And yet everything seemed different somehow.
Dizziness washed over him and he staggered, clutching at Dancer’s mane. The big bay sidestepped but the building was too small for him to go far and the man was able to steady himself against the horse.
He was so tired. So confused.
Was this a dream? Why were there three strange horses in his shed?
Maybe Cally could tell him.
The chestnut gelding pricked his ears toward the door, then the black mare heard what the chestnut already had. Someone was coming.
Cally? Had he awakened her?
Now the big bay was looking toward the door with anxious eyes. It seemed such a nervous creature. Hopefully Cally could explain to him why it was here. Why they were all here. His head hurt. He didn’t want to think any more.
He tied the bay stallion as far from the other two as he could, praying all the while that the three wouldn’t kick each other while he was gone. When he left the shed, he was careful to shut the door behind him.
At first he didn’t recognize the person walking toward his house, but then the young man saw him and changed direction to walk directly toward him. The clear night faintly brightened the teenager’s face as he approached.
Had he seen this fellow before? Did he know him?
Actually, there was something familiar about the boy’s black hair, his dark eyes.
“Hey, Mister, can I use your phone? My car’s in the ditch and I need a tow truck.”
Abruptly, everything came flooding back. Dancer. The car. At long last, he’d taken his horse back from Williams.
And he knew why this young man looked familiar. He was Graham! How had he not recognized him sooner? He’d dreamed this face, hated and despised this face for months now.
How dare Graham come here again!
Rage made his movements swift and sure. He ran forward and shoved the boy to the ground.
“What? Mister, I just need to…”
“Shut up! I know who you are!” Crushing anger consumed him, giving him strength again.
“No, I… I just… just let me go.” The boy was fumbling in his pocket.
“You’re not going anywhere! Not until you pay for what you did to me!”
“Angelica!”
The man froze. Was someone else here too? He glanced wildly about. No one that he could see. So who had the boy been calling?
What was he holding in his shaking hand? A necklace? So he was a thief too!
With one violent movement, the man ripped the necklace from the boy’s grip.
“No one’s going to help you now. No Angelica or anyone else. I know you, Graham. You can’t fool me. Finally, you’re going to get what you deserve!”
“No, I’m David. My name’s David! I promise!”
There was no point in arguing, or even listening. He knew what a liar Graham was. And if the fellow started cursing, Kathy might hear. He couldn’t have that!
The man clamped a hand over Graham’s mouth, and with superhuman strength born of long suppressed anger, he dragged him toward the house.
David?
Your voice was here, in my mind, and then gone, almost too quickly to even note your presence. But I think it was you. Can you hear me?
Silence.
I do not know for certain, but I believe it was he. I will hone in on his presence the best that I can.
Halfway across the overgrown field, Joanna crouched close to the ground. Mr. Thomas had sounded furious, and the anger in his voice made her want to race back to Raven. But then the door slammed. Mr. Thomas had taken the other guy into the house. Lights burst from the windows and streaked across the empty yard.
She crept forward until she reached the tumbled down fence behind the shed, then chose a place where she could step over without touching anything. The last thing she needed was to have an old fence board clatter to the ground alerting everyone within hearing distance.
Finally, she was behind the shed. Now she could figure out the night’s mysteries. She leaned against the building’s dark bulk, pressing her ear to the rough wall.
She could hear something. Soft murmurs, almost like distant song. She felt she could almost understand the words. If she could just get closer. Joanna slid along the side of the windowless building, and leaned around the corner. The shed door was shut tight.
Across the yard, the front door of the house opened. Mr. Thomas and a girl stepped out onto the porch. He pulled the door shut behind them, as she hurried down the steps and toward the shed. Mr. Thomas followed her, moving stiffly, a bit like a puppet on strings.
Joanna pulled back with a jerk. This was getting too weird. Two men fighting. A strange, soothing voice coming from the shed. Possibly a horse inside the tiny building. And now this quick moving, agitated girl rushing toward the shed with Mr. Thomas shuffling after her like a zombie. And all in the middle of the night. Bizarre!
What on earth was happening?
Bonnie, Breeze, greetings to you both.
Tango, there you are. Are you okay, my dear? The stranger that came to your home, many miles away, brought you here? Where is he now?
Why has he crowded you all into this shed?
You do not know?
Do not worry. I will take you home.
But first, I must find David. Have you seen him? He is seventeen years old, with dark hair and eyes. He called my name from the yard in front of this shed, his voice panicky and fearful. But now he has gone, I know not where.
I must find him. What if something terrible happened to him?
Wait! Someone is coming! Quick, Tango, let me hide between you and the wall.
Wings and Rocket Gal were waiting with ears pricked forward and eyes bright. Only Dancer didn’t look excited to see them. He stood in the corner with his head high and ears pinned back.
“Oh no,” Kathy said, seeming no more happy to see the horse than he was to see her.
How could she not be happy to see Dancer? She must still be groggy. After all, he’d just woken her.
