It was a dark, stormy night. Thrynn was standing in a small dark cave with the other members of her herd shifting restlessly around the cavern, creating a thumping noise that only added to Thrynn's growing anger.
"Thrynn?" a deep, gruff voice says behind her. She whirls around to see a handsome bay stallion standing beside her, looking at her softly.
"Yes, Steven?" Thrynn says, the cavern seeming to shrink all around her, and all the noise being drowned out by the rushing of blood in her ears.
" The storm's stopped. I'm going to take Aero and Slipstream to survey the damage, if that's alright." Steven neighs, his brown eyes looking over her.
"Yes, but don't go past the gorge. Once the stream has calmed, I'll send another patrol out to check that side of our herd-lands. You are dismissed." Thrynn says, her blue eyes closing. She can almost see herself, her white coat filthy, her ribs showing. She flicks her tail, and all of her herd's eyes following her, and some following Steven's patrol wistfully.
"Let's go. It's stopped raining for awhile. We'll go down near the stream and see what we can get there, then tomorrow we'll cross the gorge, if the water has gone down and calmed." She announces, walking out of the cave, breathing in the cool,humid air. She sniffs the air, smelling no predators nearby, and leads her herd out of the cave and into the wet grass, their hooves barely audible as they pound the dead grass beneath them.
The patrol comes back shortly after the moon reaches the tree-tops. Thrynn trots out, her belly full for the first time in days.
"The gorge is flooded. It'll be days, maybe even moon-changes before it's back to normal. If we wanted to get around it, we'd have to walk around it, which would definitely take a moon or so." Slipstream says quickly, her black eyes shining with concern in the fading moonlight. Thrynn shakes, her eyes dull with defeat.
"If I cannot feed my herd, what will happen?" She says flatly. Steven walks up to her, and standing close to her.
"It'll be alright. I've found a good forest of grass inside the herd-lands we can eat off of for a moon or so. It's close to water, too. We'll survive. I'm sure." he says, his bay pelt dappled silver as the leaves shift in front of the moon's light.
"For all of our sakes, Thrynn. We will survive."
Check out part two of this three part saga. The next title will be Thrynn's Hope, so don't get confused!
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Rio3535 & Atlas
2012-07-02 02:42:26
Unicorn guardian Chapter Two Morning Run by Starwalker123
Lucy woke up the next morning and headed over to the stables up her bike. When she got there she grab Star’s Bridle and her helmet. The she ran to Star’s stall. Lucy swiftly bridles the gelding and mount canters out of the stable. She slows to open the gate and is off again.
Lucy yells, “Come on Star.â€
The girl and horse are flying.
Star nickers in human, “I’m a unicorn form the other place or Land of a Thousand Myths.â€
Lucy, “Want?â€
Lucy stops Star and get off.
Star starts to change into a white horse with a white horn; the horn has a gold jewel.
Star, “That’s better.â€
Then Kate on Freedom comes up. Lucy hears the same thing happen and Kate get down and stands with her.
Freedom change to a white horse with a white horn the horn has a Sliver jewel. The twins come ride up and the same thing happens. Blue get’s a Blue jewel and Sunset gets a red jewel.
Star, “OK so I’ll explain everything.â€
Lucy, “Thank you.â€
Star, “In our home there is a great war, The young princes who are 13 were sent away to be safe they were sent here there name’s are Prince Nathan Martin or Nate and Prince Noah Martin or Noah.†Looks at Noah and Nate before going on, “That’s you two, You sent here for a different reason too how ever to find Wife that you could merry in a few years.†Look at Lucy and Kate goes on, “Noah and Nate left 5 months ago after making a weapon to end the war. Blue, Freedom, Sunset and myself left two days ago to fetch home out princes and their girls. “
Star shakes his head and Lucy sees a gray stone and a gray stone with letters craved on it on a gold chain around his neck. Star sees Lucy looking at his gate necklace.
Star, “Lucy that is a gate necklace the one with the letter is for talking through the gate with the gate master and the other opens it. The gate is how we get here and back. Time to go Prince Noah will you take off the necklace.â€
Noah removes necklace and Says, “Wants next?â€
Freedom, “I’ll say the spell if you’ll hold that to my horn.â€
Lucy says, “Our parents.â€
Star, “The real Noah and Nate of this time will come back. Your parent will have different kids.â€
Noah holds the opening stone to Freedom’s horn will he lowers it.
Freedom, “A rip in the sky, Home, home.â€
A rainbow color hole appears near the ground.
Unicorns, “Get onâ€
The kids mount their unicorn friends. The unicorns step into the gate. ½ a second later they reappear on the other side. A white haired Girl runs up.
The Girl says, “How was it?â€
Star, “Good Sara meet Lucy and Kate. Lucy and Kate meet Sara Daughter of The gate Keepers. She is a mage of Earth and Noah and Nate best friend.â€
Sara , “Hello Kate, Lucy, Nate and Noah. I missed you so Noah and Nate.â€
Nate says, “Hello Sara.â€
The kids get off the Unicorns.
Blue, “So Sara is Fate here yet.â€
Sara, “No but soon.â€
Sunset, “We have less time then we think.†Looks at the puzzled girls ,â€I have the power to sense the future.â€
Blue, “I have the power of water.â€
Star nods sadly, “I have no powers.â€
Freedom, “I have the power of wind.â€
Sara hand a sword belt to Noah.
Sara, “Your sword Dawn Flame.†Hands Nate one, “Your sword Dragonclaw .†hand Lucy a bow and a quiver arrows, “This is Swift Wind.†Hands Kate a bow and a quiver arrows “This is Last Breath.â€
Noah and Nate, “Thank for watching then for us.â€
Lucy and Kate, “Thank you.â€
Sara, “Were is his.â€
I’m here a voice echo as a small leapercon appears.
Noah, “Fate. Kate Lucy this is Fate oracle and seer to the king. He was last of his race.â€
Kate, “Nice to meet you.â€
Lucy, “Good to meet you.â€
Fate, “No time no time. I have a prophecy for you.â€
Noah, “Go For It.â€
Fate, “One can lead, Child of Earth, Children of the other place. Son of Ryolty’s blood, shall save.â€
Noah, “Thank you Fate.â€
Fate, “I have to get back.†The little guy disperse’s.
Star, “Time to go.†Sees that Noah is holding the necklace. “Put that on.â€
Noah puts on the gate necklace and mounts Sunset, Nate mounts Blue, Lucy mounts Star, and Kate mounts Freedom. Sara whistles and a purple Pegasus joins the group.
The Pegasus says, “I’m Grape.â€
Sara mounts Grape.
Noah, “were to first?â€
Star, “The Village of New Hope. Let us be off.â€
The unicorn and winged Pegasus gallop off.
Chapter 1
In two weeks the King family was packed and ready to go. Everyone’s belongings were packed into the little red pickup truck that Hal had owned since he was nineteen. Hal had put the house up for sale and after supper, at four o’clock sharp in the afternoon, they were ready to go.
The parting was bittersweet for the entire family. As she was wheeled away, Mary sat in her father’s pickup looking out the back window at the home she’d lived in all her life. This was where she had been born and raised. In many ways she was going to miss her beloved home, but she was also glad for her father – that he’d gotten a job – even though they would have to give up their home and leave for some far-off place.
Mary wondered what Kansas was like. Was it beautiful with rolling green hills, like Maryland? Or was it desolate and dry, like some foreign desert? She decided to find out.
