Hope & Skydancer (Book 1)

Chapter 25

**HOPE'S POV**

"The rope! It's ripping!" Ceci's cry came from over the ledge. I saw a hand reach up and try to grab the rocks.

"C'mon, we're almost there. You've got this!" I spoke a moment too soon.

There was an eerie ripping noise and a scream. Now both of her hands were grasping the edge, holding on for dear life.

I halted the horses and quickly went over the ledge, to see Ceci dangling, holding onto the rocky ledge with a rope that is hanging by it's last thread.

"It's ok. Grab this." I yelled over her terrified screams? Offering her the end of Sky's now frayed lead rope.

She grabbed it with one of her hands and I grabbed the other.

"Pull girl!" Sky obeyed, backing up slolwly, lifting the girl over the edge and into my arms. We heard more rocks crumble as the ledge finally gave away and tumbled down the slope.

Ceci and I scooted away from the edge just as I heard the pounding of hooves and an engine.

Faith was the first to step out of the woods, followed by two quads and a mounted nurse.

The nurse dismounted, checking Ceci's cuts and bruises. I sat petting my brave wolf pup and my fearless mare.

"We make a pretty awesome team." I cooed, hugging them both tight to my body, planting kisses on their foreheads.

One of the men from the quads came over to me, holding a small handheld camera (of course). He knelt down.

"You were very brave, young lady. You saved her life, and we all thank you."

I nodded, and smiled before scrambling to my feet and shaking his hand.

I loaded up the remainder of my equipment and loaded it into my pack before mounting up.

Ceci followed my actions and we all slowly made our way down the now, well-worn path back.

Ceci and I rode in silence for a while, just listening to the gentle hoofbeats and the rumbling of engines behind up. Faith barked from behind, excited about the lift on a quad she was given.

Finally, the silence between us was broken. "Why did you do that for me. I thought you hated me." Ceci spoke, but her gaze never turned from the path ahead of her.

"You thought that just because we aren't the best of friends, I would just let you get hurt on that cliff."

I turned toward her, smiling. She lifted her head and met my gaze.

"I'm sorry I ever hurt you. I guess I was just a bit jealous about you getting attention." Ceci let out a nervous laugh.

"I will gladly trade places with you." I jokingly pointed to my leg, laughing. Ceci shook her head, laughing as well.

Silence took us over for a few moments as the tents and buildings came into view.

"How about we start fresh. Start over and put the past behind us." Before Ceci could argue, I halted my horse and stuck out my right hand. "Hello. My name is Hope."

Ceci halted Damien and returned the gesture, shaking my hand. "I'm Ceci." She paused for a moment. "Friends?"

I nodded. "Friends." I reached over and hugged Ceci. Once composed in our saddles, I smiled. "Now let's get you back in time for your race."

She smiled before trotting off, with me right behind her.
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I walked, or hopped, slowly toward the starting line. Damien's hoofbeats were soft and ryrhmic, walking behind me.