Sometime, somewhere on the plains…
A fall among these people was uncommon, particularly one from a standing mount. A crowd was gathering.
From where Meagan stood beside the pack animal, she could plainly see her former pony was in a sour mood from being abused during the argument and was not interested in being ridden. The best thing to do was find a treat for the mare and walk her out quietly. Instead, the man found a switch and laid it sharply along the mare’s side.
Seeing the mare’s ears lie back, Meagan almost felt sorry for the man. He did not have the opportunity to yank the reins again. As he held the rough leather straps, Targa struck, seizing the man under his arm. The man wrenched free and collapsed in the dirt, holding his side.
The second man came forward now, ready to claim his prize by default. The pony mare flattened her ears and swished her tail. The man lunged in and grasped her reins tightly. He looked at his audience to make sure they were observing the proper way to mount a troublesome horse, and lifted his leg an infinitesimal degree before Targa’s hind hoof struck his left calf. The man went down with a cry.
Another man started forward hesitantly. The pony cocked a leg in anticipation and the man stepped back into the crowd. Everyone turned to look at Meagan. The wake-up man gave her a short nod.
“Oh, sure. Now she’s mine.” When Meagan took a step, the mare shifted ominously. A field of spectator’s eyes waited expectantly …
Excerpted from Eclipsed by Shadow, the award-winning first volume of “The Legend of the Great Horse” trilogy. (Hrdbk pg. 186)
Book II: The Golden Spark is available! Book III announcements coming soon…
Read the 1st Chapter online!
Copyright © 2008 John Royce