Wild Horse Valley, nestled in the heart of green hills, was a sanctuary
where men had never been. The grass was green and lush; great trees
spread leafy boughs to cast soft shade. Here, from the living rock, came
waterfalls that were sweet and pure. King Sylvan and his gentle mate,
Moussa, ruled this land. Their court was made up of untamed horses.
Horses that had never known restraining bit or binding saddlestrap.
Happy, carefree horses they were, that had never seen men nor known
men's inventions. Sylvan had won the right to rule his followers by
might and courage. He was the fleetest of foot, the quickest of eye, the
greatest of strength. Sylvan, the King!
Then Moussa bore the king a son--a prince--and Sylvan's happiness was
complete. His fleet hoofs pounded the turf, racing, turning, flashing a
white coat in the bright sun. He hoped his little son would see his
strength, his speed, and emulate them. Less than two hours after his
birth, the prince was trying his slim, straight legs. In the months that
followed, the white colt developed the strength and fearlessness of
Sylvan. Added to these were the gentleness, grace, and beauty of Moussa.
For many weeks the prince of Wild Horse Valley stayed close to his
mother's side, and his little shadow merged with hers as the two moved
through the valley, guided by Sylvan, who knew where water was sweetest
and grass most tender.
Then came the days when colthood was left behind, and the son could
outrun Moussa and keep pace with mighty Sylvan. Like the wind, the white
one and Sylvan raced side by side. How the sun flashed from their sleek
bodies as they raced, cut back, reared, and whirled in sheer joy! Life
was good. Life was sweet. And Moussa watched with pride.
Tragedy came into the prince's life when Moussa went to the everlasting
happiness of other green pastures. By this time the prince was fully
grown and the equal in strength of his father. Day after day, the prince
met and defeated new challengers in the field of combat. While Sylvan
remained king, the prince fought to hold his own exalted position. The
battles were furious. No quarter was asked, none given. The white prince
never paused in the fray until his opponent lay conquered at his feet.
Finally, when the last challenger was beaten, the prince called out in
his victory. Sylvan responded with mighty pride. A king and his son,
both conquerors and champions. Stronger, greater, than any other in
their herd. Acknowledged by all as the ones who should lead while others
followed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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