The Homeless Horse

Chapter 12

Conda was just as excited as I was when we were finally let out of the small medial paddock. We bolted out and pranced, kicking and squealing. The solider was at the fence smiling. I cantered over to him cheerfully, nuzzling him. Conda followed, nickering to the man. He rubbed my forehead (fore lock). "What if I take you two home with me, hey?" He says patting Conda's shoulder. We both nicker. *a few days later* It's now the day we get to go back to the soldier's home. He saddles me up, and ties Conda onto a lead rope. He sits his bag on Conda and we move off down the street. As soon as we leave, we're into the deep wilderness. Sweet, calming noises fill the atmosphere surrounding us. I take a deep breath. Oh how I miss that fresh air and calming quiet. We travel down the main river, which will lead us into wild horse country. I familiar scent fills my nostrils. I slow down and look at the trampled tracks. A herd of wild horses. The soldier stops us at noon. He creates a small barrier around us, with fresh green grass. We're close to the river so he can bathe and drink, same with us. He untacks us and sets up camp. It's quiet, and the calming noises of all nature fill my ears. I relax and nuzzle Conda. "Do you want to go for a swim?" I ask. He follows me down to the river. My hoofs sink into the soft, moist clay and pebbles. *later that night* It was late. We were closed into the small arrangement of trees which acted as a stable. We were merely strong animals underestimated through branches. Conda was actually sleeping, so was the soldier. I jumped over the stack of branches and trotted down to the river bank. It was silent. I leant down to drink when I heard hoofs. I ignored it, thinking it was just Conda. Through the bushes on the other side, a rustle was heard. I looked up. A wild grey stallion jumped out at me. He whinnied. I reared up and screamed, kicking out with my front legs. He roared in anger, and began to chase me. Whoever was to lose was under the others control. After a while, we both ended up drinking from the river. He thought he had won me. He walked around behind me, wanting me to cross so he could take me to his herd. But I was wrong. He tried to mount me. I lashed out with my back legs, hitting him in the stomach. With all the commotion, Conda and the soldier woke up. They chased off the stallion. I huffed as I plotted back to to barrier. The soldier followed us. He tied us both up. "I'm sorry, but I don't want to lose you to a competitive stallion." * In the morning* I was now behind Conda. The soldier thought he'd give me a sort of break. After a few hours of travelling, we finally got to our new home. Maybe this was my fresh start? My forever home. He led us into a paddock, unpacking us and bringing hay.