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"Body of a Horse, Heart of a Man"


Prologue
Mount Olympus

By davisr (Rhonda)

Hera, the queen of the gods, gazed tenderly at an infant cradled in her arms. Her heart swelled with pride she'd seldom experienced before. This girl was beautiful beyond description, more lovely than any other deity on Mount Olympus. Hera knew it, Zeus knew it, and anyone who happened to glimpse the child knew it.

The child's physical perfection was not all that stirred Hera's heart. The goddess queen was forced to share her older children moments after they left the womb. These children became powerful gods and goddesses, great beings whose presence was required in an emergent world.

Since all positions of importance on Mount Olympus were spoken for well before her birth, this diminutive child was destined to be little more than a plaything for the gods. Without the power struggles that plagued her older relatives, she would be allowed to enjoy the benefits of immortality and influence without the responsibility of leadership.

Upon first setting his royal eyes on this blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty, her father, Zeus, had bestowed her birth name Eudora, Good Gift, upon her. Hera rolled the name over on her tongue, letting the name spread warmth to her soul. She was content.

Time does not pass for immortals the same as it does for humankind, but it does pass, and before Hera and Zeus knew it, their beloved little girl became a blossoming young lady.

Older and wiser than when he was raising his other children, Zeus wanted nothing but the best for Eudora. In fact, it was his desire that nothing ever upset her. As with all fathers, immortal or human alike, he would find this task exhausting.

While Eudora's ascent into puberty was a slow process, the increase of people on Earth was not. Humanity was growing exponentially, and with this growth came greater and more varied challenges. The people required increasing attention from their celestial monarchs. Many, daresay most, were becoming downright treacherous. Zeus' infamous temper, smoldering at best, had become deadly of late.

More often lately, Earth felt the effects of his royal wrath. Storms, earthquakes and pestilences increased in number. Hades complained on several occasions that the soul count coming into the Underworld was reaching epidemic proportions. Something needed to change. Zeus tried to curb his irritability, but was profoundly unsuccessful.

Compounding his frustrations was the arrival of a young god named Phoebus on Mount Olympus. The youth was the son of Zeus' powerful brother Poseidon, the god of the sea. Like his father, he loved horses, and helped Apollo, the sun god, care for the magnificent beasts he used to pull his chariot across the sky each day.

Phoebus was both talented and hard working, a rarity on Mount Olympus. He branched out from just caring for Apollo's horses, to breeding others of his own for racing. The gods were well known for enjoying sports, and so the lad soon won a place in their hearts. The name Phoebus became synonymous with quality and excitement.

This was not the part that caused Zeus anxiety. The fact that Phoebus was turning the heads of all the young girls was. Eudora could talk of nothing else, and Zeus grew more wary as his child prattled on.

Author Notes This is a book I previously self-published. It had few peer reviews, and only one editor - my late mother.

I am now rewriting it based on what I've learned from all of you, and will republish when we are all finished. Thank you for all you help me do.

The photo is the books original cover, and the work of Mark Bredt from Eloquent Books.


Chapter 1
The Daughter of Zeus

By davisr (Rhonda)

Summary of Prologue:

While the Greek gods enjoy a measure of immortality, they do slowly age, and in their rather lengthy twilight years, Zeus and Hera had a daughter, Eudora. Beautiful and petulant, the spoiled child eventually became a teen.

Zeus was trying to curb his overall irritability to reduce the squabbles amongst his people, but was notably unsuccessful. Eudora did not help the situation.

Compounding his frustrations was the arrival of a young god named Phoebus on Mount Olympus. The youth was the son of Zeus' powerful brother Poseidon, the god of the sea. Like his father, he loved horses, and he helped Apollo care for the magnificent beasts he used to pull his chariot across the sky.

Phoebus was both talented and hard working, a rarity on Mount Olympus. He branched out from just caring for Apollo's horses, to breeding others of his own for racing. The gods were well known for enjoying sports, and so the lad soon won a place in their hearts. The name Phoebus became synonymous with quality and excitement.

This was not the part that caused Zeus anxiety. The fact that Phoebus was turning the heads of all the young ladies was. Eudora could talk of nothing else, and Zeus grew more wary as his child prattled on.


Chapter 1 Begins:

One day, Eudora approached the object of her affection and adoration. He had just finished putting a large black stallion through a rigorous training session. He was tired, dirty and in no mood for zealous young goddesses.
 
 


"Hey Phoebus," Eudora called out. She leaned against the fence just outside his training pen. "Nice run."

Phoebus flashed her a tolerant smile as he led the fiery steed toward the barn. "Thank you."
 
Eudora, dressed in a luxurious gown, followed behind.

"Can I help you brush him down?" 

"Sure, but you'll have to be careful. He's a bit high-spirited."

"I'm not scared."

"You don't have to be scared, just careful," he said with forced patience.

It wasn't that he didn't like the girl. It was just that he knew who she was, and more importantly, who her father was. He had no intention of having to face the volatile king of the gods any more often than necessary. Besides, as a princess, Eudora had to be handled with care, and he was far too tired for delicacy.

Phoebus' young admirer picked up the curry brush and began to stroke the stallion's velvety black hair. "I'll be careful."

Phoebus took the halter off the horse's head and stroked the white star on his forehead. "As long as he's calm like he is right now, you don't have to worry. But if he starts stomping, or rears back his head, back away."
 
Eudora nodded and continued to brush the horse. She seemed intent enough on her task, but kept stealing glances at his master.

"He sure is pretty," she said.

"Thank you." Phoebus grabbed a brush and began grooming the horse as well. "Eternal is the best in my stable right now. He's strong, fast and beautiful. I'm using him to race and later to breed."
 
"Why the name Eternal?"
 
"He's one of the rare horses that are immortal. He was given to me by my father."

"You really like them, don't you?"

"Horses are my life."

"Don't get me wrong," Eudora began, "I like them too, but maybe you should get out more, you know, have fun."

"This is fun. At least to me it is."

Eudora rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically. "Okay, Phoebus, I'm throwing a party tonight with all the gods and godesses our age, and I'd like you to come as my personal guest."

Phoebus stopped and gave her a more tolerant smile. He knew he had a reputation for being reclusive and didn't want to perpetuate the image. She was just trying to be nice. "That's very sweet, Eudora, really it is. I know how hard it is to get invited to one of your parties, and I appreciate you thinking about me, but I have a race tomorrow I need to get ready for."

"I don't know why you're always taking your horses to the human world to compete," Eudora said. "What do they have down there that makes you so interested in going all the time? I think it's much more beautiful up here."

"Well, there isn't much competition in Olympia. I'm about the only one raising horses here. Even your father shows up to the human races when I have a good one entered. He has to go in disguise, but he hardly ever misses an event."

"I know. He's always bragging about you and your races, but still, they're only humans, and they don't even have beautiful gardens like we do. I've seen their pathetic attempts at growing flowers, terribly boring if you ask me. And have you seen the temples they've built to the gods? They're dismal."

"They are our people, Eudora. Human beings are why we're here on this planet. It's our job to guide and protect them. We're not really gods, you know. We're just immortals with powers."

Eudora nodded her head. "I know all that. I've heard it over and over, but it's not our job, Phoebus. You and I don't have positions of authority. What do they call us, lesser gods? We don't owe the world anything. It's not like anyone is going to build us a temple, pitiful or otherwise."

"It's true that all our generation, including you and me, have no leadership jobs, but we're still required to look after humans. We are in, what my father calls, a supportive role."

"As I said, lesser gods. To be honest, I don't know why we bother with them at all. They don't really live very long. Their life expectancy is what, about 70-80 years? Why make the effort when they're just going to die, anyway?"

"In the time they're allotted, they have important missions to fulfill, Eudora. They need our help to do so."

"Well, I'm not going down there and waste my time. You should see the fits they give Daddy, but I won't argue with you about it. You do a great job with your horses, and the other gods enjoy what you do. Still, I would like you to come to my party."

"I can't, not tonight."

"Okay, then, what about next weekend?"

"Weekends aren't really good for me in general. That's when humans usually have their biggest races."

Eudora continued to stroke the horse with the course brush. She leaned in and smelled the musky scent of his coat. It was pleasing, but not so much so that she could understand the intense fascination Phoebus had for them. She leaned back and shrugged. "Then which day during the week is better? I can call a party anytime."
 
Phoebus took a deep breath and leaned his dark curly head against the barn wall. Olive skin accented well sculpted muscles, and sea green eyes captured attention, even when he was exhausted. He blew out his breath as he searched for the right words.

"What do you really want from me, Eudora?" he asked.

"Just your attention," she answered simply. "Is that too much to ask?"

"No, of course it's not. I'm just busy all the time trying to get established in the racing world, and working for Apollo. It's nothing personal, I assure you. Any number of young men would die to get a chance to date you."

"But I don't like any number of men. They're all boring."

"That's because they sit around and do nothing all day. You like me because I don't. I understand that, but you have to understand that makes me unavailable a lot."

"From what I can tell, you're unavailable all the time."

"That's not true, you just have to be patient."

Eudora shook her head, her blonde hair wafting around her shoulders like silk. "I'm not the patient sort."

Phoebus squeezed his eyes shut as his stomach started to churn. "Look, I'm just not ready for a relationship. Like I've been attempting to explain to you, I'm building up my stable to establish myself as a god in my own right."

Eudora stroked the bridge of her nose as though trying to calm herself. "By raising horses?"

"Pretty much, yes. As you pointed out earlier, it's hard to get into a leadership role. My father is the god of horses and the sea, and the sea part takes most of his time. If I can get good enough with horses, he might branch that part off to me. He's hinted as much to me."

"Cool. Have you talked to my father about it?"

"No, but I told Apollo. He said he would mention it to Zeus some day when he's in the right mood."

"Well, I can mention it to him now, and I promise he likes me better than Apollo."

"I would hope so."

"You want me to talk to him about it?"

"I had wanted to wait until I have my stable more built up. I'm not ready yet."

"So what? If daddy knows we'll be getting married as soon as you get your godhood, he'll do it quick as can be. I can be very convincing."

Phoebus threw up a hand as though to ward her off. "Whoa. All we were talking about is a party. I know I'm not ready for marriage. I want Zeus to be impressed with my ability. I wanted to earn god status, not just be given it."

Eudora cocked her head to the side and made a face. "Oh my gosh, Phoebus, he's already impressed with you, and I know I am. What more do you need?"

Phoebus took Eudora's hands in his and gazed intently into her eyes. "Let's take this slowly, ok? I'll think about what you said about going to one of your parties, but marriage and all, let's wait on that for awhile. I need to spend time with my horses, and you need to get a little older. I want to be sure of myself first, and then we can consider a relationship between you and me."

"So you're trying to say you would choose a mere horse's company over mine?"

"You're putting words in my mouth, Eudora. I'm saying I have responsibilities, and I need to meet those first. I would be of little use to you as a companion if I have not earned my own status. I want whoever I end up marrying to respect me."

"I am Zeus' daughter. You need no other responsibility. You're an inferior god like me, and all this horse stuff you're doing isn't going to make you a main one like your father or mine. You're fooling yourself, and you may lose me in the process."

"I never had you, Eudora. Please, just leave me to take care of my horses. Don't make me choose between them and you."

"Don't worry." Eudora began to show signs of her father's disagreeable temper. "You just keep your horses, and don't expect any recommendations from me, either."

"Don't get angry," Phoebus said. "You're blowing this way out of proportion. I didn't say I don't ever want to get with you, just not right now. I need to spend time with my horses and then maybe there can be an us."

"When?"

"I don't know when. If you really care for me, you'll wait until the time is right."

"Like I told you before, I'm not a patient person, and I'm terribly tired of this conversation. I'm going right now to get ready for the party. If you know what's good for you, you'll be there. Just tell them at the gate you're with me. I'll leave your name as my guest. And Phoebus, don't disappoint me."
 
 
 

Author Notes All AI Images from IZEA.

I started this book several years ago. I didn't get past the prologue as live events intervened and I was off for a while. I wrote the sequel to it on here first, and am now going back to the original as a prequel.

For those of you who might have read the prologue, I just summarized it here.

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 2
The Curse of Zeus

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of Last Chapter:
 
"Don't get angry," Phoebus said. "You're blowing this way out of proportion. I didn't say I don't ever want to get with you, just not right now. I need to spend time with my horses and then maybe there can be an us."

"When?"

"I don't know when. If you really care for me, you'll wait until the time is right."

"Like I told you before, I'm not a patient person, and I'm terribly tired of this conversation. I'm going right now to get ready for the party. If you know what's good for you, you'll be there. Just tell them at the gate you're with me. I'll leave your name as my guest. And Phoebus, don't disappoint me."
 
New Chapter Begins:
 
Phoebus watched the young goddess walk out of his barn. He had to admit she was beautiful. She had curly blonde hair and captivating blue eyes. She was small, shapely, and quite desirable.

Why was it, then, that he couldn't fall in love with her? It would be so easy to just give in and agree to marriage. He would soon have the godhood he so desperately desired. But what would he have to give up in the process?
 
He knew all too well. He had been thinking about it for years, not just with Eudora, but with any other woman. He would lose his independence, self esteem and ultimately, his horses.

No, he thought, he wouldn't do it. There was no reason to lie to her or himself. He wanted the life he had now, not one of a useless playboy with no real function. Mount Olympus had enough of that type.

He wanted to fulfill his role as a god, and to lead and help humans. It was prophesied he would be a great leader when he was born. It was as important to him to succeed in this as it was to his father who receivd the vision.
 
