Snowbound Chapter 1
Ambush
Albany had always loved the snow, having many fond memories of it from when he was a colt. Watching the sky with anticipation every cloudy winter day for the first flakes. Pleading with his mother to let him play out in the field, for just a little while at least. Bolting out into the snow, romping around in it, kicking the powdery stuff everywhere. Feeling disappointment when his dam would call him back to the barn to warm up, after what felt like only a few minutes.
The young stallion still felt the same way about snowfall to this day, staring in awe at the delicate crystals falling all around him. He didn't even mind the fact he couldn't feel his hooves, trudging through banks that came up to his knees. Albany took in the sounds around him, the cold wind sweeping through the trees and the creak of the wagon wheels in front of him. The only thing about this he didn't care for was the rope tied from the wagon to his muzzle, rough and uncomfortable in the cold weather.
It felt like they'd been traveling an eternity, when in reality only a few months had passed since his owner had sold the farm, bought a wagon, and packed everything up to head west. They had been moving with a large group of other travellers for some time and had been separated in a blizzard, now trying to find the trail. Their small band consisted of Albany, a pair of oxen, his owner and his wife, as well as their young daughter, Holly. Albany couldn't help but like the tiny girl, always enjoying when she would come to the back of the wagon, talking to him as they jostled along.
He shook himself off, trying to dislodge the excess snow and maybe warm up a bit. He had a dark blue coat, being average height and build for a Quarter Horse, sporting a single white sock on his front left leg. His mane and tail were an even darker shade, with a single white streak down the length of his tail; his eyes looked as if they were made from amber.
Albany found himself pulled from his thoughts, twitching his ear back as he heard a new sound approaching from somewhere else. The pounding of hooves. The stallion looked to his left to see what was producing the sound, widening his eyes when he located the source. Four natives on horseback thundered from the woods toward the wagon, bows drawn and shouting as they rode. His owner picked up on this as well.
" Get in the back, heads down!" He shouted to his wife and child, reaching for the rifle that was strapped to the wagon. They clambered to get in the back as the man cocked the gun, preparing to fire.
Bang!
The first shot went wide. He pulled down the lever again, the natives blistering closer all the while.
Bang!
The second shot connected, sending one of the warband members tumbling off his horse, clutching his chest as he hit the ground. One of the natives fired an arrow, it soars through the air, planting itself into the man's leg with a thunk. He screams in pain as he climbs into the back for cover, their attackers having closed the distance to the wagon by now. One of the warriors made his way to the oxen as he drew his tomahawk. He raised the weapon and brought it down on the beast's neck, sending a splash of bright crimson onto the white snow. It was killed almost instantly, not even being able to cry out. The warrior moved to deal with the second of the oxen, but Albany had his own problem, watching as one of the natives barreled toward him brandishing a weapon.
The rider brought his horse close to Albany, raising a sharp axe above his head, preparing to strike at the helpless stallion. Adrenaline coursed through his body. No! Not like this! The native brought his tomahawk down, but Albany reared, attempting to avoid the blow. The swing missed it's intended target, but connected with the rope, severing the tie between the horse and wagon. Both of them realized this, with Albany attempting to bolt away as the warrior took hold of the horse's makeshift halter. Let go of me! The stallion lashed out with his hind legs, catching the native's horse in the side. As his mount recoiled from the hit, the warrior lost his grip on the rope. Without a moment's hesitation, Albany charged off in the other direction from the conflict.
He made his way for the treeline, looking behind to make sure he wasn't being pursued. The attackers appeared to have let him go, turning their attention back to the stranded wagon.
Bang!
Another shot rang out as his owner fired from the back of the wagon. One of the warriors fired another arrow at the man, silencing him for good. The men then dismounted and began to move ever closer.
Albany didn't dare look back at the scene again, running as fast as he could from it. The last thing he ever heard from the family was their blood curdling screams, rising far and wide over the trees...