Askari

A jolt awoke Lauren as the boat came to a halt. The sun was just rising over the horizon. Lauren realized that she had slept through most of the trip.

Amias jumped out of the boat and smiled at Lauren. "Welcome to Eddeathra!" It took Lauren a minute to realize that she was actually on the continent of Eddeathra, not just on one of the islands.

Odi jumped out next. "I have made the necessary transportation arrangements already," he said, leading them behind a large set of rocks and stones.

Lauren followed him across the sandy beach and around the corner. Three horses, two of which were already tacked up, stood ready to go. The first was a pure white stallion with dark flecks scattered across the coat. The second was a brown paint mare with two white socks and a white blaze on her forehead.

The third was the one that caught Lauren's eye. The stallion was a pure, midnight black whose coat was glossy with no blemish or imperfection. A rope was around his neck and tied to one of the rocks. The stallion bucked and reared with a wild, crazed look in his eye.

Odi noticed how Lauren was staring at the stallion and spoke up as he handed Amias the reins of the paint horse. "That horse would not let me get a bridle or saddle on, but he is a special one. He has one purpose, to be with the Moonstar. Fifteen years ago, one of the local farmers had a mare who had just given birth to a foal, when the farmer had a strange vision that lasted only for a few seconds. In that vision, he saw the foal, now an adult riding through the Ashvon with a girl who he knew was the Moonstar. He told that vision to anyone that would listen, but unfortunately, Icas Thornton found out and took the foal away, just days after his birth, hoping that if he took the foal away, he would be one step closer to stopping the prophecy and the Moonstar. The foal grew up, abused and scared. When I found out about you, I knew I had to steal him away and come find you. He would never let anyone near him, so I had to tie that rope around him and bring him here."

"I did not know that this stallion ever existed. My father was close to that man." Amias said.

Odi shrugged. "I have no idea why he didn't know."

Lauren looked back at the stallion. She slowly and carefully approached the stallion. The stallion immediately stopped thrashing around and stared Lauren in the eyes. His eyes were full of spirit and recognition. There was hurt and sorrow in his eyes from past events. The black stallion stood still as Lauren slowly removed the rope from his neck. Amias and Odi stood, silently watching the event that they had been waiting for fifteen years to happen. The stallion's eyes had softened. Lauren jumped up onto a rock. Amias and Odi watched closely. Lauren gripped the stallion's mane with both hands and swung herself onto his back. "Does he have a name?" she asked.

Odi shook his head. "The farmer said that the Moonstar chooses his name."

Lauren nodded and thought for a moment. "Askari. It means 'soldier' in Swahili. I have a feeling that it's the perfect name for him."