But did he have the courage not to show up at the party, and to stand up the daughter of the volatile Zeus? Shaking his head dismally, he guided his black stallion into its stall. He would have to think on that one.

~~~~~

Eudora was excited as she got ready for the evening's festivities. She'd watched Phoebus for years and desired him above all other young gods. Now, she had gotten brave enough to approach him. Of course he had gone on about those silly horses, but she just knew that in the end he would make the right choice.
 
What else could he do? She was the most desirable goddess on the planet, or at least in her age group, and he was more than lucky to be chosen by her. He would think about it and show up. He just had to, or she would be humiliated for being so bold as to speak to him. Humiliation, like patience, was not something Eudora tolerated.

About half-way through the party, Eudora realized Phoebus wasn't coming. She had given him ample time to arrive. She looked around for him, waited for him, and even sent her best friend Kara to look for him. Still, there were no signs of his anticipated presence.
 
In a fit, she sent everyone home, and stormed into her father's study where he was writing a book on the physics behind lightning bolts.

When she entered the study, she had huge tears streaming down her face. "Father, I need to talk to you."

He put his pen on the desk and looked up. "What is it my precious garden flower?"

"Do you know that boy, Phoebus?" she asked. She sauntered over and sat in his lap. She placed dainty arms around his large shoulders and leaned her face against his chest.

"You mean Poseidon's son, the horse trainer?"

"Yes, sir."

"Sure, he's doing a great job. I love to watch his horses race. Just the other day I was on the island of Crete when..."

"Father!" she shrieked. "I came to talk to you about a problem."

"I'm sorry, sweetheart, go ahead."

"Well, I kind of like him, you know, like a boyfriend."

"Okay. He's well connected and a hard worker, but he spends an awful lot of time with horses."

"That's true, and sort of my problem. I invited him to my party tonight, and, well, he didn't show up."
 
Eudora took a ragged and rather dramatic breath. She sniffed a few times for effect.

Zeus wiped her face with his pocket handkerchief and kissed her forehead. "He's probably busy, dear. I think he has a race tomorrow. I'm supposed to go, too, and see how that new stallion is doing. Have you seen the magnificent beast? He's huge, and has the most beautiful coat."

"Father, please. Not only did he not show up to the party, but he rejected me. I offered to marry him and talk to you about letting him take over the role of horse god. He said he isn't ready, and that he wants to spend time with his horses instead."

Zeus threw the handkerchief on his desk and took his own deep breath. His wasn't exaggerated. "He said he'd rather spend time with the horses than you?" His voice grew louder as his eyes bored into his daughter's. 

"He sure did," Eudora said. She made a face bordering on martyrdom. She seemed unaware of the effect her words were having on her father. "Appears he was just too busy for me."

Zeus rose violently to his feet, forcing Eudora to scramble up to keep from falling on the floor. "He said these words to you?"

"More or less."

"What's going on in here?" Hera appeared in the doorway, concern evident in her voice. She had come running when she heard her husband's voice shaking the walls. She knew if she didn't step in, lightning bolts wouldn't be far behind.

"That irreverant kid of Poseidon's has broken our daughter's heart. He said he would rather be with his horses than her." His voice was still rising in pitch and intensity.

Hera began to wring her hands. "Now, Zeus, I'm sure whatever he said he didn't mean the way Eudora took it. You know how she is, and he's still very young."

"He's old enough to know better than to spurn our baby girl's affections. Look at her, she's devastated."

"She's not devastated, she's frightened. Dear, please calm down. I'm sure it's just a little quarrel. Let it blow over." She took the trembling Eudora by the hand and pulled her close.

By now, it was too late to stem the rising tide of his fury. lightning bolts were already streaking across the sky over three continents, and thunder tore though the air in their mighty wake.

Standing in the barn beside his horse, Eternal, Phoebus bent his head and listened to the echos of his own doom. There would be no rest for him tonight and no horse race tomorrow.

"Send the boy to me," Zeus bellowed. When no one moved, he simply waved his hand in the air and Phoebus appeared before him.

"What have you done to my daughter?" he yelled.

Phoebus bent his head in deference to Zeus' authority, but his eyes were calm and his face passive. "Nothing, sir."

"Do you deny rejecting her affections?" Zeus demanded.

"I do," he replied. He looked over at the trembling Eudora.

"Did she invite you to a party here, tonight?"

Phoebus turned back to face his king. "Yes, sir."

Zeus' face was apoplectic. "Did you come?"

"No, sir."

"Why not?"

"I was getting my stallion ready for the race tomorrow, just as I explained to her earlier." He made eye contact with Zeus and held his head high. There was no use cowering, it would do no good.

Another wave of Zeus' hand produced the black stallion Eudora had seen earlier. Even the moody stud seemed afraid of the god, and stood still as a statue.

"Is this the beast you chose over my daughter?" he demanded.
 
 
 

"I wouldn't put it that way," Phoebus said.

"How would you put it?" Zeus' eyes seemed to drip fire.

"Well, I was brushing Eternal down after a workout, actually Eudora was helping..."
 
Zeus shook his head in irritation. "Get to the point, boy."
 
"Eudora wanted me to come to the party with her tonight and I explained I already had plans."
 
"She said you two discussed marriage."
 
Phoebus blinked a few times to buy time to think. "She brought the topic up, but I told her I wasn't ready for commitment."

As soon as Phoebus uttered these words, he regretted them. He glanced over at Hera, whose own countenance had become dark. He couldn't tell whose side she was on, but knew it didn't matter.
 
Eudora simply looked scared. She had never meant the situation to go this far. She had only expected some sympathy from her father and promises to talk to the lad about his choices. Maybe a few thunderbolts to add emphasis would have been acceptable, but this was too far. Why did her father have to have so nasty a temper, and why had she been foolish enough to underestimate it?

"He is a beautiful beast," Zeus remarked in a voice that didn't seem to agree with his statement. "Perhaps you were afraid that getting involved with my daughter would separate you from the things you love, like this horse."

"No, sir. I think Eudora is beautiful and much more desirable than a horse."

"But you chose it over her."

"I told her I needed time to think."

"Good, son, then I will give you plenty of it."

"Zeus, please, don't," Hera pleaded. "Let the kids work it out for themselves."

"I will also make sure you'll never be separated from your favorite thing in the world again," he continued, totally ignoring Hera.

"Daddy, no," Eudora cried. She ran over and grabbed her father's sleeve. "I didn't want this."

Zeus ignored her pleas, though he didn't brush her aside. "I am the creator of a race of creatures known as Centaurs." 

Hera closed her eyes and shook her head. She knew what was coming next, and there was no longer anything she could do to change it. Eudora began to cry as she stepped away from her father. Phoebus bowed his head and braced himself for the worst. What more could he do?

"Now, I, Zeus, king of the gods, do hereby make you one of the herd of beasts that are neither man nor horse, but a blending of the two." Zeus  paused for effect. "You will now go forth as a Centaur."

With another dramatic wave of his hand, the king of the gods welded together the young man with the beautiful black stallion that stood beside him. A wail of pain was added to the sound of thunder that tore through the room. For a few seconds, Eudora looked upon a monstrous beast. Tender blue eyes met horrified green eyed ones.
 
With another wave of her father's hand, the creature was gone.
 
"What did you do with him?" Eudora asked. Her voice was broken, her eyes clouded with tears.
 
"I sent him away and took all memory of you and this world from him. Let him make his own place in life, a place where even his father can't help him."
 
Eudora fell to her knees and wept. Hera came over and put her arms around her young shoulders.
 
Zeus looked at both in disgust. "I have punished the impudent fool for his rejection. Get up and be happy. I did it for you."

Eudora screamed at him in despair, then ran out of the room.

"You did it for your own pride," Hera said. A scold was evident in her queenly voice, "and you went too far."

"I don't know what you're talking about. He deserved what he got. Go tend your daughter, I have important things to do."
 
 
 
 

After that day, Eudora's relationship with her father changed. Zeus missed the closeness he had once shared with his youngest child, but could not bring himself to free Phoebus of his condition.

Author Notes All AI Images from IZEA, except the Centaur. It was the Centaur Warrior by Boris Vallejo

I started this book several years ago. I didn't get past the prologue as live events intervened and I was off for a while. I wrote the sequel to it on here first, and am now going back to the original as a prequel.

For those of you who might have read the prologue, I just summarized it here.

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 3
White Lightning

By davisr (Rhonda)

Many years passed in Olympia and the outside world. During this time, Phoebus lived out a life devoid of the other gods and any memory of what happened to make him the creature he was. Civilizations were born and died, empires built and lost. Eudora came to love another man, one more suited to her ambitions. During this time, a girl was born who would eventually rock both worlds.
 
**************
 
Modern days:  
 
 
Diantha looked at her new gift with admiration. The three-year-old filly was the most magnificent horse she had ever seen. Even though, her family had a stable of riding horses she knew little about, she knew enough to recognize quality.

This lovely thoroughbred was an engagement gift from his family. She ran her hand along the filly's snow white withers and got a snort in response, causing Diantha to jump back.

Cassie, her childhood friend and companion for the morning, couldn't stifle a chuckle. "Oh, aren't you the gifted horse lady? Afraid she was going to bite you?"

"Not at all," Diantha said. Her hazel eyes danced in response to her friend's jibe. "I'm perfectly confident in my ability to handle her, plus, I bite back."
 
 


Cassie's brown eyes twinkled. "And what about the one who gave you the gift? Are you going to bite him, too? What's his name, Wilbur?"

"It's Wilson, and I can handle him without biting, thank you very much."

"Well, I think he's a loser and you could do better," Cassie said. "Just because you think you're average at everything, doesn't mean you are, and it doesn't mean you have to settle for anything but the most amazing man you've ever met."

"I am average," Diantha said. "Average size, average weight, average, I don't know, smile. If Daddy wasn't the Governor of Tennessee, no one would notice me at all. Besides, I'm not settling. Wilson is smart, successful and well connected."

"Diantha, how long have we known each other?"

"Since kindergarten," Diantha said. She stroked the filly without turning to look at her friend. She knew better than to make eye contact with the taller, more exuberant young lady. She knew the direction this conversation was heading.

"And in all those years, how many times have I lied to you?"

"You don't really want me to answer that do you?"

"Not really, but my point is, I'm not lying now, and I'm telling you not to make a mistake and marry Wilson the Horrible."

"He isn't horrible. You know he raises several lines of successful race horses."

"And that's a good enough reason to marry him, Pumpkin?"

"That's not the only reason, and I really wish you wouldn't call me Pumpkin. I'm 21 and about to get married. I need a more mature nickname."

"What else should I call you? You have a big head and red hair. You look like a pumpkin."

"I do not. I have a normal sized head. It's my hair which, by the way, is auburn not red, that makes it look disproportionally big. I have my father's curls."

"Which he does not wear all in his face. Let me take you to my hairdresser and see if she can tame some of those wild locks. Since you are suddenly all about being grown, I think we should start there. Look what she does with my hair."

"You're black and beautiful," Diantha said, "and I want to go riding. Besides, Wilbur likes my hair like this."

"Wilson," Cassie corrected. She snickered out loud.

"I mean Wilson," Diantha said. "See what you've done? You have me calling him the wrong thing."

"Don't blame me if you can't remember his name. The only reason you're marrying him is to make your father happy."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Let me tell you, then. Your daddy wants you to marry someone from a respected family because he plans to run for President and he thinks having that dreadful creature's father in his camp is politically advantageous."

"You're being pretentious," Diantha said. "Just because we're in college doesn't mean you have to talk like one of our professors."

"I'm sorry. You want me to put it simply? Ok then, your parents are using you to get ahead in politics. Does that sound better?"

"Not really."

"But it's true."

"So what? It's not like they're the first parents on the planet to arrange a marriage."

"Yeah, but they aren't all my friends. Diantha, please, don't marry him. He's ugly, a jerk, and about 30 years older than you. Oh, and you don't love him."

"I don't love anyone else, either, and he's only 10 years older than me, missy. Stop being so negative."

"I'm not negative. I'm honest, and what about the rest of it?"

"What about it? Wilson offers me a position in life it would take me years to achieve on my own. I'll love Wilson eventually, or at least I think I will. Besides, he loves me, and that should do for both of us."

"Are you sure he does?"

"Of course."

"Did he tell you?"

"We haven't actually gotten to that part, but I'm sure he must. Why else would he have asked me to marry him, and then send me this beautiful horse?"

"It came from his father, Diantha, who wants you to marry his disgusting son, whom some have suggested is actually in love with another, less notable woman."

Diantha grew quiet while she considered what Cassie had said. This time she turned around to face her friend. She was beautiful in a way that came naturally and couldn't be provided by any amount of hairdressers. She was, also, the closest thing she had to a sister.

"Cassie, you really shouldn't pass on rumors. That's not kind to me or Wilson."

"I'm not trying to be kind. I'm trying to be straight with you. As I said, there's more to you than you give yourself credit for."

"I know you think what you're doing is for my own good," Diantha said, "but if you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about it right now. In fact, I have a better idea. Why don't we get on with our farewell ride?"

"Sure. Can I ride your new filly?"

"No, but you can ride Nutmeg. That's why she's saddled up."

Diantha pointed outside the barn to where her roan mare stood waiting.

Cassie shrugged and walked outside, apparently setting her arguments aside. Diantha followed, leading the filly.

"There's my beautiful girl." Cassie stroked the roan mare on her neck. "I'd rather ride her any old day."

Diantha brightened up. "I have an idea. Since I'll have a whole stable full of new horses, why don't you take Nutmeg home with you? It'll remind you of our youth, and how we always went riding together."

"You're not dying Diantha, just getting married. Now who's sounding gloomy?"

"I'm sorry, you're right, but please keep Nutmeg, she always did like you."

"Okay, but only if you promise you'll keep in touch."

"Of course I will. Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know, you're the one talking about one last ride, and all."

"I'm sorry. I guess it's just because I don't know what's ahead of me in life. Once I get married, I'm afraid I'll lose a lot of autonomy."

"Why?" Cassie raised a disapproving eyebrow. "I don't think that's how marriage is supposed to work."

Diantha climbed into the English saddle Wilson had provided with the horse. She was definitely more comfortable in the western style she'd been raised with. It was another adjustment she would have to make.

"I didn't mean it like it sounded, it's just my life is probably going to be all tied up with social events. I don't know how much time I'll have to do things like ride horses from now on."

"Or if Wilson will approve of you running around with an old friend, especially one that's a minority."

"Cassie, that's not fair. You know I don't feel that way."

Cassie climbed on Nutmeg's back. "You don't, but I'm not so sure the same is true about Wilson."

"I'll discuss it with him this evening," Diantha said, "but for right now, we'd better get riding before it gets late."

Cassie patted Nutmeg on her firm neck. "Ok, I'll ease up. I just want you to think about all sides of this decision before you end up doing something you'll regret later."

"So noted."

"What's the filly's name?"

"I don't remember exactly. She came with some long pedigree name that starts with Princess something or other. My mother and I thought of a new name. We're calling her White Lightning."

"Is she that intoxicating?"

Diantha laughed. She loved her friend's wonderful sense of humor. "We chose it because of her speed, but there is so much more to her than just that. She has the feeling of a certain fire in her soul that courses through her veins like blood. I feel it every time I touch her."

"Just like her new owner."

"Me? Oh please, I've got to be about the dullest and most boring person alive."

"That's not true. You were never really outgoing in school, but you were no shrinking violet, either. You're a leader and crusader. It's in your spirit. You just haven't found anything worth fighting for since you got the whole biology class to sponsor a Black Rhino at the zoo."

"He was part of an endangered species, and I got chemistry to adopt a polar bear the next year."

"Exactly my point. Now, if you'd stop doubting yourself, and remember your own worth, you wouldn't be marrying someone you don't love."

"I don't have any choice."

Cassie shook her head, her bright eyes growing intense. "You always have a choice, and what about your dreams?"

"Which ones are those?"

"Diantha, we're in nursing school. What about becoming a neonatal intensive care nurse like we've always talked about?"

"That was just a silly pipe dream. I'm supposed to marry a man who can financially take care of me so I don't have to work."

"Who says?"

"My parents, aunts, uncles, and just about everyone I know except you."

"That's because I'm smart, and they're all selfish. Come on, you felt a career was important last year when we started nursing school together."

"I was younger then and more naive. It seems you'll have to finish the dream for both of us."

"Oh, I'll finish it alright, and the man I marry someday will support my decision," Cassie said. She climbed into the saddle on the roan mare, "and you know you should finish, too. You're good at nursing. All our instructors have said so. You're brilliant, and you have a heart for sick babies."

"Well, my fiance isn't ok with it, so I will be dropping out after this semester. Come on, let's ride through the woods on the old trails. For now, I want to just get out and forget about everything for a while."

"Fair enough."
 
Diantha glanced forward, her eyes avoiding Cassie's. How could she tell her best friend that her heart ached to go back to life as it had been just a few weeks ago, a time before her parents' ultimatum. They were forcing her to put aside her own aspirations or be cut off financially. She had no clue how to complete nursing school without their support. Somehow, she always knew it would come to this, but did it have to hurt so bad? 

The two girls trotted their horses toward a wooded trail behind the ranch home belonging to Diantha's family. As they had done since they were children, they plodded along and pretended the world was a fair and beautiful place.

They felt the morning sun warm their faces, and listened to the echoing sound of birds exchanging songs as had been done for generations untold. Once more they were two friends out enjoying a spring day together. If only it could have stayed that way.
 
 

Author Notes All AI Images from IZEA.
The first picture of White Lightning, I got from Debi pick-Marquette

I started this book several years ago. I didn't get past the prologue as live events intervened and I was off for a while. I wrote the sequel to it on here first, and am now going back to the original as a prequel.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

Cassie: Diantha's childhood best friend. Tries to talk her out of making a bad choice marrying someone she doesn't love.

Wilson: Diantha’s fiance. Rich, well connected, but doesn't love Diantha. The feeling is mutual.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family

Nutmeg: Diantha's childhood horse and Cassie's ride for the morning walk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 4
A Parting of Friends

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of Last Chapter: 
 
The two girls trotted their horses toward a wooded trail behind the ranch home belonging to Diantha's family. As they had done since they were children, they plodded along and pretended the world was a fair and beautiful place.

They felt the morning sun warm their faces, and listened to the echoing sound of birds exchanging songs as had been done for generations. Once more they were two friends out enjoying a spring day together. If only it could have stayed that way.
 
Beginning of New Chapter:
 
"I'll race you to the windmill," Cassie said. She kicked her horse and headed toward their favorite landmark.

"You can race, but you can't win," Diantha responded, as she had so many times before.

It didn't take more than a nudge to encourage the nimble racehorse into action. On what seemed to be the wings of Hermes, himself, White Lightning leapt forward, leaving Cassie and Nutmeg in a shower of fertile Tennessee soil.

As soon as they arrived at the windmill, Lightning came to an abrupt halt and whirled around as though waiting for the others to catch up. Diantha could almost imagine a grin on the filly's young face.

"What just happened?" Cassie asked.

Diantha brushed her unruly hair out of her eyes. "I have no idea. I just touched her sides with my heel and the next thing I knew I was sitting here waiting on you."

Cassie shook her head in disbelief. "That's crazy. What was it like?"

"Exhilarating," Diantha said. "Like riding the wind."

"Oh, girl, you are so going to have to let me try her out."

"I'll make you a deal. You can ride White Lightning if you won't talk about my future anymore."

"I don't know if I can promise that," Cassie said, "But I'll try, if you promise to think about what I've said."

Diantha sighed and subconsciously stroked her forehead in a gesture of self-comfort. "I think about it all the time."

Seemingly aware of the growing anxiety in Diantha's body language, Cassie nodded. "You've let your parents run your life for too long. Protecting and being concerned is normal, controlling your future just isn't their job."

"I know, but..."

"But I agreed to drop it, so I will. Love you, girl. I'll always be here for you." Little did she know that promise would be short lived.

Diantha nodded back and smiled. The two friends set off down a trail that stretched away from the windmill and skirted the outer edge of a deep forest, marking the beginning of the Governor's property.
 
 
 
 
 

They hadn't gone far before they were joined by a rider on a huge bay stallion. It wasn't unheard of for other riders to use the path, but it was rare.

"Good morning," the man began. He tipped his brown cowboy hat to Diantha and Cassie.

"Good morning," Diantha replied through pursed lips. "Can I help you?"

"No, I was just out riding and heard your voices. I decided to see if you'd mind some company."

"Actually," Diantha said, "my father has a rule about my riding with people he doesn't know. He's very protective."

"As well he should be," the man said. "You never know when a stranger might be up to no good."

"I'm glad you understand, so if you would excuse us, we'll continue alone."

"I'll tell you what," he continued, "I'll keep an eye on you by riding along and making sure no one bothers you."

Cassie stared at the burly man. "I think my friend wants you to leave."

"Does she really? Well, pardon me for intruding. I heard this was a public trail. I didn't want to ride alone on such a beautiful morning. But, if you really want me to go, I guess I have no other choice."

"I guess not," Cassie said.

The dark-haired man reined his horse in as though to leave, and then stopped.
 
 
 

"You're Diantha Evans, aren't you?" he asked.

"Yes."

"The governor's daughter?"

"Yes."

"Oh, then I can't leave. I was sent here to see you by a mutual friend."

"Oh, who?"

"Diantha, let's go," Cassie urged, tugging on her best friend's sleeve. "I have a bad feeling."

"Do you?" the man asked. "Then leave. I'm not here for you."

For a moment frozen in time, the three equestrians sat still, only their eyes traveling around the circle they had made.

The man's countenance betrayed a mixture of scorn and amusement, but his blue eyes were dispassionate in the manner of a hired sociopath.

Cassie's eyes were protective, indignant, Diantha's fearful and resigned.

"Diantha go," Cassie said. She carefully maneuvered Nutmeg between the man and her friend. "Get out of here, now."
 
 
 

"Why?" Diantha asked. "I can't leave you here with this guy."

"Because you're worth a lot of money, young lady," the man said, "And it appears your friend has a greater understanding of that fact than you do."

He maintained his former stance, not guiding his horse either direction and not showing any concern about Cassie's movement between them. "I'm here to take you with me."

"Well, I'm not going," Diantha said. She raised her chin defiantly, but her face still showed practiced submission.

Again, there was a tense silence and then, so quickly the girls didn't have time to react, the man drew a gun out of his saddle bag and aimed it at Diantha's head.
 
In that same moment, Nutmeg reared and struck out with her right forehoof, catching the edge of the gun. It fired and the old mare fell to the ground with a thud, pinning Cassie's leg beneath.

Diantha looked on in horror as the scene unfolded. What should she do?

"Diantha, go!" Cassie ordered again. "We're both okay." She picked up a rock and threw it at White Lightning, who ignored her.

Nutmeg raised her head and screamed something to the filly. White Lightning bobbed her head and whinnied back.

Turning to face the woods, she ran with the speed she was bred for and according to the fire in her soul.

Author Notes Diantha is portrayed here as submissive and indecisive. It is intentional. She is a flawed character that will grow throughout the story and deal with the growing knowledge that she has choices and a voice.

All AI Images from IZEA.

I started this book several years ago. I didn't get past the prologue as live events intervened and I was off for a while. I wrote the sequel to it on here first, and am now going back to the original as a prequel.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

Cassie: Diantha's childhood best friend. Tries to talk her out of making a bad choice marrying someone she doesn't love.

Wilson: Diantha's fiance. Rich, well connected, but doesn't love Diantha. The feeling is mutual.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family

Nutmeg: Diantha's childhood horse and Cassie's ride for the morning walk.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 5
Flight From Danger

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of last chapter:
 
In that same moment, Nutmeg reared and struck out with her right forehoof, catching the edge of the gun. It fired and the old mare fell to the ground with a thud, pinning Cassie's leg beneath.

Diantha looked on in horror as the scene unfolded. What should she do?

"Diantha, go!" Cassie ordered again. "We're both okay." She picked up a rock and threw it at White Lightning, who ignored her.

Nutmeg raised her head and screamed something to the filly. White Lightning bobbed her head and whinnied back.

Turning to face the woods, she ran with the speed she was bred for and according to the fire in her soul.
 
 
Beginning of new Chapter:
 
The menacing assailant jerked his bay around and headed after the fleeing pair. Diantha glanced over her shoulder, mostly in fear, partly out of curiosity. He was closing the distance between them rapidly. Who was this man, and why did he want her so badly?

"Leave me alone," she cried out, and then more to herself, "I couldn't be worth that much."

"Not happening," came the response. "I have instructions to bring you back."

Now he was looking at her like a wayward child.

Diantha leaned against White Lightning's neck and said, "Get me out of here." Lightning snorted and bobbed her head.

Rather than pick up speed, though, the filly turned and headed into the thick woods they had been skirting.

At first, Diantha was surprised at the change in direction, but quickly figured out why Lightning had chosen it.

On open ground, the young filly wouldn't have been a match for the powerful bay stallion. In the woods, however, the smaller horse had the advantage.

Diantha felt a surge of energy and purpose travel through the reins she held firmly. She didn't understand a lot about horses, but did know there was often a sacred bond between them and their riders.
 
Much was communicated by touch, the set of ears and the bobbing of heads. The nonverbals Lightning was sending out were enough to convince Diantha the horse knew what she was doing.
 
"You've got this, girl," Diantha said. She relaxed and let her new friend guide her where she wanted.

For quite some time, Diantha and her pursuer struggled through the thickening woods. The distance between them neither increased nor decreased for long. Fear and anger became as palpable as the scent of Red Maple and Sycamore.

The man shot at her several times, but each time, the bullet skidded harmlessly into the woods. It wasn't really the shooting that alarmed her. Diantha had a feeling that if he had really meant to hit her, he would have done so. No, he wanted her alive. The shots were just meant to intimidate.

What did alarm her, though, was his increasing anger and how it played out through his screams and countenance. His voice was loud, reverberating off the trees like the report of a cannon, and those eyes... those eyes... red as flames.
 
 
 

Between the jostling of her ride and the terror behind, Diantha was growing weary. Her legs ached from holding onto Lightning's sides, and her arms were bruised and stinging from fending off branches.

She had almost given up hope, when a flock of sparrows, disrupted by the equestrians, flew into the man's path. Terrified, the bay stallion reared to his feet and pawed at the offending birds. For just a moment, the man was halted as he got control of the situation.

Taking advantage, White Lightning broke away from the treacherous hunter, carrying her young rider deeper into the woods.

As Diantha heard the pursuit dropping further back, she began to have hope for the first time that morning. She no longer mused over why the man was chasing her, but was glad enough that she and Lightning were winning the race.
 
It wasn't much longer before all sounds of pursuit had disappeared. Diantha believed they had escaped the danger. The signals from the horse seemed to agree with her assessment.

Relieved, but tired, Diantha tried to halt her runaway mount. She pulled on the reins, patted her firmly on the neck, and even tried once to make her run in a circle as she had been taught. Nothing worked. 

Though slowing from the previous gallop, White Lightning cantered on as though on a mission of her own. She appeared to be following some primordial path only she could see. She would glance at the ground from time to time, or out at the surrounding thicket as though searching for markings. Diantha wondered where the filly could possibly be heading with such determination.

Morning wore away into day, and day into evening as horse and rider swept further away from the society Diantha had known her entire life. With each mile that passed, strangely, her anxieties evaporated with them.

In the depths of a wood older, it seemed, than time itself, she could forget about her horrid fiance, Wilson, and of her lost dream of becoming a nurse. She could forget about her parents trading her life for a more promising one of their own.
 
Mostly, she could forget about the large man who had tried to kidnap her. Fears, deeply embedded in her subconscious mind, flowed out of her and into the protective limbs of the trees.
 
 
 
 
One worry that refused to leave, though, was the one about Nutmeg who had taken a bullet for her. She worried about Cassie, too, and wondered if she had made it back to safety and sent help her way.
 
She doubted anyone would be able to track them even if Cassie had been successful. For now, she would have to tuck her worries away. There was nothing she could do about her situation, and the last thing Cassie had said was that she and Nutmeg were okay. She would hold fast to that hope.

As the night grew old, the horse still continued to press forward. The air became stale and cold, and the forest dark and frightening. Strange looking trees hung mossy branches across their path, tickling Diantha's nose and face as she passed through. They looked in the dim moonlight like old men waving them forward.

As the day had before, night wore away and found horse and rider still making their way through dense foliage. Diantha was now beyond the point of reasoning. Not only had she given up hope of finding civilization, but she had quit caring whether or not they did.
 
Her world only involved the brutal saddle she sat in and the filly that picked her way carefully through underbrush. They were not traveling fast, anymore. They had quit doing that hours ago, but they were still making amazing speed through woods so thick a squirrel would have had trouble penetrating it.

The strange thing was, there really did appear to be a trail White Lightning was following. In the areas she trotted, limbs gave way, and bushes fell back. Where was the filly going, and how did she know the way to choose? Diantha was too tired to contemplate or reason. She could only trust.

 
 
 
 
 
By late morning, just as Diantha was sure she could endure no more, the forest ended at the base of an enormous mountain that seemed to stretch to the sky. The bright morning sun, shielded before by the trees, sent painful darts into eyes that already burned in their sockets. The crisp air stung her parched throat.
 
With what was left of her youthful energy, Diantha pulled on the reins of the equally exhausted filly. White Lightning, finally, eased to a stop.

Diantha finally let her exhausted body slip off the horse and onto the chilly leaf-covered ground. Immediately, she began to feel stronger, almost as though the earth itself was restoring resilience into her fatigued body. She stretched out flat and let the energy from the ground flow into her. She licked the dew off of emerald colored leaves and began to quench her thirst.
 
 
 

As soon as she could, she glanced up and saw white withers trembling in the morning light, and lather soaking snowy fur. The weary filly gazed over at her with a look of victory in her big brown eyes, and then lowered her head and sank to the ground beside her mistress. With returning strength, Diantha loosened the cinch on White Lightning's saddle and pushed it off onto the spongy earth. Tenderly, she pulled off her bridle. White Lightning whinnied weakly in response.

