Chapter 4

The Wooden Fortress

Night fell soundly and peacefully around the wild ranges, the crickets chirped casually, everything was silent and yet, my anxiety and agitation grew stronger and stronger. Little Creek was gone and I didn't know what had become of him. The two Lakota warriors, Great Conquest, Dawn and I had taken cover in a nearby forest that overlooked the wooden fortress, the same very place where my human friend was dragged inside. I wondered what those cavalry men were planning on doing with him. For some reason, only bad scenarios came to my mind and I began to shiver in anticipation. This complete stillness and not knowing what was up with my Little Creek, was killing me. I glanced at the two human friends of my owner, they seemed rather unnerved and confident. Their untroubled exterior slightly made me relax. The two of them were whispering amongst one another things that I couldn't quite understand. Although, every instinct in my body told me that they were indeed planning a scheme in order to rescue our courageous friend.

Still, that didn't stop me from thinking that maybe just maybe, we might've been too late. I grew restless, antsy and began striking the ground anxiously with my hooves. While Dawn was completely trusting her human friends and resting, Great Conquest however, was worried about my state. He calmly walked over to me and nickered in comfort. "Rain," He said ever so sweetly. "I promise, nothing will come upon Little Creek." His eyes met mine and he motioned me to eat something. With a soft sigh, I obeyed him and he smiled at me. It was obvious that I had a special place in his heart and in many ways, I actually very much liked him.

The two human friends of my guardian made a camp fire and we stayed put that night. Waiting, hoping, and praying that somehow, we'd be able to help Little Creek.

To my utter disappointment, the next day started no different from the night before. Again, we remained motionless and continued to wait. Thankfully, the two Lakota warriors had provisions of food and didn't need to leave us even for an instant. I was quite glad...I didn't want them to disappear as well. They were the last hope for my Little Creek.

I passed most of the time by having my blue eyes fixed on the wooden fortress, hoping that my greatest friend would sneak out unharmed and untouched. As the dusk approached, Dawn came up to me with a neigh of excitement. "Rain, I think they're rescuing Little Creek." She announced and tilted her head towards the two humans, who seemed to be discussing something important. My gaze darted to Singing Eagle, he took out a small dagger and handed it to Long Knife. My eyes continued to follow Long Knife as he secured the dagger and hopped on Great Conquest. He looked back at us and with a slight nod, asked Conquest to lope towards the giant wooden fortress, where Little Creek had been taken a day before.

Before riding off, Great Conquest gazed back at me, as if saying that all was going to be alright, and they set off. Singing Eagle, Dawn and I remained hidden in the forest, but our eyes were on the brave pair that had loped off to rescue my caring friend.

I wasn't sure of what exactly their plan was however, I had full trust in them...especially, in Great Conquest and I knew he wouldn't fail. We watched the rider and the grey stallion near the fortress and then trot behind it. I became quiet, my ears pricked, listening attentively to the surrounding noises. There was silence, nothing could be heard except crickets casual chirps. This tranquility continued for several hours, until a distant sound of a trumpet came to my ears. I raised my head high, my nostrils flaring as I took in the scent around me.

In the distance, I could make out a horse and human galloping towards us. Instantly, I realized that Great Conquest was returning with the rider on his back. My heart suddenly jumped in excitement and I let out a loud whine. It didn't take long for them to finally join us. Even though, I was quite glad that they were both alright, my countenance fell upon seeing that Little Creek was not among them.

Long Knife dismounted rapidly and began to explain something to Singing Eagle. In an impulse, I trotted up to the dark grey stallion and inquired how Little Creek was fairing. Great Conquest informed me and Dawn that Long Knife had thrown the dagger to the tied up Little Creek and by noon, he'd be able to escape. Wonderful sense of relief washed over me when I found out that Little Creek was safe. However, all was not over yet. He needed to get out of the wooden fortress and make a grand escape at last.

I thanked Great Conquest with a soft nicker and stationed myself next to a big bush, waiting patiently for the morning sun to rise and bring the return of my Little Creek faster.

As the two humans clapped each other's back in content and set around the campfire, Dawn and Great Conquest began to relax and lowered their heads. I on the other hand, could not and would not rip my crystal blue eyes from the giant wooden fortress that stood before me in the distance, all tall and unbreakable. I wondered what was going on there now. What was Little Creek doing? I was utterly oblivious to the fact that someone, just as important as my two-legged friend was trapped inside as well. Someone, who'd conflict me in every way possible.

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