04. Silver Steed
Word of Blue’s heroics rippled through the stables. Soon, all his former skeptics were eager to speak with him. Prior to the battle, Blue would have allowed his ego to soak in all this newfound praise, but he struggled to keep a conversation. For every time a fellow horse would ask him what happened, his reply would be some natural observation, such as how beautiful the constellations were that night, or how lovely the wildflowers tasted when they were perfectly in bloom.
Later in the afternoon, Blue sought some solitude and trotted himself out to the river. He closed his eyes and listened as the water delicately danced before him. The warm breeze gently combed through his cobalt mane, richer in hue with the setting sun. Blue paused to embrace the moment, until his meditation was met with a tender voice.
“So you’re the one everyone has been talking about”
Blue’s eyes remained shut, but his right ear pinned up to receive the message.
“You’re Blucifer, is that right?”
This time he reared his head to face this intruder. “No! My name is…”
His eyes opened to meet the mare who stood before him. He was instantly speechless. She looked not at him, but out across the horizon; the river mirrored in her pillowy blue eyes. Her coat shined silver in the golden hour, and her mane spun in ash. She was a steed unlike any he had ever seen.
Blue’s voice softened as he spoke. “Blue, and you are?”
“Agatha. Pleasure to meet you, Blue.” She turned her head to discover Blue transfixed on her.
“You know, you shouldn’t believe whatever rumors are swirling around about me.”
“Of course, that’d be foolish. That’s why I went straight to the source.” Agatha didn’t realize how strongly those words would resonate with Blue.
“And where do you think that is? The source?”
“Well, that would be you, ain’t it?”
“It sure don’t seem like it. Ever since I been back from battle, I feel more like this curve in the river. Like I’m just downstream from something greater that’s been flowing.”
Agatha chuckled. “So I guess some of the rumors are true.” Blue tilted his head asking her to elaborate. “Everybody been saying you just wanna talk about the river, the stars, the trees. Pretty poetic for a so-called brute.”
“If you came all this way just to poke some fun at me, I’d appreciate you head back wherever you came from. Which is where exactly?”
“Born and raised right here in Anthracite. Been bringing ol’ Waylon’s wife to and from the town the past year or so. Where you from?”
“Well, long as I can remember, I’ve been right here as well. But last night on the way back from the mountain, I was hit with this flash from when I was just a foal. I was with who I imagine was my mother, and we were swimming in the river in this beautiful canyon. I can’t tell if it was a memory or a dream.”
“Sounds beautiful, whatever it was.” Agatha closed her eyes for a moment, picturing the scene herself. “You know what?” She opened her eyes and kicked up some dirt. “I’ve always wanted to do this.” Before Blue could ask her what, the silver steed leaped into the air and came splashing down into the river.” She let out a joyful scream. “C’mon Blue, aren’t ya gonna come in?”
Without hesitation, Blue dove into the water, nearly disappearing into its depths. When he surfaced, the rush of water over his body brought him to tears.
“Hey now, what’s all this about?” Agatha swam closer to Blue.
“I don’t know who I am, where I came from, or what I’m doing here.”
“Well, Blue. I might be able to help you with some of that. Truth is, I’ve been wanting to speak with you even before the battle. I just haven’t had the opportunity to talk somewhere that’s safe. I’ve heard things on my walks with the missus.”
Blue collected himself and asked her to continue.
“The humans speak of a prophecy that a Blue foal would come to Anthracite and bring about the end to all their enemies. Seems like you just proved them right.”
“What’s that mean for where I came from?”
“Horses come here from all over. I don’t know where, but they say you came from somewhere special.”
“And where’s that?” Blue said, bordering on angry.
“I’m not sure. But I do know one thing, you are certainly special.”
The sun had almost set fully now, and it was getting dark quickly. The rushing river spoke between their words.
“I’d like to take you to a special place, Agatha. Come with me into the mountains. You must sip from the fountain.”
Silver Steed (My Blue)
I watch you stand by the river
A heavy weight wearing your mind
And while i could watch you forever
It wouldn’t be enough time
You’ve been left just to wonder
But you deserve to discover
That i
Never knew what i needed
Living alone in the dark
I tried to put words to a feeling
I could only say with my heart
Now i think i found the meaning
My evidence for believing
When you showed me the spark
Oh how’ve i
Been so blind
Losing myself
Looking for the faint light
Oh now i
Have found my
Somebody else
Searching for the same sight
My blue
You should hear what they’re saying bout you
My blue
I’ll always tell you the truth
My blue
My blue
I’ll ignore all of the warnings
They’re fabrications of fear
Let’s make this night tomorrow morning
And every day a new year
Wherever you go i’m going
There’s so much more to be knowing
Since you showed me the spark
Oh your eyes
Bright and kind
I’d give up the world
Just to make em mine
Old laid lines
Have no bind
I’m spinning a circle
Like a satellite
My blue
You should hear what they’re saying bout you
My blue
I’ll always tell you the truth
My blue
My blue