The Storm
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The wind blew my forelock and mane. The cliff I was standing on had a nice view of the whole valley. My herd stood at the bottom, grazing the fresh spring grasses. The young foals played, the colts chasing and nipping each other, while the fillies stood eating daintily. I turned around and walked down the narrow path to the valley. I could sense something, but couldn't place my hoof on it.
On the horizon clouds were building. They were dark, but it didn't look too dangerous. I stood at the front of my herd and neighed. They turned, and followed me. I was heading back to the cave, where we had been staying for winter. It was a couple of miles away and would take about an hour with the young foals along. My assistant, Blue Moon trotted up to my side and whispered, "I can feel something."
"I can too.", I replied. "We'll try to make it to the cave."
A flash of light lit up the sky and a low rumble followed. I cantered and the herd cantered along with me. The wind picked up and a few drops of rain fell. I broke into a gallop, hoping everyone could keep up. "Wait!" A young colt was falling behind. I slowed back to a canter as the weather seemed to stop. There was no rain, wind, or thunder for a few seconds. Then, it happened.
A large funnel was descending from the sky and hail fell fast. We bolted for the caves. They were in sight, but I was unsure whether or not we could outrun the tornado. I ran to the side, letting my herd go first. Everyone ran in. I counted them as they went, but one was missing. Oh no! It was our youngest colt, Golden Spirit, or Spirit. His mother stood anxiously at the cave entrance, pacing. I could see him trotting, about 500 feet behind us, and about 200 feet from the twister. I galloped toward him, neighing loudly.
I slid around behind him, nudging him from behind. "Run!" The sound of the storm was deafening. He galloped, and we were almost there. I pushed him into the caves just as the storm caught up with us. The wind picked me up, and slung me into the cave.
"Is he okay?" A mare asked worriedly from the safety of the cave. "I think so, look! He's coming to!" I opened my eyes to see that I was surrounded by some of my herd. Several mares were being motherly, and a couple of stallions stood around to guard me from dangers. Spirit stood at the entrance to the cave, gazing out. "What's happening?", I said. The mares explained to me that I had saved Spirit and the winds threw me to the ground. I was unconscious, and slightly injured. "Why is Spirit so glum? Is he hurt?" I asked. "He thinks its his fault." I though of what to say to him. "Could I speak to him privately?" I asked kindly. They stepped out of the way. "Spirit." I called. He trudged over to me. His head hung low while avoided eye contact with me. "Look at me.", I said as he slowly looked up. "It's not your fault."
I stood by Spirit at the celebration of Bravery, a very special honor for Stallions. He held a flower wreath in his mouth, and draped it around my neck. "To Clod's Majesty," He began. "For saving my life, and the lives of the herd. He bowed, and stepped out of the way. There was an uproar in the crowd. "Long Live Majesty!" |
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