“He’s back to stay. I promise,” he said, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. “Just like Rocket Gal and Wings.”
“What’s his name?”
“You don’t remember Dancer?”
She looked like she was going to burst into tears.
“Don’t worry, Kathy. Everything will be as it was. I have one more big surprise for you too. I’m not going to tell you what, but it’ll make you happy. I promise.”
“No, Grandpa. I don’t want you to do anything else for me. Please, no more surprises. Please.”
Like a pouncing tiger, the dizziness returned. He staggered against Wings.
“Grandpa!”
“I’m okay,” he mumbled. “I’m just tired, that’s all. Haven’t been able to sleep…”
“I’ll help you to bed.”
“No, you stay and get reacquainted with Dancer. I’ll be okay.” He lurched toward the open door.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
She sounded frightened and he couldn’t have that. Of course he was okay. “I’m fine, Kathy.”
“Grandpa.”
Slowly, he turned back. Why did she keep calling him Grandpa?
“Grandpa, I’m Cally. Don’t you remember?”
“Cally?” Why did that name sound so familiar?
“Yeah. Cally. I’m your grandkid, remember? Mom’s name is Kathy.” Her cold child hand was in his now, leading him toward the house.
“What’s happening? The house…” It needed a paint job. Hadn’t he just painted it last year? He looked down at the girl beside him. Of course, he knew her. How could she even ask? She was his granddaughter, Cally. Wasn’t she?
“Sit here,” Cally said, leading him to the rocking chair on the porch.
He lowered himself into the chair. Leaned back. It felt so good to finally rest. “I forgot to lock the stable… uh, I mean, the shed,” he said and tried to rise. Cally pushed him back down.
�
��I’ll lock it Grandpa. You wait here. I mean it.”
“Okay.” How wonderful it felt just to shut his eyes. Kathy was good with horses. No, Cally, not Kathy. Why couldn’t he keep that straight? He could trust Cally to care for them properly, while he got some rest. Tomorrow was soon enough to figure out why there were three strange horses in his shed.
Tango, Bonnie, Breeze, I cannot search for David until the humans have safely settled in their beds. As I wait, can you please tell me how you came to be here?
Bonnie, you say this man came to your pasture and stole you away in the night, but you did not call me because he seemed a nice fellow and you were bored? But now you have been locked in this shed for three days and you long for green grass and sunshine.
Breeze, you went with the man because you are ignored and lonely at home since your owner has gone away. She left you with her parents and they do not spend time with you. This man seemed interested in you, so you were happy to go. You say you would be surprised if your girl’s parents have even noticed you are missing? How sad!
Tango, your story I know partially already. The man stole you from your barn and raced you across asphalt to bring you here?
You were almost struck by a car? Oh my!
Your legs still hurt, you say? Hold steady. Let me touch them. Ah yes, I see. There has been damage done. May I heal your injuries for you, Tango? Thank you, my love.
There that is better, is it not? Now, surely the humans have gone to their rest. I will go find David. I will return soon and take you back to your homes.
The door is opening. They are back! I must hide.
Too late!
Joanna was about to peer around the corner of the shed again when she heard the door open. A split second later, a shrill scream ricocheted into the night.
She froze when a loud bellow came from the direction of the house. Then the old man was running toward the shed, yelling, “Kathy! Kathy!”
“Who are you?!” Joanna heard the girl shriek from inside the shed.
“I will not…”
“Stay away from me!”
“…harm you.”
“Grandpa!”
“Kathy!”
The shed door banged back against the wall as he flung it out of his way. “Get away from my daughter!” Mr. Thomas yelled.
The horse kicked the side of the shed near Joanna, then a bright light, far, far brighter than the electric lights, burst from the cracks between boards. It was all Joanna could do to not cry out with surprise. There was the sound of a struggle, someone falling to the floor, and moments later, a form staggered around the edge of the shed, almost running into her. It was a teenaged girl with long white-blonde hair.
“Grandpa, are you okay?” Joanna heard the girl ask the old man, her voice shrill with panic. The two were still inside the shed with the horse. “Did she hurt you?”
The teenager stopped to lean against the shed wall, her breath coming in great gasps. She looked like she could barely stand, let alone escape from Mr. Thomas. He was big and looked incredibly strong, even for an old guy.
“Here, come with me. Quick,” Joanna whispered, and offered her hand. Mr. Thomas and his granddaughter would be after the teenager and she wasn’t in any condition to escape a second time.
The girl clasped Joanna’s hand with a cool grip. “Thank you.” Her voice was almost inaudible.
Joanna led the girl away from the shed as quickly as she could. She seemed sick, stumbling behind Joanna and panting with exertion.
Halfway across the field, Joanna looked back, and gasped. Silhouetted against the lights from the distant house were two figures, a man and a girl. Joanna dropped down into the long grass, pulling the teenager down with her.
Had they seen the two running away?
Hopefully the lights from the house were too weak this far out in the field.