Mary looked out the window at the passing scenery as they drove. She watched the rolling green hills that she had grown to love and the bountiful trees and life that covered them like a blanket. She realized it was all passing from her life as rapidly as silk slips from fingers. Mary pressed her hand against the warm window and watched her land roll away with every passing moment. “Goodbye,†she inaudibly whispered to her home.
Within five minutes, the King family was out of the state of Maryland and going into Virginia. Mary felt the excited shivers run up and down her spine. What was her new home going to look like? Was it in the city or in the country? Did she have neighbors? Were there lots of horses? There were so many questions to ask and they were all racing through her mind at once.
**
An hour passed by, and then two, then three, and then another, and it was starting to get dark outside the truck. Mary began to feel somewhat sleepy and began to drift off. Then the truck went over a bump and she was jolted awake. She looked around and fought to stay awake to see the scenery. In just a few minutes, however, Mary could not fight the sleep anymore and it overcame her body. Her head nodded off in slumber as her body accepted the rest.
**
At about 1:00AM Mary awoke to the sounds of squealing tires and a loud crash. Before she could sit up with alarm, her seatbelt caught her and pinned her safely to her seat. She quickly glanced out her window and saw time stand still for a moment while their truck spun around on impact with another car. Mary screamed with fright. She closed her eyes and thought of her mother. Was this what had happened to her mom? And was this to become of her too? Please, God, she prayed, Don’t let us join Mother. Then time resumed back to normal and the truck came to a standstill. Mary let out her breath. She hadn’t realized she had been holding it in.
Immediately her father spun around to face Mary. “Mary! Are you alright?†His face was a picture of worry and concern as he ran his hand over her face to make sure she wasn’t hurt.
“Yeah, Dad, I’m okay.†Mary smiled her assurance. She had not been injured at all. The only thing was the fright the accident had caused her, which by now she had gotten over. There was sudden relief in her father’s face that seemed to relax his entire body. Now that the worry was gone, Hal turned around, opened his car door, and stepped out into the dark rain of the night.
Mary watched her father out her window. He strode boldly over to the other car and leaned down to peer into the front window. He seemed to be talking to the driver of the car – probably asking them if they were all right, Mary guessed. She saw him nod his head and smile in relief and then stand upright as the door opened. The man driving the car stepped out and said something to Hal, who pulled out his cell phone in response and dialed a number. As he talked into the cell phone he looked back at the truck where Gus was getting out. Mary followed Gus out of the truck and to her father.
Hal saw her and reached out his free arm and engulfed her in a hug. Mary felt warm and safe in his embrace and clung to him.
Soon the blaring headlights of a police car came peering over the hill for the scene of the accident. The police car stopped a few yards away and a policeman stepped out holding a notebook. Gus and Mary walked away to sit on the tailgate of the red pickup truck while Hal and the policeman sorted things out.
About half an hour passed and finally they were on the road again. Hal said goodbye to the driver of the other car and wished him luck. Then they went their separate ways.
**
Mary fell asleep again for the next part of the trip. When she awoke, it was nearly dawn and the sky was beginning to brighten slightly. She looked around at the unfamiliar flat grasslands on either side of the road with interest. She sat up and asked from a better position, “Dad, are we in Kansas yet?â€
Hal looked back at her for a moment before turning back to the road ahead. “Well, lookie there, Gus, sleeping beauty’s finally awakened.†Mary gave her father, who laughed, a pained look as Gus turned around to smile into her face. “Dad!â€
“Why, yes, sweetie, we’re in Kansas. We just crossed the state line. In about two hours we’ll be there.â€
Mary’s heart jumped as she leaned back in her seat. Two hours away! Mary couldn’t believe it as she watched the land outside her window. She was already on her way to her new home! Mary was amazed at how quickly the time passed as they made their way across the flat land. By seven o’clock in the morning, they were already drawing away from town and into the country, where they were to live. As they drove down **** Avenue, Mary could feel the butterflies hopping excitedly around in her abdomen. She already liked it here. She peered with anticipation around the corner as they turned onto Lark Road. She watched as a huge farm house came into view.
“Here it is, ***** Road, ****, Kansas. We made it!†Hal smiled broadly as he rounded the loop in the driveway.
**
When they had everything unpacked from the truck, Mary went up to her room to lie down. She was tired from the long trip. She looked around the room. It was very large and had plenty of wall space for all her horse pictures. Perfect, she thought and smiled. Then she lowered herself to the sheet less bed and closed her eyes. She was immediately asleep.
Chapter 2
A week passed and someone came to the door of the Kings’ new home. Mary answered it and opened the door to a very tall man with soft brown eyes, his wife, who had red hair, and a young girl, who had hair like her mother. She appeared to be about the same age as Mary. “May I help you?†Mary, being the polite young hostess she had been taught to be, greeted them.
The man smiled at her kindly. “I’m Clark, this is Judy, and this is my daughter, Megan. We’re the Meyers. We live down the street a ways. We wanted to check out our new neighbors.†He smiled again. “Your father home?â€
“Good to meet you all. Yes, I think he is home. Let me check.†Mary walked a few steps and motioned them all inside. “Won’t ya come in and sit down? Just leave your shoes right there.†She smiled at Megan and walked downstairs to her father’s room. After a while she returned with a rather surprised Hal in tow.
“Well hello, there. I’m Hal,†he said, extending his arm to Clark and Judy, “and this is Mary. Sorry that you couldn’t meet my brother Gus. He’s living with us, but he went into town to get some things. And you are?â€
“Ah – Clark – Clark Meyer,†he responded, gesturing to his wife and daughter also, “and this is my wife Judy and my daughter Megan. Megan’s thirteen years old.â€
“So am I!†exclaimed Mary, smiling excitedly at Megan. “Wanna come upstairs to my room?†When Megan nodded happily, Mary asked, “Oh, Dad, may we?†After his consent, Mary and Megan pounded up to her room to talk and play while the others chatted in the living room.
**
In Mary’s room, the girls talked about their interests. At one point, Mary asked, “So do you like horses?â€
Megan’s eyes brightened immediately. “Of course! I have one at home!â€
“Oh, goodie! What’s his name?†Mary was thinking ahead to the great times she and Megan could have together riding.
“I named him San Domingo, after the Medicine Hat stallion in the Pony Express. Ever hear that story?â€
“Oh, I could read that book a million times over and not get bored of it!†Mary was exuberant with happiness.
“Me too!†Megan smiled at her new friend. She, too, was looking forward to the good times they were to have in the future. “You should come and visit San Domingo sometime!â€
“Cool! When are you thinking?†Mary was just beside herself with excitement.
“Maybe tomorrow would be good,†Megan said. “We’re still in the summertime, you know.†She smiled.
“Yay! I’ll go ask my dad now.†Mary got up to pose her request to her father downstairs.
**
It was nearly dark when Megan’s family avowed it was time to head on home. Reluctantly Mary and her father let them go home. As Mary waved them goodbye, Megan leaned out the window and called, “See you tomorrow!†She waved and drew back within the car.
When they had gone, Hal put his arm around Mary and guided her into the living room, where they sat down on the couch. She snuggled up against him and put her head against his shoulder. “Did you and Megan have a good time?â€
Tired out, Mary nodded her head and said, “She has a horse, Daddy. His name is San Domingo, after the horse in the Pony Express.â€
“Oh, does she? Well, I guess you’ll get some good riding tips from her then. Are you excited?â€
“Yeah.†Mary leaned her head heavier on his chest and closed her eyes.
