I'll Explain

So, this is the plan.

Book 1- (finished): The Herd of Rustling Leaves' Story

Book 2- (to come): The Herd of Howling Winds' Story

Book 3- (afterward): The Ancient Herds

There will be character sign-ups on all of them.

No author sign-ups.

I'm not revealing the plot yet.

Chapter 14: Darkness

I saw the black horses racing up towards us, their nostrils flaring with anger, or possibly excitement. Their eyes were like dark pits, hollow. They came up upon us faster then you can say,

"Dark Herd."

"Get the seniors, mothers and the young out of their dens, fast!" someone yelled.
Practically the whole herd was racing for the frail horses.
Frenzy came onto us all, this was war, and not just any ordinary war.

"We can do this." Spirit muttered under her breath as she ran towards the ongoing opponents.
I watched the herd of darkness approach us, smirking evilly. A shrill cackle came up from the farthest horse in the Dark Herd.
"Solo, you and your silly herd will fail against us!"
"Never!" I shouted back, even Kutisha looked a bit stunned at my response.
Haini, now a jet black horse, laughed loudly, as if he imagined we would lose under the power of his new friends. Horses reared, striking down on their enemies, some bucked. Almost immediately, some Dark Herd horses fell to the ground in despair,
Good thing we're not near the human's ranch for this battle. 
It was true, my herd had been ambushed by Dark Herd when we were out by the river, some had to run back to camp to rescue the fragile from their dens.
Haini's face fell, I chuckled, As if night would defeat us.
I charged towards Kutisha, now Dark Herd leader, my hooves flying, the powerful night-black horse dodged, flinging his hind legs at me, nearly smashing my face, I jumped to the side just in time to avoid the strike.
A white flash raced towards me,
"We'll defeat them, Solo." it was Spirit.
Both of our hooves struck down onto Kutisha's head, he collapsed swiftly, he was unconscious, but not dead.
The unmoving Dark Herd horses dissolved into black powder, disappearing in the sun, black mist rose towards the sky, towards the Night Forest, far away from Star Herd territory. Unless Dark Herd planned to attack Star Herd for revenge, but I knew that would never happen, as the Herd of Stars had stepped up their security ever since Haini betrayed them.
We did it. Dark Herd is defeated, they won't come back for many moons.

Author's Note: That's the last chapter! So I'll explain the plan for the "series" in my next post. Probably all in this series will be short stories.

Chapter 14 Excerpt

I saw the black horses racing up towards us, their nostrils flaring with anger, or possibly excitement. Their eyes were like dark pits, hollow. They came up upon us faster then you can say,

"Dark Herd."

"Get the seniors, mothers and the young out of their dens, fast!" someone yelled.
Practically the whole herd was racing for the frail horses.
Frenzy came onto us all, this was war, and not just any ordinary war.

Chapter 13: [insert name of chapter here]

Shimmer stretched her neck across the fence, leaning over to Solo.
"My human wants to send me to a different ranch. The person of interest is already here..."
Solo sighed,
"I bet the fellow horses at your ranch will miss you, a lot."
"I know, when they heard the news, all were very disappointed, though I suppose it's for my own good, they're taking we to a larger ranch, approximately ten acres worth of land."
"Solo! It's time for a herd meeting!" Kisiwa whinnied from across the territory.
"Sad to see you go, Shimmer. It was very nice meeting you." the deputy nickered before trotting away pausing to watch the pollution the drifted up into the air as a trailer pulled up onto a paved driveway in front of the tall house. Solo watched sadly as Shimmer was fitted into a halter and a lead, being dragged away by a short human in a checkered polo shirt.
"L-let all horses m-meet under the WaterRock for a meeting!" Kisiwa stammered, though the elderly horse's voice could barely be heard under a croaky mask.
Shaking her head, Solo cantered up the winding, twisting ledges that acted as stairs to the WaterRock.
"This will be my last meeting with you all. My successor, Solo, will continue the job as a herd leader. She, shall choose her deputy, after the moon has finished. Those willing to become herd deputy must report to the WaterRock after this herd meeting. I have shared many experiences as this herd's leader, I am proud of you all."
Solo froze. Was he really going to the senior's den?

Author's Note: I couldn't really think of a name for this chapter, but it's also a short chapter. Hey, who wants to become herd deputy? One character had to be removed since their owner hasn't commented within two weeks.

