November Story Contest

FAITHFUL TRUTH    pt 1
Bycelect04 & Speckles
Age 16

The blood pulsed through my veins. My light dappled gray coat darkened with sweat. My nostrils flared as I galloped across the forest floor, leaping over anything in my way. I looked back, checking. Gone. I took a swift turn, and halted. I was safe for now. The humans had been chasing me for all they and their horses were worth. Shouting, “ Get him, Get him! “ I just wanted to scream, “ I have a name! “ Bonita Aqua. Beautiful Water in Spanish. My breathing cooled, and my body regained itself.  I turned back toward the path, and walked silently down to the creek. When I was there, I plunged in, letting the cold, refreshing water kiss my coat.  I took a  long drink, which tasted like honey in a world of vinegar. I knew I had to get out, though, because the humans would bring their horses soon enough. I jumped out, and galloped to an open plain, letting the lightness in my coat return as it dried out. I laid my body on the soft, green grass. It felt good to rest, even if only for a moment. I thought of my old herd. They had betrayed me. The storms came down on us hard, and battles between other herds left us weak. I was the only to remain will-full. One night, clear enough to see a mile, I left. I knew I couldn’t stay. I knew I didn’t belong. I ended up returning, hoping to be welcomed back. But I wasn’t. They took my absence as a disgrace, even if for only a little while. I reared and shrieked,  splitting the night sky, and bolted. My eyes shot open again. I heard whistling. Then I felt a rope around my neck. I had been caught!