The Lost Shifter {Editing}

Chapter Seventeen- Liberty

I grazed nervously, ripping small snatches of grass and glancing up every once in awhile. Turns out that the smell of many horses had been a ranch herd watched over by a bunch of cowboys. I had been seen by the people and a few had took off to spur their horses after me with ropes swinging and them yelling. I had run.

So far id been able to avoid them. But always they were there. Each day. Relentless in their chase. I worried about capture. I hadn't escaped from one place to be caught in another.

"There she is! Up on that hill! After her!"

One man suddenly swept up the hill, not 5 meters away. How had he come so quickly?! They'd been at least a day away! I didn't waste time on that thought, I turned and ran. The five men hurtled after me, they had fresh horses, while I was tired and thirsty. Suddenly, I stumbled, and the men drew closer. My eyes rolled in terror. The closest man started to spin his rope. I shot forwards and felt the rope whip by. He missed.

I looked frantically for an escape. But there was none; we were in the middle of an open plain and they were steering me towards a canyon! The cowboy behind me spurred faster, they were trying to tire me! Well they were succeeding. I stumbled again and almost went down. I heard the ringing of hooves as we thundered into the canyon. Earlier back I managed to pull away, but then a dead end rose above me. I sat back, sliding to a stop. Frantically, I tried to escape. But the cowboys had arrived. I was trapped. Well I wouldn't go down without a fight. I lunged towards a cowboy, teeth bared and ears flat. A rope snaked around my neck from behind and I wheeled, lunging at the man who'd thrown it. Another roped my back leg. I turned, rearing at him. A third rope, this time around my foreleg, landed on me. I threw my head, trying desperately to escape. They backed up, and the ropes became taught, they pulled farther still, and I went down. I struggled, thrashing about desperately. The men stared grimly at me. Finally, I lay still, breathing hard. I went limp and closed my eyes. The men had beaten me. One man got down, and came towards me with a rope. I bared my teeth and flattened my ears, but I didn't have to energy to do more. He leaned forwards, and tied the rope into a halter. Then he put it on my head, tightening it then tying two other ropes to it, then handing one to another cowboy and holding the other. He took the other ropes off my legs and neck, then stood. He then tugged my rope. I ignored him and continued to lay there. I wasn't moving. He sighed, then got two buckets. Filling one with water and one with sweet grain, he set them next to me.

Tempted as I was to ignore them, I needed my strength to escape. I drank quickly and ate the feed. After I finished, I stood and shook off. The turned and began out the canyon. I reared, fighting the rope about my head. I almost jerked a man out of his saddle and he cursed. Ha! Then he yanked back. I landed roughly and shook my head. I followed them, but fought every inch. No way were they taking me without a fight.

Three days later and we stumbled to the herd. The men were tired, irritated and hungry. I was exhausted, but continued to fight. My silver hide was wet with sweat. Yet these men were somewhat kind. They fed me and watered me, and never beat me. As we approached the two dozen other cowboys looked up.

"Did you finally catch that outlaw mare, Jim?"

"Yeah we did, but we sure had to work, this ol' range rat was smarter and faster than we thought."

"She looks it! Put her with the herd and come eat!"

I was released into the late fenced area that held a little less than three dozen horses. Immediately, a large flame ref stallion strode up to me, his eyes fierce and his stride proud.

"I am Boss, I lead this herd which you are now apart of, I expect no serious from you, got it?"

I wrinkled my muzzle, but nodded. The typical herd squabble didn't bother him, it was only when a horse tried to kill others when he would intervened. He turned and walked back to his spot. A few younger stallions drifted to me, interested. I bared my teeth and flattened my ears, giving a warning squeal. They hurried away. Soon, a stocky mare approached me. I watched her approach with one ear forward. She was the lead mare and she was her to make sure I knew it.

"Do not challenge me range rat. I am lead mare around this herd, so you listen to me."

I pinned my ears.

"If you don't antagonize me I won't bother you, but continue to annoy me and I take your position so fast it'll make you head spin. So shut your mug."

She looked taken aback at my response then stomped away. I wrinkled my nose then looked around.

Maybe I could get used to this.

A/N: I'm terribly sorry for not updating lately, but I've been busy with school and such, anyway, this chapter is dedicated to @marina_destiny for her comment that made my day :) but I love all my readers, and don't be afraid to vote, comment, anything. I enjoy seeing and reading comments, anyway, I'll try to update more often.

Question of the chapter; What do you think of Liberty going Lost?

Other questions;

Did she act to rashly leaving Seth?

What will he do?

Will he try to get her back?

Is he closer than Liberty thought he was?

Read on to find out.