The Winged Warrior of the Gods: Book 1

By Pamela J. McConnel

It has been many generations since the Pegasus herd had been destroyed. There were still a few descendants left, but none had manifested any of the special qualities of the original, such as the wings or magical gifts. Until the birth of a young colt. The Winged Warrior of the Gods depicts the expeditions of the new Pegasus. Raised in seclusion,

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors' Tranquility Press
• Release date: Feb 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781959197676

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The Miracle

At the far end of nowhere, on the east side of nothing, a large wilderness with a mountain range was found, surrounded by flowing fields of succulent green grass with fragrant wildflowers. The mountain range was desolate, a place where few ever wander. In the cool, sweet meadows of these wilderness mountains romps a fine strong herd of wild horses.

His white coat was gleaming brightly in the morning sun as he watched over his herd. Zenadar stood tall and proud on a high ridge overlooking the beautiful meadow he had chosen for them. The long harsh winter had cruelly taken several of the young horses. But now spring had arrived, and with it came were the warmth of the sun and an abundance of tall, sweet grass. Soon the mares would foal, and the joy of new life would fill the meadow.

Sherain, the youngest mare of the herd, approached the ridge. She was not only the youngest but was also the most beautiful and drew the stallion’s favor. This caused the other mares to shun her and treat her cruelly. As a result of their jealousy, she stayed mostly to herself.

Zenadar was aware of their feelings and, as a result, showed Sherain even more attention. When she reached the top of the ridge, he greeted her warmly.

Well, he whinnied, how are you on this fine spring morning, Sherain?

I am fine, she said with a deep sigh. The warm sun is most welcome. Soon, it will be time for me to foal. I hope I will be able to pride you with a fine son, she replied, shyly, pawing at the ground.

Oh, my sweet Sherain, you could give me nothing else. Although I would be just as pleased if you were to give me a little filly as pretty as you are, he said proudly.

Oh, Zenadar, you shouldn’t go on so, she answered with a giggle. The other mares are already very jealous. I think sometimes they would like nothing more than to see me banned from the herd and sent into the wilderness alone to die!

You need not worry. As long as I am a stallion of the herd, you are safe! But listen well! When it is time for you to foal, come to me in secret, and I will take you to a safe place. Some can’t be trusted and may try to kill the foal before it has a chance to get to its feet, warned Zenadar.

Sherain agreed, slowly walking away. It saddened her to think that all the other horses hated her so. She had never said or done anything unkind to any of the others. Instead, she had always stayed to herself in a part of the meadow no one else cared for.

Because of Zenadar’s words, Sherain was now even more afraid of the other horses. He couldn’t protect them all the time. And now, she not only had to protect her foal from predators but also from the threats of those around her. All she could do was pray to the gods for a very strong colt. Even then, no colt was a match for a mature horse. No, what Sherain needed was a miracle. She was convinced her foal would not survive to be a yearling without one.

As her time drew near, Sherain’s heart became heavy with fear. She kept her prayer on her lips with every waking moment.

One day at the watering hole, some of the mares commented on how young and small she was to protect a foal and how it would probably die before the next spring. Then they all laughed and brushed their tails in her face. She just wandered away, pleading with the gods to have mercy on her foal.

Late one night when the moon was bursting with fullness, Sherain was awakened by a sharp pain in her side. She knew it was time for her to go to Zenadar. He would be sleeping in the middle of the herd, making it hard to get his attention without being noticed. She knew it would be dangerous, but the only way she could succeed was to go to the edge of the meadow and rustle some bushes. This would alert Zenadar to possible danger, and he would investigate instantly. If she could just make it to the trees before anyone noticed her.

She searched the meadow for danger then slowly began to walk, always looking back toward the safety of the herd. The pain in her young body and the fear in her tormented heart increased by the moment, causing her to stumble several times as she made her way across the open meadow. By the time she reached the trees, she was almost doubled up with pain.

Her heart pounded as she quickly reached down and shook a bush vigorously, watching for Zenadar to emerge from the herd. Just as she had predicted, Zenadar broke through the horses with fire in his eyes and instantly moved toward the disturbance, ready for any challenge. Sherain had been hiding from sight, but now Zenadar was close enough for her to show herself.

Sherain! he said, surprised to find her so far from the herd. Whatever are you doing? Don’t you know it’s dangerous to wander alone at night?

Yes, Zenadar, but I had to get you away from the others. It’s time for my foal to arrive. You said you would take me to a place where we would be safe from harm, she concluded, her whole-body trembling with pain.

