Savannah and the Two Stallions

 By Isabelle L., age 14

#3 Two Stallions

Slamming the door, Savannah Jenkins flew across the porch and descended the stairs in one huge leap. Her brothers, Jacob and Joshua, followed her at a slower pace. Her cheeks glowed with excitement as they headed to the barn. Her brothers had discovered a waterfall in the southeastern corner of their ranch. Now Savannah desired to see this glorious sight for herself. Her brothers agreed to show her today.

            When they reached the barn door, Savannah sprinted to her stallion’s stall. Inside, Thundercloud, her stocky grey Arabian, nervously pranced around beating his glossy black tail against the sides of his stall. Savannah knew he sensed her excitement.

            “Hurry up Savannah,” Jacob called from the barn door.

            Savannah hurried to saddle her horse before riding to where her brothers impatiently waited. “Finally,” said Jacob. Joshua just rolled his eyes.

            Three hours later, Joshua stopped his mount and pointed. “There’s the waterfall,” he said.

            Savannah followed her brother’s finger to the rushing water. She gazed dumbfounded. It was even more beautiful than her brothers had described. The mid-morning sun beamed upon the sparkling diamond drops as they plunged over the ledge into a shallow pool below. Then danced over the glittering stones beneath them.

            Savannah turned to Joshua. “May I go in?” she asked.

            Joshua nodded.

            Savannah leapt off her horse, stripped herself of her socks and boots, and waded into the shimmering pond. Fresh, cool water rushed over her feet and embraced her ankles in an icy grip. Goosebumps formed on her legs.

 After strolling about, Savannah picked up several smooth stones and flung them across the pond startling the minnows. She slowly made her way to the falling water. Some splashed on her sleeve. She drew back slightly before hurrying through the water. By the time she reached the end she was thoroughly soaked.

“Come on out and eat,” Joshua said. 

As they ate lunch, Joshua bit into his ham sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. “What do you think?” he asked motioning to the waterfall.

            Savannah gazed wistfully up at the cascading water. “I wish we could have picnics by it every day,” she said dreamily.

            They laughed and dug into their dessert.

            As Savannah licked the last crumbs of cake from her fingers, Jacob stood up. He cleared his throat. “Well,” he announced, “It’s time to go home.”

            Savannah started. “No, not yet. Please let me stay for a few more minutes, Jacob, please!” Savannah pleaded.

            Jacob didn’t waver. “Nope.” He and Joshua headed to where their horses were tied.

            Savannah sighed. She’d lost this battle. She trudged after her brothers. “Savannah.” Jacob yelled. “What does he want?” she wondered. She thought she heard a hint of fear in his voice. What could be wrong? Suddenly it struck her. By her brothers stood only two horses, Jupiter and Light Smasher, meaning that her horse was missing!

            “Where is Thundercloud?” she questioned as she drew closer to where Jacob was mounting.

            “Where did you tie him,” Jacob demanded.

            “I didn’t-,” Savannah burst into tears. “He’s gone.” She sobbed. “I was too busy enjoying the waterfall to take care of my own horse, and now he’s run away.”

            Joshua stood up in his saddle and shaded his eyes. “I think I see a horse over there.” He pointed past some trees to a large plain where Savannah could distinguish two horse-like figures.

            Savannah ran toward the figures that were rapidly growing larger. Her brother lunged at her, but she eluded his grasp. “I must rescue Thundercloud,” she thought. Her lungs burned, but she was determined to claim her horse. “Savannah no!” yelled her brothers. She skidded to a stop in front of her horse. “Thundercloud!”

            The stallion shied away and galloped toward its opposer, a giant cream-colored stallion. The opponents circled each other. Shrill squeals pierced the air as the two combatants kicked and bit at each other. Blood flowed from sever wounds inflicted by the other’s flashing hooves. A few feet away, Savannah stood, eyes wide, petrified with fear, and stuck amid a deadly combat.

            Suddenly, from out of nowhere, Jacob swooped down and grabbed her out of the ring of death. Savannah hugged him while tears streamed down her cheeks. “Thank you.” She managed to squeak. Jacob nodded and urged Light Smasher into a gallop.

            She wanted to ask if Thundercloud would be alright, but her mouth refused to form the words. Instead, she turned her head and motioned toward the fighting horses. Jacob understood. “Joshua will take care of them,” he informed her.

            Savannah smiled. She watched the scenery fly by, feeling safe in her brother’s strong grip.

            Just before dark, Joshua returned. He appeared exhausted and a little beat up. Small cuts and bruises covered his arms. “From the wild horse,” Savannah surmised. She hurried to him and embraced him. “Is Thundercloud in his stall?” she asked.

            “Yup. And Star Blazer too.”

            Savannah looked confused. “Who is that?”

            “The cream-colored stallion who fought Thundercloud.” He winked at Savannah. “Tomorrow you and me are going to train him.”