An Exile's Journey: Wilderness, #1

By Viha Bhat

The non-stop tapping, the high-pitched neighs, and most of all the betrayals. Was it a betrayal or a threat? Rein lived in a dusty cave, planned on staying where she was, and living like normal. Sadly, her wishes have not been met. Rein meets some horses that she didn't exactly invite over. She will have to end up leaving her home and venture out in the wild with her herd. Read the suspense or perish wondering what would happen next.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Viha Bhat
• Release date: Feb 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224196555

Book preview

CHAPTER 1   

Tap tap, clink clunk, the sounds would go. It had been one day since she heard the marching hooves. Again, Rein would get startled and wake, the whites of her eyes showing. I can’t be scared, I either die or live. Rein was glued to her spot. She wouldn’t budge. She closed her eyes so tight that they wrinkled up. A few hours later again she dozed off to dreamland, but this time something sudden happened.

Rein opened her eyes to a start; it was a few hours past midnight and Rein was slowly and carefully pacing backwards. She dared herself to say a word. Her eyes could make up a figure that looked like a horse–it was hard to tell with so little moonlight. I thought I was prepared! What am I doing now? Suddenly a chimera coat Friesian with a black mane and tail spoke up with this wicked voice, You, the black pinto coat Friesian, our third in command Obi has said that he has heard that a horse lives down here. Obi, you may continue. I can’t bear to hear that crackly, wicked voice. Thank the Godly-horses that Obi is speaking now. Ahem, we need more horses in our herd, and if you are willing to join, thank you, he said a little hurriedly. In the corner of Rein’s eyes, she could see the chimera coat Friesian roll his eyes and maybe even pretend to yawn. Something’s up. Obi obviously didn’t need more members in the herd–it’s something else.

CHAPTER 2

Uhh sure?? Rein said, still a little confused. Great, follow us now and I’ll tell you more about this herd! Obi said excitedly; it was a little concerning to Rein. Is he too happy or is he just welcoming? Rein gaited over to walk by Obi’s side. First off let me introduce you to everyone; there’s a lot of us, Obi said. What do you mean by a lot... 100? Rein asked. No that’s too many. Just let me tell you all their names, Obi said quietly, There’s the Lead- well he’s the lead. Then we have the Co-Lead, Captain, I mean Pine, sorry I must've mixed up the names. Then we have the Food Finders and of course I lead the Food Finders, but there's also Daze, Fade, Patches, Seal, and Daisy. We have bedding lookers next, which is what Olive leads, then Aron, Pepper Fall, Spenser, Luna, and Straw. Night leads patrol followed by Jess, Silk, Dana, Premium, Cocoa, and Raspberry. And finally last but not least, well I mean he is least, is Least! His real name is Champion though. And all of that was by rank, he said panting heavily. But what about Captain, or Pine, whatever? Rein asked, her voice was calm but questioning.  Obi took a few glances in different directions, then finally he whispered, I’ll tell you once we get to our base. Then he snorted loudly, Everyone, let’s take a break. I’ll announce when we can get back to moving! Slowly his voice faded away. But when Rein took one glance somewhere else, Obi was gone. Rein shook her head looking for him in different directions.  There! I see him with that grumpy old chimera coat Friesian. Wait, Obi forgot to tell me his name.

Rein stared suspiciously at the two, trying to act casual at the same time. I let you have that stupid Rein come to our herd, so DON’T take my duties, the chimera coat Friesian growled furiously. You’re the one who agreed, SO CARRY ON WITH THE PLAN! Obi whisper shouted. SHH you dummy, EVERYONE’S gonna HEAR! the chimera coat growled again. They just kept bickering like that until Obi saw Rein glaring at them. This is strange. I should run if I sense danger; I knew something was up!

Finally, the horse herd made it to their base. It’s really... well botanical? Rein said–she was too used to a dusty habitat. Also, Obi, you forgot to tell me that chimera coat’s name, Rein said, trying not to refer to this as their last encounter. Oh yes, his name is... actually no one really knows. We just call him Lead because he’s our lead, Obi said. It almost seemed like he too was trying to forget what happened.

I see Daze, Fade, and Patches looking for grazing areas, and hopefully if we are lucky, fruit too. Maybe there are more of these Food Finders. Least, go dust the base as usual. You shouldn’t be roaming around all day. I’ll be fine with one more horse outta here! Lead yelled.  Is he staring at that sooty coat horse? I think his name was Champion? Is he Least? Rein, you’re lucky I didn’t make YOU Least. You will take the job of collecting things to make our sleeping places as comfy as possible, Lead announced.  Why does everyone have this jealous glare at me? It’s not that good. Nice job Rein! You might be actually getting some food today! Obi said, even him, with a little jealousy. I can’t tell if that was a complement or