Our story, called “The Scars of a Friend”, tells what happens when ‘the broken’ are accepted rather than cast aside and forgotten. In our last post Azhar’s wounded and forgotten horse, Wind-Rider, escaped over the fence, spent time foraging in the forest, and finally wound up at the town meeting bell where his hoof hit the meeting bell and summoned the townspeople to an unexpected meeting.

Despite the cold, the townspeope sat on the benches and listened. “Let us fetch Azhar,” they said.

Two of the strongest men were chosen. They climbed the rocky path that led to Azhar’s mansion and pounded on the huge wooden doors.

Surprisingly, Azhar himself answered the door. He looked questioningly at the two men. “The bell rung. You have been summoned to the town square,” said the two men emphatically.

Azhar’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he understood that it was his duty to go. As he donned his fur coat, he asked the men, “Can you tell  me what this is about?”

“It’s about one of your horses,” they replied. Azhar walked silently through the chilly night as he followed the men into the village and up to the bell tower.

At the sound of Azhar’s footsteps, Wind-Rider’s ears flicked and the horse raised its head. The assembled crowd turned toward Azhar. An old woman stood up and, facing Azhar, spoke, “Look at your horse, Azhar! Look at Wind-Rider!”

Azhar did not move as he peered at the faded form of his once mighty stallion. He saw the scar, the rail-thin body, the matted mane and tail. He also saw the stable boy’s hands, one clutching the bridle, the other caressing the muzzle of the horse. He remembered a time when only he could clasp the bridle, when Wind-Rider bristled at a stranger’s touch. The villagers gathered around the horse and master.

The old woman continued. “This is your horse, a horse that remained faithful to you and saved your life. In return you ignored it. You must take Wind-Rider back to your stable. Azhar, you must promise to take care of your horse. You, Azhar, not your stable boy, not the stable master, must care for this horse.”

Azhar nodded his head, I will do as you say. I promise.”

What will happen to Wind-Rider back in Azhar’s care?

Next time: Healing