Chapter 12: The New Leader

"He'll be fine, Ziwa. Though he will have to move to the senior's den and give his leadership up to his former deputy, Solo." Amyne murmured, glancing at the fallen stallion. The former leader had collapsed on/in his den/ledge, leaving a very worried Ziwa.
"This looks like a bout of windcough, Luna. What combination of two herbs do we need for that?" Amyne asked her apprentice.
Luna furrowed her eyebrows at the particular question,
"Hmmm... I can't seem to remember. Oh, right! Sage, horehound, and wild cherry bark."
Amyne looked impressed at the filly's answer,
"Correct, but that's three herbs. Which combination of the batch should we use on Kisiwa?"
The young filly furrowed her eyebrows yet again.
"I say we should use horehound and wild cherry bark, as horehound can also be used as a pain reliever, and cherry bark can be blended to soothe the many spasms of a cough."
Amyne beamed with delight at her student.
"Correct, again! Fetch both herbs."
Luna quickly returned with the plants, and handed them to Amyne.
Mashing the herbs with a small, but thick log/stick, the remedies were swiftly reduced to a powdery material.
"Luna, please go to retrieve some water." Amyne directed, sending her tired learner off again.
After a few minutes, Luna returned, hauling a massive leaf, full of pooling water. Sighing, she gently set it down by Kisiwa's mouth.
Picking up the stone bowl containing the blended herbs, Amyne poured the mixture into the water, stirring it with a twig.
"Here you are, Kisiwa. Drink it, and you should be fine, though you may still have the cough for the rest of the week."
Kisiwa grumbled in gratitude, muttering about "too many horses worrying over him, and not the other sick horses."
Amyne caught hint of this, reassuring the stallion,
"It's a-okay, Kisiwa. There aren't too many horses sick at the moment." though her worried expression, and fearful eyes told the former leader, and the rest of the group tending to Kisiwa a whole different story.

Author's Note: Sick horses, eh? Remember to keep on commenting if you don't want your character joining the batch! Next chapter will be the "character removal" chapter. Hint, hint. :D

Chapter 11: Facing the Truth

Grief surrounded the herd's horses throughout the month, Two horses gone, and more to go. Solo grumbled to herself. Kisiwa had grown sickly, his once gleaming coat now looked pale and thin. The brilliant light that once filled his eyes had faded away, his voice was no longer filled with happiness, but now completed with an edgy tone of boredom, and every few moments, the ground literally shook with sounds of rasp coughing. The Healer's had received so many patients, that they had to retrieve Healers from other herds to help. Solo shook her head in despair, The herd is falling apart. 
Spirit cantered up to her,
"Solo, it's Kishmani, she's not feeling well."
The deputy's heart skipped a beat, Oh goodness, not another sick horse. 
"Have you talked to the Healers?"
Spirit nodded hastily,
"They say that she may have only a moon left to live."
Solo's jaw may have just dropped to the ground.
"Let's go then, what are you waiting for?!" Solo nickered impatiently.
"Right." Spirit nodded.
The two of them cantered off to the Healer's den, their hoofs covering the ground swiftly, manes blowing in the wind.

Ser leaned over the young filly,
"I'm afraid she has wind-cough, Spirit. My estimations were wrong, she has only around one week."
Kishmani coughed raspily, "W-water."
Spirit dashed out of the den, heading in the direction of the river. Returning with a large leaf filled with the liquid, the Morgan Horse gently tipped the water into the filly's mouth. Kishmani nickered weakly with gratitude. Ser galloped over to the other side of his den, fetching a cluster of peppermint leaves,
"Here, they'll help with her sore throat."
Kishmani nibbled at the leaves, sighing with relief.
"Thanks, Ser." the filly nickered.
Before the stallion could reply, a wail of despair echoed from Kisiwa's ledge.

