Keeva and the Sword-In Progress, Minimal Editing

Keeva and the Sword Part 4

So this is the last of the sections that I have completed so far, it is a bit shorter than the rest of the sections as the next part is being less than cooperative transition-wise. Again my goal is to update bi-weekly if not more often. This section has given me the most difficulty so far, as all my characters have started showing their personalities and throwing monkey wrenches in my planning. Please Comment and Like so I can make changes and updates!

Keeva awoke back in the dream world. Confused she looked around but saw no one. Off to her right the underbrush rattled. Keeva turned and saw a dapple-grey horse moving into the glen. The horses' tack was deep purple with silver trimming. The jousting saddle was accompanied by a breastplate, breeching and saddlebags. The bit-less bridle was similar to those she had seen in parades. The horse walked up to Keeva and nudged a small pouch on the saddle. She carefully reached up and opened the pouch, ready to move if the horse showed the least sign of displeasure. The pouch contained a small flask and a note. Keeva glanced at the horse and decided to sit on a stump on the other side of the glen. When Keeva looked at the note, she almost fell over in surprise. The note was addressed to her!

Dearest Keeva,

As I will be unable to travel with you for some time, I have seen my beloved horse Galbatrax to journey with you. You may find that he will surprise you. Drink what is in the flask and take a nap, I believe that you will like the results. The saddle bags contain food and a water skin. Both will refill themselves as needed. There are also some basic camping supplies. If you are having difficulties mounting, ask Galbatrax to Lay down, please. Once you are settled, hang on to the front of the saddle and tell him Ready.

I will meet up with you when I can. Remember what we discussed last time, and enjoy the journey as much as possible.

Aléthés

Keeva looked up to find the horse, Galbatrax watching her. "Hello Galbatrax. Could you Lay down, Please?", to her surprise, he did just that. She went over and removed the bedroll from the supplies. "Ready, Galbatrax." Galbatrax stood and snorted at her. "What? I'm short, and you are a lovely tall one." He snuffled in her hair. "I am going to take a nap. Think you can keep an eye out for any unsavory creatures while I do?" He shook his head and pawed the ground twice before nudging the bedroll with his nose. "Guess that is a yes, then." Keeva chucked, thinking she must be going mad to be talking to a horse. Keeva placed the bedroll by the log for a bit of protection, drank the contents of the flask, and was soon asleep. Galbatrax stood nearby grazing and watching the surrounding forest.

In the dream world, Keeva felt herself floating above a wide plain. She found that if she leaned in a direction that is where she traveled. For a little while, she revealed in this new freedom. Below her she saw a herd of horses similar to Galbatrax in appearance, but in a wide variety of coat patterns. Slowly, she spiraled down for a closer look. A buckskin stallion reared, and tossed his mane. "Come little flyer, I have things to teach you." What? Keeva halted a few feet above the ground in shock. "Did you not hear me? Yes, we can talk, Aléthés has asked me to teach you how to communicate with us outside the Amber Plains." Keeva slowly dropped the remaining few feet to the ground. The stallion pranced over and butted her with his head knocking her over flat. Before Keeva could rise, he placed one hoof over her heart and stared deep into her eyes. "If you listen well and believe you can hear and speak to all who are willing. Simply think of what you want to say while focusing on the one you want to talk to. This gift I grant you and this mark I give marking you as Friend to all who would see." There was a tingling sensation and a blaze of light. When the stallion removed his hoof a silver outline remained. "Now go and continue the journey of a thousand miles." Keeva was sent spiraling up through white clouds and warm sun.