tell you? Get back to work!” Venus almost jumped. She hated the loud men and their loud words. She hoped that the foal wouldn’t be frightened, too. Cupid nuzzled her, almost as if he could read her thoughts. Alano looked in her direction also. He wasn’t getting attention from Danni anymore, as she had gone back to cleaning out the soiled straw that lay everywhere.

As the sun climbed higher and higher into the sky, Venus could feel her mane sticking to her yellowish neck. Though fall, the heat of the sun still radiated into the sandy fort. She looked at the ball of light for a few seconds, but the burning sensation was too much for her eyes. She blinked out the white spots and shook her head. Is this all there is to do here? No wonder the others are so… lifeless.

Venus lay down in the straw as she tried to stay cool, but had to stand again because a Calvary man came by. He was holding a halter, and he looked frightened. Venus smiled. All the men here were afraid her. Well, except the Colonel. She bared her teeth at the soldier, who jumped back like a scared puppy. His hand shook as he tried to place the halter and rope to Alano. He never turned his back on Venus, even as he led Alano out to the corral.

Once the man was gone, Venus lied back down, all of her hooves resting under her body. She closed her eyes and listened to Alano’s hoof beats as they pounded softly on the sandy ground. Venus could tell the soldier was having a difficult time, as she knew that Alano wouldn’t understand any vocal commands. Maybe he’d get the stop and go commands by action. Soon, the irritated grunts ceased, and the ride went more peacefully. That was the last of the sounds she heard before lightly falling asleep.