2

After greeting her Dad, herstep-mom Brynna, and Gram, gratefully accepting Gram's milk and cookies, Sam found her self working in the garden. Strangely hot for spring, Sam thought as she flung away a little morning glory that she had found beginning to grow. After being out in the heat for forty-five minutes, she wondered why home-grown was better for a moment before she remembered the salads Gram made. She grumbled and began the last row, making it less tedious by envisioning the Phantom.

Five minutes later, when Sam entered the house, she had decided on riding out to Phantom's hide out to see if that's where he was. The house was currently like a cave, cool and dark. She blinked a few times and her eyes grew accustomed to the light.

"There's some lemonade in the fridge." Said Gram as she accepted the basket of peas that had grown early.

"Thanks" Sam said back and went to the fridge and poured herself a glass of the sour-sweet lemonade.

"Would you mind helping me out with dinner?" Gram questioned from the counter, where she was currently slicing apples that she wanted to preserve. "I haven't quite finished packing for the fair and we leave so early tomorrow."

There goes my ride to Phantom's hideout, Sam thought glumly, though she agreed. "What time?" She asked. Maybe she could at least go for a little ride.

"About 5:30." Gram said.

"Ok," Sam said, "I'm going for a little ride."

Gram nodded, but didn't say anything else.

Sam gulped the last bit of her lemonade and put the glass in the dishwasher. Then she hurried outside, sprinting to the barn. "Ace!" She called out.

A bay gelding lifted his head high having his name called out. He nickered a greeting, anticipating a ride.

"Hello" She said to her horse, while petting his neck. "Ready for a ride?"

Ace bobbed his head enthusiastically. Sam laughed. "I'll take that as a yes." Sam said while she took a sugar cube out of her jean pocket. Ace ate the treat hastily.

Sam took the halter off the nearby hook and led Ace into the barn and gave him a quick, but good grooming and tacked him up. She led him outside and mounted briskly, giving him a pat on the neck. Sam nudged Ace with her heels and started towards the bridge that crossed the small river that ran in front of her family's property. Ace pulled at the bit slightly to get to the river. "Ace, you just came out of your paddock." She argued, but let Ace stride over to the river's edge. She let Ace drink while she enjoyed the noise of the rushing river.

Fifteen minutes later she was out on Nevada's open plains, with a few hills here and there. The sun burned overhead, but Ace and Sam took no notice as they concentrated on finding Ace's friends (a.k.a. the mustangs).

Sam knew there were mustangs around when she felt Ace perk up. He suddenly stood more alert, his ears pricked as he inhaled the air, searching for traces of other horses. He whinnied shrilly. Sam paused and listened for a reply. It came as a distant whinny. A dark shape appeared on one of the nearby hills and vanished. Sam thought it must have been a horse.

Ace quickly forgot about the horse and pawed the ground. Sam knew what he was waiting for and signaled him to trot, and then lope.

The wind was cool and refreshing on such a hot day. She leaned lower and Ace went faster still. His black mane stung her face as the air blew it. For a few brief moments she forgot about school, worrying about not seeing the Phantom and anything else.

Then she let Ace slow. They were now at a familiar lake. She let Ace sip the water and dismounted. She inhaled the sage smelling air, thankful that she was here now instead of San Francisco.

Suddenly, Sam heard a loud neigh. It sounded like a stallion's challenge neigh. Ace and Sam's head whipped up. On the top of the nearest hill, stood New Moon, a pure black stallion, who was the son of the Phantom.