Heart of the Hill Read Online Free PDF

stars. “Comfort Chantel,” he called to the night winds.
    The night winds blew musically through Chantel’s hair, tickling her ears, and despite her unhappiness, she gave a crooked smile and sat up.
    Can you talk with me now, little one?
    Guess so. What’s up, Horse? Is Myrddin going to ask Adam for help?
    He is, for help is sorely needed. An emissary from the Dark Being has entered your galaxy. Adam’s task will be difficult. He and Myrddin need assistance from you all.
    We’ll help. You know that, Horse. Besides, you and Ava will be with us …won’t you?”
    There was a long pause.
    Won’t you? Chantel pulled on the horse king’s mane.
    You will … won’t you?
    I fear not. Ava and I must return to the Place Beyond Morning. With the power from our talisman and circlet we can repair much of the devastation caused by the Dark Being and ready the Silver Citadel for the waking of the Lady.
    The Lady? Chantel said.
    The Lady, repeated Equus, his mindspeak full of love and respect. The fourth and greatest of the Wise Ones. We must wake her so the power of her necklace will be rekindled. He laughed. You think I am magical? The Lady holds the magic of all worlds linked around her neck. His mindspeak grew more serious. Do you under stand why I must leave you, child?
    Chantel’s hand convulsed. She clutched Equus’s mane even tighter. Don’t go. Don’t leave me, she cried. A tear ran down her cheek. Everyone’s leaving me. You mustn’t go too!
    Be strong, Chantel. If all goes as planned, Ava and I will swiftly return. Nourish the light in your heart. Help Adam by sharing it with others, and it will grow. Come … I will show you.
    With great strides that spanned the heavens, Equus bore Chantel beyond the Milky Way and across galaxies, galloping through clouds of stardust and along beams of sunlight from alien suns.
    Despite her sadness, Chantel felt her heart lift as the music of the universe sang in her ears. She started to hum along.
    That’s it, child. Sing, urged Equus. Sing with me.
    Chantel chuckled. Horses can’t sing.
    To her surprise Equus threw back his head, and a strangely beautiful song poured forth. The deep notes echoed and thrilled as they mixed with the wordless song around her. The joyous sound touched her heart so intensely she joined in.
    Chantel’s voice was true and sweet, not as high as the notes flowing around her, nor as low as Equus’s voice; she sang the middle notes of a magical trio.
    As she sang, her sadness lifted.
    Your gift reflects your name, for Chantel means singer, said Equus, as their song died away. Always remember this moment. Use your voice on Gaia to strengthen the light. When darkness lies heavy, songs bring comfort. Your voice is your tool. Use it.
    Chantel flushed with embarrassment and pride. I didn’t know I could sing, and now I have a tool.
    Wow!
    Keep this moment always in your heart , counseled Equus. When I am gone, remember your tool.
    I will, Chantel promised. She rode back through the stars and slipped off Equus’s back into a deep healing sleep.

    Owen spent the afternoon on his own. He lay on a pile of hay in the stable loft listening to the rain drumming on the roof and the ponies’ feet shifting occasionally in the stalls below. He ate a handful of grapes one by one and passed the time spitting the seeds at a knot in the beam above him. He’d scored a bull’s-eye twice in succession.
    Thoughts buzzed around in his head: frustration at not being allowed to sail on the floodwaters, sympathy for Adam and Chantel, dislike for their parents and a rush of love for his own. Thank goodness they weren’t going to divorce. He stirred uneasily. What would happen to Adam and Chantel? Would they come to live at White Horse Farm forever? “Oh, no. Not forever!” he groaned and sat up, coughing frantically as he inhaled a seed.
    A scratching sound interrupted him. The