Arrow the Sky Horse: The Legacy

By Melody Huttinger

The story of a girl, a wild stallion and a magical amulet. Meadow is thrilled to be back in Brighton for the summer to renew her friendship with Arrow, the Sky Horse. But the search for answers about her father's secret loom large and the crafty villains continue to lust after the Indian Medicine Chest, t

• Language: English
• Publisher: J Bar X Publishing
• Release date: Mar 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781648732447

Melody Huttinger

Melody Huttinger grew up with horses as her best friends. She learned to train them, tutored by her father, who rescued many so-called untrainable and neglected animals. Her family owned and operated various riding stables throughout the years, providing inspiration for Arrow, the Sky Horse series. Many of the characters in the story are drawn from the colorful collection of characters she met as a young dude wrangler. From her family home in Northern Arizona, Melody has carried on the tradition of re-training Thoroughbreds off the track and has owned and trained various other breeds, including Arabians, Quarter Horses and wild Mustangs. As a child, Melody read every horse story available, but at times became disappointed in the lack of knowledge that many of the authors displayed. She set out to write her own story depicting horses in a more realistic light. Arrow the Sky Horse series, although partly fantasy, is based on her own experiences growing up with a family in the horse business. She hopes all readers, young and old, will be entertained and enjoy the stories about the animals so close to her heart.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Back to Brighten

The old truck rattled to a stop and Meadow Shepherd flung open the passenger door, breathing in the pine-scented air of Brighten Hot Springs. Kelsey, her black Kelpie, jumped out behind her and ran around, sniffing. Meadow laughed with sheer joy. The late spring day was perfect. Brighten was perfect. At this moment everything was perfect. The whole time they’d been in the desert, the mountains had called to her. She was still drinking in the perfection of it all, when her father climbed out of the cab and came around the truck.

At least it’s cooler here. Scottsdale’s heatin’ up already. He headed on past her toward their summer home, a rustic two-room cabin. Meadow’s stomach tightened, her mood plummeting. Darn, Dad still hadn’t forgiven her for finding the Indian cave dwelling last summer. He’d barely spoken all the way to Sedona, but she’d hoped once they got here, things would be less strained between them. Apparently not.

She sighed and followed him to the waiting cabin, its windows and doors gaping wide. Her mother’s sea-foam green Ranch Wagon was parked in front. No doubt she was furiously attacking cobwebs and dust that had accumulated throughout the winter.

Meadow crossed the porch and peered inside. Mom, wearing an apron over jeans, looked up from sweeping the pine floor. A red bandana tied in front held her dark hair in place.

Hi honey, we’re just finishing up.

Her fifteen-year-old brother, Mike, slogged out of the kitchen, a dust rag dangling from his hand. And as usual, you’ve gotten out of the spring cleaning.

Wally climbed down the ladder from the loft, grinning.

He was in his twenties, but seemed even younger than

Meadow’s fourteen years. Isn’t it great to be here? I love Brighten. Of course, Wally loved everything the Shepherd family did. They had practically adopted him since Meadow discovered him homeless and friendless nearly a year ago. He rattled on, I get to sleep in the loft, ‘cuz Monty won’t be here.

Mike rolled his eyes. Big deal. I’d rather be in Prescott with Monty, working at the racetrack.

They all turned when Dad’s large frame filled the bedroom doorway. Don’t worry, Mike. You’ll be plenty busy with the stable.

Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.

Mom stashed the broom and grabbed Meadow by the hand, leading her into the kitchen. Look, we have an inside water pump, now. No more hauling water from the spring. And Bill brought in electricity. Her mother proudly pulled a string, illuminating a single light bulb over the freshly installed sink.

Only one light, and still can’t have my electric range, but one step at a time.

Wow, that’s neat, Mom. Meadow took in the room and her gaze stopped on the Brighten Hot Springs calendar. August, 1960. Nearly a year out of date. She untacked it from the log wall. Later I’ll go to the store and get a new calendar. It would give her an excuse to see Brett, if he happened to be there. Do we have a bathroom yet?

Pinch marks appeared on her mother’s brow. No, but the outhouse is still standing.

