Storm Circle first version - discontinued

Chapter 4 Stable Talk

Wow. I never expected my stall to be so... cozy. Fresh hay was spread over the floor. The stable smelled like fresh oak. Kirsten took off my halter. She gave me a reassuring pat before she sprinted away.

     Where was she going? I asked myself as I stared out the small window. There was the ocean, with its waves gently rippling. The water was crystal clear. The sand was white like pearl. I knew from remembering the map of Jorvik that we were no doubt in Fort Pinta.

     Kirsten got back inside, looking slightly out of breath. She beamed as she pulled out a big present. She handed it to me and I undid the ribbons. Inside were a black and white saddle and an English bridle as black as  obsidian.

     I was touched. Kirsten eyes shone as bright as the sun. I nuzzled her. Then she started talking to me,' I finally found you, my little soul horse. You must have felt the connection between us back in the horse market.' She let out a laughter,' silly me, talking to my horse! I am Kirsten, by the way. What your name, huh?'

She asked, so I answered. I kind of forgot that horses do not usually talk to humans, because she stumbled as I whinnied, ' greetings, Kirsten. I am Cloudjumper, and you do not mind that?' I lifted my injured leg. 'You were the first person to not wince or turn away.' I was just curious.

Kirsten took a few deep breathes to calm herself down. 'I knew you were special, but never thought that you can talk - just WOW!' She cheered then stopped suddenly. 'Wait - do horses usually do that?' I shook my head. I was aware of horses could understand each other and humans, but not communicate with them.

I shrugged,' special bond, I guess? Why did you chose me to be your horse?'

Kirsten twirled her hair,' oh Cloudjumper! I saw the inner potential and wisdom in you. When I was in the horse market, there were plenty of choices. I could randomly choose a horse and pretend we can get along perfectly. Simple. However I saw that you were special. You and I have the common gleam in our eyes. No matter what, weak or strong, I saw a truth: we belong together!'

I was really touched. No one ever said that to me. Not even when I was healthy and not limping.

Then we exchange our life stories. When I told Kirsten about my parent and the purple van. She frowned and whispered,' oh, oh, Clouds, I am so sorry. Look like both of us have hard lives.'

Then Kirsten told me her story. She was born in London. Her parents were animal behaviorists, specialized in moose. Kirsten was 11 when the whole family packed up and moved to Sweden. Since she is now 13, it had been 2 years and she.. well.... let's say she had not fit in yet. Kirsten had a horse when she was in England, but it died of its old age before they moved here. She also said she did not feel such a bond she felt with me with her late horse. Jorvik is a land of miracle, by the way, so I guess you could never be too surprised.

We talked for like, 2 hours before James, the Fort Pinta administrator came and shooed Kirsten out of the stable. She gave me a final brush through my mane before she left, promising me there would be a long journey tomorrow ahead of us.

I gazed up at the starry sky.

My life just turned 180 degree around. If a day ago I was told that I would meet my soul rider in 24 hours' time, I would laugh. Now looking at the dark blue canvass above me, everything seemed possible.