The Stolen Herd Page 3

  The wind was knocked out of him as he smacked painfully into another felled tree, this one across his path. He could go no further. His lungs burned as he gasped for air.

  “Whatever that was back there,” he thought, his breath coming in short, painful gasps, “I seem to have outrun it.”

  His hot blood had slowly begun to cool when a fresh wave of dread washed over him. He had run into the Deep Woods. Alone.

  “Oh no, oh no, oh no,” he whispered, staring wildly around for a familiar tree, scent, or trail.

  None appeared. The thick tree trunks were strangled by ropy vines and their branches were dank and drooping. The air was silent.

  “Where is everyone?” he wondered. He couldn’t take two steps into the Green Forest on a sunny morning like this without being distracted by at least three different kinds creatures, but this place was deserted. This was both a relief and a worry as he stepped carefully around the fallen tree that blocked his path, his eyes and ears alert.

  “If you get lost,” his mother always told him, “look for a watering hole. There, you will find other animals. Everyone knows where Harena Beach is. That is the one time I give you permission to talk to other animals. Ask how to get home, then follow their directions.”

  Mandamus inhaled deeply and was rewarded with the faintest trace of water, which, if it was good for drinking smelled like a cool, silver streak in the air. Mandamus sped in the direction of the streak and soon, peals of laughter reached his ears. There were animals ahead! He broke into a trot and as he drew nearer the sound of a rushing waterfall filled his ears.

  “The Eternal Fountain,” he thought, relief washing over him. “I bet I’ve reached the Eternal Fountain.”

  Wary of stumbling into a group of strangers, he slipped behind some trees and craned his neck as far forward as he could to try and get a glimpse of whoever was at the water.

  The Eternal Fountain, which was not actually a fountain but a waterfall that poured out of a crack in a tall rock face and then ran into a deep pool, was the most popular spot in the Deep Woods. Mandamus had only been here once as his aunt Daleth did not like being around animals outside of the herd and it was always busy.

  Laughter pierced the air. Mandamus peered around the tree trunk and what he saw made his insides drop.

  Two snow-white mares with finely-boned faces stood under the waterfall, playfully splashing one another, while a third shouted out to them as she swam in a deeper part of the pool.

  A large horse stood silently on the bank, her ears pricked in alertness. Her hard gaze skimmed over the horses playing in the water then flicked suspiciously around the forest. Her face was thick and square, her mane was streaked with black and her coat was covered in large, red patches. Mandamus’ shivered as he looked at the scars that marred her flank and shoulders but what struck him the most were her eyes. They were crimson and glowed like hot embers. They were the Mares of Diomedes.

  Terror engulfed him.

  “Oh no,” he thought, struggling to keep from quaking. “Now what? He couldn’t exactly go and ask the mares for help. “And if they catch me here...” but that thought was too terrible to finish.

  He peeked out again, hoping they couldn’t sense his thudding pulse. He would just have to wait it out. Hopefully, another animal would come along that could point him in the right direction.

  A branch behind him snapped and Mandamus whirled around with a snort of fear. There, staring curiously at him, was another one of the mares. She was smaller than the others and her slight face was framed by a silky mane. Her gleaming white coat was marred by red speckles that were strewn across her chest.

  “Uh… hello,” he squeaked, pushing his way out of the thicket.

  The mare didn’t answer him only continued to watch. She also had red eyes that shone in the dimness but unlike the big horse down by the water, her gaze was friendly.

  Humiliation burned in his cheeks as he realized that he looked very bad right now, hiding in the bushes watching her bathing herd. The mare stepped closer towards him.

  “Uh… hi?” Mandamus squeaked. As she came closer, he couldn’t help but notice her muscular chest and thick legs. Should he run? No, if he ran, she would probably chase him, and he wouldn’t know which way to go.

  On the other hand, there were no other animals around and he was still lost. This mare might be his only chance to get home. He was caught between his fear and his desperation.

  “You should go,” the mare whispered, glancing nervously in the direction of the waterfall. “Quickly, before my mother finds you.”

