by mustang 23, age 13

“Legacy! What are you doing?” I yelled, staring aghast at the mess in the stall. There were strips of wood everywhere, and one part of the door was nearly chewed through.

“Why is everything going wrong today?” I murmured, clambering over the fence rails. Grabbing Legacy’s halter, I led him to another pasture, where a bay mare was grazing. “Duchess, you better take care of this misbehaving foal!” I said, only half-joking, and I led Legacy into the pasture.

I watched him trot off, then thought about the day. First, I had missed a very important job interview because Legacy had kept me up half the night neighing. Then, my boot sole fell off right before I stepped in a horse pie. After I cleaned my foot and changed boots, I had tried to ride Legacy. He threw me, and I’d sprained my ankle.

“Oh, why is everything going wrong today?” I moaned. Just then, a boot crunched on the gravel behind me. I spun around.

It was Neil. “Oh, it’s you,” I said.

“You doin’ all right?” he asked, standing beside me.

“Not really.”

“You want to go somewhere?” he asked.

“No. Sorry. The way my day’s going, I’d probably spill my drink and the waiter would drop the plate.”

Neil laughed. “It’s okay. I was just wondering.”

“Okay.”

We talked for a little longer, then Neil left, and I went in the house. A hot bath and some Ben-Gay sounded wonderful right now, and my throbbing ankle agreed.

After the bath and dinner, I collapsed onto my bed. In a few minutes, I was asleep.

* * * * * *

At three in the morning, a pounding on the door awakened me. I sat up instantly, then quickly dressed. I padded down the steps and opened the door.

“Neil? What the heck are you doing out here at three in the morning?” I asked groggily.

“It’s my sister. She’s missing.”

“Oh, no. Since when?” I asked, letting him in and closing the door behind him.

“I think. . . since ten. Carrie went out with her boyfriend, and well, Mom never trusted him.” Neil closed his eyes. It was no secret that Neil’s family was very well-off.

“You think he wants a ransom?” I asked, touching Neil’s arm.

“Yes. But we think he’s hid out in the woods. Mom said to send you. She said you know the woods better than anyone.”

“Let me get my boots,” I said.

A few minutes later, I was walking down to the barn, Neil close on my heels.

“Are you sure your ankle is up to this? That’s a pretty bad sprain. I think it might be broken.”

“Neil!” I snapped. “Stop worrying! It’s not broken.” But in truth, my ankle was very painful, and I almost couldn’t walk on it.

We were astride and trotting toward the woods, and I was grateful that Legacy had a very gentle trot.

Suddenly, a squirrel bolted out right in between Duchess’s legs. She screamed and reared, throwing Neil, who landed with a thud and a crack. Duchess took off and disappeared into the forest.

“Neil!” I screamed. I dismounted and ground-tied Legacy. I flew to Neil’s side.

“Neil, speak to me! Are you all right?” I nearly screamed, on the verge of hysteria.

“I’m – I hit my head. And my elbow, cracked,’ he whispered.

“Oh, my gosh. What am I supposed to do?”

“Call 9-1-1. Tell them where I am, then go and find my sister.”

My eyes began to fill with tears, though I wasn’t sad. I guess I was just overwhelmed.

I called 911 and informed them of the situation, telling them Neil’s location, and then before hanging up, I told the operator I was going to try to find Carrie. I don’t think she liked that idea. Nevertheless, I went.

Mounting Legacy again, and gritting my teeth against the pain in my ankle, which had transformed from a steady throb to a sharp stabbing, I set off for the forest.

* * * * * *

Once inside the woods, I scanned the ground for tracks. Nothing. That figures.

I sighed. Okay, let’s see. If I were a kidnapper, where would I hide? Hmm. Then it popped into my head.

The cabin! It was a very secluded hunting outpost, and only a few people knew about it. Here’s hoping it was the right place.

I reached the cabin in an hour. To be safe, I tied Legacy to a tree on the edge of the clearing.

I wasn’t sure if anyone was in the cabin. It looked empty. Just then, I caught a glimpse of shiny red. It was a car! I sighed in relief, then realized Carrie’s boyfriend could probably see me.

I put my hand in my pocket, and touched a sharp edge. There was a small razor-blade in my vest. I don’t know why it was there. Maybe it would help.

There was a flickering light coming from the cabin, probably a candle. A shadow moved in front of the light. Someone was there! They were coming to the window! I dove to the ground, just as the door opened.

A tall, thick young man stepped out. As he lit a cigarette, he scanned the clearing. In a few seconds he would see me!

Suddenly, there was a clatter of hoof beats behind me. Legacy! The man looked up and brought out a gun.

“NO!” I screamed, but I was too late. The gun barked, and Legacy’s shoulder jerked. He didn’t stop. He plowed into the man, knocking him out cold. Then Legacy crumpled to the ground.

“Legacy!”

I jumped to my feet and reached Legacy in seconds. “Legacy, please, no,” I prayed. “Please. I’ve already lost his father. Not Legacy too. Please.”

I studied the wound. It looked clean, though painful. “Legacy, you’re gonna be okay. You big sissy, it’s just a flesh wound.”

“Kelly?”

“Carrie! You’re all right!”

“I’m. . . fine. Is Legacy. . . ?”

“I think he’s all right. I’d better call the cops though. Stay here with Legacy please,” I said.

“Sure. And, Kelly?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks.”

I shrugged. “It was nothing.”

“No. It was great. Really, thanks.”

I just smiled.

* * * * * *

In a few minutes, the police were swarming around the cabin. Carrie’s now ex-boyfriend was sitting in the backseat of a police cruiser, cursing Legacy.

Legacy, after being checked out by a vet, had been bandaged and released. Everybody was all right. Now, I could finally get a good night’s sleep.

“Hey, Neil, the doctor said my ankle is broken. Can you watch the horses for me till I heal?” I asked.

“Sure. Even though you’ll be there overseeing me,” Neil joked.

“Whatever,” I laughed, snuggling into Neil’s arms. Legacy, seeing he wasn’t the center of attention anymore, neighed loudly.

“Silly horse,” I giggled. “You already had your moment.”

The End

Author’s Note: This is the continuation to Shining Legacy. Thought y’all might like to read the rest of Kelly and Legacy’s adventures. Enjoy!

You might also like...

• Shining Legacy
• Blogfest #3: Bronc Moment
• Prarie Song