One Hundred Horses Read Online Free PDF Page A

standing over her.
    Forcing herself to calm her breathing, and standing slowly, Sarah looked around to be sure nobody was coming after her. She stood next to the horse in utter awe. The stallion was so black he was nearly invisible. The horse nuzzled her once more, gifting her with his warm breath. Without hesitation, Sarah grabbed a handful of mane and managed to swing herself up on his massive back. She held her breath, anticipating the animal bolting or spooking or throwing her. The horse did nothing but turn to give her a curious eye. With a deep breath of resolve she nudged him forward, praying he would understand and obey. One more squeeze of her legs against his sides, and the horse responded by taking a few steps before breaking into a smooth easy lope.
    ***
    Grey Fox could not sleep. And just as well, since someone had just quietly entered his tipi. Who would have a death wish to enter at this time of night? Then he felt someone nudge him with the tip of their moccasin. Grey Fox’s reflexes were quick as he swung around and grabbed the boy by the ankle before the boy could react in time to flee.
    “What is it, Running Deer?” he said with a yawn.
    “Your yellow-haired girl. She’s gone!”
    Grey Fox sat up with a start. “What do you mean, gone? You were to keep watch this night. How did she leave?”
    Running Deer’s face flushed. “I didn’t see or hear her. All I could hear was the sound of Crow Feather and his mate,” the boy replied honestly. Grey Fox rolled his eyes as he jumped to his feet and grabbed his weapons.
    “The Comanche people will never die out if my brother and his woman have their way. His baby maker only grows, yet never grows tired.” Running Deer’s expression relaxed as Grey Fox slipped his bow over his shoulder. Now the boy smiled. Then his eyes narrowed and his brows pinched together.
    “What is it, Running Deer? Is there more?” Grey Fox watched the boy fearfully nod. “What is it? Tell me.”
    Running Deer continued to hesitate, awakening an irritated nerve along Grey Fox’s neck.
    “She took Black Cloud. She stole your war pony!”
    ***
    Sarah had no idea where she was going. She was forced to slow the horse’s pace along the banks of the creek until she found where it joined with a large river. Since she and the Indian had followed the river with the current, she would follow the river against the current heading back. Hopefully by now, her mother and Tom had alerted the soldiers, and maybe she would stumble upon a search party. A stabbing sensation from her side reminded her that whatever the old man had given her for pain relief was wearing off.
    She realized what a chance she was taking, wandering out in the wilderness with the possibility of finding more Comanche, but her mother’s voice rang in her ears about the cruelty of the savages and their use of whites as slaves, even raping them to add fresh blood to their tribe. The thought of becoming enslaved or worse, raped, spurred her to push the horse faster across the terrain. If she was riding toward her death, then so be it. From the depths of darkness came a low-pitched and drawn-out sound, like the whistle of a bird but without the fluctuation of notes. Suddenly, the stallion stopped and looked over his shoulder. Ears pricked and nostrils flaring, the stallion whinnied. By the time Sarah realized what was happening, it was too late. A warrior had appeared on top of the bank astride a spotted horse.
    ***
    Even in poor light, Grey Fox could clearly see her. She left a trail that even Red Dawn could find. He didn’t move as he sat there, peering down on the scene below. He didn’t need to. She was trapped between him and the river and she was on Black Cloud, the only horse in his band that listened to his commands without fail. He watched as the golden woman’s hands began to shake in the depths of the stallion’s black mane. It did not surprise him to watch her grip tightly and dig her heels into the