| Fantasy Fiction posted February 17, 2025 | Chapters: |
...13 14 -15- 16... 
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Brandon teaches Diantha to walk in trees
A chapter in the book Body of a Horse, Heart of a Man
The Tree Dance - Part 1
by davisr (Rhonda)
| Background A fanciful tale of adventure. Phoebus, son of Poseidon, is a god turned Centaur by Zeus. Diantha, is a young lady in peril. Together, they must face an evil foe, and make some difficult choices. |
End of last chapter:
"That's the plan. Do you still want to stay?"
"More than ever."
Atrius leaned in. "In that case, you'll need to learn to walk in trees."
This time, Diantha was the one surprised. "Walk in trees?"
Atrius bobbed his head. "It's a thing they do here in Concorde. If you plan to stay, you'll need to learn this survival skill. I'll send Brandon by in the evening to teach you. Good night. Get some sleep. You have busy days ahead."
"As do you."
Atrius narrowed his eyes at the young lady who had arrived a short time ago, a weak and frightened child, and had become strong enough to stand up to a king.
"More than ever."
Atrius leaned in. "In that case, you'll need to learn to walk in trees."
This time, Diantha was the one surprised. "Walk in trees?"
Atrius bobbed his head. "It's a thing they do here in Concorde. If you plan to stay, you'll need to learn this survival skill. I'll send Brandon by in the evening to teach you. Good night. Get some sleep. You have busy days ahead."
"As do you."
Atrius narrowed his eyes at the young lady who had arrived a short time ago, a weak and frightened child, and had become strong enough to stand up to a king.
Begining of new chapter:
The following day was a busy one for Diantha, both mentally and physically. She went with Mary's daughter, Tabitha, to fulfill midwifery responsibilities. This allowed Mary time to prepare her family for the festival.
None of the women they visited seemed in imminent threat of delivering, but the pair had to dispense a few herbs for nausea, swollen ankles, cravings, and lack of sleep. According to Tabitha, it was a good day.
Mary had a full-course meal ready for the returning laborers once their tasks were complete. Resplendent food and delicious deserts helped heal exhaustion. Good company provided the proverbial icing on the cake.
As soon as supper was over, Bandon arrived promptly for Diantha's lesson on tree climbing. She was actually glad to see the young warrior when he came in. Even though battle seasoned, he seemed to bring joy with him wherever he went.
"Atrius says you need to learn to walk in trees," Brandon said after greeting his extended family.
"That's what he told me," Diantha agreed. "I don't know why, but he seems to think it necessary."
Brandon's animated face spoke volumes. A wrinkled nose, crooked smile and narrowed eyes said he agreed with Atrius. His simple words were, "It might save your life."
Undaunted, Diantha pressed on, "Why this skill? I get the archery, but climbing a tree?" Diantha's own body language spoke as she raised her arms half-way in a shrug.
"Ah, yes, climbing a single tree wouldn't help much unless fleeing a grisly bear," Brandon agreed.
"You have those here?" Diantha asked.
Brandon grimaced. "There are many predators that hunt our valley, and even more from without."
"So I heard," Diantha said, "which explains your presence here with your lessons."
"Merely an excuse to be alone with you," Brandon said with a wink. "All kidding aside, tree-walking isn't the same as tree climbing. Most of our valley is dense with trees. In fact, some areas are so thick, they've formed a canopy that stretches for miles. If you know what you're doing, you can actually walk clear across the valley without ever touching the ground."
Diantha's eyes opened wide in amazement. "And your people know how to do that?"
"Mmmm. We learn it early in life when kids aren't afraid of anything. You'll learn it now, too."
"But, I'm not a child, and definitely not fearless."
Brandon patted her shoulder. "I can't do a thing about your age, but I'm guessing you're braver than you think. Atrius says you wouldn't take him up on his offer to send you home, and unless you have a martyr complex, you'll need to learn how to back up your determination."
"And climbing trees will do it?"
"It can't hurt. A retreat to the trees, something the Caracki don't know how to do, can distance you from danger," Brandon said. "It doesn't guarantee you can survive everything, but can give you an edge."
Diantha nodded her agreement. "Do the Caracki have firearms? I haven't seen your people with anything besides bows, arrows and swords."