Mike snickered. Barely.

Wally screwed up his face. But where will we shower? Will we go all summer without a bath?

Dad chuckled and put his arm around Wally. Hardly. We have full access to all the hot spring amenities, including the pool and bathhouse. One of the many perks of living at a posh resort.

From outside, Meadow heard a demanding whinny.

Uh-oh, Foxy wants out. She headed for the door with her father bringing up the rear. They reached the truck in time to see Foxfire stamp and bob her flawless Arabian head. Meadow grinned at her chestnut mare. "Okay, okay. Keep your halter on.

I’m coming."

Dad lowered the ramp and began unloading the horses. Shadow, Rowdy and Blackjack had ridden along with Foxfire in the back of the stake-bed truck from their Fort Apache home that morning. Her father had already made several trips transporting the dude string for paying guests to ride.

Foxfire jumped down the ramp, and danced around, her hooves barely touching the ground. Meadow’s father shoved his Stetson back on his forehead. I do believe Foxy is eager to explore her old stomping ground. You go ahead. I’ll take care of the horses.

Meadow’s heart filled with hope, maybe their relationship would be better now. Her father must know how much she yearned to visit Hidden Valley to find Arrow and his herd of mustangs. She swallowed. Poor Dad, ever since she’d been kidnapped last winter, his black hair had been showing strands of gray. It might not be the cause, but it seemed a strange coincidence. "Thanks, Dad. I’ll be back in time to help

Mom with dinner."

Stay away from the cliff dwelling. His voice was gruff, and her hope fizzled.

She didn’t waste time finding a bridle, in case he totally changed his mind. After fashioning a rein by looping the halter lead over Foxfire’s neck, Meadow vaulted aboard bareback. In one stride her mare was in a canter, heading full bore toward the trail leading through Oak Creek and to the valley beyond. She slowed Foxfire to a walk once they were deep into the trees, feeling at one with the nature surrounding them. The forest was alive and welcoming with a breeze singing high in the treetops.

Birds twittered and chipmunks chattered as they passed.

Kelsey surprised an errant squirrel and chased it up a pine tree, standing with her front paws on the trunk and giving a low woof. The squirrel, safely on a branch, scolded her noisily, and Kelsey left it for the next varmint she could find. Meadow smiled at their antics, happy to be able to witness such displays of spirit. Since her own brush with death, and the loss of her best friend, Lisa, she had a new appreciation for the joy of living.

Eagerness to find Arrow overtook her, and Meadow closed her legs on Foxfire, sending her mare into a fast gallop toward Hidden Valley. She reined to a stop when they arrived at the edge of the tree line, pushed her long dark hair behind her ears, and took in the beauty before her. A lush carpet of green rippled across the unspoiled valley guarded on all sides by giant ponderosa pines, seeming to shelter and protect any who entered.

The scene was picture-perfect except for one detail. No stallion or mustangs. She squinted her eyes, scanning in every direction. Where were they? Her arms got prickles on them, and Meadow felt a sense of unease creep up her entire body. The horses should be here. She’d seen the stallion only a week before, when Brett had flown her up to the cliff dwelling in his newly acquired airplane. The de Havilland Beaver was a gift from his wealthy father, Bill Bowman. Must be nice.

Her mind flashed momentarily to Brett, and the fiasco she had made of his romantic gesture of flying her to such a special place. She’d seen Colt, the son of grand White Horse, and chased after him at the wrong moment. No wonder Brett was mad—after all, she had ruined the sweet kiss by suddenly bolting to look for another guy. Chilly silence had permeated the plane ride home. He hadn’t even tried to contact her since that day. It must have seemed disloyal when he’d just given her his class ring. He hadn’t asked for it back. Of course, he hadn’t talked to her at all, so maybe he still would.

Meadow shrugged and urged Foxfire forward. The more important matter at the moment was finding Arrow. She’d explore the perimeter of the valley, to see if the mustangs were out of sight behind some trees, although it seemed unlikely. The stallion always came to them immediately, charging at a breakneck speed whenever she appeared on Foxfire.

