TemperanceTales: I do not own Once Upon a Time in anyway shape or form and I give full credit to the creators.

Chapter Five: Manless Stallion

He walked in the thick mud as the rain pounded down. His face was concealed and a horse stood waiting for him. It nickered and stomped its feet impatiently. The man's cruel smile was concealed by darkness. The woods surrounding him seemed unwelcoming and eerie; enough to send chills on a warm summer day. Stroking the horse's neck, he roughly grabbed and pulled the reins. The horse let out a rough breath of protest, stomping its feet even more.

Swinging his leg up onto the horse, he dug his muddy boot into the horse's side. Crying out, the horse sped off down the mud ridden road. The man held the reins tightly in his left hand while the other reached down towards something tied into the horse's saddle. The silver of the weapon seemed to glow, even though it was night. Grabbing its hilt, he let out an evil chuckle as he saw the village in the distance. He had work to do.

Henry sighed, as the bus move along the road. It was a rather chilly day out, so everyone was bundled up in coats and hats. They were heading towards the stables to see the horses. Everyone was excited and talking quite happily. Everyone except Henry; he hadn't seen Autumn in a while. Paige told him her message and the Evil Queen took it upon herself to berate him for not only skipping school but for ignoring Autumn. He was a little bit angry and a bit betrayed by her spending time with the Evil Queen. But after thinking about it, Henry realized that he had been leaving her out a lot. In fact, he remembered the last time he updated her on anything was when she found him with Emma. His stomach went into knots thinking about it. She had been the first friend he had been really close with; he certainly didn't want her mad. He was very lost in his thoughts when a female voice gently said, "Henry."

Henry looked up to see Mary Margaret come next to him. She looked at him and said, "What's wrong? You seem upset."

"I-," Henry started, looking down, "I have this friend. She's really cool, but I think she might be mad at me."

"Oh?" Mary Margaret looked surprised. She hadn't been aware of this friend. Henry had often been a loner and she never really noticed him spend time with the other students. Perhaps he was talking about Paige, who hadn't come into school today. Smiling reassuringly, Mary Margaret said, "Has she indicated that she's mad?"

"Not to me personally," Henry said and then Mary Margaret said, "Well, why don't you wait till you see her next. Maybe it's all a misunderstanding."

"Maybe," Henry said, as the bus began to slow down. Mary Margaret turned her attention to getting the students ready to get off the bus. Henry picked up his bag and slowly made his way off the bus. The cold air hit his face as he hurried over to the stables. A lady stood there, her grey hair piled on top of her head. Her warm brown eyes were cheerful as she said, "Beautiful brisk weather we have! Why don't you come inside, we have the horse's all ready for you!"

Everyone hurried inside, where there was a small arena where a couple of workers were holding on to the horses. At the end, there was a large opening at the end of the arena, leading to a fielded fence. The kids talked excitedly and followed the woman into the large area. The woman stopped a good few feet away and turned saying, "So, we've brought everyone here to learn how to take care of our fine horses. Gather around here please!"

Henry lingered back as the rest came around. Henry wandered towards the back, looking around bored. He looked around, examining the old arena. The building certainly looked old, but he knew it was only 28 years old. After all, that was when the curse was enacted. While he was staring, he noticed that something was moving out in the fields. Curiosity getting the better of him, Henry walked over to the gate, peering out from behind the bars. Just beyond the high wooden fences, there was a horse as black as night galloping. There was no rider, there was no saddle. Henry watched the horse for a little bit longer before the horse disappeared into the woods.

"I see you've spotted him."

Henry looked up to see and elderly man that he recognized as Marco. Henry nodded and said, "Aren't you the carpenter? Why are you here?"

"I was fixing up some of the horses' stall," Marco said, smiling. He looked out and Henry asked, "Does that horse belong to the Stables?"

"No," Marco said, "That stallion is a mystery he is. He's been seen around the outskirts of town quite a bit."

"Oh," Henry said, "Is he a wild horse?"

"Some say he is," Marco said, opening the gate to let himself through, "But we can't know for sure. Now if you will excuse me young lad, I must go check the fences."

"Kay," Henry said, staring from the elderly man to the woods. He nearly jumped when he saw that the horse was standing at the edge of the fencing. It stared in his direction almost sharply. The tail whipped back and forth gently from the wind. Jerking his head upwards, the horse turned and disappeared again. What was that about? That was the question Henry asked himself as he stared. Was that horse special? There was something odd about the horse, something that seemed out of place. He would have to check the book later, see what it could be.

