The Black Stallion and the Lost City Read Online Free PDF

four mares all the way back to Eurystheus, where they were reformed of their bad habits.”
    “All’s well that ends well,” Alec said lightly.
    “But there is another version of the story,” Xeena said, “in which the mares escaped and fled up Mt. Atnos where they were adopted by a tribe of Acracians who lived there.”
    “Amazing story,” Alec said. “And a bit creepy too.”
    “This is Thrace,” Xeena said. “The Greek gods who ruled here weren’t all pious and perfect like in some other places. Ours were more like a big, squabbling family, with all the good and bad. They could be noble and kind, but also vain and jealous. They were always fighting among each other and always falling in love with mortals or tormenting them.”
    A thread of silver light streaked through the skyand vanished a second later. “Look,” Alec said, “there’s a falling star. Make a wish.”
    Xeena stiffened. “I am almost fourteen, Alec,” she said. “Wishes are for children.”
    Alec shook his head. “No, they’re not,” he said. “It’s okay to dream.”
    “Not if it’s an impossible dream.” Her gaze returned to the dark side of the mountain.
    “Sometimes we don’t know what is possible and what isn’t,” Alec said. “Look at me and the Black. He’s desert born, from Arabia. I’m from New York City. Who would have ever guessed that we would have found each other or that we would have lived the lives we have lived together? Things happen. Last month I never would have believed that tonight I would be on some far-off mountain staring up into a Thracian sky.”
    “To tell you the truth,” Xeena said, “neither did I. I am just a kid from Xanthi who happens to know how to ride a little. And that is only because my dad had a job at the mayor’s horse farm, and I had an opportunity the other kids didn’t. The only people I’ve known in my life up to now are my family, some of the neighbors and the people I met in school. Now I am hanging out with famous guys like you, and getting paid to do it.”
    “You have skills, Xeena,” Alec said. “You can ride well, and that’s why you are here.”
    The girl’s gaze returned to the dark side of the mountain. “That’s kind of you to say,” she said, and sighed. “It just feels funny to be this close to a place I’ve wondered about all my life and not be able to go there.”
    “Maybe you’ll get there someday.”
    Xeena tried to laugh. “Sure. Maybe I’ll win the lottery too.”
    Alec didn’t understand Xeena’s pessimism, especially at her age. “You never know,” he said. “Somebody has to win. Anyhow, you can always dream.”
    Xeena shrugged. “My dad says you should always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Maybe that’s the difference between Thracians and Americans. Maybe we know a little more about how hard life can be than you Americans do.”
    “I wouldn’t say that,” Alec said with a smile. “Life can be hard anywhere.”
    They stood there a minute more and then walked back toward the monastery in a comfortable silence. “So you ready for tomorrow?” Alec asked.
    “Sure. I am going to be in one of the riding scenes, dressed as a warrior.”
    “Sounds good,” Alec said.
    “Jeff told me that they will need every person herewho can sit a horse,” Xeena said. They talked a little more about the plan for tomorrow and then said their good-nights.
    Alec turned down the walkway leading to the Black’s tent. He checked on his horse one last time and then, with a yawn, started toward his room and a well-deserved rest. The beam from his flashlight swept up and down the path as he walked along, trying to keep from stumbling over the uneven brick paving.
    Finding his way to his quarters, Alec stepped inside the arched doorway and down a short hallway. The door to his corner room wasn’t locked, and he stepped inside the dark, shadowy interior.
    At that exact moment, his flashlight blinked off again. Alec slapped it against his