Chapter 24
The mountain lion was thrown back against the underbrush. As soon as he regained his feet, he ran from the Bright Creature as fast as he could. Finally, out of breath and miles away, he came to a stop. His limbs still trembled from the power that had assaulted him. The burst of light had swept through every cell in his body, shaking and invading the lion to the core, screaming through all of his killing fantasies, surrounding every murderous thought and flooding it with what the lion hated more than anything. Goodness. Love.
The lion retched. Within moments his stomach was empty. He looked back over his shoulder in the direction of the canyon. He would kill the Bright Creature. None of the others mattered now. None of the others had violated him like the Bright Creature had. He would kill it. Make no mistake.
But not now. Not tonight. The light it sent forth had sapped his strength and he needed rest. But as soon as his strength was restored, he would hunt again.
And there was only one he would hunt this time. Only one that he needed to slaughter. The Bright Creature. He would either have it or would die trying.
Chapter 25
After the decision to return Aria was made, Sophie was surprised at how relieved she felt. She hadn’t realized how much the guilt of hiding Aria from Kalene and Joel was weighing upon her until she finally decided to end her deception.
Sophie agreed to Angelica’s suggestion to leave Aria in the canyon for the night. A light sweat glistened on the mare’s shoulders and she seemed restless and worried. There was no need to risk walking her back across the desert in the dark when she felt comfortable in the canyon. She’d spent many peaceful, but lonely, nights there and, even though Angelica had said the mountain lion was only frightened, Sophie was sure he wouldn’t be back. The light that swept through her had changed her somehow, and she believed it must have affected the big cat too – maybe even more than it had her.
After Sophie gave Aria a goodbye hug, she and Angelica crawled through the hole in the woven willow gate and walked down the canyon toward the desert floor. When they reached the steep rock walls Angelica looked up at the cliffs above them. Sophie followed her eyes, but couldn’t see anything except the cliff edge.
They walked in silence for a few minutes, then Angelica spoke. “One thing I must ask of you Sophie,” she said in a serious voice. “I must ask you to please not tell anyone about me.”
“Why not?” asked Sophie, though the thought hadn’t crossed her mind. How could she tell Kalene and Joel about the magical things she had seen tonight? They would think she was crazy. Sophie didn’t even think Max would believe her.
“I am here to help the horses and sometimes, when too many people are involved, that becomes harder,” replied Angelica. “We must save Aria and Melody together, without your foster parents’ help.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone,” Sophie promised gladly.
Within a few minutes, they reached the barren canyon. They followed it as it widened and the rock walls turned to hills. The desert stretched out before them, miles and miles of sagebrush glowing silver in the moonlight. Sophie looked up at the moon and noticed it was much higher in the sky.
“Oh no,” she said. “I’ll never make it home before Joel and Kalene get there. Poor Max is going to be in so much trouble.”
“You are not walking home, Sophie,” said Angelica. A low whistle came from her lips, then she spoke again. “Not when there is a mountain lion prowling about.”
Then Sophie saw him. Sky. The wild stallion trotted toward them across the desert. Giddiness washed over her as he drew nearer. Angelica went to meet him, her hands outstretched. The two stopped when they met and the stallion dipped his powerful head, placing his muzzle into Angelica’s hands. Then he stepped forward and pushed his face against her body. Angelica’s hands stroked his neck and she leaned toward his ear. Sophie heard the wind rustling the sagebrush around her, but nothing more. Then Angelica stepped back and motioned for Sophie to come forward.
Cautiously Sophie walked toward the wild stallion. She had never been so close to a wild horse before and when he snorted at her approach, she stopped short. The first time she had seen Sky, the day he had stolen Aria away, she had been impressed with his power and energy. Up close, he was even more impressive. His mane was shaggy and tangled, and his forelock hung in a long clump down his roman nose. His eyes were watchful and wary; his neck was thick and set well into muscular shoulders. The rest of his body was muscular as well, but Sophie noticed he was quite thin. She could easily count his ribs, with the groove between each rib falling in shadow.
“He will not hurt you,” said Angelica. “You can come closer.”
