Alec splashed the cool, clear water upon his stinging face. The Black had pulled up at the lake. I must not forget that I'm in a dream, Alec reminded himself. His face was gaining warmth, and his cheeks began to tingle.
The Black walked over and thrust his beautiful head over Alec's shoulder, begging for attention. The boy smiled and rubbed the satiny black head affectionately. The Black blew soft, warm breaths of air swirling over his master's face, warming it quickly.
"Thanks, boy." Alec whispered. He gently pushed the stallion's head away before rising to his feet and brushing himself off.
He watched as his horse trotted majestically through his new herd, nickering occasionally. Once or twice Alec saw a mare or old stallion lift up his head and whinny in response. Soon the Black returned to him, as if showing Alec his new prize he had just won. He smiled at the Black's playfulness.
Alec grabbed a chunk of tangled mane and leapt up, landing lightly upon the horse's back. The boy clucked once, and the Black sprang forward, carrying Alec away. They couldn't be rid of the herd, though- they followed in hot pursuit.
The Black tossed his head impatiently, waiting for a cue. Alec's mind was elsewhere. The Black gave a slight buck, bringing Alec back to reality. The boy waited- two, four seconds...
"Run!" Alec whooped. He tapped his heels on his stallion's side, crouching low over his horse's with, reliving the many races he had shared with this great black devil. The Black jumped forward, his every motion showing his true speed. His enormous strides dug into the earth, and his little band was soon far in the distance.
Alec's mind flew back to when he had first seen this amazing creature, and all the wonderful events he had shared with the Black.
The black stallion reared, his huge body glistening with sweat. Ropes were bound around a halter, digging into the proud head. The devil was blindfolded, but still he fought. Alec had never seen such a beauty. This stallion was the horse from his dreams! The Black screamed, and once again he reared, this time one of the attendants falling down. A man stepped up, a whip in his hands...
The Black surged forward, neck and neck with Steve Duncan. Flame and the Black were a length away from the wire, each stride equal, their pounding hooves thundering down the turf to the wire together... Yes! It's a photo finish. The crowd fell deathly quiet, no one bothering to watch the other horses finish except the stewards.
The picture flashed up on the board- The Black's nose was a millimeter ahead. The crowd begins to roar and cheer enthusiastically...
Alec shook his head, clearing the thoughts that clung like spider-webs. The Black was still just beginning to open up his stride, but suddenly he slowed. Alec detected a faltering step in the stallion's stride. The boy quickly stopped his horse and slid off, a worried frown covering his face.
No, not now! Alec thought miserably. The Black had hurt his leg, somehow. He had managed to lead his horse over to a patch of trees, and there they sat- the whole band, too.
Alec rose up and jogged away to the north. He slowed, listening. He picked up his foot- it came up reluctantly with a squelching sound. Alec backed away, gazing into the foggy haze. It's a marsh!!!