Sorry readers!
It's been a while! I started a few other stories and been busy at the barn lately. Anyway here is the next chapter, please enjoy!
The winter months passed remarkably fast. Breeze felt that with her new human friend coming to visit and play with her every day, time went by much quicker than when she had lived in boredom with the Cimarron herd under Esmerelda's care. Warm Hand was a fun creature. He would bring her new treats every day, play chase and run from her in the pen, and brush and groom her. Breeze had been most pleased on the day that Warm Hand had worked loose the dried mud and blood from her long fur coat. However, the most exciting of events was the day that Warm Hand had asked to get onto her back. Breeze remembered it very vividly. She'd been extremely curious as to why he was trying to get her near the fence post. But when she did, he had rewarded her with wonderful pets and rubs to her neck and back. When he attempted to slide his leg over her though, Breeze instantly shied away. What did that silly human think he was doing?
Warm Hand was patient though. Even if Breeze clearly didn't like the idea of being ridden, he would ease her into it. It took a good set of days, but eventually, after training her to come to the fence, the human was finally rewarded with being allowed to sit on her back for a quick moment. Breeze had danced under him, but when he'd stroked his warm, assuring hands down her neck, she knew it was okay. From then on... things became more interesting. He strapped a contraption around her face, which at first greatly bothered her, but after a time she had become accustomed to it and now Warm Hand could ride her about within the pen, directing her which way he willed. Of course, Breeze thought it funny that the human would want to sit on top of her, but then it occurred to her that he did only have two legs... Perhaps he preferred using her four legs to get around better? It made sense, though, Breeze was growing board of walking circles around the pen.
It was one fateful warm, snow melting day that Warm Hand came to the pen and prepared Breeze to ride just like normal, only this time... once he was aboard, another set of Indians came to the fence gate, and opened it... Breeze stared wide eyed at the exit. She...she would get to go out...? Ears pricked, body tense, she hardly felt the squeeze of Warm Hand's heels on her side. She didn't move. Warm Hand tried again, a bit harder. The result, wasn't what Warm Hand would have wanted. Breeze, surprised and overcome with excitement, burst forward into a blazing gallop from the pen, surging towards the green, snow blotched field. Now that she was free, one thing was on her mind: Red.
"Whoa!" Warm Hand held fast to her mane, his tightly clinging on her belly, desperate to keep balance. Breeze didn't seem to notice that Warm Hand was nearly falling off, because she continued to run full speed, enjoying the wind in her hair and the grass under her hooves. She ran and ran... nostrils blaring and tail held high in delight.
After realizing it was pointless to try and stop the crazy mare, Warm Hand decided to just relax and focus on not falling off. He held on for quite a while as the mare worked herself to a sweat. The hills were beautiful, and the big blue, snow capped mountains in the distance was a beautiful sight. Meanwhile, Breeze was on the search. Red and his herd, where could they be? Had they moved far away during the winter? What if she couldn't find them? Breeze tried to think. The canyons! Would they have returned? Glancing that way, Breeze suddenly gained a new idea. Slowing her speed, the mare came to a choppy trot then an abrupt halt. Warm Hand grunted as he was thrown of balance and his chest slammed into her raised neck. Panting, Warm Hand attempted now to gain some control of his mount and clutched the reigns.
"Easy girl..." he cooed gently, "I think we've had enough fun for one day. Let's just turn around and head back-whoa!"
Breeze had taken off once again into a full blown gallop, and not in the direction Warm Hand had asked her! He was lucky to have actually stayed on, but now he realized something wasn't right. The mare was determined, but about what? Warm Hand had a decision to make. Let the mare take him where she wanted, and find out what kind of adventure she was getting him into... or force her to turn about and get on her bad side? She seemed very passionate about whatever it was she was seeking. If Warm Hand betrayed her trust now, she may never let him ride her again. The Indian sighed and allowed the mare to continue her gallop. They crossed over the plains quickly, and soon were once again entering into canyon territory. Warm Hand had only been within the canyon when traveling through on hunting trips, but even when he'd done that, he hadn't much liked them. They were dangerous. There were too many places to be ambushed, and just recently, he'd heard that white men had been visiting these parts...
Once within the canyon walls, Breeze slowed down to look carefully around. Unfortunately, not much could be seen around the sharp corners and narrow passage ways but a trail extended off to the side that led up to a higher ledge. If she could get up there, she would have a better view around her to see if Red and his herd were about. Breeze narrowed her eyes in determination and sprinted up the small trail. Warm Hand's face blanched as he latched his fingers tighter into Breeze's mane and clutched his legs around her sides in attempt to stay aboard while she jetted up the steep pathway. What was this crazy mare thinking? With each step of her powerful legs, Breeze grew more and more excited to reach the top. It was a steep ledge though and she had to will herself to not look down. Warm Hand however, had definitely noted the cliff side and was gritting his jaw while praying that Breeze's feet remained sure. Then, none to soon, Breeze reached the top. She was panting with effort, but she had made it. A large open expanse of canyon spanned out before them, and in the far distance... was a golden horse, galloping along a narrow ledge, an Indian aboard his back with dark horses in pursuit...
Well well? Spirit! Finally! :D What'd you guys think? Sit tight for the conclusion! coming up in the next, finale chapter! Thanks for reading guys!