Glancing at Cedarwing, Starpebble wondered how he would handle this. Stormsun flicked her ears and ructled her wings as Cedarwing stepped forward.

“It’s true,” he said. “I’m Cedarwing now. And these are the black foals, Ember and Spark. These are Starpebble, Summersong, and Hoperiver.”

Stormsun grinned. “It’s so nice to meet you all! But I heard there had been another prisoner… a stallion? Where’s he?”

Starpebble winced. “He escaped right before Cedarwing challenged Flintwing. He’s probably on his way home to get a rescue party.”

“Well, you can’t let him do that! There’s no need now! Someone needs to go after him and tell him!” Stormsun said, flaring her wings.

Spark dipped his head. “I’ll go. I’m best at riding the jet streams. I can probably get to him before they start back.”

Cedarwing nodded. “You can start in the morning. The others will follow in a day or two, once Ember is strong enough.”

Ember straightened, then immediately collapsed against Summersong, who struggled to hold him up. Spark boosted him up as Starpebble watched Stormsun, who was staring at Cedarwing.

Starpebble glanced up at the darkening sky and turned to Cedarwing, who was squirming uncomfortably. “Where can we go for the night?”

He jumped at the chance to do something. “There’s a grove near the herd where no one will bother you. Follow me.” He started walking slowly in the direction from which Stormsun had come, so Ember could keep up.

Starpebble walked briskly along behind him, wondering about Sunfire. Stormsun kept pace with her, chattering. Starpebble caught sight of Cedarwing’s ears twitching to catch her words and inwardly grinned.

“So, like I said, I’m Stormsun! My parents are Oceanray and Ashstar. I have a brother named Fernwind. My life was super boring until you guys arrived! What’s your story? Who are your parents? Any siblings? I don’t understand why you’re a Snow Herd steed in Desert Herd, would you please explain?”

Starpebble prodded the memory of running away to see if it hurt. The memory of her parents twinged, but not enough to refrain from talking about it. ”Well…” she started softly, “my parents, Fogfire and Moonfrost, were killed in a Mountain Herd raid, and my brother Snowstone was taken. He died just yesterday. Flintwing killed him.” Her voice choked up and she ducked her head to hide the tears.”

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” exclaimed Stormsun. She patted Starpebble on the shoulder. “I understand if you don’t want to talk about it.”

Starpebble shook her head. “No, it’s good for me to talk about it. After my parents died, I ran away to Desert Herd and made friends with Ember and Spark. Then we came to try and rescue Snowstone, but he didn’t want to come. We tried to leave, Flintwing killed him, and I think you know the rest.”

Stormsun seemed not to know what to say, so it was a relief when they finally arrived at a little clearing near the herd.

Thanks for reading! Constructive criticism welcome, PLEASE inform me of ANY mistakes, including spelling and inconsistencies. Sorry this was so late!

Mountain Herd:

Cedarwing~ (over-stallion) agile bay stallion with blue feathers, black mane and tail, thin white blaze

Stormrain~ (yearling) dark gray filly with dark green feathers, black mane and tail

Hoperiver~ (single/widowed mare) pure white mare with sparkling blue feathers flecked with amber, white mane and tail

Snow Herd:

Mistwing~ (over-stallion) white stallion with misty blue and white feathers, silver mane and tail

Ashcloud~ (lead mare) smoky gray mare with smoky purple feathers, black mane and tail, large diamond-shaped star on forehead

Frostroot~ (medicine mare) light gray appaloosa mare with pale yellow feathers, light gray mane and tail

Echoflower~ (single/widowed mare, elder) white mare with pink feathers, white mane and tail

Rainshine~ (yearling) dark silver dapple filly with silver feathers, black mane and tail

Desert Herd:

Cobrawing~ (over-stallion) bay pinto stallion with green feathers, mixed brown-and-white mane and tail

Dustcloud~ (lead mare) palomino mare with pale green feathers, white mane and tail, wide white blaze

Sunfire~ (captain) gold dun stallion with violet feathers, gold mane and tail, thin white blaze

Starpebble~ (yearling) silver filly with pale blue feathers, white mane and tail, deep blue eyes

Ember~ (black foal, yearling) solid black colt with black feathers, black mane and tail

Spark~ (black foal, yearling) solid black colt with black feathers, black mane and tail, four white socks

Brightsky~ (mated mare) bright palomino mare with mixed blue and purple feathers, white mane and tail

Summersong~ (yearling) brownish-gold filly with pale pink feathers, light brown mane and tail