When she reached Angelica’s side, Sophie stopped again. Slowly, she reached out and touched the dark roan face. The stallion looked at Sophie with inquisitive, unafraid eyes and his expression made Sophie wonder if he was as curious about humans as she was about wild horses.
“Sky will take you home,” said Angelica. “He can take you much faster than you can walk and I can stay with Aria in the canyon and keep her safe.”
“He’ll let me ride him?” breathed Sophie. Her fingers lingered on his face, trailing downward toward his nose. “He’ll actually let me sit on him and ride him?” she repeated.
“Yes. He has agreed to do so,” said Angelica.
“But he’s a wild horse,” said Sophie taking a step back, totally confused. “How can he agree to anything?”
Angelica smiled. “Humans are not the only creatures who can think or promise something or even give a gift. Sky is giving you a gift, a ride home, because he is grateful to you for caring for Aria all these months. He will not buck you off. He promises.”
“This is like a dream,” said Sophie. “But an awesome dream! Riding a wild horse? How many people can say they’ve done that? This is amazing!”
Beside her, Angelica laughed. “Come. You must hurry, remember?” she said. “I will give you a leg up.”
Sky stood still as a statue as Angelica and Sophie moved to his side. Sophie was surprised he wasn’t as tall as she had imagined him to be. He has such a strong presence, she realized, that he seems bigger than he really is.
Within a few seconds, she was sitting astride the horse. His back was broad, and, as soon as she was aboard, Sophie reached for his mane with her good hand. “He’s amazing,” she whispered, then gasped as the stallion began to walk. “Does he know where I live?” she called back to Angelica.
“You can guide him by using leg signals, just like any other horse,” Angelica said behind her. “I will see you tomorrow morning, Sophie. And do not worry. I will keep Aria safe.”
Sophie waved to Angelica. Then she turned forward and gently pressed her foot to Sky’s side. He turned slightly to the right as he walked. “Who taught you how to do that, boy?” Sophie asked, not expecting a response. She always talked to the horses at the ranch and talking to Sky came just as naturally.
“You’re amazing,” continued Sophie, stroking his shoulder. Sky moved at a quick pace, sweeping around sagebrush and stepping over holes smoothly and effortlessly. Though Sophie had ridden Aria many times in the desert, it hadn’t been like this. Aria had always walked carefully, but she had never moved like Sky. She didn’t move as if she belonged there, as if the desert was an extension of who she was. Sky was like a ballet dancer on the stage, graceful and flowing, his stride long and smooth and elastic.
Sophie cautiously squeezed her heels against his side. Instantly, the mustang broke into an extended trot, his head up and ears forward. Sophie clung to his mane with her good hand and bounced. Then she squeezed his side with her knees once more and he broke into a rocking horse canter.
Sophie couldn’t believe how free she felt as they raced across the desert. Sky was beyond amazing! The entire night was like a dream, except no dream ever ended this wonderfully. Sophie wished they would never reach Joel and Kalene’s house. They could gallop across the desert forever. When she saw the l
ights in the distance, Sky seemed to recognize her mood and slowed to a walk. They approached the pasture behind the house and when they reached the fence, Sky stopped. He raised his head and sniffed the air.
“Can you smell the other horses, boy?” asked Sophie and patted his neck. She hated the thought of slipping from his strong back. But Joel and Kalene are going to be home soon, she reminded herself. I can’t leave Max to face them alone. I’ve got to get into the house before they come.
Slowly, she slid from Sky’s back. She leaned on his side for a moment and inhaled his horsey scent, then moved forward to his head. “Thanks, Sky,” she said, her words simple and heartfelt. “I’ll remember you forever.” She kissed him on the forehead. Sky only snorted, then, when Sophie stepped back, he spun away and leapt into a gallop. Sophie watched him with a lump in her throat as he raced away.
When Sky was gone Sophie turned away and climbed through the fence. She was halfway across the pasture when she realized her arm didn’t hurt anymore. Not a single ache, not even the tiniest pain. She tightened her muscles under her cast, but her arm felt as strong as it was before her accident. And the rest of her body felt normal, too. None of her scrapes and bruises hurt.
