Mariael charged into the shoreline, looking every bit as formidable as he’d known she could be without ever having witnessed it before. Zevulun chewed at the cold autumn air, pawing the dark pebble beach and snapping his tail with a few irritated cracks at his hind. He’d wanted to so badly to jump into the fray and get his teeth on the skinny bachelor’s hide or even give him a kick, but Mariael had ordered him to stay with Maziel and leave the fight to her. The advice had been good, of course, for Maziel had been trembling with anticipated fear and tucked against him, tensing each time a grunt, squeal, or dull thud of a kick was heard. Eventually it was over, the bachelor was driven back into the surf and instead of return to them, Mariael plunged after him.
She was going to make certain the damnable bastard left their home for good.
Energy was still coursing in his veins. Zevulun had dug a decent trench in the dark sand, but when the tide came up a little high and filled it, the hole disappeared. He sighed, trying to work the emotions from his body with very little success. This was the first time he’d ever been near a true threat and the adrenaline was hot in his body. Snapping his tail again he turned about, walking with Maziel up the shoreline and into the trees, knowing it would be better for them to get into the forests where any wind the Bay didn’t block out couldn’t cut through them.
“She’ll be alright.” Maziel said softly as they walked into the shadows of the trees and Zevulun sighed, nodding. “I know. I still wish she would have let me have a go,” he sounded like a petulant child, even to his own ears, and winced.
Maziel paused and lifted her head, sightless, milky eyes laying gently on him. He knew she only knew to look in his direction based on hearing, feeling, and smelling his breath, but he still felt as if his sister was staring into his soul with her blind gaze. Maziel stepped forward and gently, lovingly brushed her muzzle against his cheek. “You were there if she needed you and that’s exactly what you’re meant to do here.”
Zevulun smiled and nodded a small, agreeing nod. Maziel was right, of course.
That’s when they heard it – hoofsteps. Zevulun froze. “Stay here, Maziel.” He whispered in a low breath, turning about and charging forward, the branches snapping at his coat but feeling as if they were driving him on. He burst into the line where the thin stalks of sea grass met the forest and found himself staring at a strange stallion. Zevulun bristled, appearing nothing like he normally did. “If you’re here for your buddy, you might as well turn around. My sister’s driving him back to the Commons as we speak.”
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