“Well, I’m glad you made a new friend so quickly. You’ll have fun.â€
“Yeah.â€
“Come on, let’s get you to bed.â€
“Okay.â€
He steered her up the stairs to her room and tucked the covers in around her. Then he kissed her forehead and turned out her lamp, softly closing the door behind him.
**
The next day dawned bright and clear. Mary awoke to the aromas of bacon and eggs frying in the pan and coffee brewing wafting up the stairs to roll past her nose alluringly. She drew her sleepy body out of bed and downstairs to breakfast.
“Mornin’, Mary,†came Gus’s greeting from over by the stove. “Get a good night’s rest?â€
Mary nodded and rubbed her eyes as she sat down at her place. Gus set a plate steaming with food in front of her and Mary bowed her head to say her own prayer. Then she lifted her head and picked up her fork to eat.
“Mmm, this is really tasty, Gus!†exclaimed Mary after a forkful of eggs.
Gus grinned sheepishly as he sat down across from her. “Thanks. Your father taught me how to cook.†Then he too began to eat.
“Where’s Dad?†Mary asked after a while.
“He went into town for some things. He’ll be back in a couple of hours, maybe around eleven o’clock. He said he had to get something very important for someone very important.†Gus smiled mischievously and took another bite. Mary smiled back and shook her head.
“So what time are you headin’ over to Megan’s today?†Gus was clearing away his dishes already and rising from the table.
“Megan said her family usually got up around eight usually. I was thinking on going around nine or so.†Mary took an amused glance at Gus’s clean plate and finished her breakfast. Then she looked up at the clock above the door. “My goodness! That’ll be around now!†She hurriedly washed her dishes and rushed up to her room to get dressed, leaving a rather flustered Gus in the kitchen.
**
Mary ran all the way to Megan’s house along *** Avenue and then turning into their driveway. Arriving at their doorstep out of breath, she knocked on the door and did not need to wait long. Immediately the door was opened and there stood a smiling red-haired girl. “Hey there, stranger,†she said. “Come on in.â€
**
At the barn, Megan entered the tack room and emerged with a leather halter and lead shank. She beckoned Mary to come with her to the pasture. As they walked down the lane towards the field, a bark sounded from across the property near the house. Seconds later, a beautiful blue merle Border collie came bounding towards them. Megan put her arms out for the dog to jump into. “Heya, Jesse! How are ya?†The blue-grey dog answered with a happy yelp and bounced around her excitedly. “This is Jesse, our farm dog,†she said, indicating the happy-go-lucky Border collie with the blue eyes.
Mary knelt beside the dog and petted his soft head. “Well, how’da do? I’m Mary,†she greeted the exuberant dog. He just grinned enthusiastically and panted in her face.
Suddenly there was a loud, jubilant whinny from afar. Mary looked up quickly to see the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. He was a stunning red chestnut overo, with a bonnet-like coloration on his head, giving him the distinct Medicine Hat stallion appearance. Mary’s breath caught in her throat as she watched him gallop to his girl, whose hand was outstretched in a friendly hello. When he reached her he ran his nose over her arm and tickled her with his whiskers. Softly he nickered to her as she rubbed his forehead gently. Megan smiled. “Well, this is he.â€
Mary had been speechless but now she looked at Megan and then her horse and back again. “Oh, Megan, he’s absolutely beautiful! I’ve never seen a horse like him in all my life!â€
Megan was beaming. “He’s something, isn’t he? Just wait till you see him jump.†Her proud grin spread even wider.
**
In the outdoor arena, Megan had San Domingo tacked up and ready to go. As she trotted him around the circular space, she called to Mary, “Just you wait till you see him jump! This is the course that they have at the competition I’m in!â€
Then she began to canter him around the arena, turning him to the first jump. He sailed over it easily and continued on to the next. Then he traveled through the entire course. The last jump, the highest one, was the hardest and never failed to challenge San Domingo and Megan. When they approached it, Mary held her breath and Megan stared it down, determined not to fail. As San Domingo neared it, he gathered his haunches and leaped from the ground, giving himself plenty of room to clear the hurdle. Mary let out her air as San Domingo landed safely on the other side of the jump and cantered easily to the edge of the arena. Megan brought him down to a walk and halted him in front of Mary, who stood open-mouthed and totally stunned. Finally, when she could trust herself to speak, she said, “Amazing. Absolutely amazing.â€
Megan beamed proudly at her horse. “I hope to enter him into the upcoming competition in August. It’ll be the Thursday before school starts up again. Oh yeah,†she said as they walked back to the barn together, “Are you going to be in Enterprise Academy this year? I mean, as a freshman?â€
Mary looked surprised. She hadn’t even thought of school since she started her summer. “Well, I’m thinking so. Is that the closest high school around here?†she asked, looking up at Megan.
“Yeah, I’d say so.†She paused. “Yeah, Enterprise is the closest one to where we live, as far as I know.â€
“Well, then yes,†Mary decided. “If you’re going there, then I am.†She smiled at Megan, who returned her grin.
“Of course I’m goin’ there. Where else would I go?†She laughed and dismounted, for they were at the barn already. “You want to ride him?†She asked Mary.
Mary could hardly believe her ears. “Yes please!â€
Chapter 3
Every day that Mary could she spent with Megan and San Domingo, acquiring what knowledge she could from them. Many times Megan would let her ride him and she turned out to be exceptionally good, though she had never really ridden much before. She even took the opportunity to jump San Domingo over the smaller, less difficult jumps. She did quite well.
The days and weeks passed quicker than Mary expected and soon it was only a week before school started. Megan was preparing for the jumping competition in five days. She began practicing more often and Mary rarely got a chance to ride San Domingo anymore, though she didn’t mind. Besides, it wasn’t her horse anyway.
On the Tuesday of that week, Mary and her father went to the nearest store to get school supplies. “Aw, Dad, do we have to?†Mary complained. She hated shopping for anything. “I wanted to watch Megan practice for her show.â€
Hal looked a little annoyed as he answered: “Yes, sweetie, we do have to. Besides, you got to watch Megan practice the entire summer.â€
“That’s true.†Mary picked out a baby blue binder for all her notes. “This too much money? Because I kind of like it.†At Hal’s shake of the head, she put it in the cart.
**
When they were finally done shopping, it was two o’clock and Mary was hungry. They disembarked at their home and had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with potato chips and apple juice. Mary was glad to be done with shopping. She hoped school was going to be worth all her suffering.
**
On Thursday, Mary watched Megan and San Domingo at their jumping competition. They cleared every jump with inches to spare. He truly is amazing, thought Mary as everyone left the show after Megan and San Domingo took first prize.
As Mary sat in Megan’s car on the way back to her house, she pondered the joy of jumping. She looked at her new friend. She was good at jumping, wasn’t she? For a first-time rider? Of course! Then why couldn’t she be as good as Megan someday? Why couldn’t she compete?
Then she remembered that she didn’t have a horse. Her heart sank. I wish I had a horse, too, she thought. She stared out the window at the horses in the pastures. I would take any one of them, she said to herself, Any one.
**
School began the following Monday and with it came new people and new adventures. Mary met some of the people in her classes and had a great first day. She found out that she and Megan shared many classes with each other.
Mary found that she had no trouble in school at all, as far as academics went. She could do all her times tables up to twelve in fewer than two minutes. She was an avid reader and writer. She loved science and social studies and she was very athletic in P.E. She loved to sing and be musical. But there was something missing.
