The Life of a Medical Horse

Part 29

Dust clouds flew up from the small path, as two horses strolled through the forest. "How's your leg?" One questioned gently, dark orange eyes flashing with worry. The other stepped gingerly, his back leg bloody. "I was shot." He grunts out rather weakly, keeping his eyes forward, "What do you think..?"

Rowdy barreled through the tree, heading straight in the direction that horse had told him of. His hoof-steps thundered against the tough ground, his red eyes ablaze, as the wind whipped his mane all over the place. 'I will get you, Thorn.' The stallion seethed in his mind, banking left to dodge a tree.

It wasn't until a loud bang sounded, did the tan stallion get pulled out of his thoughts. Pain flared up in his back leg, and he was tripping forward. It was a miracle he didn't break his legs during the fall. But his shot leg was another story.

Rowdy continued forward, visibly limping now. Frodo had fallen into step beside him, and had offered to let Rowdy lean against him, if he needed it of course. Rowdy kept a stoic facade and didn't bother to reply. Instead he kept his pace, even if it was slower than he'd like at least they'd make faster ground without Frodo having to haul his sorry carcass home. "Rowdy.." Frodo sighed, trying to pull his friend out of his sour mood. "Talk to me. What happened?"

After recovering, Rowdy had allowed one of the tentacles protruding from his back to wrap around his wounded leg. His nose flared as his leg burned in pain, 'This is ridiculous..' He snarled, before taking off once more. His rage swallowing that pain for the time being.

Rowdy hated being betrayed. And Thorn was going to learn that soon enough.

Frodo watched as his friend's eyes dulled, "Row.." The appaloosa pressed, concerned for the other's well-being.

"Not now, Frodo." Rowdy sighed, "Just..not now." Frodo looked down before glancing away and stepping to the side, "Okay.." He trailed off.

Rowdy winced, before looking up at the slowly brightening sky, it was nearly sun-rise, but the stars were still shining their brightest. The sudden thought of Scarlet up there watching him crossed his mind.

He couldn't lie, Rowdy missed his mare dearly, and would enjoy having her back. But having her back in this world, this war filled world..He was afraid he'd lose her again.

Slack-jawed, Rowdy stared at the bloodied body of Thorn. His eyes returned to their brownish/red color and the pitch black tendrils retreated into his back once more. At a loss for words, he slowly made his way up to the unmoving body of his brother.

Thorn's body was shot to pieces, presumably by human weapons. Rowdy held back the sick feeling that threatened to come up. Sure he wanted revenge, but he never wished death upon his sibling. Yeah, maybe he'd of tore him a new one but Rowdy wouldn't of killed his family.

Little mourning was done, before Rowdy was turning away and leaving his brother to rest for good.

That wretched back leg gave out, and Rowdy was sent stumbling, trying to regain lost footing. Frodo was by his side in an instant, helping him stand. His breath puffed out in the crisp air, floating around before disappearing. "I..I'm okay-" He winced, struggling up.

"No you're not." Frodo said, his voice strong. "You need to rest." Rowdy lowered his head at his friend. His gaze shifting to the side. It was quiet for a moment, as Frodo awaited Rowdy's protest, but before he could a whinny struck through the air.

Frodo's head snapped up, a sense of protection flowing through him, but at the sight of a paint horse and a palomino he froze. "Emerald? Blood?"

"Frodo, dad!" Emerald barreled down the beaten path, and nearly collided with Rowdy. Skidding to a stop the mare nuzzled her father before looking at Frodo. The appaloosa stared back with wide eyes, "Wow you've grown." He gaped. Emerald stood tall, "You've been gone almost a year!" She scolded, "Storm's had her foal already!"

'Foal?' Rowdy blinked, keeping his head down to stay balanced. "Oh-" Emerald cut herself off "I shouldn't of told you that." "Why? Who's foal is it?" Rowdy began, feeling his heart tug. "It was meant to be a surprise." Blood sighed, trotting over. "Because that foal is yours."

"Rowdy, you dog!" Frodo cracked, snorting, while a grin split across his face, Rowdy felt his ears warm up at the appaloosa's teasing and frowned, "I knew you liked her I didn't know you liked her that much!"

"Alright!" Rowdy snapped, steadying himself while throwing a glare at his friend. The look didn't last long as happiness filled his body; he was a father, again! "Let's just go. I'd like to see my mate," He emphasized the word, "and regain loss time with our family."

Frodo smiled, nudging him lightly, "I couldn't agree more." He cut his gaze up, "Plus, I missed Cinder."

Rowdy smirked, making his way home, "I bet you did." He teased, winking at Frodo before laughing at the other's flustered face. His angered yells were left behind as Emerald and Blood caught up laughing loudly.

Last Chapter everyone!

Hope you enjoyed,

~Holly!