Echos of Heritage

Forging a new path on familiar ground.

In the golden fields of Echo Canyon, Raven stands at a crossroads. As whispers of the past echo through the land, a wild stallion and a mysterious girl spark a vision for her future—a path that could reshape her life and the canyon itself.

To begin from the first chapter, START HERE.

Previous chapter is HERE.

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Raven and Ben ride their horses through the golden fields of Raven’s ranch, the sun casting long shadows as the day cools. The scent of sagebrush fills the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil. 

A seasoned rancher with a rugged exterior, Ben has a kind heart and is known as someone to connect with in Echo Canyon and the surrounding region. As cousins, Ben has been a steady presence in Raven’s life since they were kids, sharing family gatherings, mountainside adventures, and stories about their treasured heritage.

Raven and Ben are related through their great-grandfather, who married twice. Ben's great-grandmother was Spanish, while Raven's great-grandmother was Sabakari.

This blend of cultures shaped their family in unique ways. Raven grew up deeply connected to her Sabakari ancestors, learning the traditions and stories passed down through the matriarchal line. Meanwhile, Ben’s upbringing was influenced by traditional Spanish customs, giving him a different perspective on their shared history. Despite their differences, Raven and Ben share a deep bond rooted in their common ancestry and the land that has been in their family for generations.

"Ben, I want to stop traveling so much. I should say to stop traveling, period," Raven begins, her voice steady. "I want to train new horse trainers and owners with their horses right here, from home." She looks at Ben, hoping for his understanding.

Ben nods, listening intently. "It's a great idea, Raven. It’s time for you to stay on your land. You’ve been traveling for 40 years. You’ve made a name for yourself in the horse world, but you’ve held ninety percent of your training away from Echo Canyon. You know you could meet some obstacles," he says, his tone serious. "Some people won't make it easy for you. They're set in their ways and skeptical of anything new, especially from someone who challenges their authority. People don’t know you or your methods as much here." Ben's experiences with land ownership disputes and economic pressures have made him wary of the challenges ahead. “You know how high and mighty some horse people get.”

Raven felt a flicker of doubt but quickly squashed it. She paused, looking at Ben, her eyes filled with determination. "I know it won't always be easy," she admits, "but I'm ready to prove myself and my methods here in Echo Canyon. I believe in what I do, and I know it works. I just need to show them."

“And I’m not looking to train horses just from here. I want owners to bring their horses to the ranch and stay a week or two. You know I work with the horse and their owner or rider. They can immerse themselves in a joint experience. And if I find a couple of young trainers, they can learn on the job.”

Ben smiled, impressed by her resolve. "Alright, you know I believe in you. How about we start with a community event? Show everyone what you can do. It could be a great way to win over the locals who don’t know you and start building support." Ben’s suggestion comes from his deep understanding of the community and desire to see Echo Canyon thrive.

Raven's face lights up with excitement at the idea. "That's a great plan, Ben. Let's do it," she says, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. The fields glow even brighter as they continue walking their horses, reflecting her optimism and determination. Ben feels a sense of pride in Raven's willingness to step up and take on new challenges.

They continue along a ridge overlooking open fields leading down to a stream. Raven holds up her hand in the universal sign to stop. Ben pulls up to see what Raven is looking at. 

“Ben, do you see that young girl sitting out in the open of the tall grass? Keep your eye on her.”

A moment later, a solid-muscled, coal-black stallion runs from the tree line along the creek bed. He pulls to a stop about ten feet from the teen, rearing high from his rear legs. 

Fearful, Ben starts to yell out a warning to the girl. Raven quickly holds up her hand again, extending her index finger. “Wait.”

The girl sits still, head down, staring at the grass before her. In a moment, the stallion, with his head low, slowly walks up to her and nudges her shoulder with his nose.

She slowly reaches up, rubs the horse’s forelock, and stands. 

Grabbing the stallion’s mane, she launches onto the horse’s back, gently settling into a bareback seat. Immediately, the stallion takes off, and the girl and horse sail through the knee-high grass, disappearing from view. 

“What did I just witness? Do you know who that is?”

“Mystery. Or at least that’s what I’ve named that wild stallion. I see him and the girl almost every time I come up to this ridge. The rest of his herd is down by the creek. I think the girl is Sabakari.”

“Have you met her?”

“Not yet. As much as I have seen, she’s been coming here for the last six months. I watch without letting her know I’m here. Thankfully, Spirit has been quiet. Early on, Mystery would watch the girl while staying close to his mares. She sits in the same place each day. Over time, Mystery came closer until a few weeks ago, he nudged her, and she did not flinch. She’s built the relationship since then to what you witnessed today.”

“That’s amazing, Raven.”

“I know. I want her to work with me. She’s part of my plan.”

 «——»

When Ben and Raven returned to the stable, Sam came out with a phone for her. “Raven, the Mayor of Sabáka is on the phone for you.”

Looking at Ben with a shake of her head, she wondered why the mayor would call her. Raven took the phone. 

“Hello, Mayor Swanson. What can I do for you?”

“Oh, that’s too bad. How can I help? … Interesting. I think I can make that work. Have your assistant email me all of the details. You can count on me.”

“Well. That was fortuitous. Maybe the stars are lining up, Ben.”

“What did you agree to, Raven?”

Laughing, Raven looked at her cousin. “You know that community event you just came up with? That was the Mayor. There is a huge city celebration next month for the 100th anniversary of the city’s founding. The main speaker broke his leg, and the mayor asked me to fill in, perhaps with a training demonstration.”