Juara

Proving Pony

The next morning they were up and catering the last 10 miles to Grand Meadow. Juara was quite proud of her new power and was excited to try it out. They arrived at the Meadow in no time. The Grand Meadow was amazing! Lush green grass carpeted the ginormous valley. Tall, dark oak trees outlines the border. A sparkling river filled a small but long lake. Horses dotted the meadow and foals played. Near the lake was a large hill with the best grass. A bold, buckskin mustang mare grazed a top. She was obviously the herd leader. This was the leader over the capital meadow, she ruled all horses in Great Zan! Horses looked up at the newcomers, some tensed others just continued grazing. The leader looked over and motioned for us to come over. We crossed the large meadow and arrived at the hill.

"Kurir! I'm glad you made it back so soon. Thank you for bringing these warriors with you. Go, rest. I will send a new messenger to accompany them to Gatet." The mare smiled. "Thank you for coming to help, my name is Quinta. Let me call over my war commander. But first I must warn you, when he is in a hurry his muzzle doesn't have a filter." She then let out a sharp loud neigh. A strong horse boldly cantered across the meadow. He was dark brown with a black mane, he was a Clydesdale. He came to a sharp stop before her.

He bowed his head low then asked,"What is it I may do, your Honour."

"I would like you to get some of our warriors to go along with these horses from Crane meadow. They need to go to Gatet to help fight off the enemies until the other herds get here." Quinta kindly commanded.

"Very well, may I test this group first?" He said while eyeing Juara.

"Yes, although they were probably all tested when they were chosen." Quinta responded.

He then turned to the Crane members. "My name is Chief. Follow me." He turned and started trotting to the lake.

"See that log over there, I want you to swim there and back, if you start drowning I will come rescue you." Juara almost jumped for joy at their task and Chief rolled his eyes in doubt.

The horses trotted into the sparkling cold water. Soon the water was deep, Juara burst her powerful legs into motion. She felt herself become warm inside and out. The magical horse thrust her legs out with full energy. She pulled ahead if the others, still swimming with leisure. Once she reached the log she did a large circle back to the shore, she was first.

"That, that was amazing. How, your so small..." exclaimed Chief. Then as if snapped back to reality his mood quickly changed."Just wait till the next test." He seemed determined to prove Juara was weak.

When the other horses finished Cheif led them to an isle of trees. From each tree hung a bag of sand.

"Kick and punch the bag until it rips open or falls." Chief commanded. "It could be a bit harder for the shorter ones."

Juara was not put down by his comment, but built up and wanted to be the first. She spun around and thrashed out her hind legs, kicking and bucking. She twirled and reared up, slashing the bag with her hoof. She tore it open, and kept at it. She continued with rage until it was unrecognized as a bag. Chief stared at the bag, and then at Juara. Chief was too embarrassed to face her the rest of the evening.

"Okay everybody, let's move out!" Chief neighed as the group of warriors gathered in orderly fashion. Strongest at the front, you know who you are." Juara, determined to prove a point, trotted up to the front. She heard winnies and laughter as they mocked the 'dreaming pony'. Juara tried to insist she could take down a whole army, which only made it worse. She was sent back, to the very back. Juara felt like crying and screaming but knew someday they would know there wrong.

The Catet meadow was dark and dreary. The cleanest source of water was being guarded by Red Tail wolves. In a small corner was crowded a herd of horses. Wolves snapped if one stepped out of line. When the army approached the scene crowds of wolves streamed from the trees. A large, powerful looking wolf stood at the head.

"Leave, or you shall regret it." the wolf snarled at Chief.

"Fight me." Chief shot back. "Leave Catet or you shall die."

"As if. If you think you're so great give me your best warrior. If they can fight our army till we surrender or die, they are all safe. But if no one volunteers or can defeat us, then we will rule this meadow, and spread our nation." The wolf cackled, sneering. "Any volunteers?"

Juara saw her moment. She galloped to the front, horses looking at her shocked.

"Me, I will kick your butt, you rat! Surround me with your army and I will knock everyone of them like a fallen leaf!" Juara challenged.

"Juara no! Please." Chief pleaded. Juara glanced back at him and turned her head away. The wolf raged at Juara and commanded her army to surround her. The herd stepped back, unable to rescue her.

"You shall die today!" The wolf claimed with force. He howled and the army rushed in, eager for a snack.