01. Peace Upon Us
Cradled in the canyon between the Fountain Peaks lived a tribe of sentient horses known as the Mostrenco. Since the dawn of existence they roamed peacefully with nature, wading through the wildflowers and bathing in the high desert sun. The Mostrenco, led by the Herd of Elders, praised the Wild River, for it provided their source of life, water.
The Mostrenco lived in isolation from the outside world, never needing to stray from their haven in the mountains. The canyon provided them with everything they needed, including protection. Until one summer, the Wild River ran low and a great drought threatened the population. Seeking answers, the Herd of Elders sent their seven bravest to survey the situation outside the canyon.
When they reached the crest, the scouts discovered that the surrounding desert had been inhabited by a strange looking species, humans. What shocked them most was that there were horses living among them in their settlements. They were seen helping humans by pulling carts in the fields and providing transportation. The scouts saw a pair of horses slip into a saloon, and followed them shortly after.
While there, they learned of an ongoing conflict between the two towns in the region, Anthracite, where horses were subservient to humans, and Conifer, where they were treated as equals. Each town sought to control the mystical Fountain, the source of the Wild River and all water in the region. It sat upon the highest peak, and its possession promised untold riches.
The delegates returned home to report their findings, and the Herd of Elders, after much debate, decided to lend the support of the strongest Mostrenco to the Conifer. However, the town of Anthracite proved too powerful and defeated Conifer in battle, thus seizing control of the Fountain.
Following the battle, the Herd of Elders expected to be slaughtered and the Fountain shut off to the Mostrenco. But, the Anthracite were impressed by the Mostrenco’s ability in battle, and sought to use them in order to keep their power in the region. Thus, the Anthracite leader ordered unto the Herd of Elders,
“let it be declared, the first foal from every mare, will be sent to fight, or face despair”
In return for a stampede of horses fit to fight, the Anthracite would keep the Fountain flowing into the canyon. In order to keep the balance of power, The Herd of Elders sought to keep secret this arrangement as well as the existence of the Fountain. They claimed instead, that in order to keep the river from ever drying up again, that these sacrifices would need to be made. The Herd of Elders weren’t wrong, for after all, the Wild River did flow again, but the Mostrenco population never truly knew why.
Living was easy when rivals were slow. The Anthracite were so powerful that no opposing force ever proved much of a threat. The water level would ebb and flow, but never again was there a concern of drought. The Herd of Elders viewed the Anthracite as a necessary evil, and they appreciated the stability their power brought.
Peace Upon Us
There was peace in appearance
Before there were people
But each war hurt it more
And each one had a sequel
And in bending the knee
To the best of my mind
It was something akin
To submission in-kind
The deal was struck in secret
If the herd was to survive
Sacrifice the first born foal
To the town of Anthracite
Justified their actions
An obligatory evil
No peace comes without promise
For peace upon us
We’re running wild
Gotta keep the river flowing
Gotta keep the river flowing
Can’t have anyone knowing
Gotta keep it to ourselves
We’ll keep the river flowing
We’ll keep the river flowing
The canyon’s all we know and
We’ll keep it to ourselves
Underneath the autumn sun
Lay Marigold in fear
Soon to be a new mother
Come summertime next year
Solaris sought out safety
With the river running low
He refused to let their child
Be taken from their home
Seasons ended swiftly
Then the grim message arrived
Ambushed by the humans
In the middle of the night
Mother sits in sadness
Heart broken by the news
It was morning summer solstice
When the prophecy came true
The boy was born blue
Gotta keep the river flowing
Gotta keep the river flowing
Can’t have anyone knowing
Gotta keep it to ourselves
We’ll keep the river flowing
We’ll keep the river flowing
The canyon’s all we know and
We’ll keep it for ourselves