Altrusia
Copyright© 2011 by Lxndr
Chapter 6
"Looks like we survived the night," her father said. "And daylight came back after all." He smiled down at Veronica. "Guess you worried for nothing," he said, winking. He poked his head out of the cave's mouth. "Oh, and looks like we've got a loyalist," he smiled, pointing at an Appaloosa that was grazing on weeds outside the cave's mouth.
He grabbed his rope, and soon after took the colt down. "Go on and get your saddle and bags," he said. Immediately, she looked "If they're torn, Ronnie, we can make do."
She trudged along the muddy, grassy plain in what she hoped was the direction of where her horse was taken down by the strange bird-things. Eventually, she caught a glimpse of the bones, and slogged her way over there. Sure enough, her father was right - the animals had somewhat savaged the saddle and the bags. But they were still useable, especially with a patch here and there.
When she finally returned to the cave, her mother welcomed her. "Name the horse this time," she said. "A horse with no name is a bad omen."
She bowed her head. "Yes, Ma."
He threw Veronica's saddle on it. "Well, what are you going to name her?"
Veronica thought on this for some time. "Annie."
"A good name." Her father looked about. "So, what do you say we take a gander around this new stomping ground of ours? Syd, Ronnie, you up for it?"
"Of course, da!" Ronnie was really interested in seeing more of what appeared to be their new home.
Her mother had that panicked look in her eyes again, like a horse about to bolt. Then she put on a brave face and, with a glance at Ronnie, she smiled. "Yes, of course." Her mother seemed false, empty - it was as if a changeling had come and taken her mother away.
"Excellent!" Her father clearly didn't seem to notice. "Then let's ride."
Veronica's tummy started growling. "Da? I'm hungry."
He frowned. "So'm I, Ronnie. Still, there should be food to be found. Something's got to keep that beastie your Ma shot the other night fed, right?"
"Right, Da!"
Her mother piped in, "We still have some jerky and trail mix, too. I don't want to eat anything from this accursed place."
Soon enough, they were riding. Then, Veronica saw a shape at the edge of her vision. "Da, what is that?" To her, it looked like a large, black needle sticking up in the air.
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