How strange, she thought. I thought being hit by a car would take longer than a day to stop hurting.
Chapter 26
It is Aria’s time.
Melody will be born tonight.
How blessed I am to be here. How privileged I am to be their protector. Oh my Great One, thank you. Thank you with all of my heart.
Chapter 27
Sophie hurried into the house. Twixie met her at the door, her tail whipping back and forth, threatening to wallop anyone who came within range of its swing. She greeted Sophie with a long whine and spun in a circle, whacking her on the leg with her tail.
Max rushed in from the living room. “What took you so long?” she asked, her face a mask of worry. “I was ready to go looking for you!”
“Sorry,” said Sophie. “I tried to hurry.” She reached down and grabbed Twixie’s tail with her hand. “Sit Twixie,” she commanded. The overexcited dog plopped her bottom onto the floor.
“Was Aria okay?” asked Max, relaxing a little.
“Yeah, she was fine,” said Sophie. “And I’m starved. Come to the kitchen and I’ll tell you the rest.”
“Did something else happen?” asked Max behind Sophie. Twixie followed the two of them into the kitchen, her tail still swinging from side to side.
Sophie bit her lip. It was so hard to keep Angelica a secret. And Sky, too. She was dying to tell Max about riding Sky across the desert but she couldn’t. She had promised not to tell anyone about Angelica, and she could hardly tell Max about Sky without including Angelica in the story. But there was something she could tell Max. “I decided I’m going to bring Aria home,” she said. “Tomorrow.”
“What?” asked Max, surprised. “Why?”
I can’t tell Max about Aria being in danger either, because then I’d need to explain why I didn’t bring her home tonight. ”I’m afraid something will happen to the foal,” Sophie said, as she reached for the peanut butter in the cupboard. “Now that my arm is broken, I won’t be able to get out there as much, and I’m afraid Aria will foal when I’m not there. It’s her first time, and that’s when mares have the most difficulty. Aria and Melody’s safety is the most important thing.”
“Melody,” said Max. “Who’s Melody?”
“Umm, she’s the foal,” said Sophie, embarrassed.
“You named her already?” Max asked.
“Yeah,” answered Sophie, her face pink. She wished she’d caught the mistake before it slipped out of her mouth. “I know it’s silly,” she added.
“No, it’s not,” said Max, removing two pieces of bread from the bread bag and handing them to Sophie. “A lot of people name their babies before they’re born. Why not a foal? I just hope it’s a filly. Melody is a goofy name for a colt.”
Sophie smiled gratefully at her friend. “Can you spread the peanut butter on for me too? I can’t do it with one hand. The bread keeps sliding away.”
“Sure,” said Max. She spread peanut butter on two pieces of bread, slapped two more pieces on top. She handed a sandwich to Sophie, taking a bite of her own. “Are you going to tell them tonight or in the morning?”
“Tomorrow,” said Sophie. “I need some time to think about how to say it.” She heard Twixie’s claws on the floor and looked up to see the big dog trotting out of the kitchen. “They must be here. Twixie probably heard the car turn into the driveway,” she said. “They’ll be in the house in a minute.”
“You have no idea how glad I am you made it back in time,” said Max emphatically. “I didn’t know what I was going to tell them.”
“Quick! What was the movie about?” asked Sophie through a mouthful of peanut butter.
“Kalene phoned before it was halfway through and I told her you were asleep,” said Max. “Just tell her it was about mummies and Egyptian curses. It was pretty good. You should watch it sometime.”
“I’ll tell them that I barely woke up and we decided to have a snack,” said Sophie. She turned around. “Oh yeah, can you undo my braid?”
“I’m glad you’re going to bring Aria home, Soph,” said Max, as she laid her peanut butter sandwich on the countertop. She untied Sophie’s braid and shook it loose. “I was thinking about it while you were gone. I didn’t see how you could take care of her with a broken arm either. I would have helped, but honestly, I would have felt guilty whenever I was around Joel and Kalene.”
“Like I do already. I just hope they can forgive me,” said Sophie, in a small voice. She heard the front door open and the murmur of voices come from the front hallway.
