Storm

Chapter 2: The Surprise

  I shook my head to clear my thoughts as I took the tack back to Storm. I quickly put on the saddle pad, saddle, bridle, and chest straps before getting on her. I gently nudged her sides a couple times, making her take off at a steady gallop towards the hills. I thought of my parents and their love of the range...

  I sighed to myself shaking my head, then tangled my hands in her mane, letting her take control. 

I rode for hours, the sun riding low in the sky when I stopped for the 9th or 10th time to let Storm drink a little from the creek I was following. When I stopped, I heard a boys voice singing not too far away.

Curiously, I silently snuck through the brush, ending up behind a large maple tree. I pressed my front against the tree, barely peeking around it to find the source of the sound.

There by the creek sat a boy, probably a year or so older than me. He was singingly softly and, though I couldn't hear the words, his voice was sweet as honey. A large German Shepherd was at his side along with a beautiful blue roan that looked like she had a little bit of everything in her.

I felt a breeze push on my back and froze, knowing my scent would travel. As I suspected, the dogs head picked up, nose twitching as it caught the scent, then started growling with his hackles raised. Of course, it caught the boys attention immediately.

"Who's there?" He called out apprehensively.

He stood slowly from his crouched position, his hand going to the gun holster on his hip. He quickly pulled the pistol out and up, pointing it in my direction.

"I'll give you five seconds before I shoot," He called out calmly, like it was a daily matter.

I whistled loudly, praying that Storm heard, then stepped out from behind the tree showing my hands. I watched his face go from shock, to confusion, then to a scary calm in a matter of seconds.

"Who are you?" He questioned, looking me over like one would a feral animal.

I laughed quietly as I heard Storm come trotting through the brush, catching his attention quickly. Once she got to me, she put her head over my shoulder softly snorting as he looked her over like he did me.

"Well, I'm Willow, this is Storm," I stated as he lowered the gun.

"What're you doing out here by yourself?" He asked, scratching his dog between the ears.

"I could ask you the same thing, Hoss cat," I started, raising my eyebrow, "But, you seem nice enough and you're the first actual person I've met in over a year so I guess I shouldn't be mean," I finished with a soft laugh as I started petting Strom's nose, studying her face thought I had every detail memorized.

I could feel his stare on me as I stroked her muzzle.

"Well, seems like we're close to being in the same boat. Except that it's only been 8 months for me," he replied solemnly.

I held back my surprise, keeping a blank expression on my face. After a moment of thought, I looked at the rag-tag group.

"Then come back to my place," I offered, taking a closer look at them, all 3 being skin and bones.

He looked at me obviously confused once again, but this time he looked apprehensive and a little scared.

"Sure...?" He said, his voice making it sound more like a question.

I laughed, moving to let Storm come up beside me. I quickly and smoothly mounted her, taking the reins, then pulled back making her do the same.

"Cmon Hoss cat, ya ain't gotta be afraid of me. Well, unless I don't like ya," I said with a mischievous grin.

He smiled back hesitantly before grabbing a water skin that I hadn't noticed before. I couldn't help but let a little laugh slip out at how old fashioned it was, buy it was kind of cute in a way. He put the skin im a saddle bag before mounting the roan. I smiled at him a little before making storm turn then kicked her sides, sending her straight into a canter towards the house.

Half an hour later, the sun had set and we were still riding hard. I reined Storm in being on top of the ridge. I looked down, seeing the lights from my barn and house where I had left them on.

The boy trod up beside me and I realized that I still didn't know his name.

"So what's your name?" I asked, glancing over, "I'm guessing it ain't Hoss cat," I said, grinning at him.

He smiled, showing some of his teeth, which were surprisingly white.

"Briar," he replied before motioning to the German Shepherd, "This is Lucky," he said before patting his horses neck, "And this is Jewel.'

I smiled nodding before nudging Storm into a slow walk down a hidden trail. I didn't hear them following till I was a little ways down the trail, which confused and worried me. I stopped, looking back, then laughed at the sight I was met with.

Briar had Lucky laying across Jewel's saddle bags, making sure that he guided her carefully so that Lucky wouldnt fall off. I smiled at the three before turning back forward, nudging Storm back into a walk towards home.