Gabriel's Horses (10 page)

T
hey're coming!
I snap upright. Tandy's mounted on Tenpenny and waiting in the aisle with Arrow and Romance. Savannah, Sympathy, and Daphne are skittering in front of the closed back door. Cato's leading Blind Patterson from this stall. All the horses know something is wrong. Their eyes are white in the dark and I can smell their sweat.

I say a quick prayer that this ain't the last time I see my horses.

Then I hear the jingle of spurs and the rasp of One Arm's angry voice, and I know we have to move.

Cato throws me on Aristo's back and hands me Patterson's lead rope. He runs down the aisle, lowers the board, and swings wide the rear barn doors.

“Run, Jase!” I holler, and the boy clamps his legs around Savannah's sides and the three horses streak from the barn. “Run, Tandy!”

Tandy kicks Tenpenny. Cato whoops at the colt, and Tandy canters him from the barn, leading Arrow and Romance. Behind me, I hear cursing and the sound of an ax striking against wood.

Aristo rears. Sticking tight, I lean forward on his shoulder until he drops to the ground. Patterson's prancing in confusion, so I snug his head against my thigh and aim both horses down the aisle toward the open door.

“Go!” I cry as the ax splinters the front door behind us.

The colt leaps in the air, digs in hard with his hooves, and charges past Cato. Half-wild, he races from the barn, through the gap in the fence, and onto the grassy track. My right hand grasps his rope reins; my left arm's snapping with the pull of Patterson's lead rope.

There's no sign of Jase and Tandy, but I hear shouts from outside the barn.

“They're escaping! Mount up! After them!”

Then the wind deadens the raider's cries.

Aristo flies down the track. Patterson's following gamely alongside, but I can tell there's no way the stallion can keep up.

We canter down the hill and across the stream to the icehouse. Least Captain's safely hidden inside. A clump of pines runs along the bank, ending in thick brush. Steering with one hand, I urge Aristo deep into the pines. Boughs slash my head and whack my knees.

“Whoa.” My breath comes in ragged spurts. Reaching high, I wrap Patterson's rope around a branch and knot it tight. I know he's wracked with fear. But fear's better than death.

“Hush now, Patterson,” I tell him. “Don't fight the rope. Aristo can't outrun them with you dragging behind. I'll come back for you. I
promise
.”

Moments later, Aristo and I burst from the pines. My soul leaps into my throat. Four raiders, One Arm in the lead, are swooping toward me.

I've got to lure them away from Captain and Patterson!

One Arm yells, “Get him!”

Yanking on the rein, I wheel Aristo. “Run!” I holler, but he doesn't need my command. He's ready to fly.

We race down the grassy track. Halfway round the homestretch bend, I steer Aristo sharply to the right and into the hay field that stretches to the banks of the river. As we lunge through the tall grass, I pray we miss the groundhog holes.

Full tilt, we tear across the field. Aristo gallops with abandon, like he don't even know I'm on his back. I'm hunkered so low that his windblown mane stings my cheeks. I glance over my shoulder, figuring we've left those raiders in our dirt, but the four are still in sight.

We have to make the trees on the other side of the river.

Down the bank we slide. Aristo jumps a rocky ledge and plunges into the rushing water. I cling to his back as he trots deeper, knees reaching high.

Suddenly, I hear the sharp crack of a rifle, and a piercing blast knocks me off my horse. I hit the water with a slap. Down, down I sink, the murky water pulling at my clothes and boots.

I flail my hands and legs. Searing pain shoots through my right arm.

My lungs are bursting.

My foot hits rocky bottom. I kick hard and push myself to the surface. My mouth gulps air. Quickly I wipe the water from my eyes and twist from side to side, looking for Aristo.

Up ahead, One Arm's ridden his horse into the river after the colt. The other three raiders are on the bank. One has a rifle aimed in my direction.

A blast from the gun's muzzle sends me diving under the water. I fake I'm hit, and going limp, let the current carry me away.

