4
We awoke before the sunrise, there was enough light that we could see the fog lying on the ground, and notice that it would be a clear day. Fiona was tending to Vandas wounds down by a river, while everyone else was eating. I walked up to her and said: How about you go get a bite to eat, Ill take care of our wounds. She smiled and said in reply: Okay, here is some moss, water, and herbs. Ill be waiting for you. She walked away with joy in her steps, she seemed very happy today, and I couldnt figure out why. After I was done contemplating over that, I mixed some herbs and water together in a bowl that Fiona had found. First I put the herb goop on Vandas wound, which was very deep, I could see her rib bone on one of the gashes. I gently covered the horrid wounds with moss, it stuck on because of the herb goop. I told her she could go, and I warned her not to rub it, scratch it, or take it off, under any circumstances. Now it was time for my wound, it wasnt as bad as Vandas but it was worse than before. I washed my wound as well as I could, it stung with excruciating pain while I put the herb goop on, once I got the moss on, it felt much better. I dont know why humans never know about this, but horses do, when a wolf, lion, or cougar bites an animal, the animal thats bitten is likely to get something that we call foam mouth*. I was overly worried that Vanda, or myself, might get this.
I pranced over to Fiona, she was in very high spirits, I was glad of this but didnt understand why, so I shyly asked:
Hey, whats up, you seem pretty happy today!
Is there anything wrong with that?
No, Im just curious to know why.
Well, please dont tell Dixon about this.
Ok.
Last night, when I was on guard, I heard this rustle in the brush, so I just watched, then came out a golden horse, with a golden mane and tail. He walked up to me, I was really scared, then he said hello, and noted is breed is an Akhal Teke and his name is Anatoli. We add a long conversation, and he said he has a small herd of mares, and would help us any time we needed it. He also said he knows meadows with good grass and water that are safe from predators. I told him about us, but not our plans, he was very sad about our masters, even though hes been wild all his life. We took a walk down to the river, and looked at the stars. Then, he asked me: Will you be my mate? I choked up and answered: Ill get back to you tonight. But hes so handsome, and strong, he came from some lands in the north. I think Ill answer Yes, but Id want us to join our herds and fight the Arab forces, then run wild the rest of our lives.
Wow, that is pretty shocking! Im happy for you though, and I think you should get him to meet Dixon so we can join herds. It will really help to have someone who knows the land.
I know, Im so excited of actually having a mate, and family soon!
Im happy for you.
So, how is your wound?
Its ok, better than Vandas, I just hope we dont get foam mouth.
Oh, that wouldnt be good, but I doubt youd get it. Hows Thaqaf?
Oh! I didnt see him, he didnt come in for treatment.
I wonder where he went.
Ill have ask Dixon if he knows.
Ok, Ill search by the river.
I quickly ran to Dixon, hoping Thaqaf didnt get away and warn the enemy. I snorted to get Dixons attention, and asked him if he knew where Thaqaf was, he replied with a No and told me to check from the hill, while he checked the woods. I went to the top of the hill, I saw Dixon go in the woods, and then I looked to the river and saw Fiona. While I was watching her, I saw her jump, then I saw a magnificent golden horse approach her, she smiled in relief, so I figured he was Anatoli. I quickly, yet soundlessly trotted to the river, my curiosity was so great that I forgot about Thaqaf. I came near the river, and eased myself behind a bush, unseen. I perked my ears perked forward to listen to their conversation, while breathing quietly so they didnt hear me. They spoke in a whisper, but I could still hear their words:
What are you looking for Fiona? Asked Anatoli.
A prisoner horse named Thaqaf, I think he sneaked away when we had our walk last night. She replied.
Oh, thats not good. Does anyone know about, you know?
Um, yes
My best friend, Emira.
Oh, Its ok, except you never answered me.
Yes.
Yes, you never answered me, or Yes, I do?
Yes, I do! She had huge smile on her face, and they exchanged horsey kisses and hugs.
Im so happy! But not fully happy unless you are. Are you? He said.
Yes, with you I shall always be!
I can help you track Thaqaf, Ive gained skills in that.
Oh, that would be great! I have to tell you something.
Whats that?
Our herd has plans to destroy the Arab forces.
Wow, pretty hard goal.
I know, but, it will be easier if your herd joins us, then after we destroy the Arab forces, we can just run off as a big herd.
Id do that for you, but isnt there another stallion here?
Yes, but hes very gentle, and wont fight a good stallion like you.
Ok, first, lets find Thaqaf, then well approach him. Whats his name?
Dixon. Where do we start to find Thaqaf?
Here, see these awkward foot prints, that means its a limping horse, so if we continue on this trail, well get him very soon. The tracks are very fresh.
They followed the tracks, and I quietly followed behind them. I looked at the tracks and saw what Anatoli was talking about, the two front tracks were even, while the back tracks were uneven, the right carrying more weight than the left due to his limp. I looked back up at Fiona and Anatoli, they had stopped and were looking into the river, when I turned the direction they were looking, I saw a dirty white horse lying in the water, it was Thaqaf. I called out to them, saying:
Need any help?
They turned around, and Fiona exclaimed:
Emira! Does Dixon know?
No, not yet. I replied.
Then she introduced us:
Anatoli, this is Emira. Emira, Anatoli.
Nice to meet you. I said.
You too, how about we get Thaqaf out of here?
Good idea. I replied.
First Fiona lifted Thaqaf's head, while I nipped him several times, he finally woke up, while mumbling:
Woah, I was washing my leg, then I fell asleep, sorry.
Ok, now get up so I can tend to your leg. I said.
He got up and followed us out of the river and to the area where Vanda and I had our wounds tended. I motioned to him to stand near the moss, then I mixed some more herbs and water. I vigorously applied it to his leg, and he stomped his front legs, probably because it stung. Then I put the moss on, and gave him the same warning I gave Vanda. After that we went to the meadow, where Dixon was waiting. All the horses lifted their heads and perked their ears forward in attention to the bright, golden horse, Anatoli. The mares started gathering behind Dixon, and gossiping about the golden horse. Once we reached Dixon, he turned to Anatoli and asked:
I see you found Thaqaf, but who may you be?
I am Anatoli, and this is my meadow, but I moved for you. He replied.
Oh, then you seem like a decent stallion.
Fiona butted in:
He is, hes my mate.
Well, then for that, I respect him.
Then Thaqaf butted in:
I wasnt running away, I just fell asleep.
Then the lion did you more good than harm. Replied Dixon
*Foam mouth: rabbies