Author's Note: *insert note here*

Chapter 10: Storm

Solo glanced around in wonder as a wisp of sparkling cloud swooshed down from above, lifting the Rustling Leave's hooves off of the ground. They were quickly whisked above all the trees, forests, rivers below, going swifter and swifter by the moment. Spirit sighed with happiness. Kisiwa beamed at his herd, his face probably about to turn into the sun with bright joy. The cloud lowered the group, gently letting them to clamber off. It feels strange, being back on the moist grass again, Solo thought. Ser, a grey Andalusion horse quickly trotted to the group, a grim look on his face, you could almost feel  the cheerfulness in the air quickly dissolve into nothing.
"What is it, Ser?" Kisiwa asked nervously.
The grey stallion sighed,
"It's Storm, sir. He hasn't got much left to live."
It was as if a massive raincloud quickly appeared out of nowhere, turning the boredom into grief. Without a word, the returned group swiftly motioned themselves into Storm's extensive care den, eyes wide. Hushed voices murmured worriedly, casting anxious glances at the sickly horse.
"S-solo." the senior stallion croaked.
The deputy gently cantered up to the frail horse,
"I-I haven't got m-much t-time to say t-this..."
"Save your breath, dear friend." Solo said, her eyes pooling with tears.
"S-Solo, the One shall rise to defeat N-night, Solo, the One s-shall rise to defeat N-night."
With that, Storm sighed, closing his eyes slowly, only never to open them again. A curtain of thin, glittering clouds descended from the sky, taking Storm's body into the clouds above.
Gone, Storm is gone. Solo murmured sadly, a small drop of water escaped from her eyes.
Kisiwa looked beyond grief, the old leader gazed around at his herd, the ones that didn't return from the Herd of Stars gathered 'round the Healer's den, to see what the commotion was. Then it struck them, the elderly stallion, Storm, was gone.
Cackles of thunder erupted from the stormy sky, as if saying,
Ha! Too bad for you! 

Author's Note: Suspected prophecy? "S-Solo, the One shall rise to defeat N-night, Solo, the One s-shall rise to defeat N-night."

Chapter 9: The Fight

"Help!" the voice yelled again, more desperately.
Kisiwa looked at Solo, worried, muttering something under his breath before speaking up.
"It's the Dark Herd, they're here."
Panic whisked throughout the horses, some glancing nervously at each other before racing towards the sound. Ruya leapt off of the ledge, cantering through the worried creatures swiftly, Solo heard her murmur, "Kutisha" under her breath. Somehow, the word seemed familiar, Where have I heard that word before? She thought to herself, it seemed vaguely familiar.
"Solo! What are you doing just standing there?"
"Star Herd territory is under attack!"
A chill ran down her spine, the only horses that were powerful enough to break into Star Herd's territory were the Dark Herd scouts.
Galloping as fast as she could, she quickly covered ground, making her way to the scene. Horses rearing, bucking, and nipping at each other, well, the Dark horses were. Meanwhile, the not-Dark-horses quickly made their revenge, gathering in large formations, forcing their enemies out the gates. Whinnies of anger broke out from the Dark Herd horses, as they were driven out further away. Of course! Solo thought triumphantly, Kutisha was the top scout in Dark Herd, the scout was known throughout all the herds for his powerful strike with his front hooves. Thank goodness he didn't succeed on using that on us today! 
Injuries from the battle ranged from minor cuts and bruises, to major scars and deep wounds.
Strange thing the guards didn't notice the Dark horses coming in. 
"Haini!" Ruya whinnied fiercely.
All heads turned to stare at the towering horse that stood, head bowed.
Mutters of disapproval ranged from quick short "tsks", to "Traitor!". Solo glanced at the horse, Wait. He's the horse that led us in!
"Haini! I am very disappointed in you." Ruya continued.
"You have destroyed Star Herd's trust in you! We all thought you were a kind, caring horse. It seems we're wrong." Ruya scolded.
"Out! I can't believe our top Watcher would let us down like this! Why would you let Dark herd scouts into our camp!"
The one called Haini smirked smugly, "Dark Herd, they are more powerful then you mere Star Herd horses!"
Ruya gasped, "OUT! Get out of my sight, NOW!"
The watching horses gawked at the former Watcher whom trotted out contentedly, cheerfully whinnying words of happiness, "I'm free! Dark Herd, here I come!"
 Ruya's jaw may have just dropped to the ground in disbelief, grumbling about, "Traitors, betrayers, and trust breakers."
Kisiwa stepped over to Ruya, murmuring words of support to the starry horse. Ruya nickered in gratitude, apologizing for the "trouble I have caused your herd."
The Rustling Leave's leader shook his head, offering more words of support. Ziwa broke through the crowd, giving Ruya a friendly tail flick.
Ruya nodded, trotting up the rocks that acted as stairs to the DreamLedge, the Star Herd leader whinnied for her herd's attention, "All horses, all ages, meet under the DreamLedge!" she instructed.
"We have lost a Watcher, but a new opportunity has come for the learners, Sarakeye, you have trained hard. Mahani, is she ready to become a new Watcher?"
The black mare nodded.
"Very well, Sarakeye, you are now our newest Watcher, your first shift starts tomorrow."
Cheers of congratulations arouse from the crowd, the day started out rough, but ended well.