I float downriver and out of sight around a bend. A branch snags my shirt. Paddling toward shore, I find bottom and wade into the river weeds. My boots are heavy with water.

Sitting in the shallows, I tug them off. The rabbit's foot plops into the water. I notice blood streaming down my wet arm. My shirtsleeve's torn and there's a gash below my shoulder. But I ain't got time to rip my shirt and bandage the wound. I promised Aristo no more harm, and a boy has to keep his promises.

I fish out that rabbit's foot and tuck it into my soggy pocket. Barefoot, I sneak my way up the shoreline. When I'm closer, I wade back into the water and crouch in the weeds, making my way around the bend. One Arm is on the bank. He's got Aristo's two ropes clamped under his stump of an arm. With his good hand, he's struggling with the girth on his own horse. The other raiders are gone, probably hunting Tandy and Jase.

I could sneak up and try to wrestle Aristo away, but there's no cover. One Arm would shoot me without a thought.

Then it dawns on me what One Arm's planning: He's going to saddle Aristo and ride away on him.

I stoop low in the water, the blood from my wound swirling around me, and wait for my chance.

One Arm frees the girth and slides the saddle off his worn-out horse, which ambles off into the hay field. Then the man turns toward Aristo. The colt's already eyeing him. When One Arm goes to throw the saddle on his back, Aristo reels and the saddle drops to the ground

I dart from my hiding place, slosh through the water, and clamber up the bank. One Arm's chasing after Aristo, so he doesn't see me. He's got hold of the rope with his good hand, and he's yelling, “whoa, whoa,” as if the colt's going to obey.

Throwing his head high, Aristo yanks the rope from the raider's grasp and trots in my direction. I spring forward, grab a fistful of mane, and vault onto his back. As the colt leaps up the rocky ledge, I lean down and snatch the dangling ropes.

One Arm roars in fury.

A dozen raiders are galloping down the hay field, cutting me off. I wheel Aristo toward the river. One Arm's planted on the bank, ten feet from us, his revolver aimed at my head. Aristo skids to a halt.

“I want that colt, boy,” One Arm snarls. “Fastest horse I've
ever
seen. Ain't a blue coat be able to catch me when I'm riding him. And it won't take me but a moment to beat the fight out of him. Then he'll stand for the saddle.”

Aristo snorts nervously. Trembling racks my limbs.

“You got no way out,” One Arm adds. “I can
shoot
you off that horse or you can
get
off. Choose. And I ain't got all day.”

I know there's only one choice. If I let One Arm have Aristo, the horse dies a slow, hungry death. And the raiders, why, they'll shoot me like I'm nothing, no matter what I choose.

Dear Jesus, make my dying quick.
I aim Aristo toward the oncoming raiders, dig my heels into his sides, and holler, “Run, 'Risto! Run like it's your last race!”

A
risto hears the fear in my voice. He rears, front hooves raking the air, then charges toward the circle of raiders.

“Don't shoot that horse!”
One Arm hollers.

Several riders rein their mounts in Aristo's path and reaching out, grab at his halter and rope. Other hands clutch my shirt, trying to drag me off the colt.

A bearded face leers at me, then a rifle swings through the air like a club. I raise my arm, the stock hits me square in the elbow, and I pitch off Aristo into a forest of legs. Covering my head, I curl into a ball among the churning hooves.

A cry of alarm rises up. “Blue coats! Blue coats comin'!”

“It's the Yankee cavalry! Head for the river!”

Yelling in confusion, the raiders spur their tired mounts down the bank. A hoof glances off my back. Dirt clods pelt my head. Peering up, I see a wave of blue flowing toward me down the hay field. The soldier riding out front carries an American flag. The others charge with drawn sabers.

“Give me your horse!” One Arm sprints after a raider who stayed behind to help him. Grabbing the man's leg, he pulls him off the horse, leaps into the saddle, and takes off. With a yelp, the horseless raider crashes after him down the bank and into the water.