She took her time and thoroughly searched every nook and cranny, but it all proved fruitless. By the time they were done, Meadow’s back was tight as a guitar string. What if something had happened to the mustangs? Maybe Arrow had moved his herd to a new grazing ground. How would she ever find them? The promise to Bill Bowman weighed like an anvil hanging over her head. Before long, Mr. Bowman would want her to bring in the stallion for breeding his ranch mares.

With a sigh, Meadow rode to the stream and slid off Foxfire. The mare nuzzled her, then began munching the sweet wild grass. Kelsey finished chasing a cottontail, and came cavorting back through the stream, splashing water everywhere. With a laugh, Meadow sank down in a patch of clover. A periwinkle butterfly fluttered about the purple blossoms. Her earlier tension flitted away with the colorful insect as it flew on to its next destination.

Meadow became so relaxed, she didn’t even notice the approach of another horse until Foxfire lifted her head, nostrils quivering. As she sat up, Meadow saw a handsome grulla stallion draw near with a buckskin clad rider. Her heart started thumping double-time. It was Colt.

Hello, Meadow. I’m glad you’re here. It’s not summer without you. He swung his leg over and dismounted, facing her. His eyes traveled over her face. Seems you’ve recovered from what happened with Wendell and Clay.

Thanks to you. How did he know about Wendell? The mention of the kidnappers’ names still gave her goose bumps and she shivered. You saved my life.

Your courage saved you.

She shook her head. No, it was you. Riding in like a knight in shining armor at the last moment.

A wonderful smile lit up his bronzed face. The least I could do for my favorite white-eyes.

I thought I saw you galloping down the canyon trail last week. Were you here?

Yes, I’d just finished the spring semester and this is always the first place I visit. Smoke was happy to see me after his long vacation. He stroked his stallion’s neck.

Meadow grinned. I knew it! Brett said I was hallucinating. I’ll have to rub his nose in it.

It’s possible he didn’t see me. Better to leave it be.

Guess you’re right. Anyway, I was glad to see you moved the Medicine Chest to a new hiding place. Where is it? "There’s a cave under the waterfall at the Gorge.

Remember where we met?"

How could she forget? He had looked so striking and regal sitting above the cascading torrent of water, she’d thought he was a vision, a beautiful mirage. You’ll have to show me the cave.

His deep moss-colored eyes mesmerized her. You will find it on your own. I won’t be around much this summer.

Disappointment descended like a dark cloak, engulfing her. She dragged her gaze away from his, staring at the ground.

Oh . . . I was hoping . . .

That we would see more of each other? His voice was soft, gentle. He seemed to know her so well. It’s not possible, Meadow. It’s not my wish, but it’s not possible. Someday you will understand.

A tear formed, and she hastily wiped it away. What was wrong with her? He would think she was such a baby. In any case, he wasn’t her boyfriend and probably had a girl at college. Dozens of girls. And she had Brett, sort of.

Colt touched her arm. There’s no one else, Meadow. His touch made her want to swoon, like the girls in old novels. The girls she always thought were so silly. He gripped Smoke’s mane and mounted in one swift motion, turning his stallion toward the north. I must go now.

Can I ride with you for a ways? He shook his head. I’m sorry . . .

Just before he vanished into the woods, he turned.

Watch your enemies, Meadow. They will test you again.

Chapter 2

The Note

The late spring sun, low on the horizon, cast shadows over the forest by the time Meadow made her way to the path home. She had lingered, longing for a little more time with Colt, hoping for an explanation of his last remark. But Colt disappeared without another word.

She sighed, and picking up the rope rein, urged Foxfire to the trail. Colt always came and went so quickly, almost as though there was some kind of time limit when they were together. It was just part of his mystery and possibly another reason she was so drawn to him. If he were an ordinary guy, would she find him so irresistible?

Still under Colt’s spell, Meadow barely noticed the deep woods they navigated, until Foxfire suddenly snorted and spooked sideways, then stood stock still, ears flicking and muscles quivering. Kelsey raised her hackles and growled.

Easy, girl. Meadow peered ahead into the gloom. She sucked in her breath when something large crackled the brush near them and she detected a pungent urine-like odor. Dad had warned her about that smell. Her heart started to hammer.