"We have other weapons, but all are hand-to-hand. It's the same with our enemy. Even the Caracki respect the environment. We all realize we're temporary residents of our valleys. Aside from Atrius and Georgios, we will all pass away."
"Wow, okay. So, does that mean they won't set the trees on fire while you're climbing in them?"
"They never have in the past, but then, they've never breached Concorde Valley en masse before, either. As soldiers, we have to acknowledge danger, but plan for success. Winning begins in the head and is strengthened by the heart. I believe you have both covered. The question is, are you afraid of heights?"
Diantha drew up her shoulders. "Not overly, but I'd say I display a healthy respect."
Brandon let his gaze penetrate her soul, laying bare her deepest thoughts. What was it about the men in this valley? Did clean lives and gentle spirits give them the ability to read minds?
Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he leaned forward. "Ok, the first step is to take off your shoes. You'll need to feel the branches beneath your feet."
Diantha watched Brandon take off his shoes and set them aside. Choosing not to argue the point, she followed suit.
A soft smile emanated from deep inside and covered the young warrior's face. At that moment, Diantha noticed how much he resembled his sister, Mary. The same courage and responsibility marked both.
"The second step is to find a good tree," he said. His eyes lingered on hers for a moment, not sizing up this time, but sharing emotion.
He broke eye contact slowly and let his gaze search around them. "I see one," he said pointing.
He took her by the hand and led her to a tall tree standing beside a sea of others. "This will do."
Taking a hopping step, he reached up, grabbed a branch, and pulled himself into the tree in one quick movement. He posed with his arms spread to his side and spun around as though to show the branch's sturdiness. After a saucy bow, he nimbly jumped down.
"Ok, your turn," he said.
Diantha's eyes flared, but she strode bravely to the tree. She took a hopping step like she had seen Brandon do, grabbed the branch overhead and pulled. The branch barely shivered, and Diantha remained planted on the ground.
She looked questioningly at Brandon.
To his credit, his face only showed encouragement. "You can't expect the tree to lift you up. You need to use your momentum. Watch me again."
Brandon repeated his movement from earlier. He took the same hopping step, reached up for the branch, and executed a small leap upwards.
Diantha hadn't noticed the leap before. When he stepped aside, Diantha tried repeating what she'd seen Brandon do. She hopped perfectly, grabbed the branch as before, and then did the little leap thing. This time, she managed to get a little air between her foot and the ground before she lost hold of the branch. It snapped upwards, scraping her cheek and tearing open her wound from the day before.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed. "Why is everything in this valley trying to beat me up?"
"Don't take it personally. Just think of how many times a baby falls before it learns to walk."
"Yeah, well, it doesn't have far to fall. Besides, it has a big cushiony diaper on its bottom."
"You'll learn, just like you did with the shooting yesterday. I'll tell you what, we'll work on the tree mount later. Let's go ahead and get you up in the tree and see what we can do from there."
"Okay," Diantha agreed, rubbing her swelling cheek.
Brandon hopped back up into the tree and bent down to pull Diantha after him. She felt clumsy and uncoordinated as she struggled to join him on the course branch.
Once she was securely aloft, Brandon stood on the branch with his feet close together. He held his arms out beside him, as before. Diantha continued sitting where she had been placed and held on for dear life.
"What are you doing?" she asked, looking at him like he was totally senseless.
"I'm feeling the air," he answered, "and making myself part of the tree. Why don't you try?"
"I'm fine here. I feel the wind and the tree. I'm bonding with it as we speak."
"Come on, stand up," he instructed. He reached a hand for hers.
"I can't," Diantha stated, "there's nothing to hold onto."
"Hold onto me," he said softly.
"Are you crazy? You aren't holding on to anything yourself."
"I don't need to and neither do you. Do you trust me?"
"Now that's a loaded question," Diantha said.
"True, but do you?"
"I guess so."
"Shut your eyes, then, and do everything I ask," he said.
Diantha closed her eyes obediently, but rolled them when she thought he might not be looking.
"And keep them closed," he said.
He pulled a piece of cloth out of his pocket and tied it around her eyes. "This is how we teach our children."
"That makes me feel better."
"We all have to learn. Ok, now I want you to picture yourself on a road. Do you see this?"
"Yes."
"The road is broad and lined with cobblestones. Do you see the road?"
"Yes."
"What color are the stones?"
"Brown and gold," Diantha said.