Mary knew exactly what it was: a horse. That’s the only thing she needed. In class, even though she loved everything and was able to see her friends all the time, she was lonely for a horse. Thus, she had been caught several times doodling horses in class, and this resulted in shocking participation grades.
Every day when she came home from school, her father would be on the school website checking her grades. Many times he would wonder what was causing Mary’s grades to drop by one percent every time he looked at them. Perhaps she wasn’t studying enough. She had been spending more than enough time at Megan’s house. Maybe she wasn’t studying as she said she was. Hal shrugged it off and told himself Mary’s grades would soon rise.
But her grades did not increase. They kept on getting lower and lower, one percent every few days. Finally Hal turned to Mary, who was walking in, and asked her, “What is going on with your grades, Mary?â€
Mary, startled, turned to her father and said with honesty, “I really don’t know.†She walked over to the couch to sit beside Hal and his computer. She gasped and looked at Hal when she saw the computer screen. She sat wide-eyed as she read the words: Mary does not concentrate in class and will not pay attention to the instructor. Draws horses when she should be listening.
Hal looked at his daughter firmly. Mary looked up at his stern eyes pleadingly. How could she tell him that she needed a horse? He’d just come up with all these practical reasons why they couldn’t get a horse – too expensive, vet bills, you have to feed it, you have to ride it, etcetera, etcetera. And he was a horse trainer. Wasn’t he supposed to understand all this?
Mary looked back at the computer screen. “I’ll do better,†she promised half-heartedly with a smile.
Hal hugged her. “That’s my girl,†he said.
 
One Year Later…
Chapter 4
Mary loved the summertime. She loved it so much she couldn’t stay out of it. When she wasn’t over at Megan’s, she was taking walks outside in the cool shade. She loved these walks because she was able to see the beauty of nature in the summertime, when she thought it was most beautiful.
It was in the middle of June when she was taking another one of her walks and she saw something off in the distance, partly obscured by the outskirts of the thick green woods. It looked like a barn of some sort. She wondered why she hadn’t noticed it before. Her stride picked up to a brisk trot and she curiously cruised across the field toward the barn.
When she reached it, she saw that it obviously wasn’t in use anymore. Weeds and ivy grew up around the doors and up over the roof. She approached the old barn door and noticed that it had been cleared away recently. She shrugged it off and pulled on the latch. It clicked and she pressed her back against the splintered door, pushing against it in order to open the door. Then she stood in the dark interior of the doorway within the woods.
She looked upon the old rusting metal bins of feed and hay and admired the pictures and trophies of champion horses long dead. She gingerly traced her fingers over the old cracked hunt seat saddles and made her way over to one of the stalls. She was about to open the door when there was a sudden crack and the floor crumbled beneath her. Mary let out a shriek as decaying timbers creaked and she fell about five feet down through the hole she had created. She landed on her feet but was floored by the impact of the fall. She sat still for a moment while she recovered her composure and looked around. She was in a tunnel, surrounded completely by cement walls, floor, and ceiling. Though it was dark where she was, she rose to her feet and groped her way along the side of the tunnel with her hands guiding her way.
As she reached a corner in the tunnel, she wondered how long it took someone to create this and why they would build it. She rounded the curve and ran into a chain. She pulled it and a flickering light bulb switched on, revealing a splintered but sturdy old door. It looked like it was from a castle in the dark ages. Wow, she thought, as she ran her hand over the rough surface. It had an old-fashioned iron handle and she grasped it hesitantly with her hand, counting to three before turning it slowly. She heard a noise from within and she halted pulling on the door, holding her breath expectantly. What was in there? She heard no more noises and she pulled the door even further, just enough for her head to peer around. She was not prepared for what she saw.
She swung the door open and let out a shocked gasp. What she saw was the most emaciated animal she had ever seen. Through the dim light, she could see several of its ribs protruding from a mangy, dirty hide. From what was left of him, Mary thought he looked like a roan quarter horse. All around the poor creature was a mess of manure mixed with straw and dirt. When Mary gasped, he turned his big, bear-like head toward her with fright in his expressive eyes. Mary saw something in those eyes that she had not seen in San Domingo’s eyes when he greeted her. San Domingo greeted her with the same happy, contented look he always had on his face. But what she saw in this horse’s eyes was not mere pleasure to see her. What she saw was hurt, neglect, and maybe even a touch of pride lingering there. What she saw was pleading. Pleading for her to take him away from there, to please not hurt him.
Mary could feel those imploring eyes upon her. She looked deep into them and silently told herself that something had to be done about him. She couldn’t just leave him there! But where would I keep a half-starved horse? And who owns him? Mary questioned in her mind. She looked around for signs of an owner. There wasn’t much food or water, indicating that this horse must have been left here for a very long time. Something must have happened to the owner that caused this poor horse to be neglected like this. Obviously the owner had made some kind of effort to care for him before whatever happened.
When Mary looked back at the roan, he was still looking at her. He seemed to overhear her conversation with herself and stared even harder into her soul.
Mary couldn’t keep her eyes from the pain in his eyes. “Gunsmoke,†she found herself calling him, “Gunsmoke, what will I do?â€
Do what you think you must do, the beseeching eyes pleaded with her. Finally she surrendered to the will within her and turned from the door, promising, “I’ll be back. Don’t worry. I’ll get you outta here.â€
With that, she closed the door and ran back down the hallway in hopes of finding some hay to lure Gunsmoke out with. She kept running down the tunnel, feeling her way along carefully, though she was half blundering through the void. She ran at least fifty yards before she smelled earth. She slowed her pace, instantly bumping into another door. She felt her way around it, feeling the wood and the earth surrounding it. Her fingers found the knob and she twisted. Nothing happened. She pushed. Still nothing happened. Then she threw her weight against it, and the door flew open in a flurry of dirt and grass. She was hurled through the door with the momentum of her body and she hit grass and sunlight.
She was free of darkness at last! She had come out of a secret door in the ground by the tall weeds. She lifted her body from the ground and ran through the brambles and around the corner of the barn to the front doors. She groped through the cluttered assortment of tack to uncover one of the bins of hay. She dug some out and ran back out the barn door and around to the unseen entry to the unknown tunnel and chamber. Then she remembered something and ran back inside. She grabbed a worn leather halter from a peg on the wall, not from the pile on the ground. Returning to the tunnel entrance, she once again fumbled her way along the smooth walls, never stopping until she found the light at the end of the tunnel.
She reopened the door to set her eyes upon the poor horse she had decided to rescue. She looked deep into his eyes and told him silently, “You have to be calm and let me take you out if this is gonna work, okay?â€
He seemed to understand. Mary walked through the door and for the first time stepped into Gunsmoke’s quarters. He lifted his head a bit as if to acknowledge her, but then it unheedingly went back down and he began to lip feebly at the musty hay right under his dark nose.
Mary continued forward, cautiously watching Gunsmoke’s body language for signs of resistance. There was none. She went even closer to the wasted horse, still wary of his communications. Finally she reached the roan and placed a tender hand upon his gaunt neck. His skin twitched at her touch but he stood still for her. “There, there,†Mary murmured softly into his ears. “You’ll be okay now.†She carefully slipped the halter over Gunsmoke’s ears and hooked the lead shank onto the metal ring. He did not flinch.
She held the hay beneath his nose as she charily led him out of his chamber and into the spacious tunnel. He eagerly followed her, the life surging back into his soul with every step towards the exit. He knew he was leaving his confinement. He was to see the outside world again!
