To Brand a King

He struggled in the crush, powerful muscles twitching under silken skin, coat darkened with sweat. The iron descended, and he knew. His eyes rolled. Head jerked up, teeth bared, foam flying.

The girl turned away and squeezed her eyes shut, but she couldn't stop her ears.

The iron scorched his magnificent hide. While he was reeling from the agony and insult, the huge cutter came down on his head and sliced at his pride and his power. He screamed in pain and fury.

Da was proud of this herd, and pleased with this specimen: a freshly caught stallion to bring vigour to his stock.

I've got to do something.

When everyone had gone and the moon was high, she crept out of bed and down to his stable. Dragged back the iron bolts, heaved the door wide.

Inside, he drooped from his eyelids to his knees and all the way to his tail. The fire had gone out of him, and no wonder. Iron rings singed his hair and skin at intervals along his halter. The stump on his forehead looked frankly ridiculous.

Oh! What have they done to you?

She swapped the halter for a normal one and led him out of the box.

Now what?

If she turned him loose here, like as not he'd be found here at sun-up. Da would cover him in iron again and tan her hide.

The mounting block seemed to wink at her.

I can't! It would be almost as terrible an insult as the Cutting.

Some insane impulse urged her.

His head lifted and his pace strengthened once they were out on the lane. When they reached the open fields he could canter. He balked at the outer boundary fence, and she knew that too must be studded with iron.

Please, you've got to!

They tried again, gathering speed. She plastered herself to him limpet-like, holding on for dear life, hands knotted in his glorious mane.

For a moment that stretched out forever, they flew.

The unicorn galloped away, leaving her motionless and pale, breath shallow and legs crooked.

++++++++++++

Word count (excluding note): 366

Submitted on 12th February at 11:22

*Quick Author's Note*

Thank you for reading! Please leave a comment so I can reciprocate. Your thoughtful engagement is appreciated. If you enjoyed this, the best compliment you can give is to share it, or read another.

The story behind the story: There's been a lot of unicorn stories floating about, thanks to Dana C and JBaz. It doesn't fit their prompt, because it's too short and there's no rainbows.

My story every day project: I'm writing a story every day this year. This one makes a 43 day streak. You can find all of them in my Index post. It's also pinned to the top of my profile.

If you're joining me on this "story every day" madne adventure, please leave a link to yours in the comments!

If you'd like to buy the cow, (or get more free milk on Kindle Unlimited):