"Excellent, you're doing great. Now make them multicolored."
"Why?"
"Are you going to trust me or not?"
"Yes, ok, they're multicolored." Diantha's eyes were squeezed shut behind the mask.
"Now picture yourself running down the street. Feel the stones beneath your feet. What do they feel like?"
"Smooth and cool."
"Very good. Do you feel a breeze caressing your cheek?" Brandon asked.
"Yes, I do. Which is great because my face still hurts."
"Good. Do you feel the warm rays of the sun on your skin?"
"I do now."
"Excellent, now I want you to take my hand and stand up. Don't open your eyes, even though they are shielded by the mask."
"Fine, should I keep thinking about the cobbled street?"
"Yes, please keep the picture in your mind until I tell you to let it go."
Diantha took Brandon's strong hand in hers and let him pull her gently to her feet. She felt lighter than she had before and more stable.
"What do you feel now?" he asked.
"The bark underneath my feet."
"No," he said softly, "feel the cobblestones of the street."
"Ok, fine. I feel stones."
"Good, keep your eyes closed and let me lead you around. I won't let you fall."
"Ok."
"Are you still on the cobbled street?"
"Yes, Brandon, but I think I should warn you I'm not very graceful."
"Stop worrying and let me help you."
"Okay, sorry. I'm on the street and you're leading me."
"Thank you."
At first, he moved slowly, and she moved little by little with him. She worked hard to picture herself walking down the road instead of on a branch. She was doing great. He took a step, she took a step, and neither one of them fell. She could feel the breeze caressing her bruised cheek, and the sounds of chirping birds. Imagery was a great thing.
Then he pulled her to him a little faster and she had to take big steps to match his. She was scared at first, but when she hesitated, he would put his hand on her elbow and urge her forward.
Finally, she grew more confident, and he had to support her less often. Once she was used to that pace, he picked up speed and she had to struggle to match his step. Still, she kept her eyes closed, aided by the cloth around her eyes.
"Stop making me go faster," she complained on one of those occasions. "I was doing just fine with the baby steps. Remember, I'm like a child learning to walk."
"We don't have much time before Saturday, so you'll have to grow up quickly."
"Ack."
"Stop worrying. You're doing fine."
Diantha took a deep breath and tried to relax. She had been dancing since she was a kid; it was part of her affluent culture. Lean in, feel a man's body and how it moves, and just move with him. She could do this. When she managed to loosen up, he instinctively pulled her closer.
Suddenly, and softly, she was surrounded by the most extraordinary voice she'd ever heard. It sounded like the song of an angel, and it was coming from Brandon's mouth. She felt drawn to him, like a child to its mother. The melody gave her the courage she seemed to lack on her own.
As the ethereal music moved through her, she started to sway in rhythm and leaned more into his body. Carefully, expertly, he changed from walking to dancing.
Her body responded to his and she began to enjoy the dance, her feet barely feeling the branch beneath. Slowly, the singing became more energetic and the tempo intense. She was practically flying along in step with her teacher.
Around and around they spun through the branches of the trees, all in step with the music, and in deference to the mask over her eyes. She could feel the breeze filtering through the branches, and smell the dampness of the forest floor. Never had she known a more beautiful experience. She wished, intently, that the unearthly ballet would last forever.
All of a sudden, Brandon stopped singing and stood still, holding her safely in his arms.
"Where are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"On a cobbled street," she answered. "The rocks are cool and colorful, and I am in the arms of the most talented dancer in the whole valley."
"Well, I don't know if I am the most talented," he said, "but probably the bravest."
"Hey, you said I was doing great."
"And you are. Remove the kerchief from your eyes and look down."
Cautiously, Diantha took off her blindfold, and looked at her feet. She gasped as she realized she was standing on a narrow branch high in the top of a tree. All around her were similar small branches on similar trees. For a second, she was dizzy from the heights and started to sway.
Calmly, reverantly, Brandon began to hum again. The melody from his voice was comforting, and she leaned against his firm body.
He put his arms around her and pulled her close. She wasn't afraid anymore. She had learned to walk in trees just as easily as she had learned to shoot a bow and arrow. Was it mere coincidence she had ended up in this peculiar valley hidden away from the rest of society?
At this moment, she didn't think so.
