Malisa quietly went to the large barn where several of her mother's horses were stamping their hoofs impatiently while nickering their complaints of being aroused this early. A calm word or a gentle touch from her seemed to settle them easily as she picked her favorite mare Evita, that she had trained from a filly four years ago.

Leading the dapple grey mare out of her stall; Malisa dutifully went about to gather her tack and bridle, humming a soft tune. The mare nickered appreciatively as Malisa fed her a small treat while easing the bridle bit into her mouth and pulling the bridle securely around her ears and reins hanging loosely around her neck. A light saddle pad followed by a heavily used light brown English styled saddle covered the mare's back while being buckled around her belly.

Finally Malisa looked around for her bag that she had packed this morning only to find her silent brother holding it. She bit the inside of her lip as she studied his sad eyes.

"Mal, look. I'm sorry for earlier. It's just... You've always been able to talk to me." He held out the bag then ran a hand through his hair, making it more wild than it already was. "Just.. don't shut me out like Rhett." He whispered before turning and mounting his own stallion.

She stood there with her bag in hand for a moment, her stomach knotting and her mouth dry. Finally she turned and tied her bags to the end of the saddle and mounted her mare.

"I've packed you food for about a week in your packs." Her father quietly said to her; as he stood on her left side, tying the bag to her saddle bags. He looked up at her and Malisa saw conflict burning in his eyes; anger, pain and sorrow each trying to be the main focus of his next few words.

He seemed to grow quieter with each word that fell from his mouth. "You are to leave for Whisper-wind Cascades after sending your brother off with the recruiters."

"Wait, you're not coming with us?" Her voice wavered as she sucked in a slow breath as he shook his head and patted her mare's rump which caused to snort her surprise as she started walking out to the road.

Delmar was already down the lane when she caught up, he glanced at her briefly as he nudged his horse closer to her and they both clucked at their mounts to push them into an easy loping canter.

The silence grated on Malisa's nerves as she tried to keep her eyes on the road and watch the rolling plains around them. Three hours had passed without a sound from Delmar. Her eyes slid over to him; watching how he hardly held onto his reins, his back was as stiff as a board and his teeth seemed to want to chew through his bottom lip. She clenched her fists around her reins spasmodically while continuing to ignore the clear signs of unhappiness from her brother.

Find this and other great novels on the author's preferred platform. Support original creators!

Evita tossed her head and snorted before she stopped entirely. The mare turned her head and gave Malisa a reproachful look before bobbing her head in Delmar's direction.

"Alright! Alright!" She exclaimed with a sigh. Delmar glanced at her with a question dancing in his green eyes. Malisa awkwardly shrugged and moved Evita closer to him. "I'm sorry Del. This morning... I hadn't had a dream like that before. I didn't know what to do.." She stared at her hands as she mumbled her apology.

The warmth of her brother's hand stopped her words as she looked up to see him smiling his gentle smile. He brushed her tears away that she didn't realize that was falling.

"What was it about?" He asked quietly. His eyes searching her face for a hint.

She opened her mouth to say that she wasn't sure when a wave of disorientation hit her like a sack of grain. Her vision blurred as she felt cold. Like a puppet with her head swung to the East towards the faint line of the Esterwood forest. Her voice was breathy as she muttered, "They need my help. Del, the creature from my dreams..."

He blinked as he hovered close to his sister. Glancing to the distant forest then back to his sister; he got a heavy feeling. One of those feelings that should never be ignored. He looked down the road; barely able to make out the low stone wall that marked the town that he needed to go to for his recruitment. He heard Evita dance in place as his sister unknowingly clutched at the reins; her eyes glazed over as if trying to see what she couldn't.

"Go." He commanded. She blinked at him and then nodded. Without a second thought she nudged Evita in motion, her body leaning forward and urging her faster. Evita snorted and over the rolling hills, she practically flew.

Del watched her before turning to the recruitment. His heart swelled with pride. He knew the signs, he had heard of them before. It would not be long til his sister joined him.

Malisa expertly balanced her weight behind Evita's shoulders, trying to keep herself small. Half of her felt far away, as if she was the creature she dreamed of; the other half was overwhelmed with.. whatever this was. She always had a connection with animals but this was more than that. This was like... She shook her head. Whatever it was; as Evita brought her closer, it felt stronger. It was building up to a crescendo. All the feelings that she could think of - joy, anger, fear.. all of it was a swirling mess inside her. Her skin felt hot and tight but she also felt weightless and soaring above her body. Esterwood loomed over her as Malisa slowed Evita, patting her neck and taking her to a small brook nearby. The poor girl had outdone herself and deserved the respite. Loosing tying her reins on a low hanging branch, Malisa peered into the dense gloom. She was close but still she needed to head into the forest to find it. Her hands shook as she placed on foot in front of the other; hands brushing against the tree trunks.

This place was Esterwood.. and she had only heard stories of this place.