"Thanks, girl," Diantha said. She stroked the filly's shuddering neck. "You saved my life. You overdid it, maybe, but we got away, didn't we?"

White Lightning whinnied again and bobbed her head up and down as though in answer. She then laid it on the ground and closed her eyes. She had given all she had to give.

Diantha bowed her head in exhaustion, too, but didn't dare fall asleep. Somehow, she had to get the two of them back to her family and friends. But what could she do? She wasn't exactly the explorer type. She didn't even like to spend the night in a tent. How was she going to find the trail back home, especially as weak as they had both become?

"Great," she said, "now what are we going to do?"

White Lightning sort of grunted in reply.

"Well, I know you're not taking me home, but we have to get out of here somehow, don't we?"
 
A deep, resonant voice boomed out, startling both horse and rider.

"Do you, really?" it asked, and then added, "Can you?"
 
Diantha's first thought was that the kidnapper had managed to follow them and that their flight had been in vain.
 
 
 

Author Notes Diantha is portrayed here as submissive and indecisive. It is intentional. She is a flawed character that will grow throughout the story and deal with the growing knowledge that she has choices and a voice.

All AI Images from IZEA.
Artwork at the beginning from Debi Pick-Marquette

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

Cassie: Diantha's childhood best friend. Tries to talk her out of making a bad choice marrying someone she doesn't love.

Wilson: Diantha's fiance. Rich, well connected, but doesn't love Diantha. The feeling is mutual.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family

Nutmeg: Diantha's childhood horse and Cassie's ride for the morning walk.

Large Stranger: Man hunting Diantha for some reason, currently unknown.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 6
A Strange Meeting

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of Last Chapter:
 
Diantha bowed her head in exhaustion, too, but didn't dare fall asleep. Somehow, she had to get the two of them back to her family and friends. But what could she do? She wasn't exactly the explorer type. She didn't even like to spend the night in a tent. How was she going to find the trail back home, especially as weak as they had both become?

"Great," she said, "now what are we going to do?"

White Lightning sort of grunted in reply.

"Well, I know you're not taking me home, but we have to get out of here somehow, don't we?"
 
A deep, resonant voice boomed out, startling both horse and rider.

"Do you, really?" it asked, and then added, "Can you?"
 
Diantha's first thought was that the kidnapper had managed to follow them and that their flight had been in vain.
 
 
New Chapter Begins:
 
Diantha let out an involuntary gasp as she turned her weary head in the direction of the voice. It seemed there was no adrenaline left in her body to pump through tired veins and nothing to provide her with a feeling of increased strength.
 
White Lightning lifted her drowsy head and looked at her mistress as though to say she didn't have the energy left to help her, either.

"Who's there?" Diantha asked. She was sure her voice was barely above a whisper, but hoped she would be heard. There was no response. Curiosity finally gave her the needed push to gaze around. She saw no one, enemy or otherwise.

"Look up." The masculine voice spoke again. He sounded kinder this time and more encouraging. 

With mixed emotions, Diantha squinted her eyes in the bright morning light and searched for the source of the voice.  Finally, she saw a tall man standing behind a boulder. He was strangely clad, in an otherworldly way, and had long wavy black hair and deep green eyes.
 
His muscular chest and arms were covered in plain cloth, and he wore a leather vest with an intricately embroidered patch on the left breast. Over his shoulder was slung what looked like a bow, and across the other, a quiver of arrows.
 
From where she sprawled in the leaves, Diantha couldn't tell his exact age. Although, a quick estimate gave her a number somewhere between 20 to 45-years old. Oh well, she was tired.
 
Behind the man, was the mountain they had ended their journey beneath only moments before.

"Who are you?" she asked. She tried to sound tough in spite of her precarious position. After all, she wasn't sure whether this man was friendly. Bravado was new to her, seeming to have been born somewhere during her long painful journey through the woods. A journey that had stripped her of much of the baggage of her former life.

The man's eyes softened and he answered in a voice that hinted of an accent. "I'm Atrius. Don't worry, I won't harm you."

Diantha cast a dubious glance at him. "Stay where you are, then... please." It never hurt to be nice.
 
She tried to sit up, but felt woozy and sore. Her hands rested on soft, leafy loam that eminated an earthy smell. Somehow, the scent was as comforting as the limbs of the towering trees above.
 
"My horse and I have just been through the worst 24-hours you could possibly imagine and we don't need anyone to harass us."

"I'm not here for that purpose, I promise. I just thought you might need help. But, of course, if you'd rather I leave...."

Diantha shook weariness from her brain and tried to focus on her current situation. She had to put the past day, with its terrors and fears, behind her for the moment. "No, don't do that. I've just had a bad experience that's made trust a little difficult for me. Give me a moment to let my mind catch up."
 
 
 
 

 
"Do you want to talk about what happened?"

"Not really," Diantha replied. "Not yet, anyway." 

Atrius made eye contact with her. After a moment, he gave her a small smile. "How about if we start with your name."

She placed her hand above her eyes to shield the rising sun so she could see his face clearer. He didn't look particularly mean, but she wasn't the best judge of character.  "I'm Diantha."
 
Atrius gave her an encouraging smile. "That's a beautiful name. It's Greek. It means God flower."

"I didn't know that," Diantha said. "My mother named me after her favorite flower, dianthus. She said it's very hardy and will flower even through snow. She gave me the name right after I was born. She said I had the look of a survivor."

"I think you do, too, and are aptly named. The flower is both strong and beautiful."
 
"Thank you, though I'm not so sure either adjective applies to me. Are you Greek?"
 
"I presume as much. I speak Greek, as did the man who took me in as a youth. I have no memories before I came here. Most of the people in my community are of Greek descent, so I probably am as well."
 
"I see. I think I'm mostly Irish, although I'm pretty sure there's more mixed in. So, what does your name mean?"
 
"Atrius? It means fearless."

"Nice, and are you aptly named as well?"

"Hmmm, I've never thought much about it. I think fear is a healthy emotion. It can keep you alive."

Diantha shrugged. "I've heard faith does."

Atrius nodded his head. "Maybe we're both right. We could use a little of both."

"Well, I think fear makes you weak." Diantha said, "or at least it always has me."

"It can when you let it rule you, but when you listen to its gentle whispers, it can tell you if you're safe."

Diantha cocked a curious eye his way. "Are you trying to tell me something?"

"Maybe. How did you get here?" Atrius asked, answering a question with a question.

"We were out riding and my horse got spooked and ran off with me on her back."

"And that's all?"

"Pretty much. It's the important part."

"That's fair. Whatever happened to you, and I'm sorry it did, had to have occured a long way from here. You're deep in the heart of a hidden forest that sits on the edge of a sacred valley. No one comes here unless they are either lost or invited."

"It would have to be the former. We were sort of attacked."

Atrius raised a dark eyebrown. "By what, a pack of rabid wolves?"
 
"Not in the literal sense."
 
"Figurative wolves can be quite frightening as well. Your poor filly ran far and fast to take you to safety."

"Yes, she did, and I appreciate her sacrifice. Maybe I should tell you the whole story. But, how do I know I can trust you?"

"Because I have an honest face," he quipped. He was smiling broadly like he was trying to prove he wasn't lying. All he managed to do, as far as Diantha was concerned, was highlight very handsome features. She wasn't too tired to notice that.

"Ok, then I'll tell you," she said, blushing slightly. "My friend Cassie and I were out for a ride when we were attacked by a really large man on an equally large horse. He pulled a gun saying he wanted me to go with him because my father is the governor and my fiance is rich. He said he wanted to ransom me and White Lightning."

"So it wasn't a pack of wolves?"

"No, a kidnapper."

"I would come closer to believing the wolf story."

"Well, I'm not lying, so you will either have to believe me and come help me find my way back home, or figure I'm lying and go on your way."

"Are you always this hard to get along with?"

"Not really," Diantha said. "I'm usually a pushover, but am not exactly at my best just now."

"Ok, let's say you're telling the truth and that I do believe you," Atrius remarked.

"Do you?"

"Sure, you look way too tired to be making it all up."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now, tell me something. When the man approached you yesterday, did you hear whisperings of fear?"

"Are we back on that again?"

"Might as well be, I was trying to make a point."

"Sorry, I'm having trouble focusing right now. You know, since you mentioned it, though, I did have a bad feeling right away when he arrived on our trail."

"What did you do about it?"

"Nothing, really. I sort of ignored it. But Cassie didn't. She mentioned she thought something was wrong, and placed herself and the horse she was riding between me and the kidnapper. She would have taken a bullet for me if the horse hadn't reared up and gotten shot instead."

"What happened then?" Atrius asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm not really sure because White Lightning took the bridle bit in her mouth and ran off into the woods with me on her back."

"Is White Lightning your horse's name?"

"Yes."

"Well, she listened to the whisper. That's why she brought you here."

Diantha tilted her head to the side in thought. Her tangled, auburn locks shifted around her face and neck. "That makes sense."

"What do you hear now?"

"Lightning's labored breathing."

"What else?"

Diantha pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes in concentration. "The pounding of my heart."

"Is it afraid?"

"Very much so."

"Is it telling you to run?"

"No, it's not," Diantha replied in surprise. "I think it should be though. I'm out in the middle of goodness knows where with a sick horse and a total stranger who is very big and very well armed."

"But am I the enemy, or your protector?" he asked. His expressive eyes spoke more than his words.

Diantha closed her eyes as she concentrated on her inner thoughts. "My heart says you're a friend, but I don't know how it knows that."

"Because I am. Now I need you to trust me. I know it's hard after all that you've been through, but you have to or you'll be killed."

"Wolf packs that bad around here?"

"Yes, of the same variety that attacked you yesterday. We're in enemy territory, and had better get going before we're found alone and unarmed."

"But we are neither."

"Against hundreds we are."

"You expect me to believe that?"

"I believed you."

"That's true. Ok, I'll chance it. It's not like I have a line of people waiting to take me to safety."

Atrius chuckled. "Thanks for your confidence."

"Sorry," Diantha apologized. "As I said, I'm not at my best."

"That's ok, just trust your feelings about me and let's leave before someone worse than your man on the horse comes to get you."

"What about White Lightning?"

"She'll be safe. I'll send some of my men back for her later. They can take her to a hospital we have for sick animals."

"But won't the bad guys get her? You know, the wolves?"

"They are called Caracki and they aren't after horses, my dear, but pretty young ladies they will take in a heartbeat."

It didn't take but a moment for the news to filter into Diantha's mind. She nodded. "I'm coming."
 
She struggled painfully to her knees, his remark about pretty young ladies not missing her notice, "but I can't move well. I'm stiff and sore."
 
"I see that. I'm sorry. It's not easy to ride a horse for as long as you did."

"You said the only way people can get here is to be lost or invited."
 
"Yes."
 
"Then how did White Lightning find her way? She didn't get here by accident, and seemed to be following some trail."

"All horses know the way. It's built into them. Their need just has to be great enough to drive them here... or their mission. Now hurry along. I can already hear the Caracki getting closer."

Diantha pushed against the pain in her legs to rise. She reeled at first, but then steadied herself by grabbing a branch. Once she was solid, she made her way to where Atrius still hid behind the boulder. He smiled warmly as she approached.

"Good girl," he encouraged. "I know how much it hurts."

"I don't think you do," she argued gently. "I'm not even sure I do."

"You're funny."

"You think so? You should see me when I'm well."

"Even funnier?"

"I wish, no I'm dull and boring."

"I don't see you that way. I think, perhaps, you're used to being hard on yourself."

"That's what my friend Cassie says."

"Isn't she the one who went riding with you yesterday morning?"

"Yes, and I hope she's ok."

"She's probably in better shape than you are." Atrius reached out to help her as she got close.
 
Diantha's heart leapt at the simple touch, and her skin flushed. She couldn't believe she reacted like a simple school girl with a crush.

"Thank you," she said. She inwardly rolled her eyes at her own lack of sophistication. She had been raised around crowds of strangers and was usually better at handling herself. But, then, this had been an unusual series of events.

Before she got closer, Atrius hesitated. "Do you consider yourself to be an open-minded sort of person?"

"I think so, why?" she asked warily. She knew there had to be a catch in all of this somewhere.

"Because I'm often a bit of a shock for people who don't know me," he answered. Turbulent green eyes betrayed unspoken pain.

"Are you disfigured?" she asked. "I'm in nursing school back home and I assure you, I'm used to seeing deformity."

"That's good, but I'll bet you've never seen this." He stepped from behind the rock.

Diantha let out a gasp as she beheld, truly, the strangest apparition she had ever seen. From the waist up, Atrius was a very well built, handsome man, but from there down, he had the body of a pure black horse. Her mouth dropped open as she stepped backwards in obvious alarm.
 
 
 
 

"Remember your feelings," he urged. "When you couldn't see all of me, you felt I was your friend, remember?"

"It's sort of hard to remember what I thought a few minutes ago." Diantha said. "I think I'm in shock."

"You'll have to get over it. We're out of time."

In one swift movement, he put his large hands around her waist. Turning quickly, he eased her bruised body onto his back. He had a soft blanket slung across him like a saddle and it was soothing to her aches and pains. Without giving her a chance to protest, he galloped into a crevice behind them in the mountain.
 
 

Author Notes AI images are from IZEA. The Centaur at the end is from NightCafe Creator.

Several people have sent me Centaur images, but they wouldn't fit in the middle of the text. I can use them later as the first image.

Later, I will add a Centaur as the beginning image, which this format does allow. I just didn't want it yet. I'll use it next post.

Diantha is portrayed here as submissive and indecisive. It is intentional. She is a flawed character that is growing throughout the story and dealing with a growing knowledge that she has choices and a voice.

All AI Images from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

Cassie: Diantha's childhood best friend. Tries to talk her out of making a bad choice marrying someone she doesn't love.

Wilson: Diantha's fiance. Rich, well connected, but doesn't love Diantha. The feeling is mutual.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family

Nutmeg: Diantha's childhood horse and Cassie's ride for the morning walk.

Large Stranger: Man hunting Diantha for some reason, currently unknown.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.




Chapter 7
A Sacred Valley

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

 
End of last chapter:
 
"Remember your feelings," he urged. "When you couldn't see all of me, you felt I was your friend, remember?"

"It's sort of hard to remember what I thought a few minutes ago." Diantha said. "I think I'm in shock."

"You'll have to get over it. We're out of time."

In one swift movement, he put his large hands around her waist. Turning quickly, he eased her bruised body onto his back. He had a soft blanket slung across him like a saddle and it was soothing to her aches and pains. Without giving her a chance to protest, he galloped into a crevice behind them in the mountain.
 
The New Chapter Begins:
 
The strange beast carried her deep into the rocky catacombs, their way lit only by a small torch he picked up as they entered. She wondered what had made him decide to leave his realm and be waiting in just the right spot when she needed rescuing. Had he, in fact, come for her? Or was it just luck he found her when he did?
 
Shaking her head, she decided she wasn't going to try and make sense of anything until she rested. Exhausted, she leaned against the man's back and fell asleep in spite of her danger and distress. There is only so much a person can take before they collapse, and she had reached that point.

Diantha was vaguely aware of the long ride, her second in as many days. She remembered bumps, turns, and the never ending clapping of hooves against stone.
 
She remembered, as well, the scent of leather and sweat. But the sweat of what? Horse? Human? No, something else, something unfamiliar, but not unpleasant.
 
Mostly, she remembered the comfort of leaning against someone warm, someone she could trust.
 
Finally, she was aware of being placed on a bed of straw. She was relieved as it eased her aching body. Sweet tea was pressed against her lips and she drank deeply. She looked into tender green eyes that mesmerized and intrigued her. Finally, overcome by weariness and whatever was in her tea, she fell into a deep sleep.
 
She didn't know how long she slumbered before she awoke to the aroma of food cooking.

"Where am I?" Diantha asked. She spoke loud enough to be heard as she sat slowly and painfully in the straw bed.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Later, she thought how silly she must have sounded to ask so obvious a question, but it really was the first thing that came to mind.
 
She listened carefully for a response, but heard only the sound of a horse's hooves clicking on wood and something sizzling in a pan. She could also hear the tip-tap of rain on a metal roof.
 
Now, she really did wonder where she was. 

"Is there anyone here?" she asked again. "Please, someone answer me."

"Relax, Diantha." The resonant voice of Atrius spoke from what must have been a kitchen area to her right. "I'm here. Just making you something to eat."

"But, where are we?"

"At my house in the woods." His voice was calm and reassuring.

"I know your name, but who exactly, are you?"

"A friend." He leaned around the corner of the kitchen. His green eyes danced in the light of a fire burning somewhere to his right. His beautiful black hair fell in waves around powerful shoulders.

Diantha squinted her eyes as she tried to focus. "My mind is so foggy, I don't know how much of what I remember is real, and how much is images I dreamt during the night."

"That's a typical response to the level of trauma you went through. I also gave you some chamomile tea to help you relax. Rest and sleep are absolutely necessary to the healing process."
 
Atrius placed a plate of food on the bar and motioned with a wave of his hand for her to sit on a chair and eat.

"How long was I asleep?"

Atrius tilted his head to the side in thought. "We got here from the tunnels around midday yesterday. You slept through the rest of the day and night."

"Is it morning, then?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Diantha smiled grimly and tried to stand. Her legs were wobbly and threatened to give out when she tried to put weight on them, so she lowered herself back to the straw covered bed.
 
Atrius watched patiently, his mouth silent, but his green eyes following her with alert compassion. He seemed to feel it was important for her to try to get up on her own.
 
 
 
 
After a few more attempts, she managed to stand. She leaned forward and grabbed the edge of the counter and worked her way to the large wooden chair situated in front of her food.
 
"This looks amazing." She began to eat the bacon and eggs he'd prepared with relish.
 
Atrius smiled and turned to clean his cooking area. When he did, Diantha noticed that his handsome torso, dressed as any other man, was connected to a large black horse. She had forgotten that detail about her new friend.

"Are you really a Centaur?" Diantha asked. "I thought that was one of the weird dreams I was having."

"I'm afraid I am," Atrius said. "but don't worry, I came to terms with my condition many years ago. You're the patient, now. How are you feeling?"

"Not well. I'm still sore and feverish."

"That's to be expected," Atrius said. He returned and leaned over the counter to feel her head.
 
"It's part of the trauma response I told you about. You rode a long way under extreme conditions. Your body is fighting back. I'll give you some more herbal tea with honey. That will help you sleep again."

"Are you a doctor or something?"

"Yes, among other things."

"Like what?"

Atrius chuckled as he put dirty dishes in the sink. "Like a gardener, a father, a warrior and, well, a king."
 
"A king? Whew...that's a lot of hats to wear."
 
"This is a small community, and I've been alive for a very long time. We can talk later." Atrius poured fragrant tea into a mug. "You rest again, and then we'll take a walk in my garden. Maybe by then the rain will have stopped. It'll be a great setting for questions and answers."

"That's fair, but can you tell me how my horse, White Lightning, is doing?"

Atrius nodded his handsome head as though approving of her concern. "Much the same as you, godflower. She's sick and sore, but will be fine in a few days. She's with a group of other horses in my care."

"At the animal hospital you told me about?"

"Yes."

"She isn't permanently damaged is she?"

"No. She gave a lot to get you here, and is lucky to be alive, but she's young and strong and will be better before you know it."
 
Diantha was quiet while she contemplated his words.

"Why'd she do it, Atrius? She barely knows me."

"Love isn't measured by time, Diantha, and animals love with an abandon humans find hard to comprehend. Still, I understand your question. There was something more to this rescue than getting you away from your attacker. I don't think she liked her life's path any more than you did."
 
"You mean she didn't want to be a racehorse?"
 
"I think she wanted something more out of life than running around a track."

Diantha looked at Atrius and shook her head. What he said sounded absurd. "You act like she actually talked to you."

Atrius met her eyes. "Do you find that difficult to believe?"

Diantha returned his gaze. "Well, it does seem unlikely."

"As unlikely as being a Centaur?"

Diantha paused, then tilted her head to the side and chuckled. "You got me there. What else did she say?"

"She told me about a large man with a gun that shot your horse, Courage."

"Courage? Her name was Nutmeg."

Atrius raised an eyebrow. "You named your horse after a spice?"

"Her coat was the color of nutmeg."

"Well, her real name is Courage. Horses have their own names that have to do with their strongest character trait."

"Really?"

"Yep."

"Then what's White Lightning's real name?"
 
 
 
 
 
 

"What do you think it is?"

"I don't know."

Atrius leaned against the counter and touched her face. "Close your eyes, and think about her true essense... the thing that makes her unique. What comes to mind?"

Diantha took a deep breath and concentrated before anwering. "Well, she's fast and pretty."

"Those are physical, not character traits. Go deeper."

"Determination, then? She was determined to get us here."

"You're pretty close."

Diantha concentrated again. She thought about her horse's persistent nature, and of her enduring run for freedom. She opened her eyes and nodded. "I know. Her name is Champion. She was bred for speed and she used it to rescue me."

"You've got it. Very good. The race she ran bringing you here may have been the most important one of her life.To bear the name Champion means you're a brave defender of those you love, or who are less fortunate than you. In the horse world, it is a great and rare honor to have that name."
 
"So, why here? If Champion was just trying to get me away from harm, she could have picked me places closer. After I was safe, then she could have taken me home."

"She didn't feel home was safe," Atrius answered carefully. "Champion said the man who came after you was no stranger to her. He worked for her former master, the man who gave her to you."

"Who? Wilson-- my fiance? Are you serious?"

"Quite, and she also said you told your friend, Cassie, you didn't want to marry him. It seems he didn't want to marry you even more. He wasn't planning to just kidnap you."
 
"Then what, kill me?"
 
Atrius glanced away as he dried a clean pot. His lack of response was her answer.

"Champion told you all that?"

"Yes, Ma'am. You can ask her, yourself, when you're both better."

"I don't speak horse."

"Not a bad time to start learning. She could have saved you a lot of trouble if you had listened to her.

"I can't argue with that," Diantha said. "So, when will we being going home?"

"When you're well enough, and when you ask to go. Champion still seems to think you're better off here."
 
"She's a pretty talkative horse."
 
"Just like her mistress. My dear, take all the time you need to make decisions that affect your life. For now, rest, heal, meet the people of this valley, and then decide. Consider this a vacation until then. Champion's sacrifice earned that much."
 
 
 
 

Diantha pursed her lips thoughtfully. "It's a deal."
 
Atrius held out a hand to shake. Diantha grasped it in return. Was that a spark she felt at his touch, or just the shudder of her tired body? The sparkle in the Centaur's green eyes told her it might have been the former, but it evaporated almost the moment it appeared.

Diantha yawned and moved back onto the straw mattress. As she closed her eyes, she could still hear the gentle tapping of the rain on the roof, the movement of Atrius cleaning, and the distant sound of birds singing in the trees. Soon, she was fast asleep and even the aches and pains in her body didn't bother her dreams.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes AI images are from IZEA. The Centaur at the end is from NightCafe Creator.

Several people have sent me Centaur images, but they wouldn't fit in the middle of the text. I can use them later as the first image.

Later, I will add a Centaur as the beginning image, which this format does allow. I just didn't want it yet. I'll use it next post.

Diantha is portrayed here as submissive and indecisive. It is intentional. She is a flawed character that is growing throughout the story and dealing with a growing knowledge that she has choices and a voice.

All AI Images from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

Cassie: Diantha's childhood best friend. Tries to talk her out of making a bad choice marrying someone she doesn't love.

Wilson: Diantha's fiance. Rich, well connected, but doesn't love Diantha. The feeling is mutual.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family

Nutmeg: Diantha's childhood horse and Cassie's ride for the morning walk.

Large Stranger: Man hunting Diantha for some reason, currently unknown.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.




Chapter 8
A Garden Journey

By davisr (Rhonda)

Summary of book so far:
A young lady, Diantha, was taken by her horse many miles through thick woods to escape a dangerous man. She and the horse were rescued by an unlikely hero -- a Centaur. The beast, Atrius, was very well versed and kind. He took her to his hospital cottage and nursed her back to health.

End of last chapter: 

Atrius held out a hand to shake. Diantha grasped it in return. Was that a spark she felt at his touch, or just the shudder of her tired body? The sparkle in the Centaur's green eyes told her it might have been the former, but it evaporated almost the moment it appeared.

Diantha yawned and moved back onto the straw mattress. As she closed her eyes, she could still hear the gentle tapping of the rain on the roof, the movement of Atrius cleaning, and the distant sound of birds singing in the trees. Soon, she was fast asleep and even the aches and pains in her body didn't bother her dreams.

New Chapter Begins:

“Wake up, little god flower.” Atrius gently shook Diantha’s shoulder. “The rain has stopped and it’s a good time to go walking in the garden. You'll need exercise to keep from getting stiff.”

Diantha sat upright in the straw bed and blinked her eyes in the bright light filtering through an open window. 

She detected the scent of damp soil creeping in and mixing with the fragrant hay cushioning her. She languished in the warm sun and comforting aromas.

She moved her arms and legs and felt less protest from the abused limbs than she had earlier.

“What time is it?” she asked.

“Midday,” Atrius answered, and then added when he saw her raise her eyebrows questioningly. “On the same day, don’t worry. I won’t let you sleep your life away.”

“Thanks.”

Atrius extended a hand and eased her to her feet. She winced a little from the pain still lingering in the deep parts of her body, but bravely followed her host out of his modest hospital house.

She knew Atrius was right about walking being the best thing she could do, but it sure didn’t feel that way.

Once outside, however, her aches and pains seemed to disappear. They had stepped into the most beautiful garden Diantha had ever seen, and her mother was a Master Gardener.

At first, she was transfixed by the wonder around her, almost afraid to step onto what seemed to be sacred ground and breathe blessed air.

Atrius nodded in recognition of her reaction, as though he had seen it before. He stepped back and motioned for her to follow.

Reverently, she took one step, then another. The wonder was almost too much to take in.

Again, tender eyes flashed her way, and again he motioned with his hand.

“Come, my lady. It’s simply a garden.”

Diantha’s eyes widened in disagreement. “This is no garden, Atrius. It’s surely the entrance to a magical kingdom.”

Atrius’ gentle laughter put her at ease.

“Nothing magical here, just meticulous gardening. Come on.” He held out a weathered hand and took hers.

Together, they walked down a cobbled path that wound in and out of plants and blossoms of every description and variety.

Diantha was astounded by multi-colored foliage and flowers, bright in some places providing a sense of excitement and joy, and subtle in others calming the stormy soul.

Enchanted, Diantha reached out and touched bloom after bloom, feeling the velvety caress of each. She leaned in and smelled as many as she could, astonished at the diversity of scents. It was a buffet of fragrances and colorful vegetation.

“Do you like it?” Atrius asked, breaking the spell that held Diantha’s attention. His rich voice was as poignant as the flowers around her.

Diantha glanced up, and for the first time, met his deep tumultuous eyes. Her breath caught in her throat as she noticed how handsome he was standing there shrouded in blossoms. In spite of his strange appearance, his beautiful green eyes seemed to harbor secrets thousands of years old, yet fresh as a child’s.  His dark hair danced around strong well chiseled features and accented sun darkened skin.

 

 

He stood silent, his body emanating strength and prowess. Diantha felt a strange emotion beginning to grow in her heart. She was confused by the feeling, but excited at the same time.

“The garden is beyond description,” she finally managed to stammer out. “I grew up with flowers all around me, and yet I don’t even recognize half of the ones here.”

“Many are not seen in your world,” he explained quietly. His green eyes glanced away, breaking the magnetic spell. “But, if you look there by the waterfall, you’ll see your namesake.”

Diantha hurried over to where Atrius pointed, and sure enough, there she found a myriad of colorful dianthus flowers. She knelt on the path and stroked a few of them carefully. Their vibrant colors were enhanced by softly serrated edges, their touch so gentle they felt like a caress. 

 

 

“They really are lovely,” Diantha remarked. Her eyes raised back up to Atrius, trying to catch his eye and recreate their moment from earlier.

“They are survivors, just like you,” he said. He deftly avoided eye contact. “Now, I want to show you something else. Come on.”

The unique couple made their way along the cobbled path which ended at the edge of a thick forest. 

He motioned her to stand beside him, and then pointed to a fenced area. There were several graves inside. The stones were faded and crumbling.

 

 

“Whose are these?” she asked.

“My family's,” he answered. He opened the gate to the small cemetery and walked inside. Diantha followed behind him.

He gestured to the one on the far right. “This one is the grave of my mother, Helen, and beside her is Bentley, my father.”

“Were they Centaurs like you?”

“No, they were human. They weren’t really my parents, but they found me here one day on this very spot. I was unconscious and naked. They fed and clothed me, and raised me like their own son. They never even seemed to notice I was different from them. They gave me everything they could, and then they grew old and died.”

“And you didn’t.”

Atrius sighed deeply. “No, I did not."

“How long ago was that?”

Atrius didn't answer at first. He seemed lost in images long departed from this world.

Finally, he took a deep breath and spoke, “Many generations have passed since they walked this earth. I miss them as though they had only just left.”

“I’m sorry, and who are these others?” Diantha pointed with her head toward the other two graves.

“The one marked Kindness was my wife, and the one that says Grace, my daughter.”

“Were they Centaurs?”

“Yes. Once, long ago, others of my kind could be found on Earth. Now, I think I may be one of the last of my kind.”

“What happened to your wife and daughter? Weren’t they immortal like you?”

“To be honest, I don’t completely know,” Atrius said. His voice was thick with emotion. “There was a bad fire in the valley after a long dry spell, and they were trapped in a gully. By the time I got to them, it was too late. Grace was only two years old. I don't know all the rules for what can kill an immortal as I have no one to talk to about it, but fire killed them. Maybe it could kill me, too.”

“That’s terrible. Did you ever get married again after they died?”

“No, I didn’t even try. She and Grace weren’t really like me, you know. They were more horse-like than mankind. I loved Kindness, after a fashion, but was never in love with her. We were just too different.”

“And all she ever had was the one little girl?”

“No, we have a son, Georgios. He was a bit older than Grace and more human than horse. We were, and are still, very close. We were out hunting when the fire started.”

“So, he's still alive?”

Atrius nodded, and Diantha could see the light of parental pride mix with sorrow in his eyes.

