Our entire tribe had packed up and left on the other horses while we were in battle. There were only a few broken shards of pottery and a half whittled horse totem left.
"We have won our first battle thanks to the bravery of Sun Eagle and Wind Whisper. They took down the army's leader as well as his horse." Said Chief Walking Stick looking proudly upon the both of us. I could feel Sun Eagle thrusting his Tomahawk into the air. I looked down in thought of killing the duo. I didn't really like killing things, but for the tribe… I would do almost anything.
"Now that we have won our battle we need to bathe our horses, as well as our selves." Chief announced with a smirk. "We must also find the rest of our tribe. I see they found refuge in our forest." Brave Boar led our group into the woods where a small river lied.
Sun Eagle patted my neck as he led me slowly into the river to wash my white pelt. He started to bathe me and I realized my white coat was covered in bloodstains by my wounds but by the things I had harmed as well. I stared closely as Sun Eagle washed away the red from my body, revealing the white.
"I know, Wind, it is quite amazing how dirty we got from our battle." Sun Eagle said to me, rubbing my neck. I swayed with comfort his hand brought me and he laughed. He patted me telling me that he needed to bathe as well and I trotted to the other side of the river where Strong Night was standing.
"I'm proud of you," he nickered to me, nuzzling my neck softly. "I know it isn't easy for you."
I placed my head on his back and stood there for a while. I moved my head to meet his love filled gaze. I suddenly realized that mating season was coming to a start soon. My heart sank at the thought of Strong Night finding someone better than me to bear his child. A horse with the grace of Waiting Moon or the sweetness of Little Flower. He may love me, but I was no Waiting Moon or Little Flower. A loud noise interrupted my thoughts.
"You didn't think you were going to win that easy, did you?" called someone in the forest. Ten soldiers from the army emerged from the trees surrounding the river. We easily out numbered them but we were all caught off guard.
"Oh dear. Poor little Kateri tribe." Mocked one of the soldiers. I could see another one point a gun around. He started to really aim it at Sun Eagle. I couldn't watch my only human get killed while I was around. I reared up and galloped over to the man on the horse. I tried to kick him off of his horse but something was holding me back. I neighed loudly for help. Everyone noticed me then, Strong Night started to run over to me but another man pointed a gun at him.
"If no one moves, no one gets hurt. We are taking this fine mare with us and no one will follow. If they do, they get shot." One of them yelled to everyone. The man stroked my head. I bit his hand quickly; no one outside of my tribe touches me like that.
"Ugh!" he yelled in pain. "Secure her!" I had more ropes thrown on me.
"Let's get out of here!" yelled another man. All the horses started to move forward but I resisted. I looked back to see Sun Eagle, he looked back at me and I knew he had a plan. Strong Night looked at me with pain and with that look I knew he really loved me. The soldiers struck my back and I slowly moved forward.