The Phantom's Daughter

Chapter Thirteen

My little friend faithfully came back to me, with treats in exchange to be pet and brushed. With such a little thing, I could afford to amuse her. And while I would never admit outloud, it felt good to have her pets, and feel the brush over my coat, cleaning it. Often I would even lose myself in the grooming, standing there still and relaxed as I got cleaned. But then a stableman would come out, or someone would get too close at the gate and I would bolt off (being careful to not hurt my little friend of course!).

There was one stablehand, Lloyd, whom I hated, and always pinned my ears too whenever he came too close. He reminded me too much of my previous master; walking around with a show of arrogance and having his way with the horses like he was to be worshiped and obeyed without question. Rita hated him too, as did Maggie, who was the sweetest little mare there was and a friend to everyone. Even she would pin her ears when he handled her, however well-mannered she was.

“Now you really should be nicer to that child.” she scolded when I hopped away, when Rita accidentally snagged my mane trying to brush it out. My little friend looked not sad, or defeated when I went from her, but worried, as if my manners depended on something.

Of course I did not care and only arched my handsome head and waved it. “Absolutely not! If those men see a child has tamed me, how will they then act towards me? I am done being handled by humans!”

“You’re young mistress looks worried though…and I fear I’ve heard talk about you getting a bullet to the head should you deem to be untamable. If they cannot break your spirits before then that is….” she warned, but I snorted.

“Then I shall die! No man shall tame me!” I pawed the ground for good measure, feeling wonderful now that my coat was freshly brushed and my mane and tail somewhat combed through. Of course I would allow the little girl to feed and brush me, and walk around with me. She has always been loyal and faithful and never forced anything from me. But that is where my cooperation ends. I will not be some dumb dog to lick a master’s heels.

Lloyd walked out of the stables and sauntered over. He looked over to Rita, who stood there in the middle of my paddock, with a halter, rope and some oats for me. He barked a laugh. “You think you can get that beast to like ya by feeding him? You’re as stupid as you are scrawny!”

“So what does that say about you, if we’re comparing stupidity by size?” she retorted. I perked my ears towards her. Good girl, she had a fighting spirit.

But this of course made Llyod mad and he marched over, jumping the fence, and wrestled the tack from her. I raised my head and pinned my ears, pounding the ground with my hoof, giving him a stern warning. “I’ll beat your spirit out too you little wench! Here, let me show you how it’s done!” With the rope raised, he came over and swung it at me, threatening how I was going to submit or bleed.

I reared and loped away, pinning my ears and opening my mouth towards him giving him a very clear threat. I heard the hiss of the rope and felt it flick against my loin. I swung my back legs towards him. Lloyd came to corner me and make it as if to use the entire leather halter to hit me. But my little friend cried in protest and rammed herself into him.

Lloyd swung at her and something in me clicked. No one was going to hurt that little girl. It was unjust. She was a part of my herd along with Maggie and as the stallion of this herd it was my duty to protect. I spun around and charged towards that horrid man. Head lowered, mouth open and with a roar of authority, “GET OUT OF MY PADDOCK!!!”

Both he and Rita split off into different directions, but I chased after him. He just made it over the fence, but I snagged his shirt and waved the ripped off piece triumphantly. I then walked over to Rita to make sure she was okay. She hid a chuckle from behind her hand and whispered my name to me that I remember so well. “You truly are a Sweet Demon.”