“He lives with the other warriors across the valley. He’s the head of the military, answering only to me.”

“I’d love to meet him.”

“I’m sure that will happen at some point, but the next step is to introduce you to the townspeople.”

“Who are all human?”

Atrius laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Have you ever wished you weren’t a Centaur?” Diantha asked. Her eyes fluttered expectantly at her mysterious rescuer.

Atrius flashed an enigmatic smile, expressive eyes now betraying pure pleasure.

He reared up on hind legs, his forefeet pawing the air. Magnificent muscles rippled beneath the ebony skin of his horse body, and the abdomen and arms of his human parts.

As if in one motion, he pulled a bow off his shoulder and placed an arrow from his quiver. Pointing them upward, he pushed off from the earth in a motion intense enough to shake the earth beneath his feet.

He leapt so high, Diantha had to bend her head almost 90 degrees to see him. Legs pumping, he twisted in mid-air and let loose the arrow.

A branch from the top of an oak fell to the ground at her feet, a silver arrow pierced through its tissues. Moments later, he landed with a thunderous rapport, crushing rocks beneath his hooves into powder.

The majestic Centaur stood for a moment, heaving his mighty chest and gazing at her through the eyes of countless ages. No longer her doctor, king, or any of the other titles he’d claimed, he was now the substance of legends.

“Have you ever wished you were?” he responded.


Author Notes AI images are from IZEA.

Several people have sent me Centaur images, but they wouldn't fit in the middle of the text. I can use them later as the first image.

Diantha is portrayed here as submissive and indecisive. It is intentional. She is a flawed character that is growing throughout the story and dealing with a growing knowledge that she has choices and a voice.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

Cassie: Diantha's childhood best friend. Tries to talk her out of making a bad choice marrying someone she doesn't love.

Wilson: Diantha's fiance. Rich, well connected, but doesn't love Diantha. The feeling is mutual.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family

Nutmeg: Diantha's childhood horse and Cassie's ride for the morning walk.

Large Stranger: Man hunting Diantha for some reason, currently unknown.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.




Chapter 9
A Place of Wonder

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of last chapter: 

“Have you ever wished you weren’t a Centaur?” Diantha asked. Her eyes fluttered expectantly at her mysterious rescuer.

Atrius flashed an enigmatic smile, expressive eyes now betraying pure pleasure.

He reared up on hind legs, his forefeet pawing the air. Magnificent muscles rippled beneath the ebony skin of his horse body, and the abdomen and arms of his human parts.

As if in one motion, he pulled a bow off his shoulder and placed an arrow from his quiver. Pointing them upward, he pushed off from the earth in a motion intense enough to shake the earth beneath his feet.

He leapt so high, Diantha had to bend her head almost 90 degrees to see him. Legs pumping, he twisted in mid-air and let loose the arrow.

A branch from the top of an oak fell to the ground at her feet, a silver arrow pierced through its tissues. Moments later, he landed with a thunderous rapport, crushing rocks beneath his hooves into powder.

The majestic Centaur stood for a moment, heaving his mighty chest and gazing at her through the eyes of countless ages. No longer her doctor, king, or any of the other titles he’d claimed, he was now the substance of legends.

“Have you ever wished you were?” he responded.

 
 
 
New Chapter Begins:
 
Diantha gazed wide-eyed at the beauty of the rocky trail. It stretched before her and Atrius in the shimmer of early morning light. It wasn't just serene in the way of many wooded trails in the early morning, but almost magical.

There were hundreds of glistening wildflowers showcasing a part of the woods that uttered a whisper of ancient secrets. There was more permeating these woods than the aroma of flowers and fragrant trees... more present than just physical beauty... more, even, than the pervasive serenity.
 
Were they whispering to her now? Were they telling tales of dashing warriors and gentle maidens? Were they warning her of impending danger? Whatever their messages, she felt the tangible presence of mystery.
 
Beside the path grew enormous trees, their magnifient branches reaching up to the sky like so many soldiers guarding the way to their precious town ahead. Diantha wondered if she would ever want to leave this land and return to a world that held only boredom and uncertainty.
 
 


Looking back over the last two days, she realized she had spent most of her time sleeping. It left her feeling rested and more at peace than she had in years. She had the sensation of being a baby wrapped in her mother's tender arms, then awakening refreshed and energized as small children do.

Her strange companion was quiet as he picked his way through the dew covered grass. She could feel the tension in the muscles of his equine back as he carried her carefully away from his home, her refuge for the last two days, and towards Concorde Valley.

"How far is it to the village?" Diantha asked.

"Not much further," Atrius answered. "As I said yesterday, the whole kingdom isn't more than a day's journey in any direction. No vast expanses like what you're used to in your world."

"Close is good. We're so spread out it takes TVs and computers to connect us. It sort of makes us lose the personal touch."

"You won't find any of those things in this valley. We send messengers to each other if we can't talk directly."

"What if you can't find someone to carry your message?"

"Then we send a letter by mail."

"Pony express?"

"Funny, no, we have what we call mailhacks. They're horse-drawn mail wagons, similar to what your civilization had about 50 or so years ago. It's a bit slow, so if you're in a hurry, you either take the time to go yourself, or find an eager youngster who wants to make money."
 

"I'm guessing you don't have telephones?"

"No. I thought about bringing the technology here, but I find phone lines ugly and cell phones invasive. Besides, it's hard to be a hidden valley when you're broadcasting electronic signals."

"Good point."

"So, how are you feeling this morning?" Atrius asked, changing the subject.

"I'm kind of nervous," Diantha admitted. "What if these people you're taking me to don't like me?"

Atrius glanced over his shoulder where she could see his chiding expression. "Why wouldn't they?"

Diantha shrugged. "I'm a stranger from another land. I have no money, no extra clothes, and nothing I can offer as payment for my care."

Atrius nodded in recognition of her concern. "You can earn those things once you settle in. They'll find work for you."

"But I don't know how to do much. I've never had a real job before. I'm in college to be a nurse, but haven't finished."

"We have a full-fledged hospital in the village. They can find work for you there while you continue your studies. I can even teach you some myself when I have the time."

Diantha smiled at the thought of Atrius being her instructor. At least it was a relationship of some sort.
 
"Do ya'll have medicine like we have back home?" she asked.

"Somewhat, but we use herbs and natural medicines as well. Since we're isolated from your world, we don't carry a lot of your diseases."

"That makes sense. I'd really would like to learn what you have to offer. Are you sure they'll accept me, though?"

Atrius chuckled. "Stop worrying. No one's treated like strangers in Concorde, not even lost waifs from Tennessee." 

"But they don't know my world."

"They know sometimes people show up from outside our valley. You're not the first.  The family I'm taking you to are kind and open-minded. They'll be happy to help you fit in. The father, Burke, is one of my captains, and can get in touch with me if needed."

Diantha paused in thought as they plodded along the trail. She took a deep breath and let it out with a sigh. "Okay, but promise you'll come see me sometimes. You currently count as the only friend I have in this valley, apart from Champion."

"She's a good friend to have, and so am I. I won't desert you."

Diantha nodded. "And what about Champion, when will I see her again?"

"When she's well, I'll bring her to you. Remember the festival I told you we're holding this weekend? Opening day is Saturday, which is just six days away. I'll try to bring her when I come. If you decide you want to leave before then, just ask Burke to contact me."

"Ok, and I want to thank you, again, for everything you've done. I'm aware you could've just left me sitting on the ground beside the mountain."

"You're very welcome, Diantha. Please don't be afraid to give this valley a chance. If nothing else, you need time to heal and to think about your life. Take advantage of the rare opportunity you've been given by your very determined horse friend."

"And my very determined rescuer."

"That's true, too. But if you decide to go back, I'll be happy to take you. I'll not hold you prisoner."

"Will I remember this place if I go?"

Atrius shook his head. "I'm afraid not. I'm the only one that leaves and retains memory of the place."

"But I don't want to forget you, or this valley."

"Don't worry about it right now. Remember, you're on vacation."

"I remember."

"Good, now take a deep breath and close your eyes. We're about to go over the last hill before we reach Concorde Valley. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the world, and I've seen my share."
 
"How? I can't imagine you'd fit in too well outside this valley."
 
"My dear, if I wish anonymity, a person could look straight at me and never see a glimmer."
 
"Another power of Centaurs?"
 
"No, the practice of illusion. People tend to see what they expect."
 
"So, you're a magician, too?"
 
"And the layers just keep adding on, don't they?" Atrius uttered a musical laugh that tickled Diantha's soul.
 
Why was it she had searched for just such a man her entire life and ended up finding him in a creature she could never attain?
 
 

Author Notes Some AI images are from IZEA.
The Centaur at the beginning is from StockCake

Thanks to all who have sent pictures to enhance the work.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is curse by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 10
A Glimpse of Paradise

By davisr (Rhonda)

Ending of last chapter: 
 
"Good, now take a deep breath and close your eyes. We're about to go over the last hill before we reach Concorde Valley. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the world, and I've seen my share."
 
"How? I can't imagine you'd fit in too well outside this valley."
 
"My dear, if I wish anonymity, a person could look straight at me and never see a glimmer."
 
"Another power of Centaurs?"
 
"No, the practice of illusion. People tend to see what they expect."
 
"So, you're a magician, too?"
 
"And the layers just keep adding on, don't they?" Atrius uttered a musical laugh that tickled Diantha's soul.
 
Why was it she had searched for just such a man her entire life and ended up finding him in a creature she could never attain?
 
 
New Chapter Begins:
 
Abandoning her musings, Diantha did as her new friend suggested. She closed her eyes and let the essences of clean air and fragrant spring flowers permeate her senses. As she opened her eyes, she gasped in wonder. There beneath them sprawled a quaint village bathed in gold from the early morning sun.

Although hidden from the outer world, it was resplendant with life. Diantha breathed in the vitality of Concorde Village and exhaled tensions from her former life. She wondered how one moment could change your life forever, but she knew it just had.

A sigh escaped her lips. "It's stunning." No worries could reach her heart, past or present, because it was full of wonder.

With a quiet nod, Atrius allowed the beauty of the valley to work its magic. There was more healing quality in the pristine landscape than anything he owned in his medical collection.
 
As she looked around, she could see that the town was built in a series of concentric circles spiraling downward towards a lake at the valley's core.
 
The level just beneath them had crops planted as far as Diantha could see in one direction, and in the other, stock animals fenced off to protect them and the crops.
 
Below the farmland was a residential section. It included multicolored houses dotted around like so many flowers in a garden. The hand of the equine king was evident in its arrangement.

Beneath that was the final circle which, for what Diantha could tell, was a booming business community.

The valley was so wide it stretched far beyond her view. If there was more to see, she was not able to do so.

"What do you think?" Atrius asked.


"Mesmerizing," Diantha remarked, "and, well... very organized."

Atrius chuckled appreciatively. "You have a careful eye, Diantha. The valley is built around tiers we've designed to be self-contained. The level we're on is the least organized. It's where we let nature express itself."
 
"Wild-lands?"
 
"Forest, anyway, but even that is well-tended."
 
"By whom? Another of the hats you wear?"
 
"Not this time. I do look out for it, but it's more the responsibility of my son, Georgios."
 
"I remember you talking about him before. I'd love to meet him."
 
Atrius glanced over his shoulder and fixed her with intense green eyes. "That depends on how long you stay."
 
Diantha responded by arching a well groomed eyebrow. Her wavy auburn hair cascaded down slender shoulders, and her uncertain hazel eyes met his. "I wish I knew the answer to that question. Remember, my horse brought me here."
 
"The first step was hers, but the next is yours. I can't tell you what to do. Somehow, somewhere you must find the answer inside you."
 
Diantha glanced down at her hands. "Help me?"
 
"We all will, but don't overthink things. Just enjoy the ride. You'll figure it out."
 
Diantha giggled. "So, besides mysterious sons and a lovely view, what else does your valley have to offer?"
 
"Adventure," Atrius replied. His soft voice was tinged with challenge. "I have a feeling that's one thing missing from your former life."
 
"That's fair, but I was going to nursing school."
 
"Which you were being forced to quit in order to marry a man your parents insisted on."
 
Diantha's eyes dropped downward. "Yeah, one I didn't love, and who distinctly did not love me."
 
Atrius squeezed her hand. "I can't change your past. I wouldn't want to if I could, but I can give you a headstart on a new one. I'll start by introducing you to a family that's most anxious to meet you."
 
Diantha returned the affectionate gesture and smiled. "Thank you, but I'll admit, I'm still a bit nervous to meet them."
 
"Don't be. They're just ordinary people."
 
"Like you?" Diantha chuckled with good humor.
 
"What, don't I look normal to you?"
 
"Where I come from, they would call you a fantasy creature."
 
"Isn't that the same thing as make-believe."
 
"Yeah."
 
Atrius winked at her. "Do you believe now?"
 
"Hard not to."
 
"Some people have trouble believing what they don't understand, even if it is staring them in the face." 
 
"Back to your magician gig?"
 
"Yeah. Are you ready?"
 

Diantha took in a deep, anxious breath and let it out slowly. Don't overthink things, don't overthink things...

Atrius descended from the wooded area, passed the rural one, and then on to the residential.
 
Diantha was so delighted by the homey look of all the houses, she forgot to be nervous. An uncommon feeling was creeping into her heart. Was that joy? Excitement? No, it was just what Atrius had said... adventure.
 
The regal Centaur paused at the door of a house painted a pastel blue. He knelt to the ground for Diantha to disembark. He arose slowly, then placed his hands on her shoulders and looked at her. A twinkle graced his eyes and a smile his contenance.
 
"Your journey begins."
 
 

Author Notes The village image is from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 11
The Journey Begins

By davisr (Rhonda)

Ending of last chapter: 

The regal Centaur paused at the door of a house painted a pastel blue. He knelt to the ground for Diantha to disembark. He arose slowly, then placed his hands on her shoulders and gazed at her. A twinkle graced his eyes and a smile his contenance.
 
"Your journey begins."
 
 

New Chapter: 

Diantha waited while Atrius knocked. She heard heavy footsteps and then the door flew open with a distinct swoosh. 

A dark-haired woman waved at the threshold, beckoning them in. Pleasingly plump, she had red cheeks and a warm smile.

The dark green dress she sported was modest and simple. It was designed with a bib attached to the top of a skirt that fell to about mid-calf. Under the jumper, the woman had a short sleeved white blouse.

On the front of the bib was a patch with the embroidered image of a baby’s face emerging from a lotus blossom. Diantha found the patch compelling and felt it held a deeper meaning than mere decoration. 

Mary leaned out and touched Diantha's arm. "Come in, child, come in. I’m Mary, the mother of the Burton mob. I can't believe you're finally here. We've been waiting for days. Atrius sent us a message when you first got here asking if it was alright for you to stay with us for a bit.” 

“Naturally, we sent a message back saying to go ahead and bring you, but he seemed to think you needed to rest first."

"He was right," Diantha interrupted. "I was a mess."

Mary acknowledged the comment with a compassionate nod, but continued unabated, "Atrius, my liege, Burke is waiting for you in the garden. I’d offer you some fresh orange juice, but he was insistent I send you right away. Thank you for bringing Diantha.”

"You're quite welcome, my lady," Atrius returned. He winked jovially. "Thank you for being hospitable."

He reached over and touched Diantha's arm. "I leave you in capable hands, my dear. Thank you for your camaraderie the past few days. As I said, I get very little fine company. Usually I'm around a bunch of boarish warriors."

"My pleasure," she said. Her voice sounded more curt than she truly felt. "Thank you for your care and attention. I wish we could have met under better circumstances."

"Under better circumstances, we may never have met."

Diantha nodded her head, and avoided the piercing eyes she knew could look straight into her soul. She didn't want him to realize how lost and sad she was feeling. How could he possibly understand when she did not?

Atrius tilted his head where he could see her downcast face. "Remember, you can always contact me through Burke, and I promise to check in on you now and then."

Diantha responded with the hint of a smile and another nod.

Mary took her by the hand. “Come on, let me show you to your room. It’s next to the nursery. I do hope you don’t mind the noise, but it's cozy as a spring bunny.”

Diantha could hear Atrius chuckling as Mary bustled her off.

What was Atrius thinking? Diantha wondered. Was he glad he'd gotten rid of a nosy intruder, or was his heart thumping as painfully as hers?

Mary paused from her verbal tirade long enough to catch Diantha’s backward glance.

“Child, give up on that one. Every girl in the valley has fallen in love with him at some point, myself included. He's quite handsome, and his heart is strong and brave, but the whole thing is impossible. You might as well face what the rest of us have.”

Diantha tried to pretend Mary had it wrong, but found herself caught up in the woman’s overabundant personality, and had to smile in defeat. She had a good point.

Mary then proceeded to drag Diantha into the spare bedroom and continue her tour of their unassuming, but comfortable, home. 

Diantha’s room sported a queen-sized canopy bed framed in wood, that, Mary pointed out, held a goose down mattress and pillows.

The linens were made of cotton and decorated with a floral pattern. The curtains, hung on a large picture window, matched the bedspread, as did a rug on the floor. 

The rest of the room was charming. There were pictures on the walls, lights everywhere, and stands to support them. The overall effect was relaxing and friendly.

“My little sister stayed here until a few months ago when she got married,” Mary explained. “She left a few clothes in the closet you're welcome to wear. Here, let me get one so you can change after your bath.”

Mary opened the closet in the room, and pulled out a jumper made of a strong, but flexible, material. It had the faint scent of flowers radiating from it, so Diantha figured it was made, at least in part, of the flax flower Atrius told her about. 

Mary also gave her a soft white blouse made of the same unusual material to wear beneath it. 

Although this dress didn’t have an embroidered patch on the front, Diantha could tell one had once been there. She decided to ask someone about them later, as it was becoming more obvious they held some significance in this society.

In the bathroom down the hall, Diantha was surprised to find they had hot and cold running water. Mary explained that the hot water came from natural springs that ran through the center of town and the cold from a water tower nearby. They also had toilets that flushed. She was taken aback by the mixture of 18th and 21st centuries in their society. 

After showing her how to run the bathwater, Mary explained that she had to go check on the kids and get breakfast finished.

 

**************

Finally alone, Diantha lowered her aching body into the great porcelain tub. She couldn’t remember enjoying a bath this much. Was it the company she was with, or the trials she’d been through, that gave her such pause to enjoy the moment? Was Concorde Valley truly the paradise it seemed, or did it, as she feared, have a serpent in its midst?

Author Notes The AI images are from IZEA. The one of Mary doesn't meet her exact description, but was as close as I could get.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 12
Getting Aquainted

By davisr (Rhonda)

Ending of last chapter:

Finally alone, Diantha lowered her aching body into a great porcelain tub. She couldn't remember enjoying a bath this much. Was it the company she was with, or the trials she'd been through, that gave her such pause to enjoy the moment? Was Concorde Valley truly the paradise it seemed, or did it, as she feared, have a serpent in its midst?

New Chapter begins:

Once bathed, Diantha put on the lovely dress she'd been gifted. She breathed in the charming scent of flax flower woven into the fabric of the garment, and let its soft texture caress her skin.

With a spring in her step, she made her way into the kitchen where she found Mary and two young girls preparing food on a wooden table.

There was a wood-burning stove alight and ready for cooking lunch. The girls were arrayed in jumpers, one in blue and the other silver. The older girl had a patch on her bib embroidered with a harp, and the younger with the image of a girl.

"Can I help?" Diantha asked the group.

As a unit, their eyes raised and met hers. As individuals, they smiled.

"Sure," Mary answered. Her voice reverberated in the small room even as words poured from her mouth like water rushing over pebbles in a brook -- fluid and abundant.

"Well, hi, Diantha. I hope you enjoyed your bath. You look lovely in that dress. I'm so glad you're my sister's size."

"So am I, and I appreciate your hospitality."

"What hospitality?" Mary grinned. Her rosy cheeks broke into a smile, her blue eyes sparkled with deep joy. "I plan to put you to work. Tabitha, get a knife and let her peel potatoes, Brenda find an extra bowl. Diantha, these are my daughters Tabitha and Brenda. They are 14, and 12."

"Hi, ladies," Diantha said. She held out a hand to exchange greetings.

The girls refused with a head shake. They came over and gave her a hug instead.

"Only men greet with handshakes," Brenda explained. Curly blonde hair danced around a freckled face. "Women and girls hug."

"Sometimes men do, too," Tabitha added, "especially if they like you." Dark as her sister was light, Tabitha had straight, shiny hair. A calmer radiance defined her age and familial position.

"Daddies always hug," Brenda said, "and brothers. We have four of them." She put her hands on her hips and closed one eye in concentration. "Brice is 8, Tommy is 5, Carter is 2, and baby Hank is 5 months."

Diantha smiled as she realized the girls had inherited their mother's fast-paced, barrage style of speaking.

"That's a pretty big family," Diantha said. She divided her attention between Tabitha and Brenda. "So, you two are the only girls?"

"Yes." Tabitha looked disappointed. "But, we're also the oldest and help Mama do her real job."

Mary flicked her eyes up from chopping onions. "And they're invaluable, too. Of course Brenda is still in school during the day, but Tabitha helps me full-time. Maybe now that you're here you can help as well. I really need an official apprentice since my last one got married and moved to the other side of the valley."

"Was that your sister?"

"No. My sister did get married and moved out, but this was a lady who grew up on the other side of the valley. She relocated here to work. You're very perceptive, my dear," Mary said.

Diantha couldn't help but roll her eyes. "I only wish that were true. I messed my life up before I got here because I trusted the wrong people, or my parents did, anyway."

Mary looked at her knowingly. "We can all be deceived, sweetheart. Innocence and trust are nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not as much ashamed, as traumatized." Diantha looked away, then changed the subject. "What work do you do, Mary?"

"She delivers babies," Brenda interrupted. Her smile betrayed a deep level of pride.

"Let mama explain," Tabitha chided. A raised eyebrow silenced the younger sibling.

"I'm a midwife," Mary said, "and I'm not the only one on this side of the valley. Having babies is a pretty big business in Concorde."

"That's cool," Diantha said. "Where I used to live, I was studying to become a nurse for sick newborn babies, or at least that's what I wanted. My family, of course, had other plans."

"Like what?" Mary asked. Her face betrayed disbelief that anyone would interfere with such a noble career choice.

"They wanted me to marry a man I barely knew whose family is prominent in the horseracing world," Diantha said. She was surprised she was opening up to Mary and her daughters. She certainly hadn't intended to.

"And help him with them?" Tabitha asked. "Raising horses is a big thing around here, too."

Diantha allowed herself an indulgent chuckle. "I don't think anyone really expected me to do anything besides entertain parties and go to horse races."

"And have a bunch of kids?" Brenda interjected. She was twisting a blonde curl around her finger in what appeared to be a habitual way.

"No, and that's the sad part. Wilson told me he hates children."

A disbelieving silence fell on Mary and the girls.

A few heartbeats later, they all spoke at once, sputtering, huffing, and expressing their utter disgust for anyone who would expect someone to sit and do nothing all their lives, and who hated babies. Even his love of horses failed to redeem him in their eyes.

Finally, Tabitha's voice stood out. "No wonder you came to Concorde Valley."

"Yeah, no wonder." Diantha's eyes dropped to her potato peeling as emotions and memories threatened to drown her.

The ever observant Mary intervened. "Girls, why don't you go check on the babies?"

"Brice and Tommy are in there with them," Tabitha complained. "They'll let us know if they need anything."

"Girls, scoot. Diantha isn't going anywhere. You'll have plenty of time to get to know her later. If they're awake from their nap, please bring them in here. I'm sure Diantha will want to see them."

"I would love to," Diantha said. She watched as the eldest two Barton children exited the room.

"So what's this schooling you were telling us about?" Mary asked. "In what capacity were you learning to take care of sick babies?"

Diantha thought for a moment on how to explain what she didn't completely understand herself. "When babies are born prematurely, or if they have other complications from birth, the nursing school I was going to teaches you to take care of them."

Mary gathered the pieces of potato she had cut and added them to a bowl. She let Diantha's words incubate in her mind before responding. "If a baby is born that sick here, there's not much we can do to help it. I mean, we have our ways, like keeping them warm and giving them herbs, but we need to learn more."

"Learning is a never-ending process," Diantha said. "Even once you complete nursing school."

"True, true. I've always lived by that adage, but Diantha, dear, you probably know more about caring for weak babies than I do even after a lifetime of being a midwife. Perhaps we can help each other."

Diantha looked doubtful. "Oh, I don't know if what I was learning can translate to this valley. You don't have the same equipment or medicine."

"Maybe not, but I'm sure we can help each other learn new things. I can teach you to deliver babies, Concorde Valley style, and you can share with me what you can about saving the little ones. What do you say? Would you like to be my new apprentice?"

Diantha shrugged. "What about Tabitha and Brenda? Wouldn't they resent me coming in and stealing their jobs?"

"They won't be old enough to be apprentices until they turn 16. At this stage, they're still classified as assistants. By the time they're both of age, you can start your own practice."

"That's a great offer," Diantha said. "But I'm pretty mixed up about what I want right now. How long do I have to think about it?"

"As as much time as you need. Why don't you come out with me on a few calls and see how it fits you?"

"I think I'd like that. As a matter of fact, I was telling Atrius how worried I was that I wouldn't find a way to fit in. I just got to your house, and already I've gotten a job offer."

"I've found that very few things happen by accident, young lady," Mary said, "and I seriously doubt your coming here was one of the exceptions."

"I'm beginning to think the same thing. It's all sort of overwhelming, though."
 
Mary patted her arm. "I know, dear. From what Atrius has mentioned and you've told us, you've been through a lot. I'm just glad you've agreed to try."

Tabitha returned to the room carrying a sleepy-eyed baby. She had, apparently, overheard part of their conversation. "So does that mean you're going to stay with us?"

"And work with us?" Brenda added excitedly. She was tailed by an equally sleepy toddler.

"I guess I can give it a try," Diantha said. "Like the old adage says, nothing ventured, nothing gained."

"Good, then it's settled," Mary said. "You're helping until you decide what you want to do."

Diantha smiled. She couldn't deny Mary's enthusiasm was contagious. She took baby Hank from Tabitha's arms, sat at the preparation table and started to tickle him, which brought a barrage of giggles from the youngest member of the Barton family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mary smiled to herself. If anyone could pump spirit back into a lost soul, it was her. Diantha's strength was healing sick babies. Mary's was mending sick hearts.

She vowed to not let this one leave her household until she was fully healed... that is, if they survived the next week intact. Her husband and Atrius might think they were being secretive with their garden meetings, but a person doesn't have to see smoke to smell it.

Author Notes The AI images are from IZEA. The one of Mary doesn't meet her exact description, but was as close as I could get.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 13
Lady Archer

By davisr (Rhonda)

Ending of last chapter: 
 
Mary smiled to herself. If anyone could pump spirit back into a lost soul, it was her. Diantha's strength was healing sick babies. Mary's was mending sick hearts.

She vowed not to let this one leave her household until she was fully healed... that is, if they survived the next week intact. Her husband and Atrius might think they were being secretive with their garden meetings, but a person doesn't have to see smoke to smell it.
 
 
The New Chapter Begins:
 
Diantha stood in the flower garden belonging to her new friends, the Burtons. What an amazing, yet tiring day. She'd shopped for clothes, gone out to eat, and visited more family and friends than Diantha thought the valley could hold.

The usual topics of conversation were the baby she'd helped Mary deliver the day before, favorite recipes, the threat of the valley's enemy, the Karacki, and most importantly, the festival just 3 days away.

They all wanted to know which event she was going to compete in. Diantha tried to explain she had no particular talents, but they'd brush off all protests with a promise to teach her one of their own. They brought up cooking, baking, horse races, sewing, ax throwing (who did that?), log rolling, and many more.

To stop their bugging her, she finally agreed to sign up for archery. She had practiced with her brother's bow when she was younger and it sounded like as good a contest as any.

Mary had gotten way too enthusiastic and promised the tutoring of Brandon, her very handsome and single brother, to teach her more. Remembering him from breakfast the day before, Diantha readily agreed.

So, here she was, waiting in the yard for her instructor. She sat on a tree stump, taking in the beauty surrounding her. Never had she known such tranquility. The scent, the breeze, the calmness all went together to form both a blanket of comfort, and a whirlwind of adventure.

Beyond these intangibles, existed something else... an added mystique... something exotic and tantalizing.

It was him, she thought... the Centaur. His humble presence was everywhere. His touch was in the flowers and his essence in the air.

With a tension relieving sigh, she stroked a tender blossom, inhaled its heady fragrance, and waited.

"That's my favorite flower," Diantha heard. Startled, she quickly rose to her feet. She wasn't sure if it was the striking appearance of one of the most handsome men in the valley, or the silence of his approach, but her head swooned and she almost lost her balance.

"Woah," Brandon reached out a hand to steady her. "I didn't mean to startle you."

Diantha wanted to retort with, "Then maybe you shouldn't sneak up on people," but decided to be nice and said instead, "so, you're here to teach me to shoot arrows."

It was a statement more than a question, but she was taken off-guard.

"I'm here to help you better your aim. I've heard you're already an expert." Brandon's clear blue eyes danced as he spoke. Diantha couldn't tell if he was teasing her or really believed she knew what she was doing.

"I wouldn't exactly call me an expert," she said. Dark red hair flowed attractively around her trim shoulders. She subconsciously ran her fingers through it and was graced with an admiring smile.

"Okay, not an expert," he said in a way that gave her to believe he hadn't expected that she was to begin with. "What experience do you have?"

"My brother was on the archery team at school, and he'd let me mess about with his bow sometimes."

"Were you any good?"

"I was 5."

Brandon's face broke into a smile. That's okay. I brought you a bow that's easy enough to handle. He pulled a bow and quiver of arrows off his shoulder and handed them to her. "This is for you. It might not win you any championships, but it won't break your arm, either."

Diantha grinned. "Thank you. Are you going to teach me to use it?"

"Of course." He bowed low, then helped her onto his enormous bay stallion.

"Where are we going?"

"To the agriculture tier," Brandon explained. "I have some bales of hay set up for practice. It's not safe to shoot here in the residential area."

Diantha was quite sure she agreed, and told Brandon as much.

"Where's your horse's saddle?" she asked as they left.

"We don't use them in Concorde Valley," Brandon explained. "A true horseman can guide with his words and the pressure of his knees."

Diantha hoped she didn't look as aghast as she felt. She had always loved to be around horses, and riding them was a great pleasure. But, bareback riding, she wasn't so sure about.