None of the women they visited seemed in imminent threat of delivering, but the pair had to dispense a few herbs for nausea, swollen ankles, cravings, and lack of sleep. According to Tabitha, it was a good day.
Mary had a full-course meal ready for the returning laborers once their tasks were complete. Resplendent food and delicious deserts helped heal exhaustion. Good company provided the proverbial icing on the cake.
As soon as supper was over, Bandon arrived promptly for Diantha's lesson on tree climbing. She was actually glad to see the young warrior when he came in. Even though battle seasoned, he seemed to bring joy with him wherever he went.
"Atrius says you need to learn to walk in trees," Brandon said after greeting his extended family.
"That's what he told me," Diantha agreed. "I don't know why, but he seems to think it necessary."
Brandon's animated face spoke volumes. A wrinkled nose, crooked smile and narrowed eyes said he agreed with Atrius. His simple words were, "It might save your life."
Undaunted, Diantha pressed on, "Why this skill? I get the archery, but climbing a tree?" Diantha's own body language spoke as she raised her arms half-way in a shrug.
"Ah, yes, climbing a single tree wouldn't help much unless fleeing a grisly bear," Brandon agreed.
"You have those here?" Diantha asked.
Brandon grimaced. "There are many predators that hunt our valley, and even more from without."
"So I heard," Diantha said, "which explains your presence here with your lessons."
"Merely an excuse to be alone with you," Brandon said with a wink. "All kidding aside, tree-walking isn't the same as tree climbing. Most of our valley is dense with trees. In fact, some areas are so thick, they've formed a canopy that stretches for miles. If you know what you're doing, you can actually walk clear across the valley without ever touching the ground."
Diantha's eyes opened wide in amazement. "And your people know how to do that?"
"Mmmm. We learn it early in life when kids aren't afraid of anything. You'll learn it now, too."
"But, I'm not a child, and definitely not fearless."
Brandon patted her shoulder. "I can't do a thing about your age, but I'm guessing you're braver than you think. Atrius says you wouldn't take him up on his offer to send you home, and unless you have a martyr complex, you'll need to learn how to back up your determination."
"And climbing trees will do it?"
"It can't hurt. A retreat to the trees, something the Caracki don't know how to do, can distance you from danger," Brandon said. "It doesn't guarantee you can survive everything, but can give you an edge."
Diantha nodded her agreement. "Do the Caracki have firearms? I haven't seen your people with anything besides bows, arrows and swords."
"We have other weapons, but all are hand-to-hand. It's the same with our enemy. Even the Caracki respect the environment. We all realize we're temporary residents of our valleys. Aside from Atrius and Georgios, we will all pass away."
"Wow, okay. So, does that mean they won't set the trees on fire while you're climbing in them?"
"They never have in the past, but then, they've never breached Concorde Valley en masse before, either. As soldiers, we have to acknowledge danger, but plan for success. Winning begins in the head and is strengthened by the heart. I believe you have both covered. The question is, are you afraid of heights?"
Diantha drew up her shoulders. "Not overly, but I'd say I display a healthy respect."
Brandon let his gaze penetrate her soul, laying bare her deepest thoughts. What was it about the men in this valley? Did clean lives and gentle spirits give them the ability to read minds?
Apparently satisfied with what he saw, he leaned forward. "Ok, the first step is to take off your shoes. You'll need to feel the branches beneath your feet."
Diantha watched Brandon take off his shoes and set them aside. Choosing not to argue the point, she followed suit.
A soft smile emanated from deep inside and covered the young warrior's face. At that moment, Diantha noticed how much he resembled his sister, Mary. The same courage and responsibility marked both.
"The second step is to find a good tree," he said. His eyes lingered on hers for a moment, not sizing up this time, but sharing emotion.
He broke eye contact slowly and let his gaze search around them. "I see one," he said pointing.
He took her by the hand and led her to a tall tree standing beside a sea of others. "This will do."
Taking a hopping step, he reached up, grabbed a branch, and pulled himself into the tree in one quick movement. He posed with his arms spread to his side and spun around as though to show the branch's sturdiness. After a saucy bow, he nimbly jumped down.
"Ok, your turn," he said.
Diantha's eyes flared, but she strode bravely to the tree. She took a hopping step like she had seen Brandon do, grabbed the branch overhead and pulled. The branch barely shivered, and Diantha remained planted on the ground.
She looked questioningly at Brandon.