  “I can’t,” he told her in a low voice. “I’m lost. I live at Harena Beach, do you know how to get there?”

  “What do you mean ‘you’re lost’? Where is your herd?”

  “At home. I’m here on my own.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing out here alone, skulking about in the trees?”

  “I’m not skulking,” he said defensively, his embarrassment deepening. “Something huge was after me back in the Green Woods. It knocked over a tree and chased me out here. I know how this looks, but I swear, I’m not spying on you. I’m a Harena horse from the beach. My name is Mandamus.”

  The mare didn’t answer, just continued to gaze at him with those red, shiny eyes. Would she yell for her family?

  “Well, Mandamus of the Harena,” she said finally, “If you go out that way and turn left at the largest oak,” she tossed her head over her shoulder at the trail behind her, “you’ll eventually wind up at the beach.”

  She went around the thicket of trees in which he was wedged towards her herd at the fountain.

  “Wait,” he called after her, unable to help himself. “What’s your name?”

  The mare spun around with a grin and Mandamus recoiled in horror for each one of her teeth were pointed like a wolf’s.

  “I am Albethia, Princess of Diomedes,” she said, swishing her tail proudly. “There, little Alsvid, I’ve told you how to get home. Please go.”

  “Alsvid?” Mandamus repeated, baffled. What was an Alsvid? “No, my name is—” but then he saw something that sent panic pounding through his body.

  Behind Albethia, four horses were trotting towards them. The Mares of Diomedes had stopped bathing and were coming to find their princess.

  Chapter Three

  Maruska and the Mares

  The mares swarmed Mandamus.

  They nickered softly as they circled him, shoving his shoulders with their muzzles and sniffing his mane. The largest mare, with the streaked mane and hard eyes, stopped in front of him.

  With pricked ears, she studied his face and then ran her gaze down the length of his coat, lingering on the white fur spiral on his flank. His heart twisted. He’d forgotten to cover his birthmark.

  “A male,” the mare whispered in a gritty voice. Her breath was sour.

  Knowing that only a queen addressed strangers, Mandamus struggled to remember the manners which had been carefully taught to him by his mother.

  “Your Highness,” he answered, bending slightly on one knee and giving a tiny nod. He wasn’t going to dip his head entirely under her.

  “Mother,” Albethia said pushing past her sisters to stand between them. “Mother, this is—”

  “Daughter,” her mother cut her off, shoving Albethia aside, “let the male answer for himself.” She circled him. “Male, who are you and what are you doing here?”

  “He’s lost,” Albethia burst out. Her mother gave her a silencing glare then turned back to Mandamus. “I asked you a question, horse,” she said, pushing him with her nose.

  Mandamus shook. “Well, I—” he began.

  “Where is your herd?” the queen interrupted, pausing. “Are you alone?”

  “I’m lost… and there was a tree… and, a giant bear…or something,” Mandamus stammered. His
eyes darted around at the rest of the herd who watched avidly. Were they licking their lips?

  “I don’t care about trees and bears,” Albethia’s mother sneered. “I asked you a question. Where is your herd?”

  “They’re not here, your Highness,” he answered, fighting to keep his voice from trembling. He twisted around for she was behind him now. “I went for a drink of water alone this morning. I left my herd at home in the caves, at Harena Beach.”

  “Harena, you say,” she purred, stopping. “So, you’re one of Mareva’s herd, are you?”

  “Yes,” Mandamus went on, relieved to hear that she knew his mother’s name. “Mareva’s my mom,” he started again, confident that she would understand, after all, she was a mother with her own herd. “And my mom was sleeping you see, and I was thirsty, so I went for a drink, only something came after me and I ran. Now, I’m lost and if your Highness could me get home—”

  “Lost?” she interrupted, rolling her eyes. “I see.”

  “Mother,” Albethia broke in, staring fearfully at him. “He is lost, and he was just leaving.”