~~~~~~~

Several gruelling hours later, Brandon returned his exhausted charge to the door outside his sister's cottage.

"You did well," he said, brushing hair away from Diantha's cheek. "I'm sorry for that burn. It should heal without a scar. It happens to everyone from time to time. Ask my sister for some cream."

Diantha touched her swollen face. "It was my fault. You instructed me to lean away from the string when I shot. I'll bet I remember from now on."

"Not to worry," Brandon said. "You'll get it right."

"I would prefer sooner rather than later or I'm going to look like I've been in a fight with a tiger."

"We don't have too many of those in Concorde," Brandon replied.

"Hopefully not any."

"You never know what lurks beneath mountain passes," Brandon said mysteriously. "It never hurts to be ready for anything."

"And hence my archery lesson."

Brandon nodded. "And hence your archery lesson. I know you won't have time to practice tomorrow before I get here. Mary is taking you with her on rounds, but I'll give you another lesson once I get home. I only live a few houses down."

"I look forward to it," Diantha said, "and thanks for teaching me."

"It was my pleasure. Good night."

Brandon caught her hand in his. He pulled her gently toward him and brushed a light kiss on her uninjured cheek. With a sigh, he turned to leave. Diantha felt a mild attraction to Brandon, a man it was apparent she was being urged towards, but there was something about him she just couldn't get close to. Was it just the hinted danger she felt as palpable as the scent of roses around her?

"What are you not telling me?" she muttered to his retreating back. For a moment, she thought he hadn't heard her... hoped, really he hadn't.

Turning, he replied, "ask him." He motioned toward the cobbled walkway.

Diantha's eyes adjusted to the darkness in front of the house even as she heard a familiar clip clop of hooves.

"Atrius," she whispered, and her heart leapt in her throat.
 

Author Notes The AI image is from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 14
The Sparrow's Message

By davisr (Rhonda)

Diantha watched Brandon retreat into the house. Before entering the door, he turned and gave her a wistful smile. She wondered if he had any inkling of the turmoil brewing inside her? Maybe he was experiencing some of the same.

Pausing a moment to get control of her jumbled emotions, she turned to face the pebbled walkway. Emerging from the brush beside the garden, was the one guaranteed to increase her soulful turbulence --- the unattainable Atrius, the very man who had broken the heart of a young goddess on Mount Olympus --- an event he no longer remembered, but was plagued by the hubris that had caused his condition.

Seemingly unaware of the stir he was causing, Atrius spoke, "Hey, I see you're quite the marksman."

"How do you know that?" she asked.

Atrius shrugged. "I happened to stumble on you and Brandon while traveling from the Western Divide. I was there examining the field for the men's festival games. From the brief time I was there, I saw you do quite well.

"Not at first," Dianatha admitted. "I missed the target entirely for quite awhile. I even got my face scratched up. But, before we quit, I was able to hit the target consistently."

"I saw you nail the bull's eye three times in a row. Quite impressive for a novice."

Diantha laughed modestly. "Brandon's a good teacher."

"Yes he is. He's a good man, too. Something you should keep in mind."

"He doesn't need you to sell him," Diantha popped back, a bit too quickly.

Atrius' face betrayed a hint of frustration, but he was unable to respond as an agitated sparrow landed on his arm and began to chirp and chatter.

Diantha started to giggle at the tiny creature's antics when she remembered Atrius telling her that sparrows were the valley's messengers. This one seemed intent on delivering something of grave importance.

Atrius' face clouded over as he uttered some nonsensical sounds back. The bird tilted its head to one side, chirped a few more times, then flew away, seemingly bent on a mission.

"Is everything okay?" Diantha asked.

Atrius shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not. When I left the Western Divide, my son, Georgios, stayed as he wasn't finished with security preparations. Apparently he was jumped from behind by a group of Caracki."

"Oh my! How badly was he hurt?"

"That's a bit hard to judge based on a bird's point of view, but apparently he stumbled to a guard encampment close by the field. He's resting there."

About that time, the door to the house flew open. Mary and the two men poured out. They had gotten a similar message from a different sparrow and were eager to know what Atrius planned to do.

"Meet me at the western encampment, "Atrius instructed, and then turned to Diantha. He placed his hands on both her shoulders, his penetrating green eyes fixing hers.

"I'll be back, god flower. I had come here with the intention of having a serious conversation."