Oh, my sweet Sherain, you are so very brave! I will tell Kendar to watch over the herd while we are gone. I smell no danger nearby, so just quietly wait here. I’ll be right back.

Sherain watched as Zenadar made his way back to the herd. Luckily, Kendar was easy to wake. Zenadar told him his bidding and then rejoined Sherain.

Are you okay, Sherain? Do you think you can make it? he asked, noticing the pain she was in.

Yes, I’ll be fine. You lead the way, she answered as yet another pain shot through her young body.

Okay, it’s not far. Come on. We must hurry, replied Zenadar as he began cutting a path through the trees. Soon, they were far away from the meadow and all the other horses.

It’s right up here, Sherain. Can you make it? he asked, watching her struggle to keep up with him.

Yes. I’m all right. Just please, let’s hurry, she said, stumbling with every few steps.

Zenadar quickly ran the rest of the way up the hill and, for a moment, disappeared. It’s okay, Sherain, you can make it, he said, trying to encourage her.

Sherain struggled the last few feet up the hill to find Zenadar standing at the mouth of a cave totally covered with thick foliage. Once inside the cave, Sherain found a comfortable place to bear her foal. She began taking short deep breaths, trying to ease the unbearable pain in her tender body while Zenadar stood by, helpless. He was unable to help her except to try and comfort her. He nuzzled her brow and fanned her with his tail.

Soon, the tip of a jellybean pink nose appeared, followed by a long thin snout with a little eye on each side. The snout was followed by two pointed ears that snapped to attention on the top of a little pointed head. A few more wiggles and two front legs appeared to help in its struggle to be born. In an instant, it was all over, and the unbearable pain was gone. Sherain could finally rest her tired, sore body.

Zenadar was so excited that he ran to the mouth of the cave and whinnied loudly, announcing the great event. His voice thundered through the night, and all that heard it knew something wonderful had come to pass.

Oh, Sherain, your struggle was great, but out of your pain has come to this wonderful new life. You have honored me greatly! he said humbly as he looked down at her and the new colt.

Yes, Zenadar, you have a fine son, she replied, still very weak but managing to clean her new baby.

Suddenly, she noticed something very odd about her colt. Attached to each side of his little body were tiny wings! Look, Zenadar, it’s a miracle! Sherain gasped.

Zenadar examined the colt closely and found Sherain to be right. Neither could believe their eyes. Before either could speak, the cave took on a strange glow. Both Sherain and Zenadar were frightened until a soft voice spoke to them.

Be not afraid, for your prayers have been answered. You have been blessed, murmured the voice of a thousand whispers.

I don’t understand, said Zenadar, his voice trembling with fear.

There was once a great herd of winged horses, the voice began. They were the most prized possession of Zeus, an ancient god of the universe. His mighty warriors would fly these winged horses into fierce battles, claiming glorious victories for the gods. Until one night, out of jealousy, the mortal son of Athena, goddess of the secret fire, sought out and killed all but one of these horses. You and Sherain are both direct descendants of this great herd, explained the voice.

Yes. Zenadar contemplated. When I was young, I remember my grandfather telling me of such a herd, but I thought it was only a legend told by an old dreamer.

Sherain struggled to her feet and then gently nudged her colt. Immediately, the pure-white colt sprung to his feet with fiery brilliance and began to run about, flapping his tiny wings. Then finding his mother, he took his first bit of nourishment. She had been eating only the sweetest grass of the meadow, so her milk was warm, sweet, and abundant. Sherain glowed with pride while Zenadar stood taller than ever.

The voice went on. He will need much care and protection for his first year. This care has been entrusted to you both. Zenadar, you must be willing to leave your herd forever and never know another mare other than Sherain. Sherain, you must do the same, and both of you must vow to teach him and care for him. You must protect him at all costs. Are you willing to do what is necessary? Both agreed without hesitation, and the voice continued, You will remain here in the cave until the colt and Sherain are strong enough to travel. Then you will walk by the moon, following the brightest star in the heavens. You will journey over two hills. At the bottom of the second hill, you will find a long ravine. At the end of the ravine, you will find the place you seek. There, you will have everything you will need for the rest of your lives. Once you arrive, you can never leave. You have the responsibility of teaching him the world as you know it. Sleep now and gather strength. Then the glow disappeared, and the cave was dark once again.

The next morning, Sherain and Zenadar awoke to their frisky little colt playfully running back and forth and whinnying loudly.

