Symbols of Strength - Ch 10
It’s open house day at Raven’s ranch. Discoveries and challenges test her resolve to honor her heritage and expertise.
It was a crisp morning in Echo Canyon, where the sun’s first light painted the rocky hills in hues of gold and amber. The idea for an open house Raven shared with Val came together sooner than she thought.
Raven’s stables and training facilities were the first thing people wanted to see. Her claim to fame around the world was as a horse trainer. However, her garden was a lush oasis of native and semi-tropical plants and heirloom roses. Now that she planned to stop traveling, she would add a vegetable and herb garden to reflect her Sabákari heritage.
Riley, Val and Skylar were the first to arrive. Strolling along the garden path, their eyes wide with admiration, they passed blooming cacti and fragrant sagebrush.
Not seeing Raven, they explored the winding stone walkways, turning on the blind curves, each captivating a sense of mystery. They encountered vibrant displays of color, and their adventure led them to discover unique plants and ideas.
Every path led to a new, distinct garden, each with its sensory delights. One section invited them to touch the varied textures of the plants, while another surrounded them with subtle, soothing fragrances. Rounding the next corner, Riley noticed a pot planted with a flowering tree.
“Hey, have you seen this tree in a pot over here? The sign says it's a Mexican Bird of Paradise. Those yellow flowers are just popping all over!”
Skylar crowded in next to Riley. “Oh wow, that's gorgeous! What else does the sign say?”
“Well, you’re close enough to read it yourself! Really, Skylar,” Riley replied jokingly. “It says it’s semi-evergreen, only losing its leaves in colder temperatures.” Riley shifted to give Val room to see the tree.
“I like the yellow flowers but prefer the shrubs with red-orange blooms. I wonder if you can make them grow into a tree form.”
“You know, Riley, I’ve never seen those in anything but a giant shrub,” replied Val.
They soon entered a densely shaded grove, where the cool air carried the faint aroma of damp earth. The sudden darkness was calming yet mysterious, like stepping into a forgotten world.
Abruptly, Val stopped. “Look at this,” she whispered.
Skylar and Riley joined her, gazes following her outstretched hand to a rock partially hidden by moss. A small plaque beside it read: Hieroglyphic Rock: A Legacy of Echo Canyon.
Riley knelt and brushed away debris to reveal intricate carvings etched into the stone’s surface. “These symbols… they look ancient,” she said softly, her fingers hovering over the grooves.
Skylar leaned in, her archaeological instincts kicking in. “This isn’t Apache, but it’s definitely significant. These spirals and patterns—this could be Sabákari.”
At that moment, Raven appeared, her voice soft but commanding. “You found it.”
The women turned as Raven joined them, her expression one of reverence. “This rock holds stories passed down through generations. My grandmother used to tell me these symbols represent our connection to the land and each other.”
Skylar’s eyes lit up. “Raven, this is incredible. Do you realize how important this could be for preserving Sabákari history? There might be more artifacts like this in Echo Canyon.”
Raven smiled, her pride evident. “The land remembers, even when we forget. But for now, let’s move on with the tour.”
Val grinned. “Yeah Skylar, let’s not turn this into a dig site just yet. We still have the horse demonstration and wanted to learn about that potted tree!”
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Catching on quickly, Riley diverted their attention, asking Raven, “We saw this lovely small-leafed tree with yellow flowers planted in a pot. It says it’s a Mexican Bird of Paradise, but I thought those are the shrubs with red-orange flowers.”
“Yes, that can be confusing. You can shape the Yellow Mexican Bird of Paradise or Caesalpinia mexicana as a tree in the ground or an extra-large pot. I like them because they withstand lower temperatures than the Mexican Red Bird of Paradise or Caesalpinia pulcherrima, the shrub you see in landscapes everywhere in the desert. The red Bird of Paradise will freeze in winters with sub-32° temperatures.”
Skylar eagerly added, "Yes, that's the one! I love this plant, and if it blooms nearly year-round, I'm thinking of getting one for my container garden."
Riley asked, "How tall do they grow in a pot?"
Before Raven could respond, Val jumped in, "I read in our Master Gardener plant guide that they can reach eight to ten feet in a pot and even taller if you plant them in the ground."
Riley lit up. "That's perfect! It will give a container garden a dramatic effect.
Skylar continued, "But seriously, Raven, where can we find these plants?"
"They are pretty common. I found mine at Cameron’s nursery. Now's the time to get them established before it cools off. Plus, here in the canyon where we don’t get as cold, they should bloom year round."
“Awesome, thanks for the tip,” said Val. “Does anyone want to go shopping this weekend? Riley?”
“Yes, we should all go together. Let's not forget to plant some pansies or petunias around them. Any color goes with yellow. Is everyone in? I'm excited to give this a shot. Let's set a time. How about after we get our plants, everyone can come to my house for a drink,” Riley added. “
“Maybe Ben can come. I’ll check with him. And while we’re at it, why don’t I call Channing and Cameron and try to get everyone together.”
Nodding, Val agreed. “Sounds good, Riley. Too bad Quinn’s not in town. Have you heard from her recently, Riley?”
“Yes, in fact, we had a long talk this morning. I was surprised when she called from Hawaii. She’s been in Japan for six weeks with Robbie, and they decided she should go back to Hawaii for a few weeks while Robbie is tied up at the resort’s building site.
“I had thought Quinn would travel more, but she said she’s already seen a lot on her own and is tired of doing that. She sounded a little, erm, disappointed or disgruntled. But, she plans to return to Japan by the end of the month.”
“Oh, that’s too bad,” Skylar said sadly. “Why doesn’t she come here for a little while and then fly back to Japan?”
“That’s a great idea! Why didn’t I think of that? I’ll text her right now and see if she’s game! Raven, would you like to come?”
Raven turned to leave. “Maybe not for your shopping trip, but I’ll take you up for a drink if that’s okay. You can text me when you’re leaving the nursery. I need to head to the stables. Are you joining me?”
“We’re right behind you, Raven. Oh, look! There’s Ben!“
The group made their way to the training ring, where a crowd had already gathered, buzzing with anticipation. Val noticed a young teen sitting bareback on a tall, