark colored filly, who's mane and tail shone with a silver light.

"Isn't she still young?" Esperanza said hesitantly.

"Nonsense, she turned three years of age just few weeks ago. She's no longer a filly, but rather a mare." Cloud explained with a shrug, his eyes focused on the beautifully delicate creature on four-legs, who brightly intermingled with the Cimarron herd.

Ever since joining the band, Nova had become a favourite amongst them. The youngsters, especially Scarlet's twins, got along with her quite well, the mares found her charming and she was eager to please and learn. Her loveliness was even more attractive because she was also quite shy. Still young and unsure of things, she often sought the approval of the older mares. Goonda and Willow, the sisters of Strider were very entranced with her and found Raven's filly to be a wonderful replacement for Rain. She was not as sharp-tongued, stubborn, and audacious as the young paint had been. Of course, they had liked Rain too, but after her dramatic outburst on Spirit - when he had done nothing wrong in their eyes- they regarded her as bit odd and rather too brassy for her own good. After all, had she not abandoned them without leaving a word? Had she not broken the heart of their nephew? It was natural for them to like Nova better, for she was beautiful, humble and most importantly, was one of them. She was a wild mustang, born in freedom, destined to die in freedom.

"So what do you say?" Cloud asked, searching the eyes of the former mate of his best friend.

"It's not about what I say." Esperanza began uncomfortably. "It's about what my son thinks...and also Nova."

"Nova is in love with him." The pale gleaming horse stated right away. "Isn't it obvious? Every time he passes by, she gets that dreamy look that is impossible to ignore."

"I know." Nodded the mare, for she too had seen the way she looked at her son.

"You used to look like that too, once upon a time." Cloud winked, and Esperanza couldn't help but smile brightly at that. Indeed, she used to be head over heels.

"Alright, so I have a plan and if things go well, today might be the day." The stallion announced after a while in excitement. It was evident that he thought a great deal about his matchmaking skills.

"I don't know how you'll succeed, but good luck. You're going to need it." The lead mare spoke up and then decided to roll with Cloud's idea, whatever it may be.

The Lakota tribe was once again getting ready for the celebration of the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. The time of the falling leaves had come, the time of the cool, golden season was upon them. Daily the low sun warmed their lands in a late love that was assuredly sweeter than that of summer. Occasionally wind would halloo in the nearby oak trees like thunder, predicting the upcoming chill of winter. The rustle of birds' wings startled from their nests, or flying unseen into the bushes. It was a beautiful, magical thing, crunching into the colourful leaves, as it lay softly, kissing the ground. The bright colours of the season, were matching greatly with the fiery, painted coat of a lovely young mare, as she grazed in solitude, her flaxen forelock hiding her blue eyes like a silk of veil. Her creamy tail flicked gently in the breeze, her graceful legs shuffling here and there in leisure. Fluidity of her motions, gave away that she was at ease with herself. Indeed, from an outsider's gaze, she was beautiful, she was young, and therefore, she must be joyous. And at times, that were the case. The painted beauty seemed rather content amongst her friends, but whenever she was left alone with herself, the real isolation tugged at her heart. Truly, she was all alone in her fear. Yes, she was frightened. In fact, she was terrified and the worst part was, she could not share her dismay with anyone.

The distress grew in her heart more and more as the seasons began to change. As the summer gave way to autumn, the lovely Rain had realized that something was different about her now. And that something scared her. She did not feel ready, she did not understand any of it. And she was frightened. Past few months had already been quite difficult for her...yet, the more time went by, closer she had come in discovering her true self. It took several weeks to comprehend it, or even get used to it. But now, all she knew was that she was alone and scared. Luckily, she had Little Creek, Aranda and her friends to put her mind at better ease and forget her troubles. At times, she would even feel a distanced eyes watching, observing, and looking out for her, as would a true guardian angel. Of course, she never really saw the owner of those watchful eyes, but she thought she had at least some idea. Truth be told, she had thought about him ever since summer and wondered what her answer should be to his proposition when he returned.

Presently, Rain was fixated in her lonesome thoughts so much, that she failed to notice that the Lakota herd of horses had drawn closer to her. Ever since the village acquired the new fifteen horses, the humans had decided to keep some, and give some away to different, neighbouring tribes that truly needed them. Those that had stayed, were gently trained in the art of the Lakota horsemanship and they were truly making beautiful progress.

"Rain, what do you think?" She heard the rusty voice of Great Conquest, as he proudly strode by, showing off his new painted symbols and the quilted blanket, that was draped over his muscled back.

