| Fantasy Fiction posted March 7, 2025 | Chapters: |
...15 16 -17- 18... 
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Atrius and Diantha get a chance to talk before the festival.
A chapter in the book Body of a Horse, Heart of a Man
Festival Eve
by davisr (Rhonda)
| Background A fanciful tale of adventure. Phoebus, son of Poseidon, is a god turned Centaur by Zeus. Diantha, is a young lady in peril. Together, they must face an evil foe, and make some difficult choices. |
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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."
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.
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."
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."
"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.
"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.
 Recognized |
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.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. 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.
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