Animal Heart(22)

There was a loud screech above her head and she slowed to listen. It sounded like an eagle, but she couldn't be sure. It came again, and again. It sounded like there could be more than one. She led Storm towards the sound. If she could see an eagle's nest that would be the icing on the cake.

They wound their way through the trees which began to thin out, and soon they arrived in a large clearing. She knew she shouldn't go off trail like this, just in case she became lost, but she trusted Storm's homing instinct. He'd make his way back to the trail easily enough. She was sure of it.

The screeches and cries sounded ahead, and she cautiously walked towards the tall sheer face of rock at the side of the clearing. She looked up and caught sight of it. The nest. A large messy tangle of twigs sat on a high ledge. A beautiful Bald Eagle sat perched upon it. She saw its white head and hooked bright yellow beak as it sat looking out proudly, surveying its territory. She was so enraptured by the sight a massive smile of joy broke out on her face. If it couldn't get any better, a large flapping of wings beating above her head drew her attention as a second eagle came in to land on the nest. She sighed in delight.

She sidled a little closer to get a better view of the nesting ledge. Storm made a loud whinnying sound and jittered, as if he was suddenly aware of the two large birds of prey much too close to him for comfort. She tried to calm him by patting him gently and soothing him with soft words, and for a moment he relaxed. She urged him forward a few steps more, patting him reassuringly until they stood directly beneath the nest. She was captivated by the sight of them, and sat still with her mouth open, staring in wonder.

Storm whinnied again and began pawing the ground sporadically with his hoof. He was obviously telling her he wanted to leave. The two eagles, now aware of their presence so close by their nest, flapped their wings and rose together, sending down a small avalanche of twigs and pieces of rock on top of them. The horse reared beneath her in alarm, but she held on tight, for dear life. A large piece of stone suddenly hit her on the top of her head. Momentarily stunned and surprised, she lost her grip and started to fall in terror, landing with a hard thump on her back.

A flurry of massive wings, screeches, whinnying and hooves ensued, surrounding her from all directions as Storm shot away, with one of her feet caught in the stirrup. Her back and head bumped agonisingly over the rough rock strewn ground before her foot came free from her boot with a loud snap of bone that caused her to scream out in shocked pain. She was sent sliding down a bank and rolling over and over, out of control and terrified. Her neck suddenly whipped sideways, in an alarming fashion, and with another acutely painful snap. She came to rest as her head hit something sharp and hard.

Tasting blood, parts of her life flashed before her eyes in slow motion. She prepared to die. An inner peace descending upon her as everything faded and went black.



Aden walked out to the stable to feed and water the horses. He'd started late today after having a strong word with the women in private. He'd made it quite clear he wouldn't tolerate any more sulking or bad behavior towards guests at the dining table, no matter what their personal feelings were. He'd been disgusted at how they'd treated Maddy at dinner. He'd left his remonstrations until the morning as he couldn't trust himself not to lose his temper with them last night.

And Lucas.

For God's sake! Where was his pride?

He was pining after Maddy as if he were a lovesick puppy. It wasn't on. Much to his delight, she'd chosen to sit next to him at the table. That should have been a good enough sign to Lucas whose company she wanted and preferred. But no, he obviously wanted to make a fool of himself. He'd told him in no uncertain terms that he wasn't to come out on the trail with them today. No more of his ridiculous embarrassing behavior. Then of course, they'd had words. Exceptionally strong words. He tried not to remember them, but unfortunately they flooded his mind like an open sewer of obscenity.

He turned the corner and was surprised to see the yard gate open. He was sure he'd closed it last night, he was always so careful with things like that. He shrugged as he walked into the stable yard. He was momentarily confused. Because there stood Storm, to one side, next to his stall, fully tacked up.

Who had done this?

Then his mind whirred into action. He felt the horse's flank. He was damp and hot. He'd already been ridden.

“Maddy?” he called out, preparing to tick her off big time. He checked in the tack room and Storm's stall. Satisfied she wasn't there, he went back to the ranch-house to find her. He put his head inside the kitchen.

“Seen Maddy?” he asked Shane.

“Nope, not yet.”

He continued along the corridor to her room and knocked loudly. There was no reply. He was starting to get concerned. He entered the lobby and plucked her spare key from the hook. Returning to her room, he opened the door. The room was empty. Her bed was made and the window was open.