I sit up slowly and look around. One Arm and his band are halfway across the river, but there's no sign of Aristo.

The raiders have taken him!
I spring to my feet, but my head spins dizzily, and I collapse on the bank. The cavalry swarms around the rocky ledge, the thundering hooves deafening me. The soldiers gallop their horses into the river, pursuing the raiders to the other side where they all vanish into the woods.

The din recedes. I hear shouts from the woods. Then shots.

Closing my eyes, I take shallow breaths. Blood leaks from my wound. My body feels as heavy as a corn sack, and my head drops back against the rock.

I've lost Aristo.

Warm puffs tickle my neck. My eyelids drift open. Aristo's standing over me. Neck outstretched, he's sniffing my bloody arm, and he looks mighty fine.

Grinning, I cup his muzzle in my hand. “Why, you devil. How'd you get away from those raiders?”

“With a little help,” someone says from above me.

I look over my shoulder. A colored Yankee mounted on a cavalry horse stands atop the rocky ledge. The soldier wears a cap and blue uniform, and it takes me a moment to recognize him. “Pa! What're you doing here?” Holding my arm, I try to get to my feet, but my body feels wooden.

“Don't move,” Pa warns, “or your ma will have my hide. She and Annabelle are coming down the hill with bandages. Let me dismount and tether these horses and I'll return and see to you.”

I fall back against the bank, wondering if I'm dreaming. But minutes later, Pa squats next to me.

I stare at him in amazement. He probes the gash on my arm, but I don't even notice.

“What are you doing here?” I repeat.

“Camp Nelson got word that One Arm and his rebels were back in Woodford County. General Fry ordered the cavalry out to this area.”

“How did the cavalry know Master Giles needed help?”

“I pointed them in this direction. I figured the raiders were headed to Woodville for horses. Yankee scouts have been reporting that One Arm's mounts were done for, and I knew he had a score to settle with Mister Giles on account of Tenpenny.”

I nod. “You were right. One Arm wanted Penny bad, until he saw Aristo, that is. Good thing the colt is a wild one. You should've seen him attack those raiders! He's still got spirit, Pa. Newcastle didn't beat it out of him.”

Pa is gentle as he slides the ripped shirt over my head, but it's stuck to my wound, and I wince when it rips the skin.

“I knew they'd make you a cavalry soldier,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Not exactly, Gabriel.” Tipping back his cap, he studies my gash. “Wound looks clean.”

“You're riding a horse and wearing a uniform, ain't you?”

“Uniform's mine. Horse ain't. Captain Waite called on me to lead his company to Woodville. Company D's all white soldiers.”

“Gabriel! Isaac!” Ma's hysterical call rings down the hill.

Pa crooks his lips in a smile. “She's going to baby you, so take it like a man.” Standing, he waves. “He's over here, Lucy. The boy's fine.”

“Oh, Isaac!” First Ma throws herself into his arms. Then she pulls away and stoops beside me. Annabelle's behind her, a basket of ointments and linen strips looped over her arm.

“Lord, look at all this blood!” Ma gasps.

“Leech takes out more blood than that,” Annabelle scoffs, but I can see the concern in her eyes.

“Did the raiders try and get in the house after you, Ma?” I ask. “Are you and Annabelle and Mistress Jane all right?”

Annabelle plucks a huge kitchen knife from the basket. “Wasn't a raider brave enough to tangle with this,” she declares, and we all laugh.

Annabelle hands Ma a clean rag and she dabs at my arm. I bite my lip, trying not to cry out.

“Are Jase and Tandy all right?” I ask instead. “Did One Arm get the other horses?”

“Jase made it to Major Wiley's farm and alerted them,” Annabelle replies. “Major Wiley and some men came over to help us, but by then the Yankees had arrived and the raiders were scampering off like scared rabbits. Tandy's still lost in the cornfields with some of the horses. Master Giles sent Cato and Renny after them.”