Foxfire backed rapidly when an enormous reddishcolored beast appeared from behind a tree, its face twisted into a snarl. It reared up onto its hind legs, daring them to come any closer. Kelsey barked and lunged forward, snapping at the bear. It took a swipe at her, missing by inches.

Kelsey, no! Her dog stopped the attack and dashed back to Meadow. C’mon, we’re getting outta here. Foxfire didn’t need any encouragement, breaking into a mad gallop through the trees, jumping fallen logs and narrowly dodging low-hanging branches. Meadow ducked over, clinging to her mare’s sleek neck. By the time Foxfire slowed, they were well off the beaten path.

Meadow looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings.

Shoot, we’re good and lost now. She loosened her hold on the rein. Okay, Foxy. You got us here, now take us home.

Foxfire stepped confidently forward, heading a direction

Meadow wouldn’t have picked. Nervous as a new filly, Meadow flinched at every imagined boogey-man. She wasn’t so scared of wild animals, but what if some crazy person, like Clay, was out there somewhere, waiting to spring a trap? No, it couldn’t be Clay—he was safely behind bars. But Wendell was a different story. The cops had never caught up with him. He could be out here somewhere. Her head swiveled back and forth and she gripped Foxfire’s mane, ready to flee at any moment. It wasn’t until they crossed Oak Creek that Meadow began to get her bearings and breathe normally. How silly her fright seemed now. Wendell, with his short, rotund physique was no outdoorsman. Far from it. It was impossible to imagine him bushwhacking through the brushy wilderness they were traversing. The going was much rougher than the trail, but apparently a more direct route home. Before long, she saw light filtering through the cabin windows as they arrived in the stable yard.

Rowdy, tied at the hitching rail, nickered, and Mike looked up from tying off his latigo. Geez, Med. It’s getting dark. Where’ve you been? Dad told me to go find you.

I had a little run-in with a bear. Reared up on its hind legs and snarled at us. Meadow bared her teeth dramatically, and raised both hands, like claws. It had the desired effect.

What! How close were you?

Really close. It took a swipe at Kelsey.

No kidding? Black bears usually aren’t aggressive. Must be a mama with cubs, then they’re ferocious. Bet you wet your pants.

No, dufus. But it was pretty scary when we galloped full speed into the trees. I nearly got beheaded ducking all sort of branches, and then ended up lost in a totally strange, spooky part of the forest. I began to conjure up all sorts of dangers lurking there.

Mike frowned. "You aren’t usually such a fraidy-cat.

What’s wrong?"

I kept thinking about Wendell. They never captured him, you know. He has some kind of weird vendetta against me. Meadow still hadn’t told anyone about the hidden Medicine Chest Wendell was after. It was a secret she shared with Colt—their strongest tie.

Don’t fret about that little creep. I’m sure he’s long gone by now. On to his next victim. Mike squeezed her arm. C’mon, let’s get the horses put away. Dinner’s almost ready.

Promise not to tell Mom and Dad. I don’t want them forbidding me to ride alone. You know how they worry.

Okay. You’ve kept my secrets before. But don’t stay out after dark anymore. It can be dangerous out there.

After breakfast and chores the next morning, Meadow walked across the dirt street to the General Store. Her excuse was to get a calendar, but she had an ulterior motive. Brett might be there and she could straighten things out with him.

As Meadow stepped onto the boardwalk, the familiar frontier-like town of Brighten greeted her like an old friend. Nothing had changed—the cute rustic café, the swinging doors of the saloon, and the store itself, with supplies and souvenirs provided in equal measure, inviting her in.

A little bell tinkled when Meadow entered and a comfortably stout, middle-aged woman turned from stocking the shelves. Her face was round, and lively, bright eyes sparkled behind wire-rimmed glasses. She reminded Meadow of a cozy grandmother type, although not quite as old.

The woman smiled. Well, I declare! My first customer and I haven’t even finished getting everything out. How can I help you?

Meadow put out her hand. "Hello, I’m Meadow

Shepherd, from the stable."

