The Hero's Prophecy* Sequel to "White Silk Scarves*

Adventure Six

The Hero's POV:

"Where to next, sir?" Clemmens asked, giving the inky sky a wary look. "Looks like a storm is coming. Perhaps you should put Belt down in the lower compartments."

I stepped onto the boat I traveled with, The Lethbridge, a title only I really understood. I didn't think anyone in all of Sea Palm knew there was a city called Lethbridge in any capacity.

I gave the thundering clouds a look, and patted Belt's side. "I think you're right, but I'm sure she'll disagree with you. She likes her storms." I ran my hand down the side of Belt's face, and the horse's whinnied in agreement.

I knew getting her down below deck would be a challenge, since it always was. She liked to look at the water, as odd as it was. Even though there was an entire room below deck built to serve as a pretty good stable. With all the hay in the world to munch on, she'd rather look at the waves and hope for a rainy day to arrive.

Clemmens gave Belt a squinty look, and I wasn't sure if it was because he was judging her, or if it was because those tiny glasses on the brink of his nose probably didn't actually help him with his bad eyesight. "She does. Truly an odd creature."

"Nah. She's just an interesting gal, huh?" I asked, patting her side, and grabbing her reins with ease.

The ship swayed back and forth, and what was a steady lull a few minutes ago was already a lot quicker. The waves didn't look happy. And neither did Belt as I tried to get her to go down the steps that led to her stable. I pulled on her reins, at first gently. Then, when she bucked her head back, I narrowed my eyes and dug my heels into the deck. "Come on, Belt. The weather's getting bad. Let's go."

Belt, who usually listened to so well she'd come if I just whistled, bucked her head back again, her hair swishing around. Her tail flicked and ears flattened in annoyance.

I pulled again.

She glared.

I glared back. "Belt. Let's go. Now."

For a second, our eyes locked. And as the blackness of the storm seeped into the world down below, there was barely any color I could see, other than Clemmen's navy blue coat, and Belt's pure white body. Everywhere except one long brown loop around her waist, anyway.

The two of us had a staring contest, neither willing to back down as the wind picked up into a howl, sending my red hair wisping around my face.

Finally, I sighed and lifted out the piece of resistance. Strawberries. I kept at least five in my pocket at any given second for this exact reason. Bribing.

Belt's ears flicked up, nostrils snorting in approval. And it didn't take more than a few minutes to coax her down the steps and set her into the stable. And as she munched on them, I laughed and gave her another pat on her shoulder. "You sure do like being the center of attention, don't you? God forbid you're in the stable and no one's not paying attention to you 24/7."

Belt gave me a shifty eyed look. I was slighting her. But then, after deciding I was done with her glare of punishment, blew air in my face with her nostrils.

I just gave her another long pet down her side, and tapped my forehead against hers. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon. I just have to keep an eye out for anything in the water. This isn't' one of those fancy five story boats like Colin lets you stay in sometimes. Clemmens needs the help."

As I pulled away, Belt huffed, kicking up her chin in protest. I gave her a wave and wink. "I'll be right back. I swear."

Except, as I got onto deck, the wind nearly swept me off my feet. I winced, bracing for the hail that was suddenly pelting the deck. Rain flooded down from the skies, quickly covering the top deck.