"Oh my," the young mare smiled at him teasingly. "Who are we trying to attract?"

"Well, to be honest, no one." Great Conquest flashed her a cocky grin, as he continued strutting about in the circle of the herd of horses. "My human simply decided to get me ready for the hunt."

"It's going to be quite an exciting adventure, might I add." Red spoke up, he too adorned with new feathers, beads and paintings around his body.

"Buffalo hunts have always been the most thrilling assignment." Joined in Blaze, who was attached to Blossom's side, as if stepping away from her even for an instant, would result into another theft.

"Buffalo hunt?" Rain raised her brows in surprise. "The hunt cannot take place until a spiritual leader of the tribe has a vision."

"True, but there's no harm in getting ready. The time is swiftly approaching." Great Conquest said, receiving nickers of agreement from the rest of the tribe's horses.

Rain's body tensed, her expressions changing in uncertainty.

"Mother, do you think I'll be allowed to go too?" Takoda asked eagerly to his dappled dam.

"You are almost of an age." Silver Moon nodded wisely. "And you've come far with your training too."

For over a month now, Takoda had been claimed by a young warrior, who took it upon himself to train the two year old colt. Takoda was eager, very willing and so was his new owner. It was only a matter of time, till he joined the important events, such as the bison hunts for the tribe.

And while every horse around Rain, seemed rather excited about the upcoming competition, that tested the speed, stamina and skill of horse and rider, the young paint mare was utterly conflicted. She understood that hunting such strong beasts as the buffalo, was very essential in the survival of her tribe, but she had also been lucky enough to run freely with the mustangs, and to witness the friendship between a certain stallion and his bison friend.

She remained silent, saying no more about the matter, but deep down in her heart, unexplainable inconsistency raged through her. For the first time, since leaving the herd of Cimarron, she began to feel utterly torn. The young mare only took comfort in the fact that perhaps, the elders of the tribe did not make any decisions yet. But it was to come sooner or later.

A golden dun stallion stood at the edge of his his herd, finding comfort in his solitude. He grazed on occasion, but his head was mostly held high, his blazing eyes alert. While the other members of his herd filled their bellies with tender grass - that would soon be no more - the stallion's thoughtful gaze swept the prairie. Leaves rustled in the autumn breeze. All appeared peaceful. Truly, there was no need to fear the nearby bachelors or the desperate band stallions, hoping to steal a mare or two. That season was slowly, but surely fading away. Yet there are always other threats that a leader and a protector needs to be aware of. The stallion sniffed the air for hidden signs of danger. No damp scent of wolf. No musky scent of bear. No creepy cougars, and no two-legged, with their strange odours of fire and soap. His ears pricked, listening for anything that might cause trouble, but he was greeted with a gentle trickle from a nearby creek and the lazy whistle of a meadowlark as it called to its mate. The stallion nodded with contentment.

Sighing, he lowered his head and nibbled the sweet grass, his tail flicking once, twice to chase away a dragonfly. Good thing about the coming winter was that it would put an end to those pesky flies that always seemed to irritate his kind.

He lifted his head again, his legs stiffening as he overlooked his herd and Cloud's. It was a good decision that the two stallions had made. Sticking together was what gave them peace and tranquility. Spirit did not know how he would've handled the entire busy month of summer with such longing and sorrow in his heart. Keeping his herd near Cloud's was incredibly helpful, but now Spirit couldn't help but wonder, just how long was he supposed to feel so empty. What was does was done. He needed a distraction and most desperately, he needed to move on.

The prairie stretched before him, a vast, wide-open space, and it was calling. He stomped his foot and snorted, he was still young and restless and Cloud acknowledged it with a smirk, as he walked closer to him.

"As spirited and adventurous as your sire." He commented, drawing near to greet the younger horse. "Go, it seems as though you need a little time for yourself."

"No, I was just - " Spirit began, slightly embarrassed that Cloud could see right through him.

"I will watch your herd as well as mine. No harm will come to us today." He told him assuredly.

"I'm not leaving." The stubborn young stallion insisted, earning an eye roll from Cloud.

"Oh come now, I can see just how you're yearning for a bit of freedom. Go, enjoy yourself and don't worry about us. We'll be fine."

Spirit glanced around him in hesitation. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely, positive! Go, but make sure you don't get into another one of your mischiefs." He added with a chuckle, and then slyly shifted his gaze towards the pretty Nova. "Although, I'll have to ask you to take her with you."

"Who?"

Cloud gestured his head towards the daughter of Raven. "She's been in your herd for few months now, and yet you failed to show her just how big the Cimarron lands are, as well as mine. Why don't you spend an afternoon educating her on our landscapes?"

