The following excerpt is from Eclipsed by Shadow, the 1st volume of “The Legend of the Great Horse” trilogy.
“Allow me time to explain.” The elderly woman waited as the tea was poured, accepting her cup with a polite murmur. “I have gained some experience with horses since we last met, Meagan.” Mrs. Bridgestone sipped her cup delicately. “What did you name your young horse, dear?”
“I named her Promise, ma’am. It was how you said, that animals sometimes name themselves.”
“They do indeed. At least, that has been my experience.” The woman thought for a moment. “Promise. Why, that is a lovely name! It is quite apt too, if somewhat misleading…”
Meagan looked shyly at the floor.
The woman reached for her cane. “Before we have lunch, I think you two might enjoy meeting a few friends of mine. Nelson, could you assist?” The man stepped forward to help Mrs. Bridgestone to her feet.
Jennifer and Meagan followed into a wide hallway that ended at a glass door. Beyond could be glimpsed lawn and white fences. A bay-colored flash floated by in the sliver visible through the window.
Meagan opened the glass door and ran out. Emerging into sunshine, she gasped to see a storybook stables nestled within a brilliant green landscape. White fences wrapped crisp lines around wood-shingled roofs and raked paths. Hanging chrysanthemums flanked yellow-and-white Dutch stall doors. The building looked more like a decorated cake than a working facility.
“Mom, look!” Meagan ran to the central paddock and leaned over the fence toward a husky bay horse. “It’s a filly too!” she called. “She is Promise’s age!”
“I own six horses altogether, Jennifer,” Mrs. Bridgestone confided. “All fillies. I’ve secured the services of a horseman to watch over them. A groom…” The old woman leaned on her cane and gazed at the stables. “What a lovely profession.”
“Have you had horses long?” Jennifer asked.
“Not at all.” Mrs. Bridgestone took Jennifer’s arm as they walked on. “I admit to a mostly academic knowledge of horses, Jennifer. I loved horses as a young girl, yet I have come to actual ownership late in life.” …
Copyright © 2008 John Royce
The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy is an adventure through history … each section is about a different time period.
Eclipsed by Shadow (Book #1 of the trilogy) won national awards including the Eric Hoffer Award for best Young Adult Fiction, and the Mom’s Choice Award for best family-friendly Young Adult Fantasy.
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Quick Links:
» See All Excerpts from The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy.
» Read the 1st Chapter online.
» Check out Book #2 of the trilogy: The Golden Spark.
» See the Media Kit for more information about the trilogy.
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