Chapter Seventeen

The Ties of the Earth

A/N – A lot to absorb in the last chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. But now to the situation at hand. I will admit the title above is from Season 9, Episode 4. That was one of my favorite episodes. This chapter will be a true test of the strength for the Borden family. Amy and Ty will need each other more than ever and in the end their love for each other will be there for them and their family. Enjoy!

"Spartan," Amy screamed out a second time. The area was hushed as more and more people gathered around. The girls were sobbing as the scene unfolded in front of them. Everyone on the ranch was familiar to horses being ill or hurt but this was different. This was Spartan, Amy's horse, the one she saved with her mom that cost her mom her life. One that helped Amy realize that she could follow in her footsteps. One that was there for her in the good times and bad. One that was stolen and thanks to Ty was found. She recalled that was when Ty told her that he would do anything for her. One that looked up the loft steps when he heard a newborn Lyndy crying. He was the most important horse in Amy and Ty's life, and the 29-year-old was in pain and struggling.

As they watched the scene unfold, each of the girls recalled their earliest memory of Spartan. He was the first horse each of them had ridden on with their mom. Each of them had taken him on trail rides many times especially lately as he aged. He was the patriarch of the Borden family horses and along with Harley were treated like royalty. Lyndy remembered when she was just 5 years old. She was having trouble with Sundance and her mom took Spartan and put him in the next stall. The intention was to have them become friends. They did and Spartan showed him how to trust and love Lyndy. Annie and Addie used Spartan when they first started to learn to jump over trot poles. His easy-going demeanor and patience helped them understand the mechanics of jumping and even though he couldn't jump high he worked hard for them, so they were ready to jump their own horses. Maddie's memory was much more personal. When she was little, her mom would catch her in Spartan's stall lying next to him in his stall. When questioned she would say that when she was upset or not feeling well, she went to Spartan and laid with him. His calming heartbeat always made her feel better.

Georgie stayed close to Amy as Ty and now Steven looked over Spartan. She felt Amy shaking and held on tight. She couldn't help but remember all the times she rode with Amy and how Spartan bonded with her. She felt that same bond with Phoenix and shuddered remembering the time he got strangles and almost died. She remembered how Ty and Amy were with him around the clock until she came back from her poorly thought-out trip to see her dad in Vancouver. Everyone was frozen, afraid to say anything until Jack walked up. He had been called to come to the ranch immediately. He walked past Amy, touching her shoulder, and went right to Ty. "What can I do son, how can I help." Ty looked over to Amy then up to Jack. "Jack, we need to try to get him up. Can you get Caleb and a couple of the ranch hands. We need several people to do this right." After several attempts the group was able to get Spartan wobbly on his feet. Steven ran into the clinic and brought back the horse harness and they got him into it. He was laboring and Ty was making sure that what they were doing was safe for Spartan.

About 15 minutes later Scott and Casandra showed up after Lou's call. Everyone there knew what Spartan meant to Amy and the family. Jack and Caleb cleared out the crowd to give the vets room to work. Several of the ranch hands got chairs for the Fleming and Borden women so they could be close. Amy and Georgie sat in the clinic operating room to be right there. Amy gathered the strength and supported by Georgie, Spartan in his time of distress. Ty was visibly shaken but his love for his wife and Spartan pushed him to engage in the evaluation of his condition. Under hushed tones, Scott, Ty, Cassandra, and Steven worked on the black stallion, drawing blood, taking x-rays, and examining him. Between test Amy would continue to sooth him and whisper in his ear. Spartan was focused on her, but his eyes showed distress but an understanding of what was happening. At that moment Amy realized that he was in danger and his eyes helped her be strong for him.