To his credit, his face only showed encouragement. "You can't expect the tree to lift you up. You need to use your momentum. Watch me again."
Brandon repeated his movement from earlier. He took the same hopping step, reached up for the branch, and executed a small leap upwards.
Diantha hadn't noticed the leap before. When he stepped aside, Diantha tried repeating what she'd seen Brandon do. She hopped perfectly, grabbed the branch as before, and then did the little leap thing. This time, she managed to get a little air between her foot and the ground before she lost hold of the branch. It snapped upwards, scraping her cheek and tearing open her wound from the day before.
"Ouch!" she exclaimed. "Why is everything in this valley trying to beat me up?"
"Don't take it personally. Just think of how many times a baby falls before it learns to walk."
"Yeah, well, it doesn't have far to fall. Besides, it has a big cushiony diaper on its bottom."
"You'll learn, just like you did with the shooting yesterday. I'll tell you what, we'll work on the tree mount later. Let's go ahead and get you up in the tree and see what we can do from there."
"Okay," Diantha agreed, rubbing her swelling cheek.
Brandon hopped back up into the tree and bent down to pull Diantha after him. She felt clumsy and uncoordinated as she struggled to join him on the course branch.
Once she was securely aloft, Brandon stood on the branch with his feet close together. He held his arms out beside him, as before. Diantha continued sitting where she had been placed and held on for dear life.
"What are you doing?" she asked, looking at him like he was totally senseless.
"I'm feeling the air," he answered, "and making myself part of the tree. Why don't you try?"
"I'm fine here. I feel the wind and the tree. I'm bonding with it as we speak."
"Come on, stand up," he instructed. He reached a hand for hers.
"I can't," Diantha stated, "there's nothing to hold onto."
"Hold onto me," he said softly.
"Are you crazy? You aren't holding on to anything yourself."
"I don't need to and neither do you. Do you trust me?"
"Now that's a loaded question," Diantha said.
"True, but do you?"
"I guess so."
"Shut your eyes, then, and do everything I ask," he said.
Diantha closed her eyes obediently, but rolled them when she thought he might not be looking.
"And keep them closed," he said.
He pulled a piece of cloth out of his pocket and tied it around her eyes. "This is how we teach our children."
"That makes me feel better."
"We all have to learn. Ok, now I want you to picture yourself on a road. Do you see this?"
"Yes."
"The road is broad and lined with cobblestones. Do you see the road?"
"Yes."
"What color are the stones?"
"Brown and gold," Diantha said.
"Excellent, you're doing great. Now make them multicolored."
"Why?"
"Are you going to trust me or not?"
"Yes, ok, they're multicolored." Diantha's eyes were squeezed shut behind the mask.
"Now picture yourself running down the street. Feel the stones beneath your feet. What do they feel like?"
"Smooth and cool."
"Very good. Do you feel a breeze caressing your cheek?" Brandon asked.
"Yes, I do. Which is great because my face still hurts."
"Good. Do you feel the warm rays of the sun on your skin?"
"I do now."
"Excellent, now I want you to take my hand and stand up. Don't open your eyes, even though they are shielded by the mask."
"Fine, should I keep thinking about the cobbled street?"
"Yes, please keep the picture in your mind until I tell you to let it go."
Diantha took Brandon's strong hand in hers and let him pull her gently to her feet. She felt lighter than she had before and more stable.
"What do you feel now?" he asked.
"The bark underneath my feet."
"No," he said softly, "feel the cobblestones of the street."
"Ok, fine. I feel stones."
"Good, keep your eyes closed and let me lead you around. I won't let you fall."
"Ok."
"Are you still on the cobbled street?"
"Yes, Brandon, but I think I should warn you I'm not very graceful."
"Stop worrying and let me help you."
"Okay, sorry. I'm on the street and you're leading me."
"Thank you."
At first, he moved slowly, and she moved little by little with him. She worked hard to picture herself walking down the road instead of on a branch. She was doing great. He took a step, she took a step, and neither one of them fell. She could feel the breeze caressing her bruised cheek, and the sounds of chirping birds. Imagery was a great thing.
Then he pulled her to him a little faster and she had to take big steps to match his. She was scared at first, but when she hesitated, he would put his hand on her elbow and urge her forward.
