The New Girl

Chapter Nine

   Three days later, Ella had finally worked up the courage to tell the truth. However, this didn't just concern her and Belladonna. If she told the group who she really was, she would be exposing the existence of the entire Great Herd, not to mention the other gods and goddesses. And so, she found herself alone in a meadow, calling the Great Herd to her. Belladonna stood patiently by her side. After a few minutes, they heard the thundering of approaching hooves. Seconds later, the first of the horses broke through the trees, followed by several more. They slowed to a stop in front of the goddess, each one bowing their head in greeting. The first to speak was a tall sorrel mare. "You called, my Lady?" The goddess took a deep breath, preparing herself for their reactions. "Yes, Coppermane," she acknowledged, then addressed the entire herd, "My friends, as you know, I've spent the last month amongst a group of young humans. I've come to consider these humans my friends. However, I believe it is only a matter of time before they discover my true nature, and it would be better if I could control the circumstances. So, I have decided to tell them the truth." Immediately, the herd began to voice their opinions on the matter. Coppermane, as well as a dun stallion named Dustdevil, were unsure but willing to trust their leader's judgement. Brightflame, a chestnut mare, and the twins, Darkstalker and Snowblade, were in full agreement with telling the truth. Desertrose, Riverstone, and Thunderbird were mostly indifferent to the whole situation, while Silvershadow, Firestorm, Sunchaser, and Shadowbringer were adamant that the secret must be kept. Quickly, arguments began to break out among the horses, until Belladonna, who had stayed silent until now, spoke up. "Enough, all of you!" she shouted. As soon as silence reigned, the black mare continued, "Look at yourselves. You're bickering like bunch of yearlings. If you would stop fighting for a moment, you might see that Epona's plan is the best course of action. If she tells the humans and they react poorly, then we can all leave immediately. We would be in no danger, as a small group of humans can't stop a goddess and several immortal horses, and they wouldn't be able to tell anyone, lest they be branded insane. And if they take the news well, there is still no danger, because they would protect our secret. Think for a moment. Has Lady Epona ever done anything that brought danger to any of us? As I recall, it was she who saved us from almost certain death. Was it not Epona who swore to protect us from any harm, even at her own risk? Did she not face down the god Alator in our defense? She made an enemy of the God of War to keep us safe. Never has Epona endangered the herd, and I don't believe she intends to start now. I'll trust her judgement, and if any of you have any sense, you'd do the same." Epona was shocked at her friend's outburst. Looking ashamed, each horse began to voice their agreement, as well as apologize for doubting Epona when she'd never given them any reason to. "Thank you, Bella, and there's no need for any of you to apologize. I understand your reservations about this. But as Bella said, I swore an oath to protect you all, and I intend to keep it, no matter the cost." With that, she dismissed the herd, then mounted Belladonna and rode back to Horseland.