book 4 || Jaguar's Uprising

Chapter Ten: Dumb as a Dingo

Shianne left early in the morning. Her small group was made up of Vixen, Lark, Jet, Ashes, Ivy, and a dark bay stallion named Milkweed. He had a fierce scar on his muzzle and one across his shoulder. Shianne trusted these horses with her life. 

They took a sharp turn and galloped through an open meadow. "Alright Vixen, where next?" Shianne asked, pushing herself onward. 

Vixen galloped up next to her, "at the moment we're in SkyHerd grazing grounds and we'll be near the Meeting Place soon." Vixen was the best at directions, meanwhile, Shianne was just the chosen one. 

Shianne still couldn't understand why StarHerd chose her to lead this mission. It was probably because she's related to Taka. StarHerd should've chosen Vixen for her intelligence or Milkweed for his strength. 

They suddenly passed the tall trees of the Meeting Place. Shianne wished to go there but she had the feeling she wasn't going to make it out alive. 

"Alright, turn here." Vixen slowed to a canter when they neared the thick forest trees of DustHerd. The small group followed the mare into the borders and a strong scent hit Shianne. She came to a dead stop while the other looked at her like she was crazy. 

"I smell him." When Shianne said that a few rogue horses came into view. They were chasing and killing DustHerd's soldiers. 

"Run!" Milkweed ordered, speeding off in the other direction. 

Shianne watched the herd of horses flee from the camp. She had to save them. That was her grandmare's home. "StarHerd guide me." Shianne nickered then charged straight into battle. Vixen and Milkweed came to a stop and watched as Shianne and the others charge into the battle. 

Vixen glanced at Milkweed who was shaking his head. "That yearling is crazy." He muttered and galloped after her. Vixen followed and horses merged with horses. 

Shianne reared up and kicked a NightHerd soldier in the head. He lost balance and fell to the ground. She then pounded her hoof into his skull, knocking him out for a good few hours. 

Shianne watched as her group fought fiercely alongside her. Maybe StarHerd was right about Shianne. She was brave and bold to charge into battle. 

DustHerd also fought alongside Shianne and were coming back from fleeing. "DustHerd charge!" A battle cry echoed around and Shianne saw the leader, Tick, a dark chestnut stallion lead his muscular soldiers into battle. 

Shianne joined them and her hooves soon became bloodied. NightHerd horses were starting to scatter until they were all gone. 

Shianne stood off to the side, her breathing heavy. Vixen then walked up to her, and angry blaze in her eyes. "What were you thinking?" Vixen sternly questioned. 

Vixen ears were pinned to her neck and she rudely spat on Shianne. Shianne puffed up her chest and charged at the mare. "This is my journey, not yours!" Shianne whinnied, baring her teeth. 

"She is right," Milkweed muttered. 

Vixen shook her head and walked away in defeat. Tick then trotted up to Shianne. "How brave of you to help us. You lead quite a loyal team." The leader observed all the horses. 

"I know. Without them, we would've probably lost." Shianne gave a fake chuckle and Tick bowed his head. 

"So, who are you and where did you come from?" He asked. A black horse then stepped to his side, also bowing to Shianne and listening. 

"I'm Shianne and I'm the descendant of Taka. I grew up in StreamHerd until Jaguar kicked us out. My mother sent me to kill Jaguar and bring us all back to peace. You may not believe me but I'm here to gain DustHerd's side in this war." Tick's face was expressionless while his deputy looked like she was joking. 

"Taka died years ago, I don't ever remember her having a foal." The deputy whinnied and he looked at his leader nervously. "Thanks but we're not taking sides in this war." He snarled and the leader pushed him away. 

"Don't listen to Whisky, he doesn't like getting help from others because he feels like we have to owe 'em back." Tick explained and Shianne just nodded. "DustHerd will join you. Under the name of Taka." Tick gathered his horses and announced that to the herd. 

Some of the horses were happy Shianne and her group were taking apart in the war. Others sneered and shot icy glares at them. "Taka never had a foal." One horse shouted out and others agreed. 

Shianne listened to the herd argue to each other and she was worried the unspeakable happened. And that's exactly what happened. 

"You know what?" A bay horse shouted out. "I'm leaving to a much more organized herd. Have fun chases your tails." And with that, the horse and a few others behind galloped away to join NightHerd. 

Shianne's mouth dropped and the whole herd glared at them. "Th-they just tore apart our herd!" A mare with her two foals screamed and the horses darted away from them. 

"They lied." 

"She's not Taka's grandfilly!" 

Shianne's ears dropped miserably and she turned around. "Come on, we're leaving. They don't appreciate our help." Shianne spat and led her group away from the herd. They tracked back out into the open fields and took shelter into the Meeting Place. 

"We'll rest here." Shianne whinnied, laying down on the cool floor. Lark and Ivy joined her. 

"What are we going to do about NightHerd? Just lay here all day?" Vixen scowled. Her ears were pinned against her neck. "It's the middle of the day and we should be coming up with a plan!" 

"She right, Shianne. We should be getting a plan, now that it's only us to defeat them." Milkweed added, his tail whipping flies away. Shianne wondered why he was being bothered by the flies and saw a deep gash on his lower leg. 

"The six of us, defeat NightHerd?" Shianne's voice squeaked as she pushed her head off the ground. "Are you insane?" 

"I'm not the one who charged right into battle!" Vixen yelled. 

Shianne whipped around and charged at Vixen, her silver eyes blazing with hatred. "That was my grandmare's herd!" She shouted, her eyes facing the mare's eyes. 

"You know what, Shianne, I don't care if you're related to the most legendary horse in the forest. We all have lives too!" Vixen's words were like knives, sharp and dangerous. "The world doesn't revolve around you." Vixen spun around with Ashes next to her and they both walked out of the Meeting Place. 

Shianne was left without words. Vixen had snapped at her that it stung on the inside. "Maybe she's right. I have no clue what I'm doing." Tears started to fall from Shianne's pale eyes. "I'm not strong, not smart, and I'm defiantly not brave."