Cowboy rode on towards the distant discoloration. Checking his watch he found that it has been almost 4 hours since he started this journey. How far? 20 miles maybe more. The discoloration had turned into the silhouette of trees. An oasis? A mirage? He thought to himself ‘this is ludicrous, how can there be nothing, nothing but white, and then this’.
20 minutes later he found himself at the edge of the tree line. The tree themselves were a mix of oaks, elms, dogwoods, and others he did not recognize. Moving into the forest his eyes adjusted to the near darkness, while not actually dark it was just not as bright as the absolute whiteness that had surrounded him for so long. Stopping next to a tall pine tree he dismounted and uncovered Smokey’s eyes. Smokey snorted and nuzzled Cowboy happily, pawing at the ground with his left front hoof.
Leading Smokey deeper into the forest Cowboy whispered: “Let’s find some water big guy”.
Following what appeared to be a game trail they soon found themselves at the edge of a small creek. Cowboy knelt down and scooped up a handful of water, and brought it to his lips tasting it gently. The water was cold and sweet. He allowed Smokey his head, the thirsty horse stepped into the small creek and dipped his muzzle into the cold refreshing water. When Smokey was satisfied her raised his head and looked around, suddenly he stepped back out of the water and perked his ears up, turning them this way and that and looking towards the other side of the creek. Cowboy trusted Smokey and followed the horse’s gaze but saw nothing but trees. Then faintly he could hear a sound floating thru the air. The sound of a voice?
Cowboy quickly swung himself into the saddle and started off as fast as possible towards the sound. The voice grew louder as they moved deeper into the woods. Without warning the trees ended, Cowboy sitting atop Smokey burst out of the trees and saw pulled Smokey to a sliding stop.
(to be continued)
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Captain Jack's words of wisdom. 