“Sure they will,” said Max. “I mean, nothing bad happened to Aria. She’s fine and she’s so pretty that I’m sure that the foal will be gorgeous too, even if it isn’t a purebred Arabian. They’ll love Melody.”
“That’s not why I’m afraid to tell them,” whispered Sophie, so Kalene and Joel wouldn’t hear her. “I’m afraid they’ll send me away. I’m afraid they’ll think they can never trust me again. I’m just a foster kid, remember? They don’t have to keep me.”
Max was shocked. “Do you really think they’ll send you away?” she asked. “But they can’t…” She stopped speaking when she heard Kalene call her name. “We’re in the kitchen,” she answered, her dark eyes locked onto Sophie’s. “They can’t send you away,” she whispered vehemently just before Joel and Kalene walked into the kitchen.
Sophie swallowed her emotion and turned toward Kalene with a smile. “How was the play?” she asked as brightly as she could.
“It was wonderful,” said Kalene enthusiastically. “You would have loved it. I wish you could have come.”
“Me too,” said Sophie.
“Even I liked it,” said Joel. “Just don’t get run over the day before next time, and you can come with us.”
Sophie tried to smile. But there won’t be a next time, she thought. By tomorrow, you won’t see me the same way and everything will change.
When Sophie didn’t reply, an uncomfortable silence filled the kitchen. Max came to the rescue. “We had a great time here,” she said forcing her voice to sound cheerful. “I watched the movie and Sophie slept.”
Joel laughed. “Sounds like a night to remember,” he said.
“Sorry to cut all the fun short,” said Kalene. “But I promised your mom we’d have you back home by eleven, Max.”
Within a couple of minutes, Joel and Kalene left to drive Max home. “Phone me tomorrow,” Sophie called to Max as her friend walked out the door.
“I will,” replied Max. “As soon as I get home from school.”
When they were gone, Sophie went to her room with Twixie right behind her. She knew Joel and Kalene would be back within fifteen minutes and she wanted to be in bed before they returned. Tomorrow morning would be soon enough to talk to them about Aria. T
here was too much to think about first, like how she was going to tell them. Maybe she could find a way to say the words and not make herself sound like such a horrible person.
Within minutes Sophie was in her pyjamas. She lay with her hand trailing over the edge of the bed, resting on Twixie’s head, and thinking of what to say. It all sounded so awful. Everything all made her sound like a thief who had stolen their horse. I sound exactly like what I am, she thought sadly.
Sighing, she turned onto her side, facing the wall. There must be some way to say it. Concentrate, she commanded herself. But her thoughts keep shifting. To Aria. So beautiful. So patient. To Angelica and Sky. How did she ask him to take me home? And what an amazing ride! To Melody. I love her already and I haven’t even seen her yet.
Again she tried to force her mind to turn to the conversation she was going to have with Joel and Kalene. I have to make a plan. I need to figure out how to tell them.
But it was no use. Visions of a beautiful dark filly pranced into her mind. Behind her were Aria and Sky, the proud sire and dam. Like magical beings, they cavorted behind Sophie’s eyelids. She pictured the horses trotting through the canyon and galloping across the desert. Then Angelica was there too, astride Sky’s powerful back. Her hair looked dark even in the moonlight and in Sophie’s thoughts it spread over Sky’s back like a silver-blue mantle, blending the two of them into one creature.
Then Sophie thought she heard Angelica whisper, “Sleep now. There is nothing to plan. There is only truth to tell. That is all that must be done.”
Sophie’s eyes sprung open and she looked over her shoulder to peer into the darkness. The voice seemed so real. But the room was still. Tranquil. She heard Twixie’s deep breathing as the dog slept on the rug beside her bed. Sophie felt peace gather around and flow over her. She closed her eyes again. Her mind quieted and within seconds, she slipped into a comforting, soothing sleep.
When Joel and Kalene returned home, Sophie didn’t notice them come into her room or hear them whisper to each other over her bed. She didn’t feel Kalene reach out and touch her hand or, a few minutes later, hear them slip from the room. In her dreams, she was riding Aria. Melody ran beside them like a swift little bird. They were skimming over the desert, following an angel who rode ahead on a blue roan mustang.