The woman bustled over. I’m happy to know you. Beatrice Pennypacker is my handle. Call me Bea. Mr. Bowman mentioned your family. Said all your supplies are free. How about that? Bea went to the sales counter and picked up a plate of cinnamon rolls, dripping with frosting. Here you go, dearie. You look a little peckish. Have a couple. Made fresh this morning.

She couldn’t help but smile at Bea’s cheery attitude. I just ate breakfast. Then the sweet, yeasty aroma wafted up to her nose. She reached out her hand. Well, maybe just one.

The woman beamed her approval. That’s right. You need a little fattening up.

The cinnamon roll melted in her mouth and after savoring a few bites, Meadow asked the question on her mind.

Have you seen Brett . . . I mean . . . are the Bowman’s around?

Bea raised one eyebrow. "You mean the handsome young devil that reminds me of Troy Donahue? Or maybe it’s

Tab Hunter. Those teen idols all look alike, don’t they?"

Meadow laughed. Yeah, I guess so. I don’t get to the movies much.

"Huh. Well, you can take my word for it. But as to your question, nope, haven’t seen that young man today. But, if I do,

I’ll tell him a certain young lady has been inquiring after him."

Meadow felt her cheeks start to burn. "No, don’t do that.

I’ll catch up with him later. She didn’t want him to think she was like those other girls, chasing him all the time. It was nice meeting you. I’d better get back."

"Wait a second. I just remembered. You aren’t quite the only person I’ve seen today. A fella dropped by first thing and left something for you. He said, ‘don’t give it to no one but

Meadow.’ Not proper grammar, but you get the drift."

Meadow choked on the cinnamon roll she was still chewing. What’d he look like? she managed to croak.

Bea eyed her. "Nothin’ special. Medium height, weight.

Medium everything. Like I said, nothin’ special."

Not short and bald?

No, no. Full head of hair and medium build, rather lean, I’d say. Bea knit her brow. It’s not a love note, I take it.

Meadow forced a laugh, but it sounded weak and squeaky.

The woman patted her shoulder, then clomped over to the post office pigeonholes in her sensible shoes, and pulled out a folded note, stuck together with tape at the end. She handed it to Meadow. Here you go, dearie.

Afraid to open it with Bea looking on, Meadow thanked her and made a dash for the door. She sprinted across the road, but instead of stopping at the cabin, ran on to the fishing hole and dropped onto a rock, panting. Kelsey came up from behind and stuck a wet nose into her hand. The note fluttered to the ground, and Meadow stared down at the white paper. It looked ominous—it felt ominous. A sick feeling crept up her insides.

Oh, Kelsey, what if it’s starting all over again?

Swallowing, Meadow pulled in a breath, and ripped off the tape. Typed in bold print:

I’M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET

Her hand shook as she clenched her jaw, balled up the paper in her fist, and threw it violently into the swift-moving creek. It bobbed and dipped on its way down the mini rapids and disappeared over a small waterfall.

Chapter 3

A New Scheme

Wendell Halstead huffed and looked up with a scowl from his writing tablet. His oversexed wife, Lucy, had interrupted again by sashaying into the room and letting the door swing shut with a bang. She crossed in front of him in Capri pants so tight, it was a wonder she could move at all. Lucy drew back the drapes on the picture window, allowing the vivid Sedona landscape to push in on them, so intense it was nauseating.

"The red rocks are just gorgeous, don’t you think, hon?" She adjusted her platinum blonde hair, as if she were Mae West about to invite him ‘to come up and see her sometime’.

He frowned. Why couldn’t she quit bugging him? Whatever you say. Close the damned blinds. I’m trying to work.

Lucy plopped herself down next to him on the couch, heavy perfume nearly setting off his gag reflex. Her voice became whiny. What about me? You work all the time. When are you going to pay some attention to me, Wendy?

Don’t call me that! I’ve told you a dozen times. You just never learn, do you?

Sorry, hon. I forgot. What are you working on?

Wendell slitted his eyes. A plan to take care of that little bitch and get the Medicine Chest. Now don’t bother me.

Lucy twirled a strand of silver hair. "Hon, you are positively obsessed with that girl. Why don’t you