Author's Note: Yay! New Watcher!

Chapter 8: Reuninons

"Matuko? Is it really you?" Kisiwa choked.
The horse revealed to be Matuko nodded, flashing a grin at the surprised stallion. Ziwa nickered happily as she approached Matuko,
"Old friend! How long has it been since we last met?"
The starry horse chuckled, "Quite a while, Ziwa. That's all I can say!"
The two exchanged stories, chatting about old times.
"Solo, this is Matuko. She was around when Kisiwa and I were both very young!"
The deputy lowered her head in submission, "Nice to meet you, Matuko."
Another horse approached the group, whinnying cheerfully, "Kisiwa!"
The leader turned around from Matuko in surprise, "K-Kashati?"
Kashati, as revealed, gave Kisiwa a friendly push, "Old pal! Herd leader, as I have heard!"
Kisiwa gave a rare blush, as the leader was usually all pride, "Now, don't go off bragging about it!"
Solo looked around, Haraki had approached her before Matuko, and was now merrily chit-chatting along with a few other colts from the Herd of Rustling Leaves.  
Scanning the area, the deputy stopped, Wait. Mahani? Standing by a towering tree stood her old friend.
"Mahani!" Solo hollered.
The black, but still dotted with bright glistening stars, mare pricked her ears forward, and quickly galloped over to Solo, giving the deputy a nicker of contentedness, "Solo! You've changed since I last saw you!" Mahani gasped.
"You have, too."
Mahani flushed in embarrassment.
"Yeah, just a few stars here and there."
"How's Rustling Leave's doing?" the black mare asked hastily.
"Not bad, could be better, we lost one learner yesterday in getting to the StarCave."
Mahani looked thoughtful, her eyes spaced out before zoning back in.
"We all know, us Star Horses, the youngster named Haraki, right?"
Solo nodded.
"Fine young colt, very energetic and lively!"
Solo nodded yet again.
"Oh, look up there! Seems Ruya is about to give her speech." Mahani directed her gaze at the very starry horse standing up on the ledge.
Other horses began noticing the Star herd leader's readiness, murmuring and shifting closer to the DreamLedge, when all of a sudden, an angry whinny could be heard, and several crashes.
"Help!" someone yelled from the other side of Star Herd's territory.

Author's Note: Just felt like posting another chapter! :)

Chapter 7: In The Cave

"We're here!" Kisiwa announced, almost too happily, regarding the fact that they had lost a herd member the other day.
The horses quickly galloped up a trail, following the river's path, this was different from the body of water that washed Haraki away, this river flowed gracefully along the meadow, it's calm waters barely moving.
Haraki, Solo thought to herself, You're safe in the Herd of Stars. 
Stepping inside the damp cavern, Solo smelt the humid scent of moss.
"All right, everyone gather 'round the MoonStone." Kisiwa instructed.
Quickly, the horses accumulated around the glistening, silver boulder. Hushed murmurs arouse from the group. Kisiwa drew in a breath,
"Horses of the Stars, we ask for your guidance, your advice, and the spirit of positivity for the times ahead of us."
A cloud came in swiftly, gently lifting the horses, a gust of wind sent them soaring among the birds, flying higher by the second, finally touching down on a luscious green pasture, dotted with flowers of all colours. Just then, a very tall, elegant horse came galloping towards them, greeting them with a warm nicker.
"Welcome, I assume you are the Herd of the Rustling Leaves?"
Kisiwa nodded, dipping his head in submission.
"Follow this way, the horses of the Stars heard of your arrival, they are waiting for you."
With a flick of his tail, the graceful horse quickly broke into a canter, leading the group through twists and turns.
"They are here." the horse gestured to a tall ledge, perched just above a waterfall almost identical to the one in Rustling Leave's territory.
The horse standing upon the towering ledge nickered, her eyes flashing with warmth and kindness, and in the crowd below her, stood many horses familiar to Rustling Leave history.
"Haraki!" Solo whinnied upon the sight of her student.

Author's Note: :)