Oh, Zenadar, I thought it was all a dream, but it wasn’t. Our colt is really here. What shall we call him? she asked.

I don’t think his name is ours to choose, replied Zenadar.

Before Zenadar had the chance to draw another breath, the strange glow returned to the cave, and the voice of a thousand whispers spoke again. You are very wise, Zenadar. The name chosen for your colt is Pegasus, taken from his ancestors. When he comes of age, I will return. Then, I will tell him what is expected of him. His life will be filled with much danger and adventure. He must be strong, healthy, and brave. When you leave here, I will not be able to help you in any way until you reach the secret meadow. Remember, his life is yours. Protect him at all costs! concluded the voice as the glow again slowly faded.

They stayed in the cave for several days, nurturing their new son and each other. Every morning, they woke to find bushels of fresh sweet grass and a basket of succulent fruit. Water was also provided by a fresh water spring in the back of the cave.

CHAPTER TWO

Journey to the Secret Meadow of the Gods

Late one night, Zenadar woke from a disturbing dream, feeling it was time to leave the cave. Pegasus was strong enough, and Sherain had completely regained her strength.

We must eat hardy today, he told Sherain when she awoke. For tonight we leave the cave to seek out the meadow. I had a dream last night, and I don’t feel we are safe here any longer. We will leave with the rising of the moon.

Sherain agreed, for she knew Zenadar’s dreams usually came true with powerful reality.

When darkness came, Zenadar was the first to emerge from the cave, looking carefully in every direction for any sign of danger. When he felt it was safe, he motioned for Sherain to come out with Pegasus. Slowly and quietly, she and the colt stepped out into the moonlight.

Zenadar searched the heavens, looking for the brightest star as he had been told by the voice. The moon was nearly full, making it easy to see their path, but this also meant they could easily be seen. They would have to move very carefully and quietly. He found the star in the eastern sky and began cutting a path through the trees all the while primed and ready for any kind of danger that might arise. Sherain followed behind, keeping Pegasus very close to her. They had only walked about four miles when Zenadar suddenly smelled danger. It was the unmistakable scent of a mountain lion.

He had Sherain and Pegasus kneel down in some thick bushes. He would stay in plain sight to draw the danger to himself. Zenadar watched the woods around him carefully, knowing if the cat was allowed to surprise him, it would be fatal. Such a cat would go right for the back of the neck and would try to sever the spinal cord, which would paralyze him instantly. His only defense was to attempt to buck him off his back, if necessary, then trample him before he could attack again.

Zenadar stood alone, his white coat shimmering in the moonlight. He knew he was being stalked but made no show of fear. As he had predicted, the large cat leapt from a tree and onto his back. Zenadar could feel the mountain lion’s deadly claws sink into his back and neck. Instantly, he reared up, standing on his powerful back legs, kicking his front legs at the same time, but the cat hung on. He began bucking and rearing violently, throwing the cat against a large tree. Without hesitation, he reared up over the dazed cat, then coming down, he struck a fatal blow with his mighty front hooves.

Oh, Zenadar, Sherain cried as she and Pegasus rushed to his side. You are surely the bravest of all stallions! You’re hurt. Kneel down and I will care for your wounds.

Sherain cared for his wounds by licking them clean and putting dry moss and leaves on them. After a short rest, Zenadar was back on his feet, ready to go on. Again, he fixed his sights on the star; then, they began making their way through the woods.

Finally, in the wee morning hour, they came to the first hill. We will rest here before going on. We must make it to the meadow before the sun, Zenadar said, looking out over the valley that lay before them.

The foliage in the valley looked thick enough to hide them well, but the side of the hill was steep and bare, without even a bush. Zenadar looked around to see if there was a better way to get down the hill, but there was none. This was the only way. He had Sherain lead the way, keeping the colt between them. This way, if they were attacked from the rear, he would be able to hold off the predator while Sherain got Pegasus to safety. If attacked from the front, he would have the advantage of the grade. They had made it down the hill about halfway when out of the sky came a giant eagle swooping down as if it was trying to latch on to the young colt with its giant claws.

Run, Sherain! cried Zenadar as he reared up for battle. Sherain didn’t hesitate. She and baby Pegasus ran down the steep hill as fast as they could while Zenadar kept the creature busy. Once at the bottom of the hill, she found shelter in the trees until Zenadar could join them. He didn’t win this battle, but he did manage to chase off the evil creature without sustaining any more painful wounds. However, there was no time for pride; they still had