Romani Prince

Chapter 42: Fire

Almost as immediately as Luka disappears inside the burning building, a horse storms out.

The terrified horse's crest is on fire, as it comes straight at me.

I jump to the side a second before getting trampled while swiftly dumping a bucket full of water on top of the stressed-out creature.

More horses escape the flaming inferno and I'm joined by a group of men that start steering them to safety.

We keep throwing water to cool them down but I can see and feel the steam emanating from their bodies.

Meanwhile, Luka is still in there, sending the horses out.

I stay busy, every time hoping to see him darting out of the door.

Back to safety.

Back to me.

Of course, I'm proud of my brave Luka, but I'm also scared out of my mind.

I can't lose him. I just can't.

As I pass another bucket I had just filled to someone, I'm suddenly faced with one more panicky horse rushing at me.

Trying to jump out of its way, I trip and fall on my butt.

With my hands digging into a puddle, I'm literally stuck to the muddy ground.

Startled, the horse rises on his hind legs, threatening me with its heavy hoofs and flashing me with the white on its eyes.

I shut my eyes, waiting for the pain.

"Gaby!"

I reopen my eyes just in time to see the massive body of a man crashing against the side of the horse, causing it to lose balance and tumble down on its side.

"Jeremy!"

He grabs my shoulders and helps me up.

"What in the hell are you doing here?"

I point to the stable. "Luka is in there! Releasing the horses!"

I'm exasperated and it shows.

Jeremy looks at the stable that is engulfed in flames. "Shit!"

"Please, get him out of there!"

Jeremy seems to think for a second. "I'll go around the back!"

Still holding my arms, Jeremy glares hard at me. "Stay put and out of the way, for God's sake!"

I nod, knowing that I can't really promise him anything.

Jeremy vanishes and I'm on my own, once more.

I feel so helpless that I can't stand it.

No more horses are coming out...

So...

Where's Luka?

#

•Luka•

One more... I need to save only one more and get the hell out of here.

"Go!"

But the mare is petrified and won't move.

I slap at its flank but, instead of running out of the stall, it bucks violently against the wall behind.

I jump back and look for options.

That old blanket will do. I rip a long strip out of it.

"Shh... It's alright, girl. I'll get you out of here."