“It's a wonder you all made it safely,” Ma mutters. “Rebels galloping every which way. Thank the Lord that Pa and the cavalry came in time.”

“I bet Captain Conrad's still hidden in the icehouse,” I tell Pa. “He got the shakes after the race. I hope he's all right. Maybe you can send someone—

Suddenly, I remember the stallion.
“Patterson!”

I struggle to stand, but Ma pushes me gently down. “Hush, now, until I bandage this.”

“What about Patterson?” Pa asks.

I tell him about hiding the stallion in the pine grove. “Horse must be quaking with worry by now.”

“I'll fetch them both. You three all right?”

Ma flaps her hand, and Pa trots off on his horse.

Annabelle hands Ma a small crock. “You were very brave, Gabriel,” she says, which is high praise coming from her.

Ma snorts. “Very
foolish
, you mean. Risking your life for Master Giles's horses.”

“They ain't just horses, Ma,” I say quietly, but I don't expect her to understand.

She sighs as she slathers some smelly stuff on my arm, then bandages the gash with the strips of linen. “There.”

Annabelle sets down the basket and gives Ma and me a hand up. My elbow throbs where the rifle cracked it, and I lean against the rock, giving my insides a minute to settle.

Aristo's standing quietly where Pa's tied him to a tree limb. Annabelle helps me up the bank and over to the colt. He nuzzles my hand and I pat his neck, gritty with dust and sweat.

“We made it, 'Risto,” I tell him, though I reckon he's feeling as worn and beaten as me.

I untie him, and we start the long hot walk through the hay field, Ma and Annabelle leading the way. We're halfway to the barn when Jase and Tandy come barreling down the hill, mouths flapping. Jase inspects my arm and then launches into the tale of his escape to Major Wiley's. At the same time, Tandy's hanging on my other side, chattering about the chase through the corn.

“We outran 'em, just like you said,” Jase exclaims. “Even though Savannah was tuckered from racing Captain, she ran her heart out for me. Daphne's a little sore from trotting barefoot on the road, but we—”

“Let me tell you about Tenpenny,” Tandy cuts in with his own boasts. “That horse could outrun his shadow. You were right, Gabriel. Raiders' horses ain't no match for Master's Thoroughbreds.”

“Why, you two boys are heroes,” Annabelle praises, and they poke out their skinny chests.

By the time we reach the grassy track, the cavalry is coming up the hill behind us. They're escorting a dozen raiders, their hands bound behind them. One Arm ain't with them, but I spot the no-good Rebel who cracked me with his rifle. We stop to watch them pass. In defeat, they look wet and raggedy, not fierce. Ma, Annabelle, Tandy, and Jase cheer their capture, but I'm too spent.

Then Pa rides up from the icehouse leading Captain and Patterson. Captain's mane is laced with dirty cobwebs, but he's walking steadily. Blind Patterson's bobbing his head nervously, but when I stroke his neck, he calms. Neither horse seems too shaken, and my heart swells. We saved them all.

When we reach the barn, Master Giles heartily greets us. He fusses over my arm, then fusses over Aristo, Patterson, and Captain. Newcastle and Flanagan follow behind, clucking their concern. I don't grace them with a look. Any man who would save his own hide without a thought for the horses is no man at all.

“Jase, Tandy, you two boys take Patterson and Captain into the barn,” Master says. “See to their care.”

“I'll take 'Risto,” I say, but Master stops me.

“I want to thank you, Gabriel,” he says.

“No need, sir,” I murmur.

The soldiers and their prisoners are congregated in front of the barns. An officer leaves the group and walks over to us. Master rushes to shake his hand. “Thank you, Captain Waite, for bringing your company to our rescue.”

The captain nods at Pa, who's dismounted and holding his horse. “You need to thank Private Alexander. Our scouts were reporting that One Arm was in Midway. That's where we would have headed except for Private Alexander's insistence.”