"About my archery?"

Atrius hesitated. "About why I wanted you to learn it."

"Brandon hinted you had other motives." Diantha said.

For a moment, Atrius seemed torn between what he felt, and what he had time to say. "I wouldn't call them motives, more like responsibilities. I brought you into this valley. I feel it's my job to keep you safe."

"You didn't bring me here, my horse did," Diantha said.

"I don't have time to argue semantics," Atrius said firmly. "You get my point."

"Yes, yes. Indeed I do," Diantha said. Her eyebrows slowly raised as an idea struck her. "Take me with you."

Atrius shook his head, no, and then after the manner of his people, leaned forward and tapped his forehead against hers. It was a gesture of affection that could have many meanings, all unspoken.

"My dear," he said, "courage is an attribute our people greatly honor. Know that I'm proud of the growth I've seen in you, especially with this offer, but also understand I don't know what I'm about to face with Georgios. I'm not just his father and leader, but I'm also his physician. Please stay here with Mary. I'll return before the night is out."

Diantha watched as Atrius turned from tender friend to hardened warrior. With a brief nod, he left along the same path she and Brandon had just traveled. Not far behind, Brandon and Burke left on horseback with the same air of urgency.

"Come, child," Mary said. She took Diantha by the arm and led her inside the cool house.

"Is it always this way for those involved with soldiers?" Diantha asked.

"More often than I care to think," Mary replied. She guided her charge to a chair in the kitchen. "How about a cup of warm chocolate milk?"

Diantha smiled. "I'd love one, though where I come from, they call it cocoa. It's a great beverage to hash things out over."

"Our people as well. Have you ever played dominoes?"

"One of my favorite games," Diantha said.

"Good, then let's keep each other awake and entertained."

Diantha smiled and sat down. Her grandmother would have approved. She felt all great decisions should be made at a kitchen table.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sometime in the dead of night, Brandon and Burke returned. They found the kids tucked in bed and Mary and Diantha still playing dominoes.

Their haunted faces spoke more than the words they would soon share.

Atrius leaned in the doorway and motioned for Diantha to join him outside. His face was as serious as the other two's. Mary patted her arm as she rose to join their leader.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Is Georgios okay?" Diantha asked before Atrius had a chance to speak.

"He'll mend," Atrius said. "He's not just immortal, but a pretty strong guy as well. It would take more than a band of Caracki to take him out. However, the message he gave me was so extreme I fear for everyone's safety in this valley, and especially yours. Tomorrow morning I'll get Champion ready and instruct her to take you back to Tennessee." His voice sounded more monarch than friend.

Unabashed, Diantha met his gaze. "I'm truly glad Georgios isn't hurt badly, but what does his attack have to do with my presence in this valley? What happened to our people honor courage?"

"They do, but not foolhardiness. To keep you safe, something I promised earlier, I need you to go home."

Diantha put her hands on her hips, holding his gaze. "I am home."

Atrius' voice remained calm and in control. "It may mean dying here."

"I was dying in Tennessee. Deep within, my soul was shriveling up. You and your people have taught me I'm worth something and that this place deserves fighting for. I'm staying."

A few heavy seconds ticked by, then Atrius nodded. "So be it. On the first day of the festival, the Caracki plan to attack us from the Western Divide."

"Where the men will be armed and competing in games? That doesn't make sense. Why would they attack where you're strongest?"

"According to Georgios, they want it to be a final all-out war where domination of the two valley's is determined. They know the women will be separated from the men during that time. Although the Caracki soldier Georgios captured said nothing specific about the women, he feels there will be a second wave that will hit if the men are defeated."

"When are you going to make the announcement to the people?" Diantha asked.

Atrius grew quiet, again seeming to look for the right words to say.

"You aren't telling them, are you?" Diantha asked. "Why not?"

"Telling everyone at this point will cause panic, and panic never won a war. The men will know on the day of the battle. The women will not. We hope for the men to hold the line. If we fail, and the Caracki get through, there isn't much the women can do, anyway. They will already be armed for the contests, and will instinctively fight back with skills they've learned down through the years."

"So, just to clarify," Diantha said, "the women will go on with their games like nothing's happening while the men fight for our lives?"

"That's the plan. Do you still want to stay?"

"More than ever."

Atrius leaned in. "In that case, you'll need to learn to walk in trees."

This time, Diantha was the one surprised. "Walk in trees?"

Atrius bobbed his head. "It's a thing they do here in Concorde. If you plan to stay, you'll need to learn this survival skill. I'll send Brandon by in the evening to teach you. Good night. Get some sleep. You have busy days ahead."

"As do you."

Atrius narrowed his eyes at the young lady who had arrived a short time ago, a weak and frightened child, and had become strong enough to stand up to a king.

Author Notes The AI image is from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.


Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 15
The Tree Dance - Part 1

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of last chapter: 
 
"That's the plan. Do you still want to stay?"

"More than ever."

Atrius leaned in. "In that case, you'll need to learn to walk in trees."

This time, Diantha was the one surprised. "Walk in trees?"

Atrius bobbed his head. "It's a thing they do here in Concorde. If you plan to stay, you'll need to learn this survival skill. I'll send Brandon by in the evening to teach you. Good night. Get some sleep. You have busy days ahead."

"As do you."

Atrius narrowed his eyes at the young lady who had arrived a short time ago, a weak and frightened child, and had become strong enough to stand up to a king.
 
 
Begining of new chapter:
 
The following day was a busy one for Diantha, both mentally and physically. She went with Mary's daughter, Tabitha, to fulfill midwifery responsibilities. This allowed Mary time to prepare her family for the festival. 

None of the women they visited seemed in imminent threat of delivering, but the pair had to dispense a few herbs for nausea, swollen ankles, cravings, and lack of sleep. According to Tabitha, it was a good day.

Mary had a full-course meal ready for the returning laborers once their tasks were complete. Resplendent food and delicious deserts helped heal exhaustion. Good company provided the proverbial icing on the cake. 

As soon as supper was over, Bandon arrived promptly for Diantha's lesson on tree climbing. She was actually glad to see the young warrior when he came in. Even though battle seasoned, he seemed to bring joy with him wherever he went.

"Atrius says you need to learn to walk in trees," Brandon said after greeting his extended family.

"That's what he told me," Diantha agreed. "I don't know why, but he seems to think it necessary."

Brandon's animated face spoke volumes. A wrinkled nose, crooked smile and narrowed eyes said he agreed with Atrius. His simple words were, "It might save your life."

Undaunted, Diantha pressed on, "Why this skill? I get the archery, but climbing a tree?" Diantha's own body language spoke as she raised her arms half-way in a shrug.

"Ah, yes, climbing a single tree wouldn't help much unless fleeing a grisly bear," Brandon agreed.

"You have those here?" Diantha asked.

Brandon grimaced. "There are many predators that hunt our valley, and even more from without."

"So I heard," Diantha said, "which explains your presence here with your lessons."

"Merely an excuse to be alone with you," Brandon said with a wink. "All kidding aside, tree-walking isn't the same as tree climbing. Most of our valley is dense with trees. In fact, some areas are so thick, they've formed a canopy that stretches for miles. If you know what you're doing, you can actually walk clear across the valley without ever touching the ground."

Diantha's eyes opened wide in amazement. "And your people know how to do that?"

"Mmmm. We learn it early in life when kids aren't afraid of anything. You'll learn it now, too."

"But, I'm not a child, and definitely not fearless."

Brandon patted her shoulder. "I can't do a thing about your age, but I'm guessing you're braver than you think. Atrius says you wouldn't take him up on his offer to send you home, and unless you have a martyr complex, you'll need to learn how to back up your determination."

"And climbing trees will do it?"

"It can't hurt. A retreat to the trees, something the Caracki don't know how to do, can distance you from danger," Brandon said. "It doesn't guarantee you can survive everything, but can give you an edge."

Diantha nodded her agreement. "Do the Caracki have firearms? I haven't seen your people with anything besides bows, arrows and swords."

"We have other weapons, but all are hand-to-hand. It's the same with our enemy. Even the Caracki respect the environment. We all realize we're temporary residents of our valleys. Aside from Atrius and Georgios, we will all pass away."

"Wow, okay. So, does that mean they won't set the trees on fire while you're climbing in them?"

"They never have in the past, but then, they've never breached Concorde Valley en masse before, either. As soldiers, we have to acknowledge danger, but plan for success. Winning begins in the head and is strengthened by the heart. I believe you have both covered. The question is, are you afraid of heights?"

Diantha drew up her shoulders. "Not overly, but I'd say I display a healthy respect."

Brandon let his gaze penetrate her soul, laying bare her deepest thoughts. What was it about the men in this valley? Did clean lives and gentle spirits give them the ability to read minds?

Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he leaned forward. "Ok, the first step is to take off your shoes. You'll need to feel the branches beneath your feet."

Diantha watched Brandon take off his shoes and set them aside. Choosing not to argue the point, she followed suit.

A soft smile emanated from deep inside and covered the young warrior's face. At that moment, Diantha noticed how much he resembled his sister, Mary. The same courage and responsibility marked both.

"The second step is to find a good tree," he said. His eyes lingered on hers for a moment, not sizing up this time, but sharing emotion.

He broke eye contact slowly and let his gaze search around them. "I see one," he said pointing.

He took her by the hand and led her to a tall tree standing beside a sea of others. "This will do."

Taking a hopping step, he reached up, grabbed a branch, and pulled himself into the tree in one quick movement. He posed with his arms spread to his side and spun around as though to show the branch's sturdiness. After a saucy bow, he nimbly jumped down.

"Ok, your turn," he said.

Diantha's eyes flared, but she strode bravely to the tree. She took a hopping step like she had seen Brandon do, grabbed the branch overhead and pulled. The branch barely shivered, and Diantha remained planted on the ground.

She looked questioningly at Brandon.

To his credit, his face only showed encouragement. "You can't expect the tree to lift you up. You need to use your momentum. Watch me again."

Brandon repeated his movement from earlier. He took the same hopping step, reached up for the branch, and executed a small leap upwards.

Diantha hadn't noticed the leap before. When he stepped aside, Diantha tried repeating what she'd seen Brandon do. She hopped perfectly, grabbed the branch as before, and then did the little leap thing. This time, she managed to get a little air between her foot and the ground before she lost hold of the branch. It snapped upwards, scraping her cheek and tearing open her wound from the day before.

"Ouch!" she exclaimed. "Why is everything in this valley trying to beat me up?"

"Don't take it personally. Just think of how many times a baby falls before it learns to walk."

"Yeah, well, it doesn't have far to fall. Besides, it has a big cushiony diaper on its bottom."

"You'll learn, just like you did with the shooting yesterday. I'll tell you what, we'll work on the tree mount later. Let's go ahead and get you up in the tree and see what we can do from there."

"Okay," Diantha agreed, rubbing her swelling cheek.

Brandon hopped back up into the tree and bent down to pull Diantha after him. She felt clumsy and uncoordinated as she struggled to join him on the course branch.

Once she was securely aloft, Brandon stood on the branch with his feet close together. He held his arms out beside him, as before. Diantha continued sitting where she had been placed and held on for dear life.

"What are you doing?" she asked, looking at him like he was totally senseless.

"I'm feeling the air," he answered, "and making myself part of the tree. Why don't you try?"

"I'm fine here. I feel the wind and the tree. I'm bonding with it as we speak."

"Come on, stand up," he instructed. He reached a hand for hers.

"I can't," Diantha stated, "there's nothing to hold onto."

"Hold onto me," he said softly.

"Are you crazy? You aren't holding on to anything yourself."

"I don't need to and neither do you. Do you trust me?"

"Now that's a loaded question," Diantha said.

"True, but do you?"

"I guess so."

"Shut your eyes, then, and do everything I ask," he said.

Diantha closed her eyes obediently, but rolled them when she thought he might not be looking.

"And keep them closed," he said.

He pulled a piece of cloth out of his pocket and tied it around her eyes. "This is how we teach our children."

"That makes me feel better."

"We all have to learn. Ok, now I want you to picture yourself on a road. Do you see this?"

"Yes."

"The road is broad and lined with cobblestones. Do you see the road?"

"Yes."

"What color are the stones?"

"Brown and gold," Diantha said.

"Excellent, you're doing great. Now make them multicolored."

"Why?"

"Are you going to trust me or not?"

"Yes, ok, they're multicolored." Diantha's eyes were squeezed shut behind the mask.

"Now picture yourself running down the street. Feel the stones beneath your feet. What do they feel like?"

"Smooth and cool."

"Very good. Do you feel a breeze caressing your cheek?" Brandon asked.

"Yes, I do. Which is great because my face still hurts."

"Good. Do you feel the warm rays of the sun on your skin?"

"I do now."

"Excellent, now I want you to take my hand and stand up. Don't open your eyes, even though they are shielded by the mask."

"Fine, should I keep thinking about the cobbled street?"

"Yes, please keep the picture in your mind until I tell you to let it go."

Diantha took Brandon's strong hand in hers and let him pull her gently to her feet. She felt lighter than she had before and more stable.

"What do you feel now?" he asked.

"The bark underneath my feet."

"No," he said softly, "feel the cobblestones of the street."

"Ok, fine. I feel stones."

"Good, keep your eyes closed and let me lead you around. I won't let you fall."

"Ok."

"Are you still on the cobbled street?"

"Yes, Brandon, but I think I should warn you I'm not very graceful."

"Stop worrying and let me help you."

"Okay, sorry. I'm on the street and you're leading me."

"Thank you."

At first, he moved slowly, and she moved little by little with him. She worked hard to picture herself walking down the road instead of on a branch. She was doing great. He took a step, she took a step, and neither one of them fell. She could feel the breeze caressing her bruised cheek, and the sounds of chirping birds. Imagery was a great thing.

Then he pulled her to him a little faster and she had to take big steps to match his. She was scared at first, but when she hesitated, he would put his hand on her elbow and urge her forward.

Finally, she grew more confident, and he had to support her less often. Once she was used to that pace, he picked up speed and she had to struggle to match his step. Still, she kept her eyes closed, aided by the cloth around her eyes.

"Stop making me go faster," she complained on one of those occasions. "I was doing just fine with the baby steps. Remember, I'm like a child learning to walk."

"We don't have much time before Saturday, so you'll have to grow up quickly."

"Ack."

"Stop worrying. You're doing fine."

Diantha took a deep breath and tried to relax. She had been dancing since she was a kid; it was part of her affluent culture. Lean in, feel a man's body and how it moves, and just move with him. She could do this. When she managed to loosen up, he instinctively pulled her closer.

Suddenly, and softly, she was surrounded by the most extraordinary voice she'd ever heard. It sounded like the song of an angel, and it was coming from Brandon's mouth. She felt drawn to him, like a child to its mother. The melody gave her the courage she seemed to lack on her own.

As the ethereal music moved through her, she started to sway in rhythm and leaned more into his body. Carefully, expertly, he changed from walking to dancing.

Her body responded to his and she began to enjoy the dance, her feet barely feeling the branch beneath. Slowly, the singing became more energetic and the tempo intense. She was practically flying along in step with her teacher.

Around and around they spun through the branches of the trees, all in step with the music, and in deference to the mask over her eyes. She could feel the breeze filtering through the branches, and smell the dampness of the forest floor. Never had she known a more beautiful experience. She wished, intently, that the unearthly ballet would last forever.

All of a sudden, Brandon stopped singing and stood still, holding her safely in his arms.

"Where are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"On a cobbled street," she answered. "The rocks are cool and colorful, and I am in the arms of the most talented dancer in the whole valley."

"Well, I don't know if I am the most talented," he said, "but probably the bravest."

"Hey, you said I was doing great."

"And you are. Remove the kerchief from your eyes and look down."

Cautiously, Diantha took off her blindfold, and looked at her feet. She gasped as she realized she was standing on a narrow branch high in the top of a tree. All around her were similar small branches on similar trees. For a second, she was dizzy from the heights and started to sway. 

Calmly, reverantly, Brandon began to hum again. The melody from his voice was comforting, and she leaned against his firm body.

He put his arms around her and pulled her close. She wasn't afraid anymore. She had learned to walk in trees just as easily as she had learned to shoot a bow and arrow. Was it mere coincidence she had ended up in this peculiar valley hidden away from the rest of society?

At this moment, she didn't think so.




 

Author Notes AI images are from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.


Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 16
The Tree Dance - Part 2

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of Last Chapter:
 
All of a sudden, Brandon stopped singing and stood still, holding her safely in his arms.

"Where are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"On a cobbled street," she answered. "The rocks are cool and colorful, and I am in the arms of the most talented dancer in the whole valley."

"Well, I don't know if I am the most talented," he said, "but probably the bravest."

"Hey, you said I was doing great."

"And you are. Remove the kerchief from your eyes and look down."

Cautiously, Diantha took off her blindfold, and looked at her feet. She gasped as she realized she was standing on a narrow branch high in the top of a tree. All around her were similar small branches on similar trees. For a second, she was dizzy from the heights and started to sway. 

Calmly, reverantly, Brandon began to hum again. The melody from his voice was comforting, and she leaned against his firm body.

He put his arms around her and pulled her close. She wasn't afraid anymore. She had learned to walk in trees just as easily as she had learned to shoot a bow and arrow. Was it mere coincidence she had ended up in this peculiar valley hidden away from the rest of society?

At this moment, she didn't think so.
 
 
New Chapter Begins:
 
 
"You did it," Brandon said. "You soared like a lovely red cardinal."

"With your help."

"Still... You've done beautifully. I think you're ready for the next step. I'm going to back away, and I want you to walk to me."

"Are you crazy? Brandon you have to hold onto me. I'm all okay with the dancing thing, but we're way too high in this tree to just let go."

"Don't worry. Think about the cobbled street and what you've just experienced."

Before she had a chance to overthink things, Brandon let go and backed up.

Getting over the shock of the change in events, Diantha realized he was serious. She took a deep breath and thought about wide streets and singing birds.

She reached her hand towards his and he touched her fingertips. She took a guarded step forward, and then another, and another. Each time she stepped forward, he stepped backwards, until she was taking several steps on her own.
 
Apparently satisfied with her progress, he leapt to another branch and beckoned with his hand.

Diantha sputtered her disapproval. "Really, Brandon, this is too much. You need to get right back over here with me."

"Have I let you fall yet?"

"No, but if I do, there's no way you can catch me from over there."

"I'm quite agile. Why don't you test me? Lean forward and let yourself fall. See how fast I can move."

The stricken look on Diantha's face spoke more than any words she could come up with in protest.

Brandon gave her a quick bemused smile, then motioned, again, for her to join him.

Diantha considered stomping her foot defiantly, but changed her mind when she realized she was in no position to argue.

Brandon watched her changing expressions and winked mischievously. Diantha snarled back, but thought his attitude kind of made him look even more handsome.

"Jump to me," he repeated.

"Brandon you don't understand. I'm a terrible klutz."

"What's that?"

"A very ungraceful person. If I fall, I'm likely to take you down with me. For your own good, don't ask me to do this."

"Nice try, Diantha. Do you want me to put the handkerchief back over your eyes?" Brandon brandished the blindfold as evidence of his intention.

"Please don't."

"Then jump to me. Remember, cobbled streets and flying birds."

"That's not working now."

"Then just trust me. I promise I won't let you fall, nor will I let you knock me down."

"Okay, just remember I warned you."

Brandon didn't answer, but continued to hold out his hand and smile. Diantha took a deep breath and leapt. Very surprisingly, she landed firmly beside him. He did it again and again, and each time she landed safely.

The last time it happened, he put his arms around her and kissed her cheek above the reopened wound. The kiss was innocent and sweet, but served to stoke her inner turmoil.
 
 
 
 

"Now, we dance again," he said, as though oblivious to the effect the kiss had on Diantha.
 
She closed her eyes as he began to sing the lovely tune from earlier.
 
"You'll have to open them this time," Brandon said, pausing his song. "You need to watch where you're stepping."
 
"Good point."
 
With a giggle, Diantha opened her eyes and let the beautiful sound of his voice envelop her. Before she knew it, she was dancing through the treetops with him as easily as if they were on a dance floor. She hardly felt her feet as she landed on branches, some so thin she didn't know how they managed her weight.

Finally, once the shadows from the full moon grew long, they ended their strange moonlit aerobatics.
 
Brandon helped her out of the very tree they had started in, and held her close once more.

"Thank you," Diantha said and meant it. "That has to be one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life."

"You're quite welcome. I enjoyed it even more. Before we end, though, let's try the tree mount again. Maybe this time, you'll have more luck."

"Ok, I'm game," Diantha agreed. "Tonight anything seems possible."

Brandon leapt gracefully into the tree and then held out his hand for her. She took a hopping step, braced her hand on the lowest branch and pushed up. She was amazed at how quickly she was able to join her companion. Was there anything in this valley that wasn't going to surprise her?
 
Brandon took her hand and gazed into her eyes as though trying to read her thoughts.

"Diantha," he began, "It has been such a pleasure to work with you. You're talented and willing to learn new things, even if they're hard. I know we've only recently met, but I'm finding myself developing deep feelings for you."

"Brandon," Diantha broke in, "I've had a really good time, too, marvelous, even, but I've just gotten here and I'm not ready for a relationship."

Brandon nodded. "I know you just came out of a horrible situation with a man you didn't really love. I don't want you to feel that way with me. It's just I do want you to know where my heart is."

Diantha nodded her understanding. "Thank you for your honesty. Now let me return the favor. You've touched my heart in many ways, and I confess I'm attracted to you. Beyond that, I can't promise anything."

Brandon nodded in his turn. "I'm fine with that. But later, when I'm not around making you feel coerced, please think about me and what I've said."
 
Diantha met his gaze. "I don't want to lose your friendship, or forget this night... ever. It might be you're the perfect person for me, but there are some things I need to work out first."