They arrived at the exit door and it was all Mary could do to keep Gunsmoke from plowing straight through the door. He was so keyed up over being released that she could hardly hold him back when she opened the escape door. Tearing free of Mary’s grasp, Gunsmoke surged through the opening and through to the sunlight that warmed his back. When the moment of glorying over the sun was gone, he discovered the grass on which he was standing, and quickly his head went down to graze.
Mary knew she mustn’t let him eat too much in one sitting for fear that he might overeat and get himself sick. She reached for the lead rope dragging along the ground at Gunsmoke’s feet, just holding it so that he couldn’t get away. She let a hand rest on his bony back. Where would she take him? She couldn’t possibly take him to her own place; her father surely wouldn’t allow her, due to her low grades the year before. Then a thought popped into her head. Would Megan let me keep Gunsmoke at her house? Surely not. She already had a horse of her own there and she didn’t need the extra trouble. But where else would she take him? She decided that it wouldn’t hurt to at least ask Megan. Maybe she wouldn’t mind, in the long run. And it probably wouldn’t be forever, until Mary could find a way to persuade Hal to let her keep him at her own place.
Mary remembered Gunsmoke, who was still ravaging the long grass in front of the barn. She tugged gently on his head, but he resisted. She pulled harder and he reluctantly lifted his head from the ground. “Come on, boy, it’s time to get you to a real home for once in a long, long, time.â€
**
Mary talked with Megan at her house after tying Gunsmoke outside. Megan was reluctant at first but she asked to see Gunsmoke. Mary obliged and took Megan to where he was tied. Immediately Megan’s mood changed and she said, “Definitely. He can stay here.â€
Mary rejoiced inwardly but only smiled joyfully. “Thank you so much!†She reached over and hugged Megan. “I just need to get my dad to let me keep him now,†she added ruefully.
“Oh, I’ll help you with that,†Megan said cheerfully. “But we need to keep him hidden in the meantime,†she added.
“Yeah.â€
**
A few days later, Mary came with Megan to her father – who was sitting at his desk concentrating on some papers – slowly and timidly. “Dad?â€
“Yeah,†Hal said distractedly, not looking up from his work.
Mary took a deep breath and began, “Dad. You know horses, don’t you?â€
Hal still did not look up. “Yeah,†he said again.
“And you deal with horses that have been hurt or harmed, right?â€
“Yes.†Hal had a slightly bemused expression on his face as he continued to stare at his papers.
Mary took on a soft but firm tone. “Well, there is a horse who’s been hurt pretty bad. He’s a big roan Quarter horse, Dad, with a big bear-like face and dark brown eyes.†She paused. “But he’s been neglected, Dad. He’s skinny as a rail. He hasn’t had good food for weeks, and he’s got horrible water. His owner must have died or something…†Mary’s voice trailed off, letting the thought sink in to her father’s mind.
Hal looked up from his papers, interested. “Where is this horse?†he asked.
Mary’s gaze met his and she said, “There’s an old rotting barn out across the field and around the bend of woods about a mile east of here. He was in a cave underground.†She hesitated, her eyes dropping to her sneakered feet. He would know by now that somehow she had seen this horse while underground. He knew that she could not just leave him there, either.
“Where is he now?†Hal pressed, though he thought he knew the answer.
Mary swallowed hard but could not clear the lump that was forming in her throat. She could not speak, so Megan filled in for her. “At my house,†she answered for Mary.
“I see.†Hal leaned back in his chair and began to rub his chin. He sat there for many moments before inquiring, “And what do you plan to do with this horse?â€
Mary burst. “I’ll take care of him and I’ll nurse him back to health and I’ll feed him and give him a warm place to stay and I’ll love him with love he’s never known! Gunsmoke likes me already!†She caught her breath and stopped herself. What was she saying? What must he think now?
Hal was in fact quite impressed by Mary’s confident outburst. He was proud of the perseverance in his daughter of fifteen years. Although he was indeed surprised by the desire she proposed, he couldn’t help but admire her tough determination. She was just like her mother in so many ways.
Hal was in indecision. He didn’t want her to spend so much time with her horse that she didn’t focus on school at all. He wanted her to make good grades. She had made adequate grades the previous year, but he wasn’t exactly pleased with them. Something wasn’t right. Maybe he was missing something.
“I’ll make good grades, don’t worry.†Mary was trying to figure out how to tell him that the reason she wasn’t paying attention in class was because she was doodling horses, the result of a yearning for a horse. How could she make him understand?
Then Megan spoke up again for Mary. “You see, Mr. King, Mary was drawing in class because…well…she…needed a horse.†She smiled to reassure him.
“I see,†Hal said again. He finally did. The missing piece to the puzzle of Mary’s grades he had been trying to figure out for the past year had been unearthed. He now understood what had been going on with Mary during the school year. He was sure that if she was the owner of a horse that would not happen again.
“I’d like to see this…Gunsmoke,†was all he said. But it was enough – Mary understood his meaning and inwardly rejoiced at her victory. It was all she could do to keep herself from crying out in joy.
 
Chapter 5
Gunsmoke prospered and rejuvenated under Mary’s caring hands. He had been moved to the King barn within the next day. He gained back all his normal weight within two weeks and his coat gleamed from constant currying. He was learning to love again, too. Each time he spotted Mary walking down the lane towards the pasture to check on and groom him he lifted his dark head and nickered his glad welcome to her softly.
The big roan’s muscles were filling out, too. Every day Mary thought he looked stronger and stronger. And he felt stronger with every passing day. When he received his feed every two days, he attacked it with gusto and fervor. It wasn’t the desperate kind of attack that he used the first day Mary found him, when he was urgently hungry; now he was just so excited about his food he couldn’t keep his teeth in check.
The time came when Mary was allowed to saddle and ride Gunsmoke. Her step had an unusual hop-skip in it as she half walked, half skipped down the lane to the barn. As she caught Gunsmoke, led him to the corral, and entered the tack room for the supplies needed, she whistled a happy tune. Today was a good day.
Gunsmoke did not object to the saddle and bridle; in fact, he rather liked them. The bit went in between his lips without any problem, and the girth was tightened without difficulty. Mary knew she wouldn’t have a problem with this horse, though, she pointed out to herself, you never know with a horse you’ve never ridden.
In a few moments Hal joined her and Gunsmoke and he watched her mount, making sure that Gunsmoke didn’t walk off while Mary was in mid-mount. As they walked to the arena to become acquainted with each other further, Hal could see clearly that they were meant for each other; they appeared physically correspondent as well as emotionally bonded with each other. He couldn’t help but smile at the beauty with which they maneuvered about the large arena. He knew he had made the correct decision the night of the conversation concerning Mary and Gunsmoke. He was glad, too, that they were happy.
Mary sat astride her horse, marveling at the ease with which Gunsmoke walked. He strode with such ease that Mary could hardly feel a bounce when he set his foot down. She urged him into a gentle trot and crooned to him, “Good boy, good boy. Easy now.â€
Gunsmoke’s ears flicked back to catch her words. Good, he’s paying attention, thought Mary. That was a good sign. A good athletic horse with no listening ears would be of no help to her.
Eventually Mary had guided Gunsmoke through all the gaits, gradually working her way up to a gallop and then slowing back down to an extended walk. He had been as sure-footed as a mountain goat on a cliff; he did not stumble or even make a bounce when his hooves met the ground; his strides were that smooth.