Pa's expression doesn't change, but Ma and me are just about busting with pride.

“Thank you, Isaac, for bringing the cavalry to our rescue,” Master says to Pa. “It appears as well that your son has your courage
and
your love of horses. Cato tells me that if Gabriel hadn't acted so quickly, my Thoroughbreds would have been lost.”

This time, Pa and Ma beam. Even Annabelle's grinning at me, and my cheeks heat up.

Newcastle shakes his head. “Too bad you Yanks didn't get One Arm,” he says to Captain Waite. “Reckon he'll be back to harass us again?”

“No sir, I believe we captured enough of his band to shut him down in these parts. One Arm's probably making tracks for Missouri. We're taking the captured raiders to Lexington where they'll be jailed and tried in a court of law.”

Flanagan bobs his head. “Good. I don't want to face those Rebels ever again.”

“You won't need to,” Master Giles says sternly. “Newcastle, Flanagan, you two men have ten minutes to pack your belongings. Gabriel proved that he's the jockey for my horses. Captain Waite and his soldiers will escort you to the Midway depot. By tonight I want you on a train north.”

Newcastle's face turns bright red. Flanagan's jaw drops, and his eyes flick wildly. “What . . . why . . . ?” he sputters.

“Shut up, boy,” Newcastle snaps, and Flanagan clamps his mouth closed. “You don't need to tell us to leave,
Mister
Giles,” Newcastle sneers. “We don't want to work for a boss who chooses a colored man over a white.”

He spits in the dirt by Master's shoes. “Racing's a small world, Giles,” he continues. “One day we'll meet again. And you'll be sorry.” Casting me an ugly look, he spins on his heels and strides off. The man can't leave too fast for me.

“I should have sent those two packing long ago,” Master says. He sighs. “Except once again I am shy a trainer.”

I prick up my ears. Master didn't say “shy a jockey.”

“Isaac? I sure need you back here,” he tells Pa.

“Union army needs him, too,” Captain Waite says. “Colonel Sedgwick hopes to organize a colored cavalry. I'm going to need
Corporal
Alexander to help me train men and mounts.”

“Oh, Isaac!” Ma gives Pa's arm a squeeze, Master whacks him on the back, and I grin even prouder.
Pa will soon have those stripes!

Captain Waite bids us a good day, and Pa snaps him a smart salute. We all watch as the captain heads back to his troops.

“Isaac, I owe you mightily for bringing the cavalry to our rescue,” Master Giles tells Pa. “I'd like you to have Hero, my saddle horse. Since you'll soon be a mounted soldier, I want you mounted on the best.”

“Thank you, sir. I'll gladly take Hero. He's a fine horse. If we do go to war, perhaps he'll keep me from harm.”

“Now, Gabriel.” Master turns to me. “I believe I owe
you
for saving my horses.”

I drop my gaze. “Sir, I don't need thanks for saving the horses. I saved them because . . . well . . . ” I falter, not sure how to explain. “Because to me they're as important as life itself.”

Master Giles nods. “I see. Then perhaps the reward I should give you is
your
life.” He puts his hand on my shoulder. “Gabriel Alexander, you are now a free man.”

Did I hear right?
I glance up at him, my eyes wide.
Did he say I'm free? As free as Ma and Pa?

“I'll write up emancipation papers tonight.”

Free!
I can't speak. The word
free
is ringing too loud in my head.

“However, I would like you to stay and jockey for me, Gabriel,” he continues. “You have an incredible gift with horses. I'll pay you a wage as well as part of the purse money.”

“The boy will stay,” Pa declares. “He is a fine rider, but he needs to keep learning so one day he's the best. And Woodville Farm is a good place to learn.”

Ma nods in agreement. “'Sides, he's just a chile who needs to be with his mama,” she adds.

“Ma, I ain't no chile,” I sputter. “Didn't you hear Master Giles? He said I'm a free
man
.”