Henry watched the forest line for a few moments before heading back to the group. Mary Margaret spotted him and said, "Henry, what were you doing?"

"…Nothing," Henry said dismissively. Mary Margaret stared at him as he walked into the group of kids pondering. She had no idea what was wheeling about in his head. It wasn't until Emma came home, looking rather concerned, did Mary Margaret find out what was going on. She put down the dish she had been currently washing and said, "Something happen at work today?"

"Henry came to me," Emma said, tapping on the counter, "He was ranting and raving about this horse that he saw near the forest."

"Oh?" Mary Margaret said surprised, "You mean at the stables."

"Just outside of it," Emma said, "Apparently he was wandering instead of paying attention."

"I see," Mary Margaret said, "So what did he say about this horse?"

"He told me he suspects that the horse is the horse of the Headless Horseman," Emma said, and Mary Margaret looked genuinely surprised. Emma sighed and said, "The horse was said to be powerful and strong. After his defeat, the horse disappeared…"

"And he thinks this horse belong to the Headless Horseman?" Mary Margaret said, "Well if the Horseman is gone, why is he so-?"

"Hyped up?" Emma asked, "Because the horse is supposed to have magical powers so he believes the horse could help us break the curse."

"I see," Mary Margaret said, "Well what did you tell him?"

"To stay away," Emma said, as if it was obvious, "Wild horses are dangerous. This horse is no exception."

"Very true," Mary Margaret said, softly and Emma said, "He seems kinda glum. Ever since his friend stopped coming into town, he's been more obsessed with the book thing."

"Friend?" Mary Margaret asked and Emma nodded. Emma crossed the room, opening the cabinet. A glass and a bottle were pulled out briskly. Setting them down, Emma said casually, "Autumn. She's a kid that lives a little bit outside of town. Long hair, blue eyes, and has Henry's same passion towards his theory. I've only met her a couple of times."

"I've never seen her," Mary Margaret said, turning off the running water, "I don't have a girl in my class by that name either."

"That's because she doesn't go to the school here," Emma said, turning around with a now filled glass. She walked towards the table and sat down with a sigh, "She's a mysterious kid, but they seem to be taking a liking to each other."

"I wonder why she doesn't go to the school here," Mary Margaret asked and Emma said, "Who knows…"

Mary Margaret looked at Emma, who held a contemplating expression on her face. Walking around to the table, Mary Margaret sat down by Emma saying, "Is there something bothering you?"

"I just think it's strange that she would disappeared for this long," Emma said, thoughtfully, "I won't lie, I'm a little worried myself…"

"Maybe you should check up on where she lives?" Mary Margaret suggested and Emma said, "Graham said it's difficult to find the house, he's tried several times already."

The phone rang and Mary Margaret walked over with a sigh. Picking up the phone as Emma took another sip of her drink. Staring into the content of the glass, she heard Mary Margaret asked, "Hello?"

Emma didn't pay attention to the silence that followed afterwards and Mary Margaret said, "Hold on a minute please. Emma?"

"Hm?" Emma asked, looking back at her roommate, who looked worried. Emma watched her hold out the phone and said, "It's for you."

Emma got up, wondering who it was. Taking the phone, she said, "Hello?"

"Miss Swan."

"Oh, Regina," Emma asked, somewhat deflated, "What do you want?"

"Is Henry with you?"

"No, he isn't," Emma asked, her eyes narrowing some, "I dropped him off by you. Why?"

"Because he's not here! He's gone!" Regina's voice snapped causing Emma to wince. Emma looked at Mary Margaret, who looked somewhat concerned and confused. Emma looked out the window and said, "Look, if he comes around Mary Margaret will call you. I'm going out to look for him."

Emma hung up without another word and said, grabbing her jacket from a chair, "I have to go, Henry is missing."

"Missing?" Mary Margaret look of surprise turned to terror, "You don't think-."

"He went after the horse?" Emma said, opening the door, "Yeah I do."

S.C.

"Ow!"

Henry yanked his hand away from the thorny bush that had just scratched him. The tall forest tree's hung above him like looming figures. The late afternoon skies were casting a golden glow on the surroundings. While it was rather pretty, Henry was not enjoying it. He was too busy trying to find what he was searching for. It wasn't something that could wait. But he wasn't having much luck; in fact he could have sworn he was going in circles. Walking down the old beaten path, he examined his hand to find he was bleeding a bit. Maybe coming without Emma was a bad idea…

A sudden crack made him jump a mile high. He scrambled back, hitting into a tree. Falling to his knees, he rubbed his head; tears almost springing to his eyes. He didn't look up until he heard a soft familiar voice.

