3
New Moon was a pretty new Lead Stallion, since Sam saw that he had a only few mares. A buckskin horse stood nearest to him, then took off around the herd, leading them to where Sam could not see. Sam hoped they weren't stolen members of the Phantom's herd.
Sam stared at the distant figure as New Moon pawed the ground majestically. Then sense came back to Sam. She mounted quickly. Sam knew since he was new and he would not want any horse or person threatening his herd, he was definitely not happy about them being here. Sam mounted quickly, only looking away from the black stallion while she mounted, then quickly returned her gaze to New Moon.
The horse was starting down the hillside. Sam was getting nervous now. She stayed where she was, not knowing what to do. The last time a wild stallion had approached her, Phantom had driven him off.
When New Moon was several yards away, Ace decided. He broke into a wild gallop in the opposite direction. Sam wasn't sure if he was trying to play or not.
Sam heard hoof beats nearby and glanced behind her. New Moon was catching up. He was much taller than Ace, and had longer legs. Ace slowed a little. No Ace, Sam thought, panicking, please, don't stop. New Moon was at Ace's hip now. The pure black horse reached over and nipped Ace's side lightly. Ace squealed indignantly and halted immediately. Sam flew over his head and landed in the sandy dirt .
Sam's head jerked up and she felt instantly glad the ground was soft. She sat up slowly. She felt sore, but she knew she'd be worse tomorrow. Sam looked at the two horses. Ace looked puzzled at the Stallion and New Moon nickered, apparently he thought Ace was ok now. New Moon turned and fixed his gaze on Sam. Sam froze, hardly breathing waiting for what would happen next. The black horse stared as Ace trotted over to Sam and nudged her to get up. When Ace stood in front of Sam, so that Sam knew the stallion wouldn't charge at a sudden movement, she stood slowly and took Ace's dangling reins, glad he had not caught a hoof on one.
New Moon jerked his head up, hearing a noise of hoof beats. His three herd members were slowly making their way down the hill to follow him. New Moon whinnied sharply and glanced at Sam. Then he trotted to his herd at the base of the hill.
Hearing more hoof beats, the Mustangs, Ace and Sam looked in the other direction. Sam could see the distant outline of a horse and rider approaching. New Moon whinnied again and the herd galloped quickly out of sight.
Sam sighed, not knowing whether she was sad to see the horses go, or relieved.