  “Albethia, you don’t need to speak up for this male,” her mother said reaching out to brush him with her muzzle. “He’s old enough to explain himself.” She smiled, and Mandamus cringed at the sight of her long, jagged fangs. “Again, I ask, what are you doing in these woods alone, male?” she asked softly. “Are you a traitor, Bonded horse? Are you trying to catch animal slaves for your human? Think you can steal a Mare of Diomedes, do you?”

  “No, I’m not Bonded,” he answered, confused. Why would she call him a traitor Bonded horse? He’d just told her he was a Harena.

  “I’m a wild horse, just like you,” he said, hoping she would be convinced. “I’m not Bonded, I’ve never even seen a human. I’m lost.”

  They were face to face and her hot breath smelled coppery like blood, as she huffed at him. Gagging, he backed away only to find he was blocked by her other daughters who pressed closely around him, sealing shut any chance of escape.

  “You already said you were lost,” the queen sneered. “If you ask me, the only thing you’ve lost is your ability to speak truthfully. Lies, all of it. I know the real reason you’re here: you were trying to take my daughter away from me.”

  “What? No!” With a desperate lunge, Mandamus tried to break through the ring of mares, but they wouldn’t budge.

  “Lurking around in the woods alone,” Albethia’s mother accused him, her face full of anger, “and you just happened to end up at the Eternal Fountain? Where we are staying? A likely story. You do know our laws, don’t you? Laws about speaking to a Mare of Diomedes?”

  “Yes, but, you see, I couldn’t figure out how to get home, so I—” he started, only to be cut off by her outraged squeal. His knees knocked painfully together, and his neck broke out in a sweat. “Don’t show fear,” he told himself.

  “The rule about gazing upon the Mares of Diomedes, uninvited,” she continued, snorting more, tangy breath into his face. “Spying is what you were doing. Spying and trying to lure my daughter into running away with you.”

  “What? No! Running away, no! It was nothing like that! I wasn’t—I was only—”

  “Do not interrupt me,” she snarled, her eyes like burning coals. “You have just broken two of our laws and I do not take rule breakers lightly. Now, daughters, what should we do with this careless male who has no respect for our ways?”

  “Mother, no!” Albethia cried.

  “YOU STAY OUT OF THIS!” her mother thundered, and she banged Mandamus in the chest with her shoulder, knocking the air from his lungs.

  Gasping, he ground his hooves into the dirt, and clenched his eyes, waiting for the end to come. Mandamus wished for his mother, wished he had died of thirst before leaving the caves alone, but most of all, he hoped that whatever Marushka did to him, she did it quickly.

  The surrounding mares closed in and Mandamus felt as though his ribs would break. All he could smell was the blood on their breath and all he could see were their red, hungry eyes. He was vaguely aware of Albethia shouting and felt her bang into him as she tried to shove her sisters away.

  “The question is, what should we do with a queen who breaks the law?” a clear voice called. Mandamus almost fainted with relief. It was Daleth and she was strolling casually up the path towards them.

  The mares who had swarmed him broke away and hid behind their mother. Mandamus almost sank to his knees with gratitude.

  “You know what law I’m talking about, Marushka,” Daleth continued coolly as she reached the group. “The one about threatening another herd’s young? “I would expect even a nomadic savage such as yourself to know that law. It applies to all creatures, even you.”

  Daleth bumped Mandamus out of the way, so it was she who stood nose to nose with the Diomedes queen.

  “Well what do we have here? The famous human warhorse, Daleth of the Harena,” Marushka said, with a cold smile. “So, you’ve returned to your herd at the beach, have you? The last I heard, you were in the Silver City playing mule to the human king. In fact, I was sure someone even told me you gave children pony rides on your back.”

  Daleth snorted. “I’m flattered to learn that the news of my whereabouts reaches even scavengers like you, Marushka. I thought the Mares of Diomedes were only concerned with mate eating and territory crossing. How nice to see you’ve added threatening children to your list of reprehensible acts.” She quivered her coat and swiped at a fly with her tail.

  “I have no way of knowing how old this male is,” said Marushka, bristling. “He has failed to identify himself or his herd and gave me some unlikely story about being lost.”