Mary made sure that Gunsmoke was thoroughly cooled down before halting him in front of the tying post at the corral and dismounting. As she removed the tack from the now healthy horse’s back, she saw the hint of a smile on her father’s face. She busied herself with putting away the tack as she hid her own grin. Her father hadn’t been doing much of that very lately, due to his busy job at the horse barn. It was nice to see him without the stress lines on his face for a change.
**
School started up again and with it came good fortune for Mary. She made the high school basketball team and was doing quite well. She loved sports and she was very athletic and competitive. However, Megan had not made the team. She was a little dejected the next morning but soon decided it wasn’t worth getting all upset over.
“Want to come to my basketball game on Thursday?†Mary asked Megan on Monday night when she came over to study.
Megan looked up from her math homework. “Who are you playing against?â€
“It’s us versus Junction City. They’re pretty good, I hear.â€
“Yeah, I’d like to come. Is it a home game?â€
“Yeah. I’m so excited.â€
“I’ll be there.â€
Sure enough, Megan was at Mary’s basketball game on Thursday night. They arrived at the old school gym and Mary bade her friend farewell to go to pre-game practice. “See ya,†called Megan after her.
Mary waved back and began to practice with the rest of her team. She was doing very well, Megan noticed.
Finally the game was to begin and the players got in their positions. Mary took the forward position confidently. Mary raised her hand, calling out. The ball was passed to her swiftly and forcefully, and she caught it and expertly weaved her way to the basket, doing a reverse layup from the right side. It fell through the hoop and the other team took possession of the ball.
The game battled on, and by the end of the first quarter Enterprise had taken the lead by six points. Then in the second quarter Wichita gained back the points between them and they were tied. By the end of the second quarter the score was still tied at twenty three. At half time they took a break and sat down on the benches. Mary was glad for the rest; she had been running up and down the court nonstop and her legs were sticky and burning. She took a sip of water and waved to Megan who was cheering for her.
“Yeah Mary!†she called. Mary smiled at her friend. She loved the support Megan gave her.
The buzzer went off for the third quarter to begin and Mary jumped up from her seat on the bench and walked on the court. She took her position and the whistle blew. The ball was passed in to her and she dribbled down the court, her eyes up and watching for an opening to pass or drive it to the basket. Nothing opened up, but there was a Wichita player who was not paying attention. She took the advantage and barreled her way towards the player, who didn’t see her coming until she was right in front of her. Then she was so frightened by the rushing speed demon that all she could think to do was get out of the way as soon as possible. She jumped out of the way just in time to miss Mary, who was driving towards the basket. She put the ball up and it dropped through the basket, gaining them the tie-breaker in the game. The crowd cheered and Mary smiled but didn’t turn to look at them, for she feared that she might miss something important in the game if she did.
However, it was tied again soon within the next five minutes in the game. Wichita was not about to give up, and neither was Enterprise.
In the last four minutes of the fourth quarter, it was still tied. Mary felt her competitive spirit stir within her and she stared determinedly at each of the players from Wichita before moving forward with the ball pounding on the floor beside her.
Mary was not about to let them take the game away from her. Neither were her teammates. She dribbled down the court towards the basket and a movement caught her eye just as she crossed mid-court. Her attention was distracted from the game and before she knew it, a Wichita player had stolen the ball from her and was tearing down the court towards the basket she was supposed to be defending. She growled at herself and charged after the girl who had temporarily taken away her dignity. The player had missed the layup she had attempted and Mary was there to take the rebound. She grabbed it up and ran down the court, slowing at mid-court to get her bearings. There was no one open and they were not moving around. She waved her hand around to get them to move. They did so, but the Wichita players covered them so well that they could get nowhere without having someone on their tail.
Mary decided she could get nowhere with this. She glanced at the clock and her eyes widened in shock. There were just seconds left! She told herself she could not panic and she quickly maneuvered her way to the three point line. She was about to make a three-pointer when someone hit her arm and fouled her.
The whistle blew and Mary stood at the free-throw line to take a shot. Her hands were sweating as she glanced at the clock. Three seconds. The clock would not start until she shot the ball. Whew, she mused. I’d better make this thing. She set her feet, spun the ball to get her hand in the middle of it, and breathed a silent prayer. Then she shot. She missed and the clock stopped at one second. Her breath caught in her throat as she pounded the ball in preparation for her second try.
Mary set her feet once more and breathed a second prayer. Then she held her breath and shot, watching as the ball sailed through the air – swish! It was in!
Mary fell to the floor with relief and joy. They had won! Mary’s teammates rushed to her side and lifted her from the ground, carrying her above their heads in a kind of tribute to her. Mary, though she knew she had been the star of the game, flushed with embarrassment as her friends carted her in front of the crowd while she slapped hands and said thank you over and over. It had been a hard battle, but they had their victory.
Megan rushed up to Mary after the game when she was in the locker room. “That was an amazing game, Mary,†she gushed excitedly. “You were absolutely – well, just – wondrous!â€
Mary smiled. It was just like Megan to talk so exuberantly. In a way she felt slightly embarrassed at her outburst. Still, she wanted to show her appreciation for Megan’s comment, saying, “Thanks, Megan. It was really a lot of fun.â€
Megan’s eyes widened. “I bet I could never have done what you did. Going through the whole game running all the time? No way. I can’t run as long as you. You’re truly amazing at basketball. You should go pro.â€
Mary blushed but said, “Thank you. Maybe I will.†And the two turned to go out the locker room door.
The sound of a voice on the intercom met them when they stepped through the door. “Wichita Lions, great game today. You played well even though you lost. Congratulations, Enterprise Eagles. You played awesome.
“One more announcement, everyone. Today there is a tornado warning in the Enterprise area. Please keep watch and don’t delay in getting home. Have a great day!â€
There was a click and the voice left them to walk out the door.
On the way home, Mary told her father about the tornado. “We should probably not stop at any restaurants on the way home,†she said, though with a bit of regret in her voice because she was looking forward to getting a treat because of her victory.
Hal had an expression of mock disappointment on his face. “Aw, man, I was anticipating that chocolate chunk shake at Arby’s.†He made a face. “But I guess we won’t be getting that, now will we?â€
“Oh, you big baby, quit your whinin’,†put in Megan teasingly. Then she and Mary laughed when Hal made a baby face and sniffled softly. Then he sobered up. “Looks like it’s gettin’ pretty dark out there,†he commented. The girls, too, looked up at the sky. Its clouds were darkening and ominously hovering over the earth. “We’ve gotta get home quick before it starts up so I can get Gunsmoke inside,†realized Mary suddenly. An image flashed through her mind of what would happen to her beloved horse if she were to leave him outside in this terrible weather, but she pushed it quickly from her mind and focused on the road ahead, willing their country road to appear.
**
Finally they arrived at home after dropping Megan off at her house, much to Mary’s relief. She would just go in and change real quick and then run out to get Gunsmoke inside. Then they would have to move everything to the basement, where it was well-protected and sound-proof.
Quickly Mary changed and ran out to the barn to get a halter and lead shank. She sneaked a glance at the ever-darkening sky and felt a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. She felt as if something bad were about to happen. She shrugged it off and ran into the pasture where Gunsmoke was waiting for her eagerly.
As she led him into the barn, Mary could feel a sudden heaviness in the air that she could not explain. Then it began to get unusually warm. And it was deathly calm and quiet. None of the birds were chirping, even at this hour of the day. It was only six o’clock, and none too early for the birds to retire. Even the trees seemed to be somewhat subdued.
Mary had an uneasy feeling in her heart. Something was about to happen; she could feel it in her very bones. Even Gunsmoke, who was usually very calm and collected, was jittery and agitated. Something was up.
