Destined Hope

Chapter Four

"What if the people learn of this?" Asks one of the men who had taken part in the arson.

"These people wouldn't know truth if it hit them in their tush. Besides, their is no survivor left to expose us. So calm yah wits and let's get out of here." Says the man in charge.

They watch from a distance atop their horses as the ranch burns to the ground. Laughing at their victory, they gallop away as the sun begins to show its face.

The neighbours try to put out the fire but it is already too late. They lower their hats and walk away slowly one by one.

***
This wee lass would be the death of me. No matter how hopeless I had seemed, she had refused to give up. She was not ready to let me go.

Then, she runs towards a horse half giggling and half sobbing. "Diablo!" She calls. "Here boy, papa needs our help." I hear her say while pulling on the reigns of the horse.

Diablo gives in and sits low enough for me to climb on his back. Elsa then climbs in behind me and holds on tight.

With a kick from her legs, the horse stands and begins galloping slowly as she directs it to their destination. I must have lost track of time because when I woke, I was in a hospice and my wound hurt only vaguely.

"Elsa..." I try to say and sit up but feel the strain on my back and cough wildly.

"Easy there. Wouldn't want to rupture your stitches now would you?" Says the lady tending to him.

He looks down on his now covered up wound then at Elsa who is busy feeding diablo and brushing him. He scoffs a little then lies on his back.

Just as he is about to drift off to sleep, he hears indistinct chatter and laughter in the direction of his daughter.

***
"Hello. Fine horse yah got there lassy." Says a young man.

Elsa turns around and smiles at him. "That he is sir. The most fine I have ever seen." She says and continues brushing him.

"Would you like to have him at a fair price then?" He asks.

This annoys Elsa and she turns around with her hands in fists. "I would never, ever, ever, sell diablo to anyone. Not even you sir. So show some respect or I will whip your tush and send you smack on your face." She says while clucking her tongue and leads diablo away.

The young man looks at her stunned as she walks away from him. Nobody has ever walked away from him or sassed him before.

With dissatisfaction, he walks away back to where he came from.

Sitting down next to the horse, Elsa lets out a sigh as diablo rests his head on her lap. "I would never sell you D. I would rather be thrown out than give you up to ignorant creeps like him." She says patting his nose.

The horse shakes his head and brushes it against her torso pushing her on the ground and making her giggle.