Cast of characters.
The centaurs:
— Mnesiphilos: large, nearly black mahogany. King of the tribe
— Opites: A near likeness to his father. Next in line to be king
— Kyknos: chestnut, Opites' loyal friend
The humans:
— Old Man Billy: hunter, shot a centaur by mistake
— Philip: old trapper, ex-wife was Arrapahoe. Story-teller
— Ethan: bounty hunter, just passing through town
Chapter 6
Opites stood alert at the brim of the cliff ledge. His ears pricked forward and every muscle tensed.
"The humans don't belong here, these are our lands," he said quietly. "Why are they still in our lands? They are every where! It has been many seasons since we've set fire to their buildings and released their goats and cattle. Why will they not leave?"
"Instead, they drink and carry on with merrymaking," Kyknos said as he surveyed the valley and the small moving shadows representing the humans. Two were on horseback rounding up cattle.
"I don't trust them. Why are they not leaving? Why are they in our territory? What kind of animal does this?"
"Doesn't make sense." Kyknos shook his head and snorted.
Opites turned and trotted along the steep embankment. The path narrowed near the edge. His dexterity surpassed Kyknos' when trekking up the mountains. He trotted along the narrow path, forgetting for the moment Kyknos behind him and the distance between them grew.
A sudden breeze ruffled his mane, then escalated in strength, making negotiating along the narrow passage more difficult.
Behind him, he heard a break in rhythm from Kyknos' stride. Rocks cascaded into the valley. Wondering how Kyknos fared, he stopped and looked back over his shoulder.
Kyknos' eyes were rimmed in white. His front hoof kicked a rock off the ledge of the cliff. He pressed his hands against the rocky wall, afraid to move.
"Why did I come up here after you, Your Highness?" he gasped.
Opites smiled. "You came here because you worry, and don't want to be alone."
"That is true," Kyknos said as he took another couple careful step. "I hate being alone. I could have joined up with your brothers in the hunting party. I should... "
One of his hind hooves kicked a stone which started a rock slide.
"Be careful," Opites said, not stopping. "Don't awaken the resting dead, Kyknos."
"Do you really believe they will arise, Your Highness?"
Opites paused. He fingered the bow in his hand. "You do not?"
"I don't know."
Opites nodded. "I do not understand our ancient ways either at times." He walked along the passage, which spiraled around a pool of murky water. A waterfall slithered between the jagged rocks.
"What were you going to say?" Opites glanced over his shoulder.
"I was going to say, I miss our tribe," Kyknos said. "We weren't made to live alone, Opites. We live best in tribes. And what of Stheneboia? Surely you must miss her? How long have we been away? It seems the farther we go, there are more humans."
