A few days later, I had recovered my strength. My throat wasn't sore anymore, and I was very anxious to get out of my stall. I needed to run again! I heard someone enter the hold, and immediately started kicking and banging. The other animals had apparently been resting too, and now they all woke, whinnying and mooing in complaint. I looked about to see who had come down. The man who had choked me? Someone else? I heard my name being called. "Black?" I whipped my head toward the sound. Yes, it was the boy standing there. He approached me, and I stuck my nose in his hands to tell him how glad I was to see him again. I inhaled his scent deeply, and it told me that he had not been feeling well, but was recovering again. He continued to talk to me, and proffered a red something. It smelled sweet, but different than the white lumps of old. I took it and it was crunchy. I listened as I ate it and discovered that he called it "apple". Well, I liked apples now, not ever having seen any in the desert. My new favourite treat! I nuzzled him, hoping for more, but he had only brought the one.
Now the boy picked up brushes and worked on my coat. It felt good, better than his hands could have done on the island. He even untangled my long mane and tail, and soon I felt that I was shinier than I had been in a long time.
As the days went by, the boy spent most of his day with me. He knew that I must feel restless, being cooped up in one place for so long. I didn't mind this trip as much as the last one, because he took such good care of me. He made sure I had food and water, and kept my stall clean, so I was able to lie down on the fresh straw. He talked to me constantly, and I didn't worry too much when he went away. I knew he had to eat and sleep too. The other men on the boat sometimes came to see me too, but I never let any of them pet me, so I pinned my ears back at them.
Finally the ship stopped moving, and we horses in the hold could hear more activity than before. We must have landed somewhere. I was excited and nervous, for what would happen to me now? The cattle were driven out first out of the hold, and I could hear the many hooves going downward to the land. The other horses were taken out one by one. Finally I was the last one left, but I didn't mind, as the boy was with me. Someone came the door of the hold and nodded at him. He already had my halter on, and took firm hold of the lead. I was a bit anxious, as I didn't know what would happen next, but I trusted the boy. He led me out of the hold, and scents and sights exploded on me. There was too much to see! I smelled cattle first, then fresh fruits and other things I didn't know. And horses!
The boy led me down the gangplank and avoided most of the crowded area. I reared, and whinnied loud and long. The horses grouped together snorted and jostled about. The boy led me to a quiet corner, but I watched the herd of horses. I whickered at them again, and saw one pale mare in the group. She whinnied at me and I liked her scent. She reminded me of a white mare I had in my herd in the desert. There were other mares in the group too, and I felt the call of a stallion to gather together his band.
Another scent came to me, and I screamed a challenge cry. There was another stallion there! He answered me with a scream of his own. I turned toward him, and saw the chestnut stallion prancing down the dock. The man holding him was having trouble keeping him in control. I pulled hard on the rope the boy held. I saw those mares first! The chestnut rose in the air and pawed his hooves at me. I roared back at him, and yanked the rope, nearly knocking the boy over. I had my ears pinned, and struck the wooden dock with my hoof. The boy was speaking to me, but I paid no attention. Any other stallion was an enemy! The chestnut called shrilly once again and reared. The other horses were confused and wheeled around each other. The pale mare stood still and watched me.
The chestnut came down with a loud thud and knocked his man over! He was free, and thundered toward me. I rose on my hind legs and screamed my challenge cry. The rope slipped from the boy's hands and I was free too. I dashed toward the other stallion, and we rose in unison, hooves battering at each other. I tried to grab him by the throat but missed. The chestnut bared his teeth and tried for my crest, but I ducked my head in time. The chestnut dropped down while I was still in the air, and I managed to lock my teeth on his withers. He wheeled to shake me off and lashed out with his hooves. That knocked me off him, and I struck out with my front hoof and got him on the chest. We both drew back for a moment, pinning our ears back. Now the chestnut attacked me again, but I was able to avoid a stunning blow. We pounded each other with hooves and teeth. But I felt myself winning. I was older than the chestnut by a year or so, and he was not as tall as I was. I soon saw that he was tiring. I knew I could win this fight, provided the other did not pull any surprises. But he was backing down, knowing that he could not win. I screamed once again, and went at him with renewed vigor. A good blow, and the chestnut staggered, and lost his footing. Hah! Victory! I reared up high and pounded my front hooves in his side. He squealed in pain and fright, fearing for his very life. I had won. Would I kill him, or allow him to live? I paused a moment, seeing the rolling white eyes of the chestnut. No, I would leave him living.
I turned, blood running from my wounds, mixing in with the white foam that lathered my coat. The other horses watched me and waited. I raised my head high, and strode toward them. I knew I looked beautiful to them, and walked slowly. The pale mare pushed forward and whickered. A roan mare whinnied nervously, but seemed interested too. I reached the herd and touched noses with the pale mare. I sensed someone nearby… the boy! He was talking calmly to me as I recovered my breath from the fight. He picked up my rope and gently tugged on it, asking me to go with him. I turned to look at him. Couldn't he see I had to claim my herd? He asked again and I paused. I looked back at the pale mare. I liked her so much. But then again, she was not my white mare. Now I saw she was a good deal heavier in frame than the mares I had at home. Still she seemed sweet. I looked at the boy once again, and made up my mind. I would go with him. We had been through so much together. He obviously knew what to do in this busy world of men.
I followed him up another gangplank. So we were going on another boat. Someone shouted, and I looked at him. The boy went where the man pointed, and we found a spacious stall, where I was put in. Soon enough, the stall had plenty of hay and water. The boy also added more straw so I was comfortable. He took care of my wounds and I was pleased. I stood quietly while he washed my wounds and put stuff on them, and watched other horses being put into the stalls next to me.