Spirit's excited eyes dropped at that. "I don't know." He muttered unsurely. "Just forget it, I don't feel like going anywhere."

But Cloud was not having any of it. "Fine, you don't feel like adventuring, but I do and I need your company as well as Nova's. Let us go." He was determined, and would do anything to make his plan work, even if it meant forcefully dragging both of the young horses in a secluded area!

Before Spirit could answer or protest, Cloud was already nipping him on the flank to get a move on. "Nova!" he neighed at the young filly, who even though seemed to be enjoying the presence of the mares, always had her eyes on the dun stallion. As soon as Cloud called for her, she eagerly trotted over towards the two stallions, wondering what was transpiring.

"Come with us, dear filly, Spirit and I would like to show you our lands." Cloud told her, nosing her muzzle gently in a greeting.

"Out of the question!" The son of Esperanza exclaimed in frustration. "We can't both leave our herds. What if danger befalls on them?"

"It won't take long, and we won't go far. My lead mare and your mother are both wise enough to keep them safe for couple of hours. Also, it seems like your wonderful companion is here too. He will surely alert us if something threatens our herds." He tossed his head up, admiringly looking at the soaring Bald Eagle that was overseeing the two large mustang bands.

"Hail, O, Cloud!" The Eagle called ceremoniously. "You speak reasonably, I shall keep watch on your herds."

Cloud responded in a grateful nicker and then flashed a satisfied grin to Spirit. "See? It's all good. Let us go!"

And with a quick, but gentle nip on Spirit's neck, Cloud drove the head-strong horse forward as the timid Nova followed behind in uncertainty.

"Come along, sweet child," the older stallion told the filly. "No need to be shy. And you don't look back, keep walking ahead." He told Spirit, and nudged him firmly again.

"I can't believe this." Spirit muttered through his teeth in complete irritation, but felt compelled to obey. Cloud was an odd egg!

Rain had been soaking up the autumn sunshine, standing in between Aranda and the blue Appaloosa mare, Mika, and was almost dozing off in comfort, when suddenly she steered from her dazed state, spotting Little Creek urgently striding by the camp and entering the tent of the tribe elders.

That caught her attention in utmost curiosity, her head was now high in alertness, her nostrils flaring. Her sparkling eyes widened when she noticed that after Little Creek went inside the huge tipi tent - that was mainly used for council - couple of other Lakota warriors also followed him inside. The young mare's heart skipped in anxiety, she could feel in her bones that something rather serious was taking place. Then the chief of the tribe himself joined the group inside the tent, making Rain even more anxious and confused with worry.

Could it be?

Was Little Creek speaking to them about what she suspected?

Aranda sensed the restlessness of the lovely paint and scratched her withers affectionately with her muzzle. Rain was grateful for the sweet company, but her heart still remained rather jumpy. She would not ease up until she found out what exactly her human was discussing with the tribe elders.

At the back of her mind, she was sure she knew what the whole conversation was about. And the thought of it filled her with a dread of mystery.

Cloud was leading the young horses with high-stepping trot, arching his neck in pride and speaking as though he owned the entire world. Nova listened to him out of politeness, trying to look interested in what he was explaining her about their homeland, but still the filly couldn't help but glance at the young, golden stallion beside Cloud, who seemed lost in his own little world. Her real interest lay in him as she wondered why he was so quiet and distant.

Indeed, Spirit grew extremely bored and felt that he'd soon collapse on the ground if this unnecessary chatter continued on. In fact, he was about to make some sort of excuse in order to withdraw from both Cloud and Nova's presence, when Cloud himself beat him to it.

"Did you hear that?" The older stallion whispered, suddenly freezing in his steps, his ears shifting back and forth. That unexpected action of Cloud, caused both of the younger horses to stop and listen. Spirit's ears perked forward as he snorted in high alertness. Who was following them?

"I didn't hear a thing." He said, sniffing the air in the windy breeze that stirred his dark mane.

"Neither did I." Nova added, but nevertheless, huddled closer towards the golden horse, taking comfort in his protective, towering presence.

"There! I heard it again!" Cloud announced. "Someone's calling me!"

Spirit was shocked, he turned round and scanned their entire surroundings, finding himself rather confused. How was it that he couldn't hear nor sense this so-called someone? Was Cloud bluffing? Or was Spirit losing his sharp, alert sensations?

"I can't hear anything." Nova nickered in surprise, blinking naively as a young foal would do.