  “Lost indeed,” said Daleth, shooting Mandamus a dirty look. “I will speak for him. His name is Henry, and he is a Harena from the beach.” She turned to Mandamus. “Let’s go.”

  “Not so quickly,” said Marushka unpleasantly. “We have our own laws that deal with a herd’s young. This stallion won’t be able to hide behind his age forever. In a few seasons, he will qualify as a mate—and a fine match he’ll make for some lucky filly, except for those strange eyes. How is it that his eyes aren’t the same color as yours of the Harena? In fact, they aren’t any colour at all and that odd marking in his fur, right there on his flank. How peculiar.”

  Daleth roared with laughter. “A fine mate he will make, Jagged Tooth, there’s one thing we agree on, but you needn’t concern yourself with that.”

  Marushka circled Daleth. “You can call him Harena all you want. I know what he is.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” replied Daleth, swatting her with her tail.

  “Oh, I think you do. You may be able to bully the animals that live around your beach into silence by running them off with threats, Warhorse, but let me tell you something about a Mare of Diomedes—animals don’t dare keep secrets from us. I heard a long time ago about the Alsvid capture and the foal that was left behind, this foal, I presume. I heard how you found him in a field and how you raised him as one of your own. He is the last free Alsvid, a herd of horses that can run faster than the wind.” She turned to stare at Mandamus with knowing eyes. “A herd that is now ridden by the Rakhana Army; your army, were they not? Before you abandoned them?”

  “What do you want, Marushka? What are you after?”

  “My daughter will be of age to marry in a few seasons and as I said before, this horse will make a fine mate.”

  “Marry?” Mandamus was puzzled. “Mate?” He thought he was going to be eaten. “What is she talking about, married?” He looked at Albethia, but her face was just as confused as his own.

  “Ah, now I see,” Daleth replied softly. “I wondered why he wasn’t torn to pieces by the time I got here.” Mandamus cringed at her words. “Your plan is clever, Marushka,” Daleth continued, “but you have failed before you have even begun. Marev
a will not have him held responsible under any of your herd’s trumped up marriage agreements, the ones you use to force hapless males into marriages with your daughters. Marriages that don’t end well. We all know what you do, Marushka, with those males. We Harena have always chosen our own mates and that will never change. Wait, I’ll put it in even simpler terms for you—I will be cold in my grave before I see him marry one of your daughters.”

  “So, what do you suggest?” Marushka hissed, pinning her ears. “Our laws specifically state that no male can have contact with a mare without the permission of the queen, yet here he is. Perhaps we should settle our problem the old-fashioned way. You might be a famous warrior, but I have killed more animals than any other creature in the kingdom. Would you care to try your human-taught fighting skills on me?” Her daughters, apart from Albethia, squealed in unison.

  “I have faced bigger and better than you in my time, Marushka!” Daleth snapped, kicking out her front legs. The daughters leapt out of her range. “If it is my fate to die today, then fine, but I’ll be bringing you along for company.” And with a furious whinny, she reared, striking out at Queen Marushka who skittered aside then stretched her head out to bite Daleth’s neck.

  Mandamus sprang at Marushka, only to be quickly shunted aside by Daleth who rammed Marushka with her flank then chomped on her shoulder. Marushka shrieked and twisted free of her teeth. Daleth backed off, her breath coming in short gasps. Blood trickled down Marushka’s chest.

  “Fine, Warhorse,” Marushka panted. “If you don’t want to handle this between ourselves then I’ll go to the Forest Council. They can hear about how a Harena horse broke our rules and doesn’t want to pay the price. I bet they will be most interested in your fake nephew.” She turned away from Daleth and made as if to head down the path.

  Daleth shrugged. “Go ahead.”

  “Life with humans changed you,” Marushka spat, signalling her daughters with a beckoning toss of her head. “Now you’re just like them. No morals. No respect for the laws of the forest. No loyalty.” The daughters loosely gathered around their mother and pawed the ground impatiently.