Fast Food

The day started like many before it: the oppressive summer heat began choking the land well before noon. It had been weeks since the last rain, and much of the herd whittled away the hot hours by loafing in the shade, or meandering down to the beach for a dip in the ocean.

Rocky was looking forward to a day spent splashing in the water. Her friends had tried to convince her to leave with them first thing in the morning, before it got too hot, but Rocky had declined apologetically; her work as an apprentice was never ending (or so it seemed, sometimes). She had a few tasks to complete, but reassured her friends that she’d meet them at the beach in the afternoon.

The palomino rushed through her errands and paced anxiously during her lessons, until her mentor for the day got tired of her constant fidgeting and finally dismissed her. Elated, Rocky darted in the direction of the beach, eager to be with her friends in the cool waters. She called to a guard on duty as she passed him, letting him know where she was headed... as if it weren’t obvious, as most the herd seemed to visit the ocean during the dog days of summer.

It was a scant fifteen minute jaunt to the beach, but Windborne was never truly a safe place to travel alone. She passed through scrubby, dry fields that offered little cover. Impatient to get to the beach, Rocky forgot to be watchful for danger... right up until she heard a bone chilling screech from above.

Eagle!

Suddenly terrified, Rocky threw herself to the ground hard as a pair of wicked sharp talons swooshed over her. The lone doe cried out in fear as she scrambled to her hooves and skittered across the dry plain as fast as she could muster, the wing beats of the eagle close behind her. Too close!

Squealing, the palomino squished her eyes shut and prayed to any gods who would listen as she ran. Which seemed to work! A powerful gust of wind shot overhead, and blew the eagle off course. It squaked in fury, but turned and banked away. Panting, Rocky slowed to a stop and looked around, both relieved and scared.

There, not far away, stood the guard she had passed a few minutes before.

“I saw the eagle overhead just after you left.” He explained as he trotted near. “Are you okay?”

Breathless, Rocky could only manage a nod. She gulped a few breaths before answering, “Thank you! I would have been a goner if it weren’t for you, I think.”

The guard smiled, pleased by the acknowledgment. “You’re welcome. Why don’t I escort you the rest of the way to the beach? ... Just in case!”

Rocky, still jittery, nodded again, but managed to give a genuine smile.