"What? Are you saying that you didn't hear one of my mares calling for me?" Cloud spoke, his voice rising high in disbelief. "I must leave you two now, but I'll be back."

"No, we'll come with you." Spirit volunteered, just as the older stallion feared he would.

"That won't be necessary, stay here with Nova. I'll be right back." Cloud insisted firmly, realizing just how hard the success of his plan turned out to be.

Strider's son couldn't help but lift one of his brows skeptically at his sire's friend. Something about Cloud's behaviour was quite fishy. It seemed as though he was full of it. What was this ridiculous excuse? Did he really believe Spirit to be so foolish as to fall for it?

And yet the older horse had gone, leaving Nova and Spirit both standing there stunned, watching him disappear out of sight.

"Where is he going?" The pretty young mare nickered curiously, trying to make out the oddness of Cloud's action.

"Who knows with him?" Spirit shook his head, shrugging his shoulders and snorted in annoyance. "It's impossible to read what goes into his strange, bizarre little mind."

That remark caused Nova to giggle heartily.

"That's no way to address the mighty Cloud." She laughed, teasing grin animating her features.

"Oh, come on, I know you agree too. I mean what was all that about?" He chuckled in response, for the first time in quite a while, he had smiled so genuinely.

The sun's light was becoming oblique and it's rays seemed to blaze and burn into the shape of the golden stallion. And beside this sunlit horse, glowed the dark filly, her coat shimmering in silver.

"Let us dance!" Nova invited, overcome with joy of being with Spirit, of being young, beautiful and free. She was quite glad that the older horse had left them both alone. Whether he had made it all up or really had some urgent business with his herd members, she couldn't care less. She was simply excited too see him go...to finally have a chance to bond with the stallion that had all her heart.

Without waiting for Spirit's response, Nova went off, cantering sideways, prancing, rearing, enticing him on through the afternoon light, away and away towards the outstretched meadows.

At first Spirit was unsure, hesitating to drop his guard, his thoughts still with someone else, but then the sheer delight of being with her so wild and so free in this great space became too strong for him.

The wind moved quietly over the high, wide plain, stirring the grass, rustling through the stiff petals of colorful, fallen leaves. Overwhelmed with the fresh, thrilling sense of beauty all around him, Spirit galloped forward, chasing after the prancing young mare. On and on they went in the wildness of tossed manes and flying tails. The songs of the chirping birds echoed across the prairie, as the breeze iced the coats of the young horses, but where their shoulder and flank touched, a current of warmth flowed. Spirit drew the exciting, cool windy air through his nostrils, deeply into his great chest. His hooves danced on the cold, springy grass. Nova danced along beside him. Then, out of breath, they would stop and drink at the little pools that reflected the glorious sky. As Nova continued to prance and cavort, Spirit leapt round and round, pirouetting with all his four feet close together and spinning and then rearing upwards.

But the mesmerizing lovers dance came to an abrupt stop when the two horses, all of a sudden, heard a drumming sounds of hooves passing nearby them. Nova jumped behind Spirit in fright as he outstretched his neck, analyzing the strong, familiar scent that blew in his nostrils.

"I've heard that frightening sound before." The filly quivered, shaking from head to toe. "It's the great bison herd."

"You need fear nothing while you are with me..." was all Spirit said, his eyes instantly brightening up in excitement. "You see, the great buffalo is my friend." he added.

"You are friends with the bison?" Nova asked in surprise.

"Yes, of course. Come, let us greet them." The young stallion beckoned her to follow him, tossing his long, dark forelock from his warm eyes.

Nova seemed puzzled, but she did not move, for she was still very unsure of nearing the intimidating creatures that trumpeted the west.

"Don't be afraid, they're friends." Spirit assured her sweetly, for the first time extending his nose and touching her muzzle gently. "It's alright."

Nova nodded slowly, her expressions less nervous, as she got lost in his deep gaze, and she began to walk forward, hesitantly trailing after him.

It didn't take long for the spirited stallion to find his great companion, for the entire buffalo herd had stopped to graze in the high plains of the west. It was quite clear to Spirit that they were moving towards their winter grazing grounds.

"Salutations to you, O, great Bison of the West!" Spirit called, bowing in the large creatures' presence ceremoniously, as he addressed the leader with respect and admiration.

"Greetings, the Son of Freedom, Child of the Wild." Came a bellowing answer from the great beast, as he separated himself from the rest of the herd and went to meet his rambunctious young friend.

"Already moving for the winter, I see?" Spirit said with interest. "It felt like yesterday when you first returned to these lands in spring."

