Tug tossed his head and whinnied at Will angrily. He didn’t want to go into the forest. Will really didn’t want to either, but he had to see what happened that night. Will patted his pony’s neck comfortingly and spurred him to try to get in the dense trees. Tug danced skittishly and backed up a few steps. He knew what was in there and what going in there would do to Will.
“Tug!” Will scolded. “I’m not going to get hurt!” Tug whinnied and backed up a few steps more. Will sighed and dismounted, releasing the reins as he knew Tug would follow. He began to walk into the woods, but his loyal horse trotted in front of him and stood in front of him. “Tug,” Will scolded angrily. “Let me go.” Tug whinnied nervously and stayed put. Will scoffed and threw his hands in the air, wincing in pain almost instantly and putting his arms back down. Tug whinnied again and danced around. “I’m okay,” Will said, rubbing his horse’s nose. “But I have to go in there. You’ll protect me if something does happen,” he added when Tug didn’t move. Tug seemed afflicted by this, cocking his head and pawing the ground. “I’ll give you an apple when we get back,” Will continued. Tug whinnied happily and bobbed his head up and down. Will smiled and swung himself onto the horse’s back. “Good boy.” He spurred Tug on and together they trotted into the forest.
~ ~ ~
Will and Tug ran out of the forest screaming. As soon as they were out of the trees, Will collapsed onto Tug’s side, breathing hard. He hadn’t expected for there to be an extremely mad and wounded bear in the forest. His chest felt like someone had used it as a springboard. Tug whinnied worriedly but didn’t move, not wanting to hurt his master more. Will fought to regain his breath and make his chest stop hurting enough so he could ride. No more running for a while. Nausea and fatigue mixed, making Will dizzy and weak. He should’ve listened to Tug. He would apologize, but he didn’t want to throw up all over his horse.
Tug gently nudged Will’s head with his nose, showing his concern. Will got to his feet, using Tug for support, and rubbed his horse’s nose. He had found his breath and steeled himself up enough for riding. He mounted Tug with some difficulty, almost falling once or twice, and spurred Tug into an extremely brisk trot, both horse and rider wishing to leave.
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Suuuuuper short one :/ Sorry everyone, been caught up with life. But it's updated now! Enjoy it! Next one at, oh, 175. Hopefully.
-Rune
