Fright or Flight: Blade pt1

The wind whipped at her hair as Jane looked up at the dark clouds gathering overhead. She didn’t like the way things looked. The storm had been building all day and everyone had been hoping that they would be able to finish the show before the storm broke, but that was looking less likely by the minute. Many of the horses were already skittish and out of sorts thanks to the blustery wind and incoming storm. Blade, the stallion she was showing also known as Swirl Side’s Golden Blade, stood next to her. His tail swished as he shifted on his hooves, unsettled but not yet jumping out of his skin.

Jane glanced over at Phoenix, the woman who performed anything Swirl Side needed, from stablehand to trainer, to bouncer to caretaker. The owner often referred to her as their own Jill of all trades. The woman in her near forties had accompanied her as a trainer and chaperone for the show.

The nineteen year old frowned. “What’re you thinking?”

Phoenix’s own frown deepened. “I know you really want to do this but it’s not looking safe.” She turned to look Jane in the eye. “Blade is spooked and the storm hasn’t even properly started. I don’t want you out there getting hurt.”

Jane dropped her head in disappointment. She’d been working hard with Blade in preparation for this show, but she understood. A spooked horse could end up with either her or Blade being injured, perhaps even both if they were really unlucky. It wasn’t worth the risk.

“Okay,” she sighed, looking around at the other people and horses who had also decided to pack up before the storm hit. “I’ll go take care of his tack and put him away.”

Phoenix nodded in acknowledgement. “I’ll call back home and update them on what’s happening.”

Jane patted Blade’s neck before moving off. “Let’s go get you settled down for the night.”

….

Blade’s nostrils flared as he stood tied in the stall. Jane had removed his tack but hadn’t set him free in his stall just yet. Many of the other showgoers had also stabled their horses or were using the grooming area. A subdued feeling had fallen over what should have been an excited buzz from the competition. Nobody particularly liked that the show had to be postponed but it couldn’t be helped. It wasn’t like anyone could control the weather.

A rumble of thunder rolled overhead. Blade flinched. It was getting closer. Several frightened whinneys echoed through the stable. At least he wasn’t the only one set on edge by the storm. He knew it was going to be a bad one.

Jane returned from putting his tack away. She smiled and patted his neck. “Hey,” she soothed, “you’re safe, Blade. There’s nothing to worry about. The storm can’t get you here.”

The stallion snorted. He knew full well that there was nowhere safe when a storm was concerned. Nevertheless, the young woman’s touch and calm voice helped settle his nerves a little.

She unhooked his lead and led him into the stall. Blade nickered gently in thanks. Jane has always been good to him. Undoing his halter, she gave him a final pat before heading out. Just as she stepped through the stall door, lightning flashed. The stable lights flickered and went dark. Thunder clapped loud enough to ring in everybody's ears. Horses and humans screamed in terror.

Blade reared up and screamed. Jane fell back, crying out. Blade reared up again and instinct took over. He dashed out of the stall and down the aisle. He ran and kept on running out into the rain.

Jane jumped to her feet and ran after him. Rain soaked her the instant she stepped out of the stable, but she didn't care. Her gaze was locked into the almond stallion. "Blade!" She screamed.

His name echoed through his ears but fear and instinct had taken the reins. His hooves thundered over the ground, slipping and stumbling but thankfully never falling. Heavy breaths became ragged as he ran onward. The wild wind and rain, along with the rumbles of thunder, hid the noise of his own breathing even to his own ears.

The trees blurred around him as he raced into the forest and was forced to slow his mad dash as he had to dodge trees, avoid roots, jump over logs and burst through bushes.

He kept up his mad dash for what felt like hours. Yet eventually, tired as he was, Blade finally came to a stop. His lungs burned and his legs trembled. He’d never run so far, for so fast in his life. Head lowered, he focused on catching his breath. The storm had settled into a heavy rain that filtered through the forest canopy, dripping over his already soaked coat. The rain felt cold on his wet flanks and he shivered.

With his fear ebbing, he had time to think and cursed himself for running out of the stall like that. Right now, he wished only to be dry and warm, with Jane giving him a nice scratch under his chin. But instead he was drenched in cold rain and thoroughly exhausted in a strange place far from home.

With a heavy sigh, Blade wandered over to a nearby tree, legs feeling like jelly as he moved, and let the branches at least somewhat shelter him from the rain. He shook his head, droplets flying in every direction. For now, he’d wait and get back his strength, maybe even try to get some sleep, while it was still dark. Once it was morning, he would figure out where to go from there. Hopefully, he’d be able to find his way back to the stable. He was certain that the humans would be looking for him. And he was sure that he could find his way back in the light. They might even stumble across each other along the way. With that in mind, he drifted into a restless sleep.