"Time indeed, does move as swiftly as the wind in the grass." The great friend of the stallion responded. "After all, it was like yesterday when I first saw a certain, lanky, trouble-making colt." He added, chuckling and winked at Spirit. "Look at him now. All grown up."

"I will be sure to visit you even in the winter." Spirit spoke softly, as Nova shyly drew near, becoming more confident.

"Of course, you and your herd are always welcome." The bison acknowledged the young filly, nodding with a smile. And even though, he had a sudden, curious desire to ask him where the painted mare had gone...he decided to hold his peace. After all, he seemed to guess the answer anyway.

Before Spirit could continue speaking, his eyes were hypnotized by a shimmering, white light that shone in the middle of the brown herd of the buffalo. In fact, Nova too, had spotted the captivating beauty right away. There, amongst the plain looking beasts, dazzled a frosty, spellbinding, little calf as white as snow, no more than a few months old.

"I've never seen a white buffalo before." Nova commented in amazement. "What a stunning little creature."

"Neither have I seen such an enthralling picture. Why, she looks like a dream." Spirit agreed, his eyes glued on the white calf.

"Ahh, yes that is my newest daughter." The great bison explained, shifting his gaze back to the herd. "She turned out rather different from everyone else. But I fear this beauty will only do harm than good."

"Don't say that. I am sure you will be a great protector for her." The young stallion responded assuredly. But deep down, he too, knew quite well that exquisite looks always brought unwanted attention as well as danger. And the only thing he could do was hope for the best for his friend's family.

The sunset, woven with soft lights and tender colours, lingered late in the Lakota camp, glistening the chestnut coat of the painted, young mare with lustrous brightness. All afternoon, Rain had spent her time in wonder of what was happening with her human, and why he had called council meeting of the tribe. She needed answers, and it seemed that no one knew anything to enlighten her. But fortunately for her, that agonizing curiosity was about to be satisfied when the grey, war stallion, Great Conquest cantered towards her. His frame shaking with excitement as he nosed her in a greeting.

"I have news! Such news!" He neighed eagerly, arousing the interest of nearby grazing horses as well.

"What is it, Conquest? Oh please, do tell. I cannot wait any longer. What is going on with Little Creek?" Rain couldn't stop herself from dancing on her feet, unable to stand still.

"The hunt! The communal buffalo hunt will be taking place!" The grey stallion declared.

As soon as the rest of the horses heard this news, they whooped in excitement, throwing up their heads, some even reared, neighing in thrilling enthusiasm.

"But that's not all." Carried on the animated Great Conquest, as his eyes gazed at Rain in admiration. "Your human has been chosen as the leading akicita - the organizer of the hunt. And you, my dear, are going to be his loyal partner, of course. Congratulations!"

"Oh, Rain that's simply marvellous!" Silver Moon burst happily.

"Just like your sire, you will lead the greatest hunt of our tribe." Blossom announced.

"How wonderful, my child." Aranda smiled at her proudly.

"W-what?" That's all the stupefied Rain managed to say, her eyelashes fluttering in puzzlement, as the chatter of elation continued on.

"The reason why your human was chosen, you see, is because apparently, he saw a dreamlike vision of a- " Great Conquest wanted to explain further but was cut off.

"A white buffalo." the paint mare finished quickly, receiving surprised stares from everyone else. "I know of that dream. He spoke to me three days ago about how he kept seeing a similar dream over and over again. I didn't realize he'd actually tell the elders about it."

"Oh he did, alright, and what's even more shocking, is that none of the elders have seen a vision like that before. It's all a great mystery." The grey war horse spoke in pure bliss of excitement. "So now we must all get ready, for tomorrow, the entire camp will be heading out, travelling between 10 and 25 miles a day in order to seek out the bison herds."

Great Conquest proclaimed with an eager neigh, as the rest of the village horses couldn't hide their exhilaration and cheered loudly. Indeed, what a time to be alive! What a rousing adventure! Such were the thoughts of almost all of the Lakota horses as they gathered round Great Conquest asking if he had heard anything else.

But Rain just stood there, as if stuck in a sleepwalking state where there was no way of awakening, everything spun around her. The words of congratulations buzzed in her ears, coming in and out... everyone nickered at her with impressed excitement. She was to be their hunting leader...both she and Little Creek!

Her old self would've been crazed with happiness. As long as she could remember, she always wished to prove her courage and demonstrate her loyalty towards the tribe, along with her trusty human. Yet that very evening, Rain started to question whether that was truly what she wanted.

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of the second instalment! Thanks so much for the support and stay tuned for more.