After about a half hour, Scott and Ty took Amy into the office. Cassandra, Georgie, and Steven stayed with Spartan to comfort him and keep an eye on his condition. Amy called the girls into the office too. When they settled, Ty spoke first, "Girls Spartan is extremely sick, and we have to talk about his condition. If you aren't up to it there is no shame in stepping out. I am not going to lie this will be tough for all of us." Confidently Lyndy spoke for her and her sisters, "Mom and Dad, we understand what is going on and we all want to be here for you. We want to stay." Amy smiled and brought her daughters into a hug. She glanced at Ty and whispered, "Thank you girls, dad and I are proud of you, and I know that Spartan loves each of you deeply. When you were born and he met you all for the first time he became your protector, forever committed to take care of you. Now we all need to be here for him." Now Ty joined in for the hug as tears flowed. Scott stepped back amazed at the closeness of the Borden family.

Once the settled Scott began to speak, "Just to let you know I love Spartan too and I loved your Grandma. Just like your dad your grandma took me in when others wouldn't and saved my life." He gathered himself and continued, "As your mom requested from me more than a few times I will give you the real story. Spartan has severely collicked and as you know has advanced arthritis. In addition about a year ago we found some tumors on his fetlock joints that were causing him distress. The arthritis and the tumors have been treatable, but this is now the fourth time he has collicked. I am not going to lie, there is a surgery we could consider but at his age and the advance stage of the illness the outcome will more than likely not be good. We can keep him elevated, sedated, and comfortable but that is not a solution. Amy, I know that you always do what is best for the horse and I don't believe I have to tell you what to do. As I said Spartan is stable. Cassandra, Steven and I are going to keep any eye on him 24 hours a day until you decide what to do or when you want to do it." Ty took a breath and spoke up, "Amy if we decide to take away his pain, Scott has offered to handle it. But if you are Ok, I would like to with Scott's help. You know what Spartan means to me and it would be my privilege and honor to help him." He walked over and hugged Amy with all his might as she cried uncontrollably in his arms. The girls held each other sobbing as Scott walked over and put his arms on their shoulders.

After a few minutes Amy wiped her eyes and spoke with passion, "I know that you all understand the bond I have with Spartan, the bond all of us have. I can't allow him to be in pain and discomfort, so it is his time. Scott, I would like for everyone, if they want to be able to say goodbye to him. I know he would like that, and it would bring him happiness. I even think Harley and Sundance would like to see him," she added smiling weakly. "Amy that is fine and I agree I think Spartan will like it. Let's let him rest overnight under our care and then people can start visiting in the morning. One of us will be there all day but I do believe we have to take care of this no later than 24 hours from now. Even with sedation and drugs the pain will become unbearable for him," The family went in for a quick visit with Amy and Ty spending a little time alone with him. Cassandra was on the first vet shift and as they left, she gave both Amy and Ty big hugs ensuring them she would watch over him. Word spread about the plan for tomorrow as work was finished up at both Heartland and the Miracle Ranch. The Borden's were allowed to go home for dinner and some time alone. Tomorrow was going to be a challenging day.

As the sun rose Amy woke up from a restless sleep in the arms of her husband. They had stayed up late comforting each other and checking on the girls. Lou had offered to take JT to Heartland as he was not fully aware of what was happening. He was aware that his mom was sad and as he left with Lou, he hugged his mom harder than he ever had. As they got up, they showered and went downstairs to get breakfast ready. Work at the Equine Center would be cut back today with only minimal things being done. Caleb took the initiative to run things as he knew the family would be focused on Spartan. The girls came down in their PJs and everyone started on breakfast and at first the table was silent. Ty spoke up, "Girls today will be difficult but let's remember this is for Spartan. Mom and I will most likely be with him all day so we will be counting on you to make sure you handle your friends and their visits. Georgie and Steven will manage the rest of the staff. We don't want to overwhelm him and make sure he is comfortable. But I have to ask you this." Amy grabbed a hold of his arm and took over, "Girls we want to know if you want be there when we say goodbye. It will be very peaceful for him, but it is still pretty traumatic, and I totally understand if you don't want to." The girls pondered the question and talked quietly to each other before they answered. Maddie spoke for the four of them, "Mom and Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we love Spartan just as much. We want to be there for you and him." Even though they expected that to be their answer they were still happy they wanted to be there and thanked them. After the table was cleared, they all got dressed to head to the clinic for a day they were not looking forward to.