"Of course, but I didn't want to go into battle without making you aware of how I feel."

"You've more than done that," Diantha said quietly. "The dance, alone, spoke to my heart. Oh, and what language were you singing? Was that horse? Atrius says I need to learn to talk to horses."
 
"No, not horse. They have a much coarser sound. That was sparrow."
 
"Sparrow? I didn't think they would sound that sweet."
 
"Have you ever really listened to them?" Brandon asked.
 
"I guess not."
 
"Well, you have now. That's one reason we love them so much in Concorde Valley."

Diantha nodded recognition. "Thank you for sharing it with me."
 
Brandon hugged her again. "I know you're tired and have a big day ahead tomorrow. I, myself, need to be in quarters. Atrius has us all bivouacked ahead of the games. "

Diantha graced him with a smile. "Well, blame me if he says anything to you. He was the one who wanted you to teach me to tree walk."

Brandon's eyes met hers. "He knows where I am, and I doubt he'll get mad."

He hopped out of the tree, and helped Diantha down as well. Taking her by the hand, he walked with her in the moonlight back into his sister's backyard. Once there, he faced her again.
 
 
 
 

 
"I won't be able to make it back before the festival," he said. "As your instructor, I deem you proficient in tree climbing and archery. The attack is supposed to occur about midmorning. If all goes well, we'll join you and the other women before the day is out."

"And if it doesn't go well?"

Brandon paused. "Then God help us all."
 
 
 
 
 
 

Author Notes AI images are from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.


Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 17
Festival Eve

By davisr (Rhonda)

End of Last Chapter:
 
Diantha graced him with a smile. "Well, blame me if he says anything to you. He was the one who wanted you to teach me to tree walk."Centaur... a monster."

Brandon's eyes met hers. "He knows where I am, and I doubt he'll get mad."

He hopped out of the tree, and helped Diantha down as well. Taking her by the hand, he walked with her in the moonlight back into his sister's backyard. Once there, he faced her again.
 
"I won't be able to make it back before the festival," he said. "As your instructor, I deem you proficient in tree climbing and archery. The attack is supposed to occur about midmorning. If all goes well, we'll join you and the other women before the day is out."

"And if it doesn't go well?"

Brandon paused. "Then God help us all."
 
 
New Chapter Begins:
 
Diantha stroked the alabaster back and withers of her 3-year-old filly, Champion. She had nicknamed the fiery youngsterWhite Lightning a lifetime ago. While she knew it was rather cliche, her registered name was too cumbersome.

Once in Atrius' realm, he had informed her that everyone, humans included, have a horse name that expresses their true character. He said White Lightning's real name was Champion. Most children learned theirs when they were around 8. Diantha had yet to discover hers, having been raised in a culture unaware of the practice.

Diantha cleared her throat and began awkwardly, "Okay, Champion, Atrius says I need to learn to speak your language, but hasn't sent anyone to teach me. I half expect Brandon to show up any moment. Doesn't he always when I need to learn something new?"

Champion bobbed her head and whinnied softly. The sound was encouraging, so Diantha continued. "What do you think of Brandon? Good or bad?"

Champion glanced back as though asking her what she felt.

Diantha patted Champion on her side in recognition of their having begun to bridge the communication gap between them.

"Okay, I find him incredibly handsome."

Champion whinnied. She seemed to want more.

"And, I see him as patient and talented," Diantha added.

A supportive nod from Champion encouraged her to continue.

"He's definitely a lot better than what I had to choose from back in our old world."

Champion snorted at this remark.

"Well, I know that's not saying much since you saved me from my idiotic fiance who tried to have me killed."

Champion bobbed her head and blinked big brown eyes. She couldn't agree more.

"That was an easy signal to read," Diantha said. She leaned against Champion, letting her body rise and fall with the filly's breathing.

"I've never told you, thank you, for saving me that day," Diantha said. "I know you risked life and liberty to do it. You ran with me for hours seeking this valley and its strange king. I know Atrius said all horses know the way, but you actually found it."
 
 
Champion responded with a series of soft neighs Diantha figured was too detailed for her to interpret, but accepted as a complete explanation.

She leaned away from Champion and sighed.

"And, speaking of Atrius, what's your opinion of the two of us as a couple? I know it sounds really weird, but I can't stop thinking about him and don't understand why. Do you think he's awesome?"

Champion's nods became more pronounced. Diantha took it to mean she really agreed.

"Yeah, I kind of think he's incedible, too. And, to be honest, part of the attraction is physical. He's built like, I don't know, a Greek god, maybe? And his eyes are so pretty. I can't quite put my finger on their exact color. They appear emerald green one moment and soft aqua the next. Oh, and the way they make me feel when he looks into my eyes, it's like wave after wave of fragrant ocean water bathing my soul."

Champion snorted and pawed the ground.

At this point, Diantha had stopped looking for cues from her horse and was just baring her soul.
 
"But it's not just his looks or eyes that have me captivated. There's something deeper, more primal. Does that make me weird? I mean Atrius isn't just from a different race. I think he can actually qualify as a distinct species."

Diantha reached for a comb and began to curry Champion's fur. "What should I do? Everyone seems to want me with Brandon, including Atrius. He does seem the logical choice, but just doesn't make me feel the way Atrius does."

Champion threw her head up and snorted loudly.

"Well you don't have to react like that," Diantha complained. "I'm just trying to get your advice like Atrius told me I should have done back in Tennessee. If you don't want to help me, just ignore me or something. Oh, I give up, I'll never figure out what you're saying."
 
Further discussion was halted by the sound of a man clearing his throat.

"A nod means 'yes', and a snort means 'look out, someone's listening'," the man said. "Pawing the ground is a definite warning."

"Atrius!" Diantha shrieked. Her face turned a bright shade of red as she turned toward the door of the barn. "How long have you been standing there?"

"Long enough," he answered, grinning devilishly.

"It's not nice to eavesdrop, you know."

"I wasn't eavesdropping. I was just trying to help you learn to speak horse. You were talking, she was talking; you two were having a very good conversation. It would have been rude of me to interrupt."

"Well, I hope you don't think I meant all those things," Diantha said, visibly sputtering. "I was just trying to get a response from Champion."

Still grinning, Atrius crossed his arms across his expansive chest. "Of course not. I'm sure you think I'm horribly ugly and don't do a thing for you. In fact, it's probably all you can do to look at me."

"Right now, that's truer than you might think," Diantha said. "Besides, I thought you weren't coming back until the festival. You said you wouldn't see me again until then."

"I changed my mind," he said. "I made you a bow out of willow last night and wanted to bring it as a gift for learning archery and tree-walking so quickly. It's stronger than the one Brandon gave you and will shoot further."

Diantha's eyes lit up as she took the bow and felt its smooth texture. She pulled the string back, allowing the wood to rest against her face. It smelled like him, she thought, and that gave her comfort.

"It will serve you better in battle than the other, should it come to that," Atrius said, touching the bow as well.

"I'll always treasure it."

Atrius looked at her with mixed emotions. What those feelings were, Diantha couldn't completely discern, but felt they reflected her own.

"Is this the only reason you're here?" she asked.

"Of course," he responded, changing his tone. "Do you really think I have nice eyes?"

Diantha blinked her eyes. "Ask Champion, She seems to know everything."

"She thinks I'm hot."

"Oh, really? Is that what she told you?"

"Actually, she snorted at me. I don't think she trusts men around you after what happened in your old world."

"Not even men who are half horse?"

"I don't think she knows too many of those," he replied.

Diantha smiled, allowing her hazel eyes to radiate warmth. "Yeah, me either."

"Look," he said, his tone changing again. "Be careful tomorrow. I know I just armed you, but your best defense is what Brandon taught you last night. If the Caracki get close, go to the trees and call for Champion. She'll carry you to safety, and then please let her take you home to Tennessee."

"We've already been through this, Atrius. Concorde Valley is my home."

"I understand how you feel, but you have to understand you're my responsibility."

"No, I'm not. I'm a grown woman and have made my own choice to stay. I hereby absolve you of all guilt associated with me getting in harm's way, okay?"

"Not okay. What really keeps you here, Diantha?"

Diantha threw up her hands in frustration. "The people, the peacefulness, the fact that I have a purpose now."

"Those are all good, but I know there's more --- something compelling enough to drive you to discuss it with your horse."

"My other reasons are my own... ones I am not prepared to share. Not here, not like this."

"I apologize for listening in where I wasn't expected. It was impolite, but please don't throw your life away foolishly," Atrius said. "If you must love someone, make sure it is someone who is free to love you back."

Diantha's voice was acute with frustration. "I never mentioned the word love, but since you brought it up, let's put it on the table. Freedom to love, my friend, is a basic human right."

"Which works just fine for you, but I'm not human," Atrius countered. He gestured with his hands at his body. "I'm a Centaur... a monster."

"It only requires a human heart and you have that. Goodbye, Atrius, and good luck tomorrow. Don't do anything foolish, yourself. Champion would be devastated if anything were to happen to you."

"She would?"

"Yes, she told me so," Diantha said.

"Well, you and Champion can quit worrying. I'm immortal. There isn't much that can kill me."

Diantha's eyes flared. "No one's invincible, Atrius, not even the gods. Everyone has a weakness."

Atrius leaned in. "My only weakness is that human heart you spoke of, and it's not the part that can be reached by an enemy's arrow."

"And why do you think your greatest strength makes you weak?" Diantha asked, placing a hand on his arm.

"Because, like you, I want something I cannot have." Sighing, Atrius, placed a large scarred hand over hers. "I also want a beautiful young lady to go home so I know she's secure."

"You know my old life isn't safe for me, Atrius, not physically or mentally. If you think you can't protect me here, how do you think you'll be able to do so there? Or, is out of sight out of mind good enough for you?"

"That's a cheap shot, Diantha. I really did want you to have a chance for a normal life here in the valley. I couldn't have guessed the Caracki would pick this time to attack. At least on your family's ranch, you won't have to worry about them. Champion can look out for you."

"Champion did look out for me. She brought me here. I'm her responsibility, not yours, and she wants me to stay."

"And you know this, how?"

"She told me."

"You don't speak horse."

"Okay, then, you ask her."

Atrius dropped his eyes. "There's no need, she does."

"There you go, so you don't have to feel guilty if I get hurt. Look, Atrius, I know you overheard me talking to Champion about my feelings, but there's more to my decision to stay than school girl sentiments. Here in this valley, my life is better, and I'm free to love whoever I choose, even if he doesn't feel the same way."
 
Silence fell over the barn, broken only by the sound of a sparrow singing. One quiet moment passed and then another. Turbulent green eyes bored into turbulent hazel.

"He does," Atrius admitted, squeezing her hand before letting it go. He turned to walk away. "I'm just not at liberty to do anything about it. I shouldn't have come here tonight. I could have let Brandon bring you the bow."

Diantha wanted to throw out a scathing remark about always getting Brandon to stand in for him, but opted with saying, "I'm glad you did come."

Atrius turned and approached her again. There was a strange emotion evident in his green eyes that Diantha wasn't sure how to interpret. In a quick gesture Diantha could tell he hadn't planned, Atrius leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. The lingering kiss sent sparks throughout her body and made her head reel.
 
Her hand flew involuntarily to her lips as he stepped back. His tender face betrayed a far deeper feeling than he had admitted to. He held her eyes transfixed with his own for a few seconds before turning. As he left, her body shuddered. Whatever he was, it wasn't a monster.
 
 
 

Author Notes Image of Champion at the top of the story came from Debi Pick-Marquette. AI images are from IZEA.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.


Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 18
A Bad Detour

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of last chapter:
 
Silence fell over the barn, broken only by the sound of a sparrow singing. One quiet moment passed and then another. Turbulent green eyes bored into turbulent hazel.

"He does," Atrius admitted, squeezing her hand before letting it go. He turned to walk away. "I'm just not at liberty to do anything about it. I shouldn't have come here tonight. I could have let Brandon bring you the bow."

Diantha wanted to throw out a scathing remark about always getting Brandon to stand in for him, but opted with saying, "I'm glad you did come."

Atrius turned and approached her again. There was a strange emotion evident in his green eyes that Diantha wasn't sure how to interpret. In a quick gesture Diantha could tell he hadn't planned, Atrius leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. The lingering kiss sent sparks throughout her body and made her head reel.
 
Her hand flew involuntarily to her lips as he stepped back. His tender face betrayed a far deeper feeling than he had admitted to. He held her eyes transfixed with his own for a few seconds before turning. As he left, her body shuddered. Whatever he was, it wasn't a monster. 
 
New Chapter Begins:
 
Diantha spent the next hour or so practicing archery. It gave her a chance to develop her burgeoning prowess as a Concorde Valley warrior, as well as time to process the encounter she'd just had with Atrius. She wasn't sure which disturbed her more.
 
At first she had trouble pulling the string back on the powerful bow Atrius had given her, but managed to muscle her way through the challenge. She wasn't sure if it was inherent skill or extraordinary need that drove her success, but success she was determined to achieve.
 
She did miss Brandon's help, which made her feel a bit guilty, having just shared a serendipitous kiss with Atrius. However, the king of Concorde Valley had given her no assurity of a future together. He couldn't. There were too many roadblocks for either to be certain of a relationship. And, she only missed Brandon's tutelage. She didn't yet long for him.
 
Finally, when she had about all the contemplation and archery practice she felt she could endure, she decided to head for the woods beyond the field to test her skills in tree-walking.
 
She brought her archery set with her to see if she could climb with them slung on her back the way Brandon did. If she were to have to flee from danger, she wouldn't want to leave her weapons behind.

When she got to the woods, she searched out at a promising tree with a low hanging branch. She could probably have crawled into it with ease, even before Brandon taught her to tree-walk, so she figured it was a good place to start.
 
She took off her shoes, which were valley sandals Mary had given her. They were made of soft leather on top and tough leather on bottom. Mary assured her they would last for years. Years... did they truly have them ahead? Diantha had to hope so, otherwise all she was doing was for nothing.
 
She shifted the bow and quiver on her shoulders to make sure both were stable, then studied the tree. Easy? She wasn't so sure. 

"Ok, here I go," she said out loud. She took the little hop step Brandon had taught her, reached for the low branch and pulled. She thought about birds and wind, and jumped with as much energy as she could muster.
 
She lifted for just a moment and then fell with a thump to the ground. Frustrated, she took off the bow and quiver and laid them aside. They had unbalanced her. One task at a time.

She stood, rubbed her offended parts and cocked an eye at the tree. "I'm going to be so bruised by the time this war thing starts that the enemy won't have to lay a hand on me." 
 
She paused a moment and took a deep breath. "Ok, I can do this."

Closing her eyes, Diantha imagined the cobbled street Brandon had described in their previous encounter. Gradually, she found herself there, again, on the imaginary path, listening to Brandon singing his extraordinary song. She was in the moment and felt light as a feather. She opened her eyes and repeated her earlier effort. This time, she felt different, more connected.
 
As if with the wings of a sparrow, she lifted off the ground and onto the branch. Sure, it was a low branch, but she had done it on her own.

"Now, I need to soar," she announced to a curious squirrel.

Diantha noticed that the wild animals in Concorde Valley were oddly unafraid of humans. She wondered what had caused a split in human and animal relationships where she had come from. How had her people lost so much of what made them compatible with nature? More importantly, could they ever mend the relationship?

Diantha closed her eyes and held her arms out the way Brandon had done to feel the wind and the spirit of the tree. She wasn't sure if she was experiencing quite the level she needed, but did feel lighter and more confident.
 
She opened her eyes and began to walk. She felt the bark beneath her bare feet, a gentle breeze on her face and the feel of nature surrounding her.  
 
Before she knew it, she had actually managed to climb pretty high without tiring. When you don't have to struggle against a tree, Diantha observed, you don't get worn out as easily.

Once near the top, she looked for another tree to jump to. This was the part she knew was going to give her the most trouble. It was one thing to stand on a tree, blending with nature, but quite another to take a chance and jump to another a distance away.
 
Although she had just done it many times the evening before, she was a little scared attempting it on her own. The branch beneath her feet was secure and the tree that held her, safe.
 
But, she decided, holding onto what was safe was not going to get her ahead in her practice session. She would have to take a risk.
 
Kind of like her life right now, she figured. Her home in Tennessee had allowed her to stay innocent and protected, but had not allowed her to grow as a person. She was taking a huge risk joining a society so different from her own.

She was glad Champion had taken her away from the static life she had led, but it had been the horse's choice to leave, not hers. Standing at the top of one tree and staring at another, she had to make the decision to jump, herself.
 
No one in the valley would blame her if she decided to stay put; none, that is, except the one person who really mattered the most--- herself.

Taking a firm deep breath, she spied a strong looking branch on the neighboring tree and leapt. She landed firm and safe. She had done it! Not only had she conquered fear, but had done so with grace. She knew that no matter what else might come her way in this valley, she had achieved something important.

More confident, she walked through the branches until she found another tree to transfer to. Why had she been so afraid? This was easy. She walked and leapt her way for what amounted to miles.
 
Sometimes, she would hum to herself and try and dance like she had with Brandon the night before, but without him, it wasn't working. No matter, she was making progress.

Diantha became so engrossed in her activity, she made a critical mistake. She hadn't kept track of where she was going. When she realized she was lost, she froze in place.
 
"What now?"
 
She shook off crippling lethargy and climbed to the top of the tree. She let her eyes scour the canopy. All she could see for miles was the tops of other trees and the Concorde mountains beyond.
 
What was she going to do? She looked for the setting sun and found it behind her. Okay, that was west, but which way was the city, and which way was the Barton house?

"If I'm facing east, and the mountain is ahead of me, then I should turn around and head west," she reasoned, "and hurry before the sun disappears behind the mountain."

Diantha was happy with her decision, so took off as fast as she could towards the setting sun. She was forced to throw caution to the wind as she flew through the branches of the connected trees.
 
She no longer needed thoughts of being a bird, or memories of Brandon's song to keep her aloft. She was pressed by necessity and had no time for fear. She became aware of how need could be a better teacher than desire.

At one point, she made it to an area where the foliage was less dense. She was forced to go to the ground to make progress. Her situation became complicated by the disappearance of the sun. Day was yielding to night, and night to near dispair.
 
Thankfully, she could see the glow of lights somewhere ahead in the dusk. First, she came to a wheat field, and then to a farm house. Exhausted, she knocked on the door. A few minutes later, a woman's haggard face appeared through a crack in the door.
 

"Who are you?" the lady asked, her clear blue eyes opening wide with fear. Filthy blonde hair was tied into a disheveled bun that sat atop a gaunt face. It was difficult to guess her age. Time had not been kind.

"My name is Diantha. I got lost in the woods a distance back. I'm living with the Bartons, if you know them, and need to get back. Can you help me?"

"No," the woman snapped. "Go away."

Before the lady could slam the door in Diantha's face, a tall man pushed his way forward. He was plainly dressed, after the manner of farmers, but there was something sinister about his countenance that made him seem something else. "Who's there, hag?"

"No one important," the woman answered. Her once pleasant features were distorted by something akin to fear. "Just someone lost."

"Well, invite her in."

The woman gasped and tried to shove Diantha away. "Run," she cried. "Run for your life."

The man jerked the door open and grabbed Diantha by the arm. She was too shocked and tired to put up a good enough fight to break his grasp.

"You're being very rude, Agatha," the man said. "This young lady has come asking for aide. We should give it to her."

"No, Drake, please let her go. She's staying with the Bartons. They'll come looking for her."

"Let them," Drake snarled. "I'm not afraid of Burke."

"You should be," Agatha said. "He's a captain in the king's guard."

Drake shrugged off her comment with practiced disdain.
 
"I've heard about this girl," he said. "She's just an outsider. If they do look for her, they won't look long. Besides, it won't matter after tomorrow."
 
"You don't know that. You being found right now might spoil your big plans." Agatha's exaggerated features appeared concerned.
 
Drake raised a gnarled hand as though to strike his companion in the face, but paused when Diantha spoke.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked. "Just let me go if you don't want to help. I'll find my own way back."

Drake looked her up and down like examining a heifer for sale. "I don't know how you found this place, young lady, but you're on the wrong side of the valley. The Barton home is close to Concorde Village. You're in the outlands."
 
"I apologize for trespassing," Diantha said. She was trying to talk her way out of a situation that had the same feel as the one in Tennessee with her would-be kidnapper.
 
Her mind flew to the one creature who had saved her before. The one Atrius had told her to call for in need. "Champion!" she yelled before Drake's hand covered her mouth.
 
He leaned in close to her ear, his putrid breath filling her senses. "Screaming won't help here. Now be quiet, I have big plans for you."
 
 

Author Notes The AI image of the man was from Chat GPT. The house from google free images.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.


Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 19
Conflict in the Woods

By davisr (Rhonda)

Warning: The author has noted that this contains the highest level of violence.

End of Last Chapter:

"I apologize for trespassing," Diantha said. She was trying to talk her way out of a situation that had the same feel as in Tennessee with her would-be kidnapper.

Her mind flew to the one creature who had saved her before. The very one Atrius had told her to call for in need. "Champion!" she yelled before Drake's hand covered her mouth.

He leaned in close to her ear, his putrid breath filling her senses. "Screaming won't help here. Now, be quiet. I have big plans for you."

New Chapter Begins:

"Drake, you told me you wouldn't do that again," Agatha wailed. "You've been lucky. The girls you chose before were unknown woodsmen's daughters."

"Now listen, Agatha, you know as a Caracki, I'm obligated to my old religion. Especially with the invasion coming up, I need to make an offering to Hades. She's a little old, but looks untouched. You untouched, girl?"

Diantha mumbled beneath Drake's hand.