"What are you doing here?"

Henry looked up and saw Autumn standing there with a basket filled with what looked like green plants. Behind her was the very horse that he had seen from before. Autumn tilted her head as he stood up and she said, "You really should be more careful, you know. If Excalibur hadn't notice you, you might have been wandering around forever."

"What? Excalibur?" Henry asked, rubbing the back of his head. Autumn nodded and said, "Yes, Excalibur. He's my friend."

The horse neighed, almost happily and Autumn looked up at him briefly. She then looked back at Henry who said, "So…that's your knight in shining armor?"

Autumn rolled her eyes and said, "Yes, at least that's what Paige calls him; mainly because he always with me in the woods. Speaking of which, why are you here?"

"I-," Henry started, his voice sounding a tad small, "I was looking for you."

Autumn looked surprised and asked, "Me? Why?"

"She-She told me you were upset with me," Henry said, guiltily, "The Evil Queen. She said that I should be ashamed for ignoring you. I swear, I didn't mean to leave you out."

"Henry-," Autumn started but Henry blurted out, "I don't want to lose you."

Autumn blues eyes were wide with shock. The horse snorted and moved about a bit. Henry shifted uncomfortable, staring at his friend. Autumn's mouth was parted and she said, "I'm not mad."

"You're not?" Henry said surprised and Autumn said, "No, I'm not. I was annoyed, but that's all…"

The two stood there in awkward silence as Excalibur stomped his feet, letting out a sound of protest. Autumn spared him a look and looked back at Henry saying, "Come on. We should get you back to the stables before it gets dark. The Queen is probably looking for you."

"Right," Henry said as Excalibur led the way. Henry watched him for a minute and said, "Hey, I have a question."

"Hm?"

"Is Excalibur the horse from the Headless Horseman?" Henry asked and Autumn stared at him for a minute. She smiled weakly and said, "Yes, he is. Excalibur came to this world a long time ago after the Horseman was defeated. He used his powers to get here so no one could ever abuse his powers again. That's why no one could catch the Horseman you see. He was wandering the world when he met my father. My father took care of him and now Excalibur takes care of me. Or tries to anyway."

The Horse snorted and Autumn rolled her eyes. Henry looked between the two and said, "Does he have his magic anymore?"

"No," Autumn said, "In coming here, he can't use it. But he is still the fastest horse around."

"Oh," Henry said, somewhat disappointed, "I was hoping he could help break the curse."

"No," Autumn said, shifting her basket as she walked, "We'll just have to wait for Emma to do it, I'm afraid."

Henry watched Autumn for a minute and finally asked, "Who is your father?"

Any joy that had been on Autumn's face left instantly and she said, somewhat aloof, "He was simply that, my father…he died years ago."

"Oh," Henry said, looking rather meek, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be, there is nothing we can do about it," Autumn said, reaching out and grabbing his arm. He stopped, as did she. Looking forward, Henry saw Excalibur had stopped at the tree line near the stables. Autumn pulled him around Excalibur saying, "He won't go any farther, neither will I. I have to get back home. Next time just wait for me to come to town, okay?"

"Will I see you soon?" Henry asked hopefully, "I really wish you could help me convince Emma."

"Hopefully," Autumn said, sighing. She let go of his arm and said, "Emma is waiting for you."

Henry nodded and she watched him run back across the fields. Smiling gently, she turned and rubbed Excalibur's snout. Her smile died a bit as she said, "You instigator. Next time, don't try making him follow you. You know how bad that could end if he found the house."

Excalibur nickered, pushing his nose against her hand briefly. Walking back into the forest, she disappeared from sight. Excalibur watched Henry meet Emma for a few moments before turning and following after Autumn.

"Hey there."

The black horse looked warily at the man who had come out into the small clearing. Caught in the ropes that were twisted up in the trees, the horse stomped his feet in agitation and fear, backing away. Grabbing onto part of the rope, he soothed, "Hey now, don't be afraid. I'll get you out of here."

Gently and slowly, the dark haired man reached out to stroke the horse's neck. The horse felt the man's gently touch and slowly but surely calmed down. Turning his attention back to the ropes, he managed to untangle the poor horse in a small amount of time. The horse finally trotted away from the tree, whinnying happily. The man chuckled and said, "You're welcome…"

The man went to leave but felt something following behind. Looking back he saw the horse was following. The horse stopped, looking intently at him. Smiling softly, he said, "Come with me if you want. I always have room for one more."