Then, as Mary closed Gunsmoke’s stall and locked it, the wind began to blow against the barn. It was blowing the trees hard; they were bending from the force that was being put against them. The wind became so strong that some of the trees snapped off at the tops. Mary glanced out the open window at the big farmhouse. Her father was standing at the doorstep, waving his hands hysterically at Mary. He was telling her to get inside, she knew, but she couldn’t leave Gunsmoke. She couldn’t leave him alone in such weather. She shook her head and with unshed tears in her eyes hollered back at her father: “No! I can’t! I have to stay with Gunsmoke!†Her words were barely audible to Hal above the wailing wind, but he received them. What was to become of his daughter? How could she possibly be safe in the barn? He needed to get her inside, but it was too dangerous now to retrieve her. Hal reluctantly and unwillingly turned into the doorway with unbidden tears on his face. The gales howled eerily as Mary placed herself by Gunsmoke’s head inside his stall.
It was then that she heard the sound. The sound of a freight train. At first she wondered at it, speculating how a freight train could have made its way to their barn. Then, as it drew closer, she gradually began to realize that the sound was not of a train. It was the tornado.
Gunsmoke was in a frenzy. He tossed his head wildly and threw nervous glances at Mary, who was trying to calm him down. Finally the big roan settled down some and Mary was able to whisper in his ear. Tears in her eyes, she told him, “Gunsmoke,†she almost choked on his name, “Gunsmoke, if we don’t see each other again, just know that I’ve loved you. I’ve loved you with all my heart. And I will do everything in my power to save you from a terrible fate.â€
Mary barely made it on those last few words, and now she crumpled in a disheveled heap on Gunsmoke’s neck and wept. She prayed as hard as she could that the Lord might spare them both this fate, but if it was not His will that she lived, she would gladly give up her life for her dear friend Gunsmoke.
Then a sort of peace came over Mary, and she felt like a warm blanket had been placed around her shoulders. She felt as if someone was holding her, embracing her. She knew that she could make it through this tempest in one piece, if not two, she was even able to joke with herself. She reached up to pat Gunsmoke’s neck. He, too, was calm enough to stretch his nose down and nuzzle her hand. Mary gently kissed the soft velvety nose as the winds outside increased in fury.
Suddenly Mary was aware of a loud cracking sound from above. She realized with great alarm that the roof was being torn away. One look at Gunsmoke and she knew she had to get him out of there. But where would she go? A low spot, her conscience told her. She had to get Gunsmoke to a low spot in the ground or a place of the sorts – and fast.
She grappled for the halter and lead rope hanging on the peg beside the stall door and quickly fastened it to his head. Then she flung open the door and stepped out with Gunsmoke. He hesitated at the sight of all the debris swirling around the barn entrance. But Mary could waste no time and urgently tugged on the lead. Reluctantly Gunsmoke followed her but was still trembling with fright and confusion.
They were almost to the door.
All of a sudden a floorboard in the barn came loose from the ferocious winds and came hurtling toward Mary. Before she could react, the heavy two-by-four struck her shins squarely and brutally, the brunt of the blow knocking her to the ground and taking the breath right out of her lungs. Pain filled her lower left leg and she cried out in anguish. The world was swimming before her eyes as she vaguely saw her horse rearing in fright and fleeing from the scene. “Gunsmoke,†her dry lips struggled to voice. But the terrified horse was deaf to her anxious efforts and kept running.
Mary tried to lift herself up but a stab of pain went through her chest and she was forced to lie back down again. The world around her was fading away…was she dying? She couldn’t tell, but as she watched her horse’s heels flying in the distance, she had a horrible feeling that she might never see him again. Then, in the far-off gloom, she saw Gunsmoke go down out of her sight. She heard a faint scream above the turmoil of the storm and knew it was her horse. It pained her to hear it. What had happened to him?
As everything was fading away from her sight, Mary stole a quick glance at her home. Good, she thought, the house is okay. Her father was alright. She took comfort in the thought, but what about Gunsmoke? Urgently she tried to lift herself from the ground in an effort to find him, but her body would not cooperate. Her head dropped to the ground again with exhaustion. Then everything went black and she knew no more.
Chapter 6
Mary opened her eyes slowly. Her surroundings were washed sterile white. Her sluggish eyes wandered over the white walls and the ceiling. She dropped her eyes to the bed on which she laid. It, too, was white with crisp clean sheets. She looked to her right. There was a stand with a monitor on it. Lines ran from it and two went into her arm. It was then she realized she was in the hospital.
At first her throat tightened at the thought. Why am I in the hospital, she thought desperately. She’d never been in a hospital before. Then she remembered. The tornado. The piece of two-by-four. Her leg. Her leg! Her eyes darted to her left leg. It was wrapped up in a big cast and she could see her toes sticking out from the bottom. She wiggled them, and then looked up in time to see the door open and a doctor step through.
He smiled. “How is my little patient doing today?†Mary wondered at his words. Little patient? She was fifteen years old. But instead she smiled politely and said, “Fine.â€
The doctor introduced himself. “I’m Doctor Ruso, but you can call me Gary.†He smiled again and Mary smiled back.
“Good to see my patient smiling after her surgery. That’s a good sign.†Once again he smiled at Mary and moved to the computer to check her progress. She looked at her leg. They had already done surgery? Had she been asleep this whole time?
“How long have I been here?†she ventured to ask him. He looked up from the computer screen.
“About four days, I’d say.†He paused to smile and then explained, “You were in a coma most of the time.†He looked back at the computer monitor and continued, “Well, I’ll bet you’ll be out of here in a couple of days, I suppose, perhaps even by Sunday.â€
Good, Mary thought, I don’t have to spend a month in a boring old hospital.
Eventually the doctor left the room and Hal entered, grateful tears on his face. “Doctor Ruso told me you were awake,†he said and collapsed on her bed, careful not to disturb the broken leg. “I almost died. You were asleep for four days.â€
Mary stroked his hair comfortingly and uttered soothing sounds. “I’m okay, Dad. Really. I feel great.â€
Relief showed plainly on her father’s drawn face. He chuckled softly. “While you were sleeping through four days, I was awake the whole time. I couldn’t get any sleep.â€
Mary smiled. How her father loved her. Then she suddenly remembered her horse, and her smile disappeared. “What happened to Gunsmoke?†she asked abruptly, worriedly.
Hal got up slowly, choosing his words carefully. “The day of the tornado, Gunsmoke ran off a few hundred yards from the barn. In his fright, he ran right through some debris and—†He stopped short and ran a rough hand through his dark curly hair. “It’s his leg, Mary. He ran through the debris and broke his leg. At the pace he was going, it just snapped.†He stopped and held himself in check. He had seen the look on Mary’s face and knew he could go no further.
Huge tears rolled down Mary’s face as reality dawned on her. When she finally trusted herself to speak, she looked up at her father and asked quietly, “What part of his leg was it?â€
Hal looked into her eyes gravely and replied very softly, “His cannon bone.â€
Mary knew the truth even before Hal voiced it. Gently, though, he told her. “We’re going to have to put him down, Mary. There’s no way to stop it. He’ll suffer too much.â€
Mary let the sobs rack her body as the realization sank in. She covered her face with her hands and let Hal hold her. Tenderly he stroked her hair and said nothing. What could he say? His daughter was grieving.
