Six Days of Spooky

[illwynd]

So, er, at least, at last, I have fic. Woohoo?

A Thunder of Hoofbeats
Disclaimer: Not mine!
Rating: PG
Characters: Horses of Rohan
X-posted to spooky_arda

I was far out in the fields, alone, when I saw him. Even from a distance, I knew it could be none other—I knew him by his gait, the swish of his proud mane, the hint of his whinny that came to my ears across the whispering grass. Time could not change those things; certainly not the few months that had passed since he had been stolen from us. I have known few finer horses. Taken because of his coat, a deep black, and his great strength and speed, I had always thought they had not guessed at the strength of his will. I had always believed he would escape, and return here.

Now he returned indeed, but not as I had dreamed. I studied the shape that held the reins: a darker black even than he, darker than deepest night-shadows or lightless tunnels home to nameless things, a man-form sat astride him, urged him faster with a sharp but subtle motion. The thing rode him like some sucking insect, heedless and immobile. I felt myself begin to quake as I stared.

But I could not stand idly by and do nothing. I was not sure if he or his rider had seen me, but in some futile hope I called out, called his name, ran towards him. They saw me then. As they drew nearer, I could see then the welts and scars that marred my friend’s flanks, the pink froth that speckled his mouth. I saw no recognition; only dull, mindless panic stared back from his eyes.

Then his rider turned his hooded head towards me also. I felt as if someone had yanked my reins backward with an iron arm, so powerful was that glance. I could not go on, and felt my head lower, though I did not will it. I would have crouched like a mouse under a hawk’s stare, had I been able to make myself move.

They passed by only feet away in a dank gale, a thunder of hoof beats, and they were gone. I ran then—ran towards home and safety, still shaking.