by littlepotato711 » Sat Aug 11, 2018 5:10 pm
Username: Littlepotato711
Show Name: Mark of the Stars
Barn Name: Colton
What does the War Paint indicate?
The war paint indicates approval from the elders of his tribe. In his tribe, whenever a new horse is appointed as the new leader, the seniors have to come forth, give a blessing and paint a streak on the new leader’s horse, with the sacred paint used only and purely for this occasion.
What do the bangles and hair bead mean?
The bangles and hair beads signify strength, honour, purity. Only a horse of the tribe leader is allowed to wear this, and the leader only chooses the strongest, most abled horse as his personal horse.
Extras: short story that is not short
Thump thump.
Colton could feel his heart beating wildly.
Thump thump.
He couldn’t do this.
Thump thump.
His thoughts sped up.
Thump thump.
No. He had to. It was his destiny.
Thump thump.
No. He couldn’t.
Gritting his teeth, he remembered his mother’s last words.
“Son, you are not meant for horse fighting. I know you can do better. Go out and make me proud of you. Make yourself a better life. ”
No.
Colton struggled with his inner thoughts, desperate now. What should he do? He couldn’t leave now…
The trainer led the other horse in, a strong, grey horse that flared its nostril defensively the moment he exchanged gazes with Colton.
No. He couldn’t.
He knew he was bred for horse fighting. He knew he was meant to do this. He knew there was no way to escape now. He knew he had to fight to the death.
His opponent was already unchained, ready to do anything to defend himself, kicking up dust in the ring and snorting at Colton.
What a shallow horse was the first thing that registered in Colton’s mind. He has no idea what will become of him.
But Colton knew. He knew what was going to happen. Unlike other horses, he knew the fight would be useless. He knew only one of them would survive, and even then, would be severely wounded or close to death.
But the other horse didn’t. None of them did. They were foolish, thinking they would emerge victorious. Thinking they could win.
But in the end, who wins? None of them. There are no victors in this fight.
But really, did he have a choice?
He could smell the scent of the mare in heat, but he did not feel the least bit tempted by it. The other male however, twitched his tail in interest and reared upwards.
But Colton did not move. He couldn’t fight him. It was too cruel, too pointless, too… murderous. And Colton was not a murderer, he was not going to fight the other horse.
He lowered his head at the grey stallion, a sign of respect. A sign of retreat. A sign of friendliness.
But his trainer did not think so. Rising his whip, he lashed out at Colton, leaving angry marks on his pelt. Colton winced at the hard blow, his heart racing now. Fear shot through his body. Fear of the whip, fear of the other stallion, fear of the predator that could defeat him instantly if he didn’t do something. Neighing wildly, Colton raced across the ring, diving for the grey stallion. He could hear the crowd cheering him on, as his hooves thumped hard against the opponent’s stomach, flipping him over. But the grey horse was up in a second, the blow having seemingly no effect on him. Kicking up dust in the ring, the stallion charged at Colton, and Colton matched him leg for leg, wrestling with the other horse as loud hooting noises came from the crowd. The opponent seemed to have immense strength, but Colton knew he was better. With a sudden surge of energy, he pushed the opponent down once more, snarling angrily. The other horse wasn’t about to give up, flipping himself back into a standing position and charged at Colton again, this time turning just in time and delivering a kick to Colton’s jaw. He could feel hot pain shoot through his body, taste blood in his mouth, but he kept going. Colton leapt for the horse, twisting and turning to dodge attacks and wrestling if he had to.
It happened too fast.
Colton sent a kick at the stallion’s chest, causing him to double over. Both were now bleeding from open wounds, and that kick did it. The grey horse fell onto the ground, heaved for the last time, and alas, he did not get up.
Colton suddenly felt strange. He felt like himself again. The dead horse on the ground, the screaming crowds, his own heart racing again…
What was he thinking? He did not mean to do that? Was he even thinking? No! Colton felt his throat twist into a knot. Did he just… kill another horse?
His trainer was approaching now. He had to do something. Quick.
Turning, he fled through the ring, before anyone could respond, and was out of an open gate in a flash. He had to escape. He could not face this. He could not…
~~~
Galloping through a grassy plain that seemed to stretch forever, Colton finally reached a small group of tribesmen after three days of journeying in hiding, and started his new life there. Now, in this new tribe, Colton found a home, a family, and was respected by the tribesmen. He was trained for battle, and made friends with the other horses.
Now, he knew where his destiny lay.
He was a war horse.
And he was free at last.
