Der Feigling

I was going over the day’s schedule with Wesley.

Gillian: “Good morning, Wesley. What’s planned for today?”

Wesley: “The vet is vaccinating everyone today, and some are due for deworming as well.”

At the sales stable, Danny came up to me.

Danny: “Have you thought about that idea with the horse trainer? It would really benefit the sales horses.”

Gillian: “I think it’s a great idea, Danny. I just haven’t had the time to take care of it yet.”

Suddenly we heard a loud “Hey!” from inside the sales stable. It was the vet, who had just been vaccinating the horses.

Gillian: “What happened?”

Vet: “I was just about to vaccinate the little chestnut Appaloosa when he broke loose and galloped off toward the gate.”

Assistant: “…yes, galloped off!”

I swung into the saddle and rode after him.

Gillian: “I’ll try to catch him before he reaches the gate!”

But he was already through it. In the distance, I saw him racing toward Mistfall. And Mistfall could be dangerous. Several packs of wolves had been spotted there. A lone running horse could easily become prey. I had to catch him before the tunnel. I couldn’t reach him before the tunnel, so I kept riding after him. I spotted several wolves. The little stallion galloped right past them without them paying any attention to him. Instead, they noticed Ricky and me. They chased us for quite a while before finally giving up. The runaway was nowhere in sight. I searched everywhere… without success. Eventually, I decided to ride back. Before returning, I wanted to water Ricky at Birk’s farm. Kirsty Griswald, the owner, was standing by the fence of the cattle pasture. And right next to her… the little chestnut Appaloosa!

Kirsty: “Gillian, look — we’ve got a new addition. Isn’t he beautiful?”

Gillian: “There’s the runaway! I’ve been searching for him all day. Got chased by wolves… and he’s standing here next to your cows, pretending to be innocent.”

I headed back to Meadowland with the little stallion. He behaved perfectly. Luckily, there were no wolves in sight, but I still felt a bit uneasy.

Gillian: “Alright, you little coward, we’re heading home now — and then you’re getting vaccinated.”

I took him straight to the vet.

Vet: “There we go… done. Vaccinated and dewormed.”

Gillian: “See? It wasn’t that bad. You didn’t even flinch. A wolf bite would’ve been much worse.”