Once upon a time in a place called Solwenswan lived an Indian pony who was the bravest of all Indian ponies. He was ridden by only the proudest of warriors and hunters. He was given the name "Two Feathers Prancing" because he was quick as a dancer, yet light as a feather as he ran through the countryside. Two Feathers Prancing wore feathers in his mane and tail, and brightly colored paint which pleased the spirits of hunting and battle.

    One day while hunting, Two Feathers Prancing   led the noble brave upon his back to a golden valley where he would find the best hunting ground and the biggest herds of Elk and Deer. When they reached the hunting grounds, Two Feathers Prancing stopped just inside the edge of the forest.

    The noble brave watched carefully as the Elk grazed on the rich green grass. There were thousands of Elk and hundreds of Deer, more food than they would ever need. The brave readied his spear as he gently nudged Two Feathers Prancing. The horse carried the brave swiftly and quietly to the edge of the herd. Faster and faster Two Feathers Prancing took the brave closer and closer. At just the right moment, the brave thrust his spear deep into the Elk.

    A swift thrust and the Elk was down. The brave was proud of his hunt and petted Two Feathers Prancing for a hunt well done. It was Two Feathers who would carry the Elk back to the village for everyone to share. One Elk would feed the whole village, and the Elk hide would make warm clothes for the winter.

    On the way back to the village, Two Feathers Prancing could feel a sense of unrest in the air. He could feel danger around him as he made his way through the forests and up the mountainside. Two Feathers Prancing could see the great eagle as he soared through the air as if he was leading the way home. Suddenly there was a rustle in the bushes next to the trail.

There came a loud roar and there stood a giant brown bear. The brave readied his spear, but it was too late. The bear had attacked the brave, cutting him deeply with his claws.

    Two Feathers Prancing reared up on his back feet, kicking the bear with his front hoofs. Again and again, Two Feathers Prancing reared up, again and again he kicked the bear. The bear, with a swift paw, cut Two Feathers Prancing with his claws, but The horse would not give up. Kicking and kicking, over and over. Suddenly the bear turned and ran back into the

bushes. Two Feathers Prancing had fought and won the battle one more time. The brave lie hurt in the trail.

    Two Feathers Prancing nudged him with his nose, rolling him over. He was cut badly, but alive. Two Feathers Prancing bowed his head to help the brave on his back. Two Feathers Prancing knew he must get the brave back to the village as soon as possible. Without delay he continued up the mountain. The weight of the Elk and the brave was nearly unbearable, but he knew he couldn’t stop until he was home.

    As they neared the village, Two Feathers Prancing could see the smoke from the fires. But Two Feathers Prancing was growing weak from his wounds too. Slowly, with his head bent low from exhaustion, he continued toward the village. He took one step at a time, to the edge of the river. The river was swift and cold, but Two Feathers Prancing knew he must reach the other side, to get the Brave home safely. He swam with all his might as he looked at the great Eagle above him. Two Feathers Prancing new the great Eagle would not let him down, but would give him the strength and courage to complete his journey.

     As Two Feathers Prancing reached the other side of the river, two young braves could see the wounds and the brave on his back. The young braves took the wounded brave and Two Feathers Prancing to the village. The wounded brave was cared for and the Elk was taken for food.

    Two Feathers Prancing’s wounds were dressed and he was given extra grain and a place to rest. As the noble brave and Two Feathers Prancing rested, the great Eagle soared in the skies above. The great Eagle watched over them as their wounds healed. After healing and resting for a few days, the noble brave went to thank Two Feathers Prancing. The brave knew that Two Feathers Prancing had saved his life and was indeed the bravest of all ponies.

The End

Bill Carrington ©1999

Return to Home Page

Published by  ProgressiveKIDS.com

 ©1999 All rights reserved.