by Violet Inkpen, age 13

CHAPTER 5

Tess slid to a stop as a black object came flying at her. She scrambled to back up, kicking up mud and dirt, then wheeled and almost made it. The black thing came around and cut her off with a snort. Tess backed away and gasped.

A powerful stallion with long, silky mane and a beautiful, elegant neck was looking at her with his head in the air and his hoof bent to point at his chest. His ears were pricked and his tail was slowly blowing in the breeze. His eyes searched hers with a friendly gaze. Tess groaned to herself.

“Hello there, I am Ebony,” he said in a very gentle yet firm voice.

Tess flicked her tail, her eyes showing that she was NOT amused. “Hi,” she said curtly.

“And to who do I owe the pleasure?” he asked, dipping his head.

“Sorry there buddy, but I am on a quest to find and recover my foal who was lost in the flood, and I have no time for you trying to get a mare for your herd okay?” she snapped, flattening her ears.

Ebony looked up, tilted his head, and blinked. “You obviously need protection on this quest. Once you find your foal a number of things can go wrong. May I come with you?” he asked.

“No you may not, because I am not joining any herd of yours. I am the lead mare of Wilderness’ herd and I do not plan on changing that.”

She started walking away but he cut her off. “Wilderness? Then why are you alone?” he asked.

“He wouldn’t come with– that’s none of your business, because I am STILL part of his herd,” Tess shouted.

Ebony shrugged. “Suit yourself, but I still want to come with you. I can help you,” he said gently, in a charming sort of way.

“And in return you hope that I will ‘grace you with my presence in your most wonderful and rewarding herd’ right?” Tess snorted, rolling her eyes.

“No, I just don’t want any foals by themselves. Come on, I think I saw them go this way,” he said, heading for the mountains.

Tess was rebellious and didn’t want him to think she was following him, but she had to save Star so she galloped towards him. Ebony smiled politely at her, knowing she’d never be in his herd. However, he did want to help her find her foal. She seemed nice.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Star screamed as Patience slammed against the ground like a rag doll. The mountain lion dug it’s claws into Patience’s flanks and growled in her ear. Star lashed out, grabbing hold of the lion’s ear and yanking as hard as she could. With a cry of agony the lion lurched backwards, giving Patience time to slip away. Star kicked with her back legs, knocking the lion’s chin, then galloped away. Patience followed. They had to outrun the beast!

“Mountain Lions follow their prey for miles and miles until they finally kill them, don’t they? He won’t stop stalking us Star!” Patience shouted.

“Keep running%2