Finally, she grew more confident, and he had to support her less often. Once she was used to that pace, he picked up speed and she had to struggle to match his step. Still, she kept her eyes closed, aided by the cloth around her eyes.
"Stop making me go faster," she complained on one of those occasions. "I was doing just fine with the baby steps. Remember, I'm like a child learning to walk."
"We don't have much time before Saturday, so you'll have to grow up quickly."
"Ack."
"Stop worrying. You're doing fine."
Diantha took a deep breath and tried to relax. She had been dancing since she was a kid; it was part of her affluent culture. Lean in, feel a man's body and how it moves, and just move with him. She could do this. When she managed to loosen up, he instinctively pulled her closer.
Suddenly, and softly, she was surrounded by the most extraordinary voice she'd ever heard. It sounded like the song of an angel, and it was coming from Brandon's mouth. She felt drawn to him, like a child to its mother. The melody gave her the courage she seemed to lack on her own.
As the ethereal music moved through her, she started to sway in rhythm and leaned more into his body. Carefully, expertly, he changed from walking to dancing.
Her body responded to his and she began to enjoy the dance, her feet barely feeling the branch beneath. Slowly, the singing became more energetic and the tempo intense. She was practically flying along in step with her teacher.
Around and around they spun through the branches of the trees, all in step with the music, and in deference to the mask over her eyes. She could feel the breeze filtering through the branches, and smell the dampness of the forest floor. Never had she known a more beautiful experience. She wished, intently, that the unearthly ballet would last forever.
All of a sudden, Brandon stopped singing and stood still, holding her safely in his arms.
"Where are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"On a cobbled street," she answered. "The rocks are cool and colorful, and I am in the arms of the most talented dancer in the whole valley."
"Well, I don't know if I am the most talented," he said, "but probably the bravest."
"Hey, you said I was doing great."
"And you are. Remove the kerchief from your eyes and look down."
Cautiously, Diantha took off her blindfold, and looked at her feet. She gasped as she realized she was standing on a narrow branch high in the top of a tree. All around her were similar small branches on similar trees. For a second, she was dizzy from the heights and started to sway.
Calmly, reverantly, Brandon began to hum again. The melody from his voice was comforting, and she leaned against his firm body.
He put his arms around her and pulled her close. She wasn't afraid anymore. She had learned to walk in trees just as easily as she had learned to shoot a bow and arrow. Was it mere coincidence she had ended up in this peculiar valley hidden away from the rest of society?
At this moment, she didn't think so.
 Recognized |
AI images are from IZEA.
Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.
White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.
Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.
Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.
Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary
Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.
Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife
Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school
Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son
Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son
Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son
Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.
Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians
Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.
Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.
Pays
one point
and 2 member cents. Diantha: Female protagonist. Born and raised in Tennessee. Her father is the Governor of Tennessee. She is going to college to study pediatrics.
White Lightning: Diantha's new filly... a gift from Wilson's family. Her Horse Name is Champion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Phoebus: Young son of Poseidon. He works for Apollo as a horse tender and has started a line of horses of his own. He is cursed by Zeus and sent to Concorde Valley as a Centaur.
Atrius: Pseudonym of Phoebus. He has amnesia from his youth and was renamed by a caretaker. Now lives in Concorde Valley. He has many roles, including their King, doctor, military leader, father, and, in his words, a bit of a magician.
Mary Burton: The wife of Atrius' captain, Burke. She is Diantha's caretaker and new friend. She has 6 children, and is a midwife.
Burke: One of Atrius' captains, husband of Mary
Brandon: Mary's handsome little brother who works with his father, Burke in the guard.
He's a romantic interest of Diantha's, but one she feels pushed into a relationship with.
Tabitha: Mary's oldest child, 14-year-old and helps her mother as a midwife
Brenda: Mary's 12-year-old daughter. Also helps deliver babies, but is still in school
Brice: Mary's 8-year-old son
Tommy: Mary's 5-year-old son
Carter: Mary's 2-year-old son
Hank: Mary's 6 month old baby.
Caracki: Long time enemies of the Concordians
Eudora: Youngest daughter of Zeus and Hera - She's spoiled and petulant and purely made up on my part. She's also the indirect reason Phoebus is turned into a Centaur.
Eternal: Phoebus' favorite black stallion. A gift from Poseidon to get his youngest son started in horse breeding. He's an immortal and hopefully the father of Phoebus' planned bloodline.
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