Forged in Honor (1995) Read Online Free PDF Page B

no time to do anything but shut his eyes and cringe before the impact. The collision bowled Stephen and his horse over. Stunned by the blow, the runaway home collapsed to its front knees, and its bloody rider leapt to the ground.
    Lying on the moss-covered forest floor, Stephen slowly raised his aching head and blinked to try and clear his double vision. His eyes focused and he saw a hand in front of his face.
    Joshua smirked as he held his hand out to help Stephen up.
    "I see you're no cowboy either."
    "Fool!" Stephen yelled angrily, slapping Joshua's hand away. He tried to get to his feet, but Joshua put his foot on the boy's chest and pushed him back to the ground.
    Leaning over, dripping blood into Stephen's face, Joshua spoke menacingly. "Looky here. You've called me that twice and it ain't nice. I'm standin' up and you're layin' on the ground, so who's the fool?"
    Stephen glared up at the boy. "You were stupid to stay, on the pony when he ran for the trees. The ponies are smart and know the branches will knock you off."
    "He didn't knock me off. He tried, but he didn't. I beat him."
    "Beat him?"
    "Yeah, at his own game. I won"-Joshua backed up and motioned to the still-stunned horse-"and he lost."
    Stephen got up, and slowly the corners of his lips turned upward. "You are a fool, Joshua Hawkins, but a likable one.
    My father was right-you have a Horseman's heart."
    Joshua grinned as he saw Stephen smile for the first time, and he stepped closer, offering his hand. "Friends, then?"
    Stephen slapped his hand on Joshua's right shoulder. "We Shan do this, not shake hands. It is a sign of trust and comradeship."
    Joshua slapped his hand on Stepheb's shoulder. "Good.
    Now you get to explain to my mom how I got all scratched up and tore my good shirt."
    Stephen laughed and shook his head. "Not even my father could help you with your mother. She is what we call a futaa-a little storm. You must face her wrath on your own, my new friend."
    Joshua shrugged and turned to face his horse, which had just got back up to its feet. Taking a step forward, Joshua slapped the animal's forehead and barked, "Remember, you devil, I won!" Taking the reins, he swung himself up into the saddle and gave Stephen a wink. "He respects me now."
    Worried and out of breath, Bo Bak leaned against a tree to rest and allow his racing heart to stop its pounding. He had begun running as soon as he had seen Joshua and the horse disappear into the trees.
    He heard something coming from deeper in the forest and froze. For a split second he felt a sinking sensation, for he thought it was the sound of a boy crying out. But then a wave of relief rushed through his body. The sound was two boys laughing.
    After a dinner of vegetables and roasted goat, the small Shan cook took the plates away. Henry placed his napkin on the table and leaned back in his chair, looking at his dinner guest. "Stephen, I'm pleased you could join us tonight." He shifted his narrowing eyes to Joshua's badly scratched face.
    "I'm happy that Joshua persuaded you to come. I apologize for his appearance, but it seems he had an accident today while trying to learn to ride horses. But I understand you know all about it. Please, if you two are to be friends, for my sake and Sarah's, keep an eye out for him. He is a rather persistent boy. 'Hardheaded' and 'prideful' would better describe him, but Sarah is partial to 'persistent.' "
    Sarah's brow wrinkled upward. "Henry, I have already talked to Joshua and Stephen, and they have promised to be more careful. We should all be thanking our Savior that neither of them was hurt badly. I don't think any of Joshua's scratches are deep enough to cause scars."
    Turning his attention back to Stephen, Henry pursed his lips.
    "Stephen, in an hour I'm going to be talking to the church and village elders about volunteers for a militia. My faith in God is absolute, but my faith in evil men makes me fear for my people. But first, I would like to know more about Bo