The Rider: Part II

It was a day of rejoicing.  Runner had found a home.  The others equines quickly told Runner of the dangers of venturing outside the fence.  They called it the Land Beyond.  Runner glanced out at the Land Beyond and knew he didn’t want to go back to that harsh country again.  He turned to speak to the horse showing him around and asked about the section of missing fence.  When asking he noted the other horses stayed far from the gaping hole.

“This was no accident.  The Owner built it that way.”

Runner looked closer and noticed that there had been no holes dug for posts.  It was actually constructed that way. 

"Why would the Owner do such an odd thing?  He is such a kind, considerate man.”

“We don’t understand all that the Owner does but we trust him completely.   We don’t ask too many questions.  After all, we are only horses and he is human.”

Runner nodded his understanding.  He learned most of the horses had their names changed after the Owner took them in.  Runner wanted his named changed but was having difficulty deciding on a new name.  Saint said that his name should stay the same to remind him of the life he once led.  Runner agreed because there was so much that he wanted to leave behind.  He believed only by remembering what he used to be could he remain the new being he now was.

Runner was taught all that the other mares and stallions knew.  He too found the Owner to be a truly wonderful man.  All of their needs were provided.  They were fed the best of everything and cleaned and brushed daily.  Three times each week they would gather and relate stories of how the owner had brought them in and changed their lives.

After a few years, Runner began to notice emptiness in his heart.  He wouldn’t quite describe it as that but it was the best way to understand it.  He simply knew of something bothering him.  He longed for something that was missing but he had no idea what it was.  He privately spoke to Saint about his feelings.  Saint told him, “You need to spend more time talking about how wonderful the Owner is and stay as far away from the fence opening as possible.”  He did as he was told and became the best at all he did.