All of a sudden Mary swallowed and looked up, wiping the tears from her face. Her voice was soft but firm. “No, Dad, there is a way.†Sudden resolve captivated her mind and voice as she said, “Dad, don’t you remember?†At his blank look, she said, “Remember the sling? When the legend Soñador broke her leg, they were going to put her down, remember?†At Hal’s nod, she continued. “But then they put her in a sling. They hoisted her up so that she wasn’t putting weight on it.†Excitement was in Mary’s voice as she persisted. “And then her leg healed. It healed, Dad. And they saved her so that she could be a champion. Don’t you remember?â€
Hal did remember. “But that was a million-dollar racehorse, Mary,†he stated. “They spent lots of money on that horse because she was worth a lot of money.â€
Mary’s eyes gleamed with anger but she held her voice steady. “How do you know Gunsmoke isn’t worth a million dollars? You don’t know.†She paused and took a deep breath before going on. “Gunsmoke may not be a million-dollar racehorse to you, but he’s worth more than that to me. He’s worth my life. I would give my life to save his. I’m not about to negotiate his life and give it all up.†She paused again. “Dad, we have to save him.â€
Hal could not protest any further. He was touched by Mary’s words. He nodded and said, “We’ll do the best we can.â€
“Thank you, Dad.†Mary smiled for the first time during their conversation.
**
True to his word, two days later, Dr. Ruso discharged Mary from the hospital and told she could go home. He bade her goodbye with a twinge of regret. She had been a good patient, one of the best he’d ever had.
Mary was wild with excitement and it was all Hal could do to keep her under control. She couldn’t wait to get home to help with Gunsmoke.
Finally Mary and her father arrived at their home. The property was wrecked of trees, but the house was perfectly fine. It hadn’t been touched, which Mary was glad for. They had visited the Meyers before they arrived home, and their house had a little damage, though everyone was fine and San Do
Friction & Kharrizzma
2012-07-13 21:55:15
Age Thirteen,Part 2: Cold White Room
by Lizzy1
I didn’t know what to do after that news. It was unbelievable. The doctor said there was only one prescription that could help it but it would have to be given by a shot. I had a fear of shots. The doctor had also arranged for us to see another doctor at the children’s hospital in the morning which was about an hour’s drive away. My dad and I got the prescription. We came back to the doctor’s office where they gave me the first shot. I would have to put up with it for a week every twelve hours. My next shot would have to be given at midnight. I cried.
I went home with a new sense of fear. I didn’t know what to do. Later that night my dad told me to pack. The doctor at the children’s hospital called and told us to be there at 6 in the morning. I wasn’t allowed to eat after midnight and have anything to drink after 5. I asked my dad why and he said they were going to try to remove the clot and I didn’t have to take the shot. I was happy about that and I packed.
After my mom got my grandma to look after my brother, my mom, dad, and I set out on the hour and half drive to a hotel near the children’s hospital. I had packed a lot of stuff to do in a bag and tried to keep myself occupied. I was worried about getting a surgery. I had never had a surgery before then.
Before I knew it, the city skyline came into view. It had been awhile since I have been to this city so everything was different to me. We found the hotel easily. Its parking garage had the coolest elevators that could open on both sides. At about 10 o’ clock that night I ate at the hotel restaurant and then went to bed. Somehow I did sleep that night.
I was awoken before 5 so I had a chance to drink something. I almost drank a whole bottle of water! At 5:30 we set off to the hospital. The front entrance of the hospital was dark and no one was at the front desk. We found our way to where we needed to go, anyways. We came to an area with a sign that said “Day Surgery Registration.†I would be getting a surgery.
After registration I was taken to a small room that had a curtain as a door. I got a hospital bracelet. It said my birthdate, name, and my age, 13. My blood pressure, heart rate, and weight where taken and I had to change into a gown. I also had to get seven vials of blood drawn. According to the nurse, it was a lot! That was my first time having that done and I felt light-headed afterward. While I was lying down, a lady talked to me about the anesthesia (sleepy gas) and told me it would smell like nail polish. I was given a mask that had Chap Stick on the inside to give it a scent. I picked the raspberry scent.
Since I was so light-head, I was put in a bed and taken back to my little room. I was given a colorful blanket and a blue stuffed animal dog. I held on to it because I was nervous! Someone came with wheel chair to take me to surgery. After I had gotten in the wheel chair, I was covered with my blanket. I held on tightly to my dog.
We were taken to another small room down stairs with two doors on each side. My nerves were intense. I met my surgeon and he explained how he was going to remove the clot. He also mentioned I might wake up with an IV and that meant would have to stay overnight. I also met the anesthesiologist (the person in charge of the sleepy gas during surgery). I met so many people and my mom and dad had to sign so many papers. I was then taken back to the operating room with my parents.
It was white, very white and cold, very cold. I had to get on a board and lay flat on my back. I just stared at the ceiling and the anesthesiologist put my mask over my face. I was told to breathe. I soon smelt nail polish and started to breathe though my mouth. I started to take quicker breaths and started seeing two of everything on the ceiling. I wanted to take the mask off but my arms won’t move! I heard bits and pieces of what the anesthesiologist was saying but everything soon faded out.
This is the end of part 2. If you haven't read part 1, you probably don't understand this part. This story is based off of what I experienced in May. There are plently more exciting parts to come over the next months! Thank you for reading!
Lizzy1 & Cool Mr Robin
2012-07-23 13:59:07
3ft jumps at 3:00
By jgs riding
I jumped down the small hill. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, and I looked up. There were no clouds in the sky, and the sun was shining very brightly. Suddenly, from the fence, I heard a nicker. It was soft, yet it seemed to be directed at me. So, I turned and there was Belle. She was the pony I had been assigned to ride that day. Her stunning red coat shone under the bright sun, as she stared at me intently.
"What? You really wanna see me that badly?" I teased, and went to the fence to stroke her velvet muzzle. I turned and headed for the gate, grabbing Belle's rope halter from the fence on the way. I opened the gate, and put the halter on her head. Moments later, I found myself and my equine friend in the barn. I had groomed her, and was putting the girth on.
"All right, here comes the thing you hate most. She was resistant, but finally let me get the bit in her mouth. "Good girl, you're getting better about that." I exclaimed, happy that she didn't toss her head like she normally did.
Eventually, I found myself and Belle up in the ring, having our lesson. We were about to jump. "All right, let's go ahead and start the jumping portion of our lesson." Miss. Judy said, and I got in line behind my mom, who was also riding with me. "Today, we'll be jumping 3ft jumps." She told us, and my heart started thumping very, very hard.
"3ft j-jumps?" I stammered. "Zoe, you're ready for this." I knew I needed to trust my teacher. We approached the jump, and suddenly, we're airborne. I felt all her muscles and body stretching into a perfect arc, her back hooves leaving the soft dirt below us. She's putting more effort in to this one jump then she ever has before, and it's incredible. When I feel her body going downwards and into the landing position, I lean back slightly. All four hooves reach the ground, and we race away. "3ft jumps at 3:00." Is the first thing I say when I get back in line. Belle nickers in happiness, and I feel completely at home. "Hey mom, the barn is where I belong." I tell her, as we ride away from the ring after the lesson. "Totally." And this time, both horses nicker out of happiness.
jgs riding: I hope short stories are part of the contest! ^^
jgs riding & belle
2012-07-26 02:09:23
You can vote once a day
Jane Crandal & JB
2012-07-29 23:23:05
This is Club Pony Pals, the official Pony Pals game and virtual horse world. Here you can adopt, ride and care for the pony you always wanted. Our site is based on the Scholastic books about three girls by Jeanne Betancourt.
