Soulvity Contest Entries

Prompt 1- Desert Stallion

PROMPT: When her family moves across the country, her only solace is listening to the old man next door telling her stories of far off lands and mystical beings. What she doesn't expect is for those fables to start coming true.

My parents had come to America on a boat, nearly 20 years ago by now. When I was five, they decided I would be safer elsewhere. New Amsterdam was simply too large, and there were too many people with negative interests. We left, our heading being West, over the treacherous Appalachians. When we finally found land worth settling, months later, my father had fallen very ill. I did all I could to help mother build our lonely sod house, but I was young. The work aged my mother, and she passed soon after my father, when I was merely ten. That was two years ago. The only solitary I had in my childhood was the kindly Native. His English was very impressive, but his stories were even more so.

He told me of a mysterious land, right outside my front door. It was filled to the brim with creatures not unlike any I had ever seen. There were two classes of creatures. The Amicals and the Rancorous.

At one time, they lived in harmony, but the Rancorous had a heart of darkness that could not be brightened by any mere Amical. The royal families had the power travel between our worlds, and to bring joy into any heart, no matter the size. Or so they thought.

But one day, the Rancorous's hearts shriveled into nothingness, drying up faster than water in this vast desert land. That faithful day was the same day that the Royal Equine had perished, killed by a rebel Amical. The Royals didn't know it, though the Rebels had suspected it. The Equine was not a creature meant for Royals to ride for their pleasure, but one that was to save the world of Rapport. And now they were gone forever.

I'm not sure why I was so enthralled with Rapport. It was a good story, sure, one that remained constant and pure no matter how many times I heard it. It was as if the Native were there, in the desert land of Rapport, befriending Amicals and helping the Rancorous. But that was impossible.

Sometimes I wish that land was real. Then maybe I wouldn't be so alone.

I take a deep breath as the rising sun lands on my face, warming my negative thoughts as I scoop water out of the well. I shouldn't be occupying my mind with the Native or his silly stories. Today a very special horse becomes a mother. I quietly open the barn door, sitting the bucket of water next to Royalty, my lovely black horse, a gift from the Native. Beside her is a foal, a young boy whose fur is as dark as a night with no moon, yet the white stripe down his back pierces through the darkness as the sun pierces through the dew of dawn.

"Hello little one," I whisper gently, crouching down to his level. I hold out a hand, carefully brushing my forefinger against his white stripe. He pushes my hand away, whinnying playfully before jumping behind his mother. I chuckle, turning my attention to Royalty.

She has downed the entire bucket of water, and it's clear she wants more. She's using her nose to push against the bucket, which causes it to roll to its side.

"Shh, shh. I'll get some more." I grab the bucket, brushing off the dirt that had collected around the rim. I climb over the fence, too lazy to go out of my way to walk to the gate.

"A little lady like you shouldn't be climbing things like that, you know." I stop dead in my tracks, the unfamiliar voices causing my heart to perk, not unlike Royalty's when she spots a suspicious bush on our rides. I turn slowly, doing my best to keep a neutral face. The large muscles and long beards give the men before me an almost Drawf-like appearance. The only difference is the height. They tower over me, their eyes glowing a menacing red as they laugh, stepping closer.

"Who are you?" I manage to speak, my voice surprisingly normal. I silently thank my mother for her strong voice and piercing eyes. Without them, I may be in more trouble than I already am.

"The better question is who are you? To think, a little girl like you would talk back to a Royal. How interesting."

"A Royal?" The men part, revealing a boy. He seems to be 16, give or take a year. His brown hair falls gently on his face, curling like a twisting river. His large, brown eyes bore into my own, reading me like an open book. His height is not as great as the men behind him, but he still towers over me, a mere 12-year-old girl, and one that hasn't hit maturity at that. He nods, more interested than annoyed. He crouches down, not unlike what I did to the new foal.

"That's right. And you're going to tell me what I want." I hesitate, not sure how to answer.

"That depends on what you want." The boy chuckles, glancing at his companions.

"What a strong-willed girl. I'll have to remember you in a few years when I'm ready to court." I swallow, doing my best to keep my composure. I will myself to not be afraid. These are just visitors from the oasis. They need help getting back, that's all. "I need a horse. Get me one."

"I do not have one to give," I reply, staring at the boy. He chuckles again, the rich sound almost echoing against the layer of fog that had appeared around us.

"I will not ask again." His eyes stare at me, revealing every secret I may hold with a simple gaze. They glow a soft gold, the sun hitting them just right to catch them on a sort of fire. I try to fight the urge to give him everything he wants, but I can't. I fall to a knee, bowing my head.

"I'm sorry. My only horse is a mare, and she has just given birth this morning. I'm afraid that if you take her, the colt will perish." He stares at me, his eyes speaking for him. I sigh, getting to my feet. "Very well. This way."

It's been three years since that day. I was able to save Emeer, the young foal that was left without a mother. He was easy to break, his trust in me was strong. I can't help but believe that would be different if he knew what I had taken from him.

I jump onto his back, entangling my fingers into his dark mane and clicking my tongue, sending us into a canter. I lean into him, willing him to go faster. Soon we're at a smooth gallop, the wind pushing my hair back as the sun soaks into my back. Emeer expertly maneuvers through the rough terrain, his breath has hardly changed. This is what he was meant for; running, free from the pain of this world.

We begin to climb a large hill, racing to catch the dying light of day. I lightly kick his side, causing him to push harder, sending us into a sprint. I smile, watching as the grass alongside us blurs into the darkening sky. The moment is cut short when a figure appears before Emeer, causing him to rear in surprise. I tighten my grip, closing my eyes instinctively until his hooves are safely on the ground again.

"Is this the foal you mentioned? He's beautiful." Before me is the boy that took Royalty from me all those moons ago. I take a deep breath, raising my chin so that he understands he has no control over me.

"And his mother? Where is she?" He tilts his head, a smirk forming his lips.

"As sharp-tongued as ever, I see. The mare is fine." I nod, turning my attention to Emeer. I gently trace the stripe that follows his spine, instantly calming him.

"We'll be taking our leave." I push Emeer's side, signaling him to turn toward home.

"No." Emeer stops, his nostrils flailing as if he understands. "The Stripe of the Desert has returned, and we need his help."

"What?"

"Rapport is in grave danger, and this stallion of yours may be the only one who can save it." I stare into the boy's golden-brown eyes. They stare back, piercing into me. He holds a hand out to me, watching expectedly. I sigh, hesitantly taking it.

"Thank you..."

"Erina."

"Thank you, Erina." He gently kisses my hand. The wind around us picks up, swirling around us like water rushing past a fallen tree. The last of the sunlight joins the wind, painting the world around us in a new color. Creatures unlike any I've seen appear, watching with interest. Emeer stomps his foot, excitement rushing through him. I stare at the world around me in awe, my mouth agape.

"That's impossible."

"Nothing's impossible"

~~~~~

This got third place!!!
(I'm so happy lol)