Flamebound: Legacy

Chapter 1

Sparkleap was barely three moons old when he watched his father die.

Nearly two years before, his father was forced to participate in the yearly Stallion Trials, a test of speed and strength. Sparkleap's father would be facing a challenger in battle, fighting for his place among the Herd. All two-year-olds undertook the Trials in order to be accepted into the Herd; however, only three under-stallions were allowed to keep their spots in the rankings. If a stallion failed the Trials, he would be exiled or killed. Once an under-stallion was too old to be a warrior, however, he was permitted to join the elders and live out the rest of his days in peace.

It was a beautiful day; the flame-gold grasses whispered in the wind and fluffy white clouds scudded across the sky. The sun shone down cheerily, its bright beams turning Sparkleap's honey-orange mane to fire.

It was as if the weather was oblivious to the bloodshed about to take place.

His mother, the beautiful palomino mare known as Goldenmane, nudged him forward with her muzzle. Her complete faith in her mate Sparkstep shone in her warm amber gaze, and her shimmering white-gold tail swished in anticipation. The powerful Chief Stallion Firemane trumpeted a summons, and Firehoof Herd gathered in the sandy clearing ahead. 

Too young to understand the thick tension in the air, Sparkleap pressed himself to his mother's flank, shivering despite the sun's heat. Sparkstep, his father, stood facing off with Firetail, the Chief Stallion's eldest son.

Firetail was powerfully built and huge for a two-year-old, his chestnut coat gleaming. His black mane was tinged in red, and it flowed in the breeze as he tossed his head impatiently. Sparkleap's father was equally magnificent to behold; his sharp, battle-ready hooves gouging the earth. Though he wasn't as large as Firetail, he was well-muscled and strong; his honey-colored coat was just as clean and shining as the two-year-old's. All eyes were fixed on the pair, some terrified, some excited, and others grieved. Sparkleap knew from the harsh glances and pinned ears directed at Firetail that the herd favored Sparkstep. Proud, boastful Firetail was unpopular with the elders of the herd, whereas noble Sparkstep had gained their admiration.

Firemane, the fierce Chief Stallion, signaled for the fight to begin. Both stallions reared, rock-sharp hooves glinting. Sparkstep struck first, landing a hard blow to Firetail's chest. The wound oozed a steady stream of blood, and Firetail whinnied in fury. The colt spun and landed, his back hooves flashing out faster than Sparkleap could blink. The blow connected with Sparkstep's exposed flank and sent the older stallion reeling. Goldenmane gasped and shielded Sparkleap with her body, but he peeked out between her legs, determined to watch the battle. Sparkstep recovered quickly and seized a mouthful or Firetail's mane, yanking the two-year-old closer for another kick, this time to the ribs. A horrible crack split the air, a sound sharp as thunder, and Sparkleap cowered.  Squealing in pain, Firetail yanked his head free and jumped back, out of range of the older stallion's teeth.

Both stallions were breathing hard, and rivers of sweat dripped from their hides. Firetail backed away, head lowered, and Sparkleap's heart jumped. Was the younger stallion retreating? Sparkstep pranced in triumph, but suddenly, with a shriek of rage, Firetail charged. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.

Sparkstep danced aside gracefully, but tripped over a loose rock. Wheeling faster than a striking snake, Firetail coiled his hoof, and with a horrible crunch struck Sparkstep's forehead. The older stallion's eyes rolled to the back of his head, his eyelids fluttering like a frightened bird's wings. Sparkstep then collapsed, gasping as thick scarlet blood trickled slowly down his face. 

Goldenmane screamed in agony and galloped to her dying mate, her body racked with sobs. The steeds in the clearing were silent with shock, their eyes wide and ears flat. No one had expected Firetail to win, let alone kill his opponent.