Alright, here is the next chapter! Thanks for checking in and continuing to show interest in reading! I hope I don't disappoint you!
The indians turned swiftly in the direction of the lone mare, kicking their horses into action. Wander was among them, and it was only when he started heading down the hill that he in turn recognized Breeze. He nickered to her in surprise, the group of four other horses trotting beside him. While Breeze was happy to see Wander, she suddenly grew uneasy with the approaching indians. They didn't seem aggressive but they were intimidating and the sight of all five horses charging towards her gave her cold feet. It was only in that moment that she thought maybe it would be a good idea to run. Red, still hiding behind the bushes with his humans and the pack mules, now nickered again, finally gaining Breeze's attention. He was throwing his head, jerking it back and forth with wild eyes of desperation. He was signaling her to run!
Before it was too late, Breeze jumped into action. She sprinted away, muscles tight and hooves flying rapidly over the grass below her. Her nose was wide, sucking in air and blowing it loudly out. Behind her, the indians were still pursuing, and they were frighteningly fast. Two horses, Wander being one of them, caught up, and ran alongside her. Breeze glanced back and forth nervously, trying to push herself faster. She was beginning to wonder if she'd gotten herself into trouble, but then, before she knew what was happening, ropes soared through the air. It was an unfamiliar thing, having restraints placed around her neck and it frightened her even further when suddenly the indians pulled their horses to an abrupt stop... and roughly, she was forced to a halt along with them. The ropes held her tight and it hurt to push or pull against them. She couldn't get free!
Red watched from the bushes in worry, eyes wide and mouth open slightly. Seeing his mare captured, being held captive by strangers, made him not only scared for her, but mad. On impulse Red pinned his ears and hunched his hind quarters to jump forward, fighting against the iron bit in his mouth. He wanted to go to her aid. Even now, he could hear her neighing, calling to him.
"Red, no, Red, easy!" his rider corrected, yanking hard at the bit and pulling Red's head around to his knee, forcing the stallion into tight circles.
"Shame," Jim commented, "She coulda made a might lovely mount,"
"We ain't gonna go back fer 'er Jim. It's too risky. Them indians will see us comin' right o-way," Red's owner replied strictly, "We gotta lay low now,"
Breeze fought against the ropes, but they were beginning to rub uncomfortable burns into her skin and soon, she was looking for any way to avoid pressure on her neck, even if it meant following the group of four indian horses ushering her to where they wanted. She was scared, and huffing and puffing nervously, dancing back and forth to the side in uncertainty. Where was Red?! Where was her herd!? Where were these new two-leggeds taking her? It didn't take long to find out. Before long, the indians had brought her through a set of hills till they reached flatter ground. There in the valley, was settled a small group of teepees. A fire pit was smoldering out in the center of the camp, which no doubt had been the cause of the smoke in the air from earlier.
As the indians brought her closer, Breeze was able to see a few more indians and horses amidst the camp, but it was a bright paint mare that stood out from the rest. Breeze was brought to a corral, made of wooden barriers, and put inside before the indians removed the ropes from her neck. Shaking off, glad to be free of her restraints, Breeze instantly began trotting about the pen nervously, head swinging back and forth. Where was Red? Where was her herd? Her mind was still spinning. Back and forth she continued to trot, sweat accumulating on her chest and neck. Wander, who had been dismounted now took it upon himself to meander over, and place his head over the fence to nicker a friendly greeting. Breeze, finding him to be her only friend in this strange place, decided eventually to approach and touch noses with him.
How had he come to this place? More strangely, why was he staying? Odd, colored markings had been painted on his flank and around his eyes. Breeze sniffed them with interest. It was a moment later, that the paint mare Breeze had spotted from earlier, now began to walk over. Her head was low and she looked a bit weak but her bright blue eyes shone with kindness and curiosity. She nickered her own greeting and came to the fence to touch noses with Breeze as well. Her name was Rain. It was clear to Breeze that somehow this paint mare was not doing very well. Somehow she had been injured, but it was clear she was on the mend. It only took a moment to see that Rain had a strong spirit and a bright and caring mind. She and Wander seemed to be familiar with one another and having both of these two horses near made Breeze feel a lot better. But she still couldn't help but wonder what was going to happen next?
There you have it! Breeze met Rain! So sweet. :D More will come soon! Please leave a review!