"Spartan had a good night, restful and calm, "Steven said as they entered the clinic. He had been with him since midnight after Cassandra hesitantly left. "I had to force Cassandra to leave but she said she would be here later. She said that Scott and she closed the clinic today." Amy and Ty went to Spartan, and he nuzzled into each of them. He was sedated but still was aware of their presence. The girls said good morning as well and Spartan nuzzled and moved his head up and down for each of them. Steven had the ranch hands set up chairs in the attached office and in the clinic. Amy and Ty would greet everyone as they visited and allow them the time needed. Scott, Cassandra, and Steven would be there throughout the day as well to monitor his meds and status. They knew Ty could do it, but they wanted him to be there for Amy and for himself. Ty saw that the love of his life seemed calmer today, but he was prepared for the whirlwind of emotions the day would bring.

A constant flow of visitors started about 9am and ran continuously. Not only did family and staff visit but many family friends did as well. Spartan was well known in Hudson community, even the mayor showed up. The girls did a wonderful job walking people in all day. When Lyndy brough Wyatt in they were surprised to see Grandma June. She hugged Amy and said, "I am so sorry, but I have to say, I don't know many humans who have had this many visitors. It's like a parking lot out there. Was that the mayor I saw?" The all chuckled, even Spartan acknowledged the question with a weak whinny. As they left Wyatt went over to hug Amy and Ty with no words said. He tightly grabbed Lyndy's hand supporting her tears as well. The twins walked in with several of their friend and reminded them to be quiet and not overwhelm Spartan. Maddie walked in with Gwen who looked very sad. Amy took her into her lap then walked up to Spartan with her. "I think he is happy to see you Gwen, he livened up when he saw you." She whispered. Gwen meekly said, "I love you Spartan, I hope they feed you good in heaven." Amy held back tears and thanked her with a big hug. Right before lunch the four girls walked in with JT. Like he understood he was very subdued and reached out for his mom. She held him tight and walked over to Spartan. To everyone's amazement when JT went to stroke his muzzle, Spartan raised his head up and snorted loudly. It was the most animated response he had showed all day. They all stood and watch with teary eyes.

It was decided to take a lunch break after JT's visit. The all headed out and were approached by Lou as they walked into the house. The kitchen was a buzz with Lisa and many others plating up all the food that had been delivered by the people of Hudson coordinated by Marni. There was enough to eat for the entire group, family, staff, and friends. Amy and Ty were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and realized how lucky they were. Before Amy spoke, Lou interrupted. Don't worry Lisa and I have a list and are already planning to send out thank yous. As they were relaxing, for the first time that day Amy and Ty saw Georgie and Steven and waved them over. The talked to them and decided that they would come over later when just close family came to see Spartan. Caleb came to the table to check on his best friends. "Hey guys how are you? Everything is handled so no worries. If it is Ok, I was planning to come with Jack and Lou." Amy smiled, "You are family Caleb, Ty and I would have it no other way." After a few more visitors, Amy and Ty went to freshen up and headed back to the barn. When they walked into the clinic Cassandra and Scott were looking over Spartan. Scott spoke up, "We are at the limit on his sedatives, so he has a few more hours of comfort. I just wanted to let you know." Amy hugged him and Cassandra and Ty said, "Thanks you guys, how about we start the process around 4:00, do you agree." Scoot nodded in agreement as Amy burying her head into his shoulder.

The afternoon went well, and it was time for the family to visit. Jack, Lisa, Lou, Katie, Caleb, Tim, and Casey came in first. Each of them talked to Spartan and shared their favorite story about the black horse. Jack spoke up, "Amy remember how mad you were when Scott and I brought Spartan to Heartland? You were not happy." Scott chuckled in the background. Amy smiled, "I was mad but deep inside I could feel mom telling me I had to help him." Lou added in tears, "I'll never forget when you finally joined up with him. You were red faced, had tears in your eyes and were telling him that it's not your fault." When she said that Spartan moved his head and looked directly at Amy as though her remembered that moment. The entire group gasp as he reacted to the comment. Ty broke the quiet adding, "Amy watching you work with Spartan was the reason I fell in love with you. Every time you do a join up, I love you even more. And who knew I still fell in love with you even after Jack's many warnings." Everyone chuckled. Everyone then took the time to talk to Spartan individually and Lisa, Lou and Katie hugged Amy tightly. After they left a visibly shaking Georgie walked in with Steven. She walked into Amy's hug, and they walked up to Spartan together. Georgie whispered something that only Amy could here to the black horse. Ty took put his arm around a shaking Steven and thanked him for being there for Spartan overnight. He smiled and leaned into his mentor. When they headed back Georgie said, "I know we are not you kids but can we be here when." she couldn't finish her statement. Ty put his arm on her shoulder, "Of course."

The only thing left to do was bring the girls back in and say goodbye to Spartan. Scott, Ty, Cassandra, and Steven had a quiet conversation in the corner while Amy and Georgie went back to Spartan. Amy could see that Spartan was ready. Cassandra walked over to Amy and said she needed to leave, there was an emergency call she had to take care of. Amy hugged her for several minutes and thanked her for all of her help. When they first met their relationship was strained but now, they were very good friends. Steven went with Georgie to wait with the girls. If was decided that Scott would get them. Scott, Ty, and Amy went through how the drugs would be administered. The first drug was a heavy sedative that would completely relax him almost like being in a coma. Then they would administer the second drug that would take him to a peaceful rest. Scott excused himself and said he would bring the group back in 15 minutes allowing Ty and Amy some time alone with their friend.

Ty and Amy walked up to say their final goodbye to the black horse that was an important part of the life and the love they had for each other. A love that had grown and flourished over the many years they were together. Amy in a calm voice spoke first. "I love you Spartan and I want to thank you for taking care of me, Ty and our family. You have always been there for us but now it is time for you to rest. Say hi to Grandma Lyndy, Mom and Pegasus. I bet he will be happy to see his old friend. I will love you forever." as she kissed his nose with passion. He pushed into her face with a slight whinny. The Ty approached his friend, "Spartan, thank you for loving Amy and our family. And thank you for showing me what love is. Your buddy Harley is going to miss you a lot but one day you will be together again. You know Amy, Marion and Jack saved my life, but you did to. I love you Spartan," as his kissed his nose as well receiving another weak whinny. As the stood together with their arms entwined the group came into the clinic.

Amy brought the girls into a hug with Georgie joining them. Ty and Steven stood with Scott as he explained the process again to the girls. Ty told them all to say their last goodbye. Each one of them went up to him whispering I love you receiving the weaker whinny as well. They stepped back as Scott, Ty and Steven lowered Spartan onto the hay and got him comfortable. Amy held his head and Georgie and Steven stood with girls all quietly sobbing. Scott handed the first syringe to Ty. As he administered it, he put his arm on Amy's shoulder. After he held on to her tightly. Scott listen to his heartbeat looked at Ty acknowledging that the heartbeat was slow and steady. Ty put his mouth to Amy's ear and said gently, "Its time." She acknowledge and Scott handed the second syringe to Ty. He administered the final dose and went back to holding his sobbing wife. Slowly Spartans eyes closed, and his breathing slowed. He peacefully passed as the people who loved him the most were by his side. They slowly gathered themselves as Ty laid the Fall Finale blanket Amy won so many years ago over the horse that soared over the jumps to win. The had decided to bury Spartan on the hill that overlooked Heartland right next to Pegasus and Paint, Jack's hoarse.

The all walked outside and were overwhelmed. Everyone was there waiting for them. Hugs were given along with condolences and support. After the group settled, Jack announced that everyone was welcomed back to Heartland for Pizza. The night was filled with Spartan, Ty, and Amy stories that the group laughed and joked about. Everyone had a story to tell, and Amy and Ty were overwhelmed with the kind words and love in the room. Spartan was gone but would never be forgotten. Rest in Peace Spartan.