Chapter 6: Sun Herd

The going was rough, Rainpetal and I drafting off each other, trying our best to stay on course. But the closer we came to Sun Herd, the easier it was.

We touched down at the edge of the vein just before sun-down. I motioned with a wing for Rainpetal to stay behind me. I searched the skies for patrols. None arrived, which I found strange.

“Maybe no-one’s home?” Rainpetal suggested.

“Shh,” I scolded in a whisper. “Of course someone is here, but they are probably busy. The black foal only has about 4 more moons before he gets his power.”

She said nothing, but nodded her head and began gnawing on her lip. I kicked off, launching myself into the air. If there were no scouts to greet us, we would have to go to them.

After a few minutes flying, we came to the lustrous pasture of Dawn Meadow. The grass was so green, even in the evening light. It was hard to resist going down and taking a bite. The herd was gathered in a group with a handsome bay stallion. His red wings shook. Beside him stood a dapple-grey mare whose eyes were full of hurt, yet she kept her head high. “You…are…banished…” The stallion trumpeted. His voice was heavy.

Glancing at a buckskin next to him, he whispered something. The buck nodded and began to disperse the crowd.

“Now’s our chance!” I told Rainpetal. We quickly landed and trotted over to where the over-stallion stood. “Excuse me?” I called.

He looked up, weary from his speech. “Not now, can’t you see I’m busy?”

“Yes, sorry, but we came to ask about a friend? Her brother in particular. Have you seen him?”

“What does he look like?” “He is a dun with stripes. And his wings are a red fading to brown.”

Rainpetal added helpfully, “He’s about 2 years old!”

“Haven’t seen him. Go ask Hazelwind.” He motioned to the buckskin I’d seen earlier. The stallion turned and leaped into the sky.

‘This way, then.” I trotted to the circle stone that had served as the stage during the mare’s banishment. The buckskin still stood there staring protectively over the milling steeds. Rainpetal approached this time.

“Hello!” She said in her quiet voice. The stallion snorted sharply and rattled his feathers. “What do you want?”

“I was wondering if you have seen a dun steed with stripes and feathers that faded from red to brown.”

“No.”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure. I’d remember a pegasus like that. Now get out of our territory before I have you thrown out.”

Sun Herd sure was a nice bunch. Rainpetal looked hurt, so I pulled her wing and replied cheerily, “Ok, we’re leaving now!” Together, we pushed into the sky.

Once we were a safe distance away, my new friend burst into tears. “Oh…I’m afraid I'll never find Tigersun!” I let her cry, touching my wing tip to hers. Once she had calmed down, I said, “Don’t give up hope. We’ll find him. This is only the first spot we have looked. There’s still Cloud Forest!”

She nodded, and a new light flickered in her eye. “Let’s go!” Rainpetal said determinedly and flapped hard, rocketing herself forward several feet. I flew in front of her, forcing her to stop. “Woah, there. It’s nighttime. I admire the enthusiasm but we need to rest!”

The appy ducked her head. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine! Lets land down there and make camp, so that tomorrow, we can find your brother.”

Alright! Constructive Criticism is welcomed!! Also, if there are any factual errors, please let me know so I can fix them!!