"Oh." He pulled his hand away. "Don't scream or I'll cover it again. So what about it? Are you pure?"

"That's none of your business," Diantha said. She was, but figured this would not be the best time to admit it.

"Well, we'll have to use you, anyway. We're out of time to find someone more suitable."

"More suitable? I don't belong to either of you. Now, let me go."

Diantha began to thrash around, but the large man held her fiercely in his grasp. With a maniacal glaze to his eyes, he dragged her down a flight of stairs and into a cellar. She knew she should have felt the pain of bumps and scrapes, but heightened adrenaline counteracted discomfort.

Behind them, the pitiful Agatha followed, wringing her hands and begging mercy for their captive.

Drake tied her to a wooden chair that appeared like it might have been used for sacrifices before. Diantha turned her head from her captor and shuddered.

Maybe she should have taken Atrius' advice and returned home to Tennessee. No, she thought, even here, locked in a cellar with a crazy guy, she felt more alive than she had in her former life. She might die at the hands of this psychopath, but at least she would have experienced life before she went.

There had to be a way out of this situation, she thought. Her hands were bound behind her back, and her legs tied firmly to the chair. What could she do? What did she have left that she could control?

As she gazed around the room looking for anything to help, she noticed a small window near the top of the cellar. It led outside, and there was a small bird pecking at some grass beside it. It looked in at her curiously.

"Hey, little bird," Diantha called out. Her captors ignored her. "Go get Atrius. Go on, go get the Centaur."

The bird looked in at her again and cocked its head as though listening. The action gave her hope. Maybe, all the animals in the valley could talk to Atrius.

She repeated her plea to the bird as loud as she dared.

"Shut up!" Drake bellowed and slapped her across the face. "We need it quiet in here before the sacrifice. I have to remember my lines. I haven't done this too many times on my own."

"Well, excuse me for messing up your evil ritual," Diantha said, "but I'm not going down willingly."

"The ritual is not evil, you infidel," Drake responded. "Hades is a viable god, one of the twelve of power. He's no more evil than the others."

"Isn't he the god of the Underworld?" Diantha asked, remembering her Greek mythology.

"Yes, but that doesn't make him evil, just in charge of the dead."

"Oh, I see, so it's a bad job but someone has to do it? Doesn't it bother you, even a little, that the god you serve rules dead people?"

"No, for your information, he's over more than that. He rules gold, silver, and gems from the ground. He's made my people quite wealthy."

"If that's true, then why do you live in this valley and not back in Carack with the others?"

"I'm one of his trusted soldiers," he explained. "Our valley has been used up as far as resources are concerned, and we're about to take this one over. After tomorrow, Hades will help us rule both places."

"You used up the resources? But I thought you said Hades gave you the riches. It seems he only taught you to dig things up without conserving your land in the process. He gave you nothing but separation from people who were once your brothers."

"You speak about things you don't understand," Drake said. He leaned his face inches from hers. She could feel his foul breath on her sore cheek.

"Oh, I'm fully aware of your situation," she retorted. If she was going to die, anyway, she might as well speak her mind. "Have you visited my world? Your friend Hades is hard at work there, too, and the results are the same. Death begets death."

"I'm not afraid to die, little girl, not for him."

"Good, then go sacrifice yourself."

"It doesn't work that way."

"No, you're right," Diantha said. Her eyes bored into his. "He already owns your soul, and if you think he cares about you personally, you're an idiot. He'll drop you just as soon as you've served his purpose."

"You're wrong, he needs me. He made me a Specter and gave me extra powers. I'm here to offer him sacrifices so his work can progress in this valley."

"The sacrifice of death?"

"As they say, we all have to go sometime. For you it will be a death of honor. You should be thanking me for giving you the opportunity. Now, my work here is about to begin, so I suggest you get quiet and pray to whatever god you serve."

"I already did, and He sent me to this valley and to the care of Atrius. You may not be afraid of Burke, but you should be afraid of the Centaur."

"Well, I'm not, and he'll fall tomorrow, anyway."

Diantha shook her head. "He's immortal. He'll be the victor even if all else die."

"Maybe not." Drake stood with one hand resting on his hip and the other waving a knife.

"What do you mean?" Diantha asked. There was a hesitation in her voice she hadn't wanted to show.

"We have a new helper with us," Drake replied, "and he told us he knows how to defeat your champion. He says Atrius has a weakness we can use against him. With his help, we are going to use this flaw to win our war. Tomorrow will be a great day for the Caracki people. Concorde will fall and so will Atrius and all the other losers that rule this place."

Anxiety began to gnaw at her throat and tighten her chest. Could she believe this fool? Could she afford not to? Atrius couldn't die. The valley needed him... she needed him. She wasn't as afraid of dying as a sacrifice as she was of losing all that was good in the valley.

When Drake turned back to continue his sacrificial preparations, Diantha tested the ropes around her feet. She wriggled and squirmed until she found a way to slip one foot out.

It wasn't much, but it gave her courage. She wriggled her other foot loose, too.

She glanced over at Agatha, who was watching her closely. She wondered what hold this evil servant of Hades had on the poor woman, and why she was unable to escape him. Diantha glared at her to warn her not to say a thing. Agatha nodded her greasy, disheveled head in agreement.

Drake turned around. He was holding knives as he approached her. He placed them on a table and started chanting some words under his breath she didn't understand and, honestly, didn't care to.
 
His eyes became more glazed as Agatha started to cry and plead for him to stop. He didn't even seem to hear as he continued his ritual.

Grabbing one of the knives, he cut Diantha's hands free, but pressed his body against hers to keep her from moving. He grasped one of her wrists and made a deep cut across it.

The wound didn't hurt much, as the knife was sharp, but the fact she was bleeding was alarming. Drake dipped his fingers in the red sticky liquid and drew a mark on her forehead. He leaned back admiring his handiwork. Satisfied, he began to dance around the room and chant. If she was going to act, now was the time.

She took a deep breath and thought about how she had to get the information out she had just learned. Atrius and Burke were about to head into a war against an enemy they thought they knew well, but didn't. The knowledge of her responsibility gave her added power.

When Drake drew close again, she lunged upward and caught him in the groin with her knee. She kicked him in the chin when he bent over, then kicked the wooden table beside the chair when he went down. It hit him squarely in the face. She wasn't sure where she had learned to fight, but figured that this was one of many novel activities she was gaining in her new life.

Without turning back to see if Drake was on his feet, she ran up the stairs and jerked open the cellar door. She slammed it shut behind her, hoping to slow any pursuit coming her way.

She ran through the kitchen and to the front room of the house. The door was closed and latched ahead of her; she could see that much in the hazy light of the living room. She heard footsteps behind her as she fiddled with the locks on the door.

Finally, when she got the door open, she noticed it had grown dark while she was in the shack. The light on the path in front of her was lit only by a full moon, but she could still see well enough to run. She slammed the door shut behind, and heard a bellow of pain. Drake might catch her again, but she relished in the idea of having made him fight to get her.

As she heard the door crash open behind her, she saw a flash of movement in front. Instinctively, she dropped to the ground just as an arrow whizzed over her head and flew straight into Drake's throat.

She watched as a rugged man leapt over her and landed on top of her assailant. There was a sickening sound of crushing bones, and then Agatha's cry as she came out the door.

"Get out of here, woman," the man commanded, "or I'll take you in as an accomplice."

Agatha pleaded with wide eyes, and groveled at the man's feet.

"Georgios," she begged, "spare me."

Diantha gaped at Atrius' son in surprise. In this setting, he seemed more feral than human. And, ever so much more like his Centaur father.

"Am I free to go?" Agatha asked with a trace of hope in her voice. "He took me from my family when I was a child."

"Do you know where your family is?"

"Yes, sir. They live across the valley."

"Do you have a way to get to them?"

"Yes, we have a horse in the barn. I can saddle him and go, that is if you'll let me."

"You're free to leave as long as you give up whatever life you were leading with this man."

"I promise you, I was a prisoner, too."

"Then go in peace."

"Thank you, sir," she said, and then turned to head for the barn. She didn't even bother to go back into the house for any of her things.

Diantha burst into tears as Georgios traipsed over to her side. He tenderly lifted her into his strong arms. He carried her like a child until they found his sorrel stallion to mount. He urged the great beast toward town.

After a bit, Diatha asked, "how did you find me? I called for Champion and talked to a little bird. Did either of them summon you?"

"I heard you cry for your filly," he explained. "Champion was too far away to have heard you directly. I could have passed the alarm, but this forest rescues aren't her area of specialty."

"Is it yours, then?"

"I assure you, I've fought Caracki for many generations of men."

"But he said he was a Specter," Diantha said, "like that was some specialist."

"He was nothing special to me. Hades has many of his type in his service. They're not immortals."

"Thank you for coming, but, Georgios, I'm bleeding," she said holding her arm up for him to see in the dim street lamps of the outskits of the city, "and I have something evil on my forehead."

Georgios pulled a handkerchief out of a pocket in his vest and wrapped it around her wrist. The tight bandage hurt her damaged skin, but Diantha knew it was necessary to stop the bleeding. He then spat on his hand and wiped the mark off her forehead. He gazed at her with a mixture of concern and pride.

"Better now?"

"Infinitely."

"Good. So, how did you end up at that house?"

Out of nerves, Diantha began to stammer. "I was out walking in the trees like Brandon told me to. I was doing really good, jumping around from tree to tree like a native Concordian, but then realized I was lost. So, I started heading west, because I thought that was the way back to the Barton's house, only it wasn't. So I got down out of the trees, and went over to this farmhouse. I knocked on those people's door to ask for help, but the man grabbed my arm and dragged me down into a cellar and started some weird evil ritual on me. I feel so violated."

"You're okay," Georgios consoled, almost smiling. "I got the mark off you, and you're safe. Drake can't hurt you, I promise."
 
"But he's a ..."
 
"Specter. He was one. Now, he's dead."

"Thank you, Georgios. That man told me they have someone new who is going to help them in the invasion tomorrow. He's supposed to know a weakness of your father's and use it to defeat him."

"Did he say what the weakness was?"

"No, but he said it would destroy him, allowing the Caracki to take over. He said Hades would rule  both valleys then."

"The Caracki are always boasting about killing my father, but haven't succeeded yet."

"That may be true, but please tell him to be careful. If he does have a weakness, and he knows what it is, ask him to watch out for it tomorrow."

"I certainly will, but by now, you have to have figured what a stubborn man he can be. Rather like a young lady I know."

"Hey, it's not like I meant to get lost."

"No, and you didn't sit back and become his sacrifice, either."

"How did you know that?"

"First, I saw you barreling out the door with your captor inches behind. Secondly, a little birdie told me."

"The sparrow found you, then?"
 
 
 
 


"Found me?" Georgios chuckled. "I sent him after I heard your cry for help."

"How did you hear it? Did you just happen to be in the area?"

"Mary sent for me when you didn't come back home. She said the last time she saw, you were shooting arrows at a target behind her house. She went out to check on you, and found your bow and quiver of arrows on the ground beneath a tree beside your sandals. She figured you had been practicing tree walking. I sent sparrows in all directions until one reported back."

"Why you and not Brandon or your father?"

"I guess the quick answer would be that they are both busy making preparations for war, but the better one is that finding people in the woods is my specialty. My father knows a lot about the wilderness, but splits his attention many ways."

"So he's told me. Doctor, king, father, magician..."

Georgios chuckled. "That and more, but not me. I often don't leave the forest for weeks at a time, and speak to people even less often than that. Father might be their king, but I'm their shepherd."

"You remind me of him, you know. You sound like him, smell like him, have his same commanding presence, but..."

"There's something different, right?" Georgios asked. He cocked his bushy head to the side, half-feral eyes meeting hers.

"Yeah. What is it?"

Georgios took a deep breath Diantha could feel against the shoulder pressed against him. "I'm half Centaur. I can never be completely human. Sometimes I appear more that way than at others, but out here in my territory, I am what I am."

"But Atrius is all Centaur, yet appears more..." Diantha said.

"Human," Georgios filled in. He urged his sorrell stallion forward. "And that's because he is one."

Diantha's hazel eyes narrowed in concentration, her auburn hair wild and unruly giving her a savage appearance as well. "How so?" she asked. "Because all I see is Centaur."

Georgios nodded and placed his hand on his chin thoughtfully. "My mother told me when I was young that my father is actually a god cursed by Zeus to be a Centaur. Unlike her, he wasn't born that way. Somewhere, deep inside, is an immortal man. I'm afraid that's the secret your captor knew."

"How could that knowledge possibly be used to destroy him?" Diantha asked.

"I don't know, but it's the only weakness I can think of. I'm sorry for what happened to you in that shack. I can't begin to know what you went through. But, maybe, something good can come out of it. Let's get you back to Mary's house. We've got a big day ahead of us."


 




 

Author Notes The AI image of the man was from Stock Cake.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.

Georgios: Atrius' son from his first wife, which was a Centaur. Georgios walks on two feet, but has animal-like characteristics.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.


Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians
Drake: Caracki Specter holding Diantha hostage in a shack
Agatha: Female companion of Drake.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.


Chapter 20
Festival Morning

By davisr (Rhonda)

Ending of Last Chapter:

Georgios nodded and placed his hand on his chin thoughtfully. "My mother told me when I was young that my father is actually a god cursed by Zeus to be a Centaur. Unlike her, he wasn't born that way. Somewhere, deep inside, is an immortal man. I'm afraid that's the secret your captor knew."

"How could that knowledge possibly be used to destroy him?" Diantha asked.

"I don't know, but it's the only weakness I can think of. I'm sorry for what happened to you in that shack. I can't begin to know what you went through. But, maybe, something good can come out of it. Let's get you back to Mary's house. We've got a big day ahead of us."

New Chapter Begins:

The morning started out much as all others since Diantha came to live with Mary. She listened to the movement of children and the clashing of pots and pans. She absorbed the aroma of breakfast cooking on a wood burning stove, and felt the warmth from the sun as it eased through the window of her room.

Today, however, was different. It held mystique beyond ordinary routine. It was Festival Day. There would be fun, frivolity, and, unfortunately, danger.

In spite of her desire to jump up and start getting dressed, she decided to take time to tweak plans she had begun to formulate.

Of course, most of the day would be entirely out of her control, but she felt preparing what she could might help stabilize the inevitable chaos. She knew Atrius and his captains would be doing the same... on a much bigger scale.

Unencumbered by generations of festival tradition, she could think of doing something daring, perhaps even desperate, instead of hiding with the other women. She knew her plans were dangerous beyond measure. Perhaps more perilous than being captured by Drake.

By the time she heard baby Hank whimpering in the room next door, she had many pieces of her plan linked together. Calmly, she slipped into the nursery and rescued the youngest member of the Barton household just as he was starting to cry. She took him into the front room where the older girls and their mother prepared breakfast.

Mary smiled warmly as they arrived. Diantha thought it was awfully nice being part of a big family, and if there was any way she could help preserve it, she would.

"Thanks, honey," Mary said, reaching for the infant. "I had my hands full and couldn't get to him."

My pleasure," Diantha said. "I would feed him for you, but don't have the right equipment."

"Oh, you have the equipment," Mary laughed. "It's just not ready for business. But, I'll tell you what you can do if you don't mind."

"What?"

"Finish the eggs for me. I have everything else done. Tabitha and Brenda set the table a few minutes ago."

Diantha gladly prepared eggs the way Mary instructed, and when she had finished, called everyone to eat. They all sat at the table talking about the festival as though they hadn't a care in the world. Diantha looked back and forth between them wondering if anyone had a clue as to what lie ahead.

Burke had made it home to eat breakfast and avoided eye contact with Diantha as they ate. He must have known she'd been told what was going on.

It was at those times, Diantha thought about Brandon. Even though she wasn't completely sure of her feelings for the young man, he was an important part of the family, and his presence was missed.

Glancing down, she thought about a pretty white dress Mary had bought her the day before. It was hanging in her room on a hook. It was supposedly for the festival dance the next night, but it looked awfully like a wedding dress. The invitation to put it on and join this family permanently was a temptation that was becoming harder to resist.

Forefront of her thoughts was the time she'd spent in the treetops with Brandon. How graceful he had been as he danced amongst the leaves, and how patient when he taught her to move with him. So what if he didn't make her heart race every time he looked at her? At least he was stable, and she definitely needed that.

In Tennessee, her choices had been limited by her family, if choices they could be called. She was promised to a man she neither loved, or was loved by, him. Now, she had two men to choose from. Shouldn't that be better? She wasn't so sure.

After breakfast, Burke hitched the wagon for the women and saddled his own bay stallion, Valor, for himself. When he was through, he went inside to bid them good-bye.
 
He hugged and kissed the children, and spent extra time hugging Mary. Finally, when he released her, Diantha thought she saw a shadow of a tear running down Mary's cheek. She thought there might be one on hers as well.

Before he left, he gave Diantha a hug, too. Leaning in, he whispered. "Remember to turn the filly out before you leave so she can find you in need. Also, Atrius said to tell you not to do anything stupid, that you are an amateur at best. His words, not mine. He, also, said to remember what happened last night."

"Thanks," she whispered back, "but you can tell him not to count on anything. I don't mind well."

"He said you would say something like that," Burke said, laughing quietly. "I told him I thought you would, too."

Neither of them commented on the fact Georgios had shared the story of what had happened in the cabin. They both understood the need to communicate, and the reality of living in a small community.

Burke waved once more and then left.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mary, Tabitha and Diantha worked to get everyone ready and into the wagon. Before they all finished loading, Diantha excused herself to go to the barn. Once there, she opened the door to Champion's stall and stroked her face. Champion nodded her head gently and nuzzled Diantha's neck.

"Big day ahead of us, girl," Diantha said, "but you probably know more about that than I do. I really wish I could fully understand what you say, but I guess a lot of people wish that about their horses. One day, I'll figure it all out. Until then, we'll just have to continue like humans and horses have for centuries. Atrius says to call for you if I need your help. I plan to do that, okay?"

Champion nodded softly, and Diantha took that as a, yes. She patted her on the muzzle, again, and turned to walk away. Before she had as much as taken a step, Champion snorted loudly. Startled, Diantha turned around. She was surprised to see the young horse pawing the ground.

"What is it, girl?" Diantha asked as she returned to Champion.

Champion snorted again and tapped her foot as though trying to draw her mistress's attention to an object.

Diantha saw something shiny sticking out of the disturbed dirt. She bent down, and dug around the area, pushing soil out of the way. She removed a golden necklace with an interesting medallion dangling from it.

The image on the front was of a goddess with long flowing hair and a bow and arrow in her hand. She seemed ready for battle. Diantha turned it over and inspected the back. There was an inscribed image of a Centaur, his bent bow pointing straight at the sky. It wasn't hard to figure out who that was.

"I'd better take this to Mary," she said.

Champion nodded, then headed out of the stall. Diantha took that to mean that she was ready to go do whatever it was she was supposed to for the day. She understood watching out for her mistress was big on her agenda. She smiled at the horse, and then left, too.

"Come on, Miss Diantha," little 5-year-old Tommy called out. "We're gonna be late."

"Don't call her, Miss Diantha," older brother Brice scolded. "She's our new sister. Aren't you Diantha?"

"Of course," she said, climbing in. She could live with that notion, whoever she ended up with.

"See, Tommy," Brice said. "I told you so."

"You kids be quiet," Mary said firmly. "You're going to make the horses nervous, and then they'll give you a bumpy ride."

The boys' eyes grew big and they fell quiet. Apparently, they didn't like bumpy carriage rides. Diantha sat beside Brenda, placing the bow and quiver of arrows she got from Atrius on the seat beside her. As she looked at the intimidating set of weapons, she felt a thrill rush through her. While she regretted not having had more time to practice with them, she felt comforted by their presence.

"Mary," Diantha began as the horses plodded down the road, "I found a necklace in the dirt of the barn I want you to look at."

Mary held out her hand as Diantha reached into the pocket in her pants and dug out the necklace she'd found. Mary squinted her eyes and held it up to the sun. She shrugged her shoulders.

"I've never seen it before," she said, handing it back to Diantha. "Where did you say you found it?"

"It was on the floor of the barn. I'd gone to pet Champion before we left and found it partially buried in the dirt. Where do you think it came from?"

"I have no idea, but it's lovely," Mary said.

"Did you notice the picture of the woman with long hair and a bow and arrow? Do you think she's a goddess?"

"I wouldn't be at all surprised," Mary said.

"You said you've read some of Atrius' books. Were any of them about the gods?

"Several."

"Which goddess would you guess is depicted on the medallion?"

"Probably Athena," Mary said.

"That would be my guess too," Tabitha said, leaning over to look. "We studied Greek mythology in school. It's kind of a big topic here in Concorde Valley."

Diantha chuckled. "I should think it would be. I studied it in school, too. Well, it's your necklace, Mary. Maybe it was sent to bid you good luck today."

"Or you," Mary said. "You found it. You keep it. Put it on and wear it to the contests today. We'll see if it brings you luck."

"Ok, thanks, but if you want it back later, I'll give it to you."

"I won't." Mary's visage was kind and gentle. It was obvious she was beginning to love the waif from across the mountain. "Wear it proudly."

Diantha complied, wondering if Atrius had left it the other night when they had spoken in the barn. Why would he, though? An expensive gift like this should have been shared openly.

She held the medallian part in her hand as the horse and wagon made its way through the narrow residential streets towards the arena.
 

Author Notes The AI image of women and children in a wagon is from Chatgpt.

Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.

White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.

Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.

Georgios: Atrius' son from his first wife, which was a Centaur. Georgios walks on two feet, but has animal-like characteristics.

Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.

Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary

Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.

Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife

Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school

Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son

Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son

Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son

Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.


Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians
Drake: Caracki Specter holding Diantha hostage in a shack
Agatha: Female companion of Drake.

Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.

Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.

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