Please make them turn away. Please make them go back to the house. She squeezed her eyes shut. Please, please, please.
She’d give anything to be back in her own woods with Raven right now. Or in her own bed, Raven safe in his stall. But then what would’ve happened to this strange teenager?
As long as Mr. Thomas and the girl turned toward the house, she’d be glad she came, Joanna decided. But first they had to turn toward the house.
Please.
Thank goodness for this girl. The man’s grip was iron strong. I would not have been able to wrench free without my light surprising him. It was too much at once – the healing of Tango’s legs, then the glowing. I would not have had the strength to run alone.
But this girl was there, ready to save me. A miracle. I am forever grateful to her, and to the forces that brought her to this shed at my needful time.
I see the two behind us, scouring the darkness with their eyes, but do not feel their gaze. We are hidden in the night. For that too, I am grateful.
This girl is brave. She could be a great help. I wonder if she will return with me, when the man and his granddaughter have gone to their rest, to help me search for David. Once I am no longer weak. Once I have been rejuvenated.
Beside him, Kathy said something, but he didn’t catch what. He strained to hear movement from the strange creature he’d almost captured. She’d looked like a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, but he knew she wasn’t. She was something else altogether. Something not even human.
“She’s gone, Grandpa. You should go to bed.”
How could he? He couldn’t leave the horses with that creature about. God only knew what she’d do to them.
“I can stay with the horses if you want.”
“No.” That thought was even more unbearable. If something happened to Kathy, he would never forgive himself. Never.
“But Grandpa, I can take care of the horses. Really. I’m sure that girl won’t be back, so I’ll be okay. And you need your rest.”
“Why do you call me that?”
“What?”
“Grandpa.” He yawned. He was so tired, he could hardly think straight. Maybe she hadn’t called him Grandpa. Maybe he just imagined it.
“See? You’re so exhausted that you’re forgetting things.” When he didn’t answer her, she added, “I’m sure the horses will be okay if you lock their shed.”
He perked up at this. Kathy was right. He could sleep soundly if the stable was securely locked – and if she came inside with him. He wouldn’t leave her unprotected again. Though he couldn’t remember why…
What crazy dreams he’d been having! Graham walking into his yard? That would never happen. A teenaged girl attacking the horses? How silly could he get?
Kathy seemed almost too relieved when he told her he’d try to get some sleep, throwing her arms around his waist and hugging him fiercely. “I love you, Grandpa.”
He was so touched he didn’t have the heart to remind her he was her father, not her grandfather. He’d deal with that tomorrow, if it happened again.
Joanna’s flashlight was dead by the time they reached the fence between the two properties. She helped the weak teenager through the rails, then continued to lead her through the woods.
“Ravie,” she whispered, when they stepped out on the trail.
His nicker was to her right.
“This way,” she said to the stranger. “He can give you a ride back to my house.”
“Thank you, but I cannot leave yet.” The girl’s reply was soft, lilting and musical. It had been her voice Joanna heard inside the shed. Who was she? Why was she there? Had she been investigating the horse in the shed too?
When they reached the black pony, the teenager slumped against his neck.
“I think you should come back to my house. My mom and dad can take you to a doctor.”
“I will be fine after I rest for a moment.” The girl lowered to the ground at the pony’s head. “I am tired, that is all.”
Boughs whispered in the night breeze, the trees swayed softly, and a mouse rustled in the undergrowth. The girl’s breath slowed.
Calmed. There were no sounds that didn’t belong – thank goodness. They weren’t being pursued.
“What were you doing there?” Joanna asked.
“I came to help a friend, but the girl saw me. She screamed and the man ran to save her. He is very strong.”
“So how’d you get away?”
“I… uh, surprised him and was able to twist away from his grasp. Then you came to help me. Thank you so much. What is your name?”
“Joanna.”
“I am Angelica. Thank you very much, Joanna, for saving me. And thank you too, Raven.” The girl rose gracefully to her feet, and hugged the pony around his neck.
“Was the horse in the shed okay?” Joanna paused. “Hey, how do you know Raven’s name?”
“You said ‘Ravie’ when we approached him, remember?” She turned to face Joanna in the dark. “I need your help. Can you help me?”
“The horse in the shed is being abused, isn’t it?”
“I am afraid there is not one horse in the shed, but three.”
“Three? In that tiny little shed?”
“Yes. Three stolen horses.”
“Stolen!”
“I am afraid so. But that is not what I need your help with.”
“What’s more important than that?”
“My friend David, he was there too, but now he is gone. I am afraid something has happened to him. I am afraid the man that lives there did something to him.”
“I heard Mr. Thomas and another guy yelling at each other,” Joanna said. “Mr. Thomas called the other guy a different name. I can’t remember what now, but then the other guy said no, his name was David.”
“Did you see what happened then?”
“No. Sorry. They just got quiet and then I heard a door shut and the lights came on in the house. Maybe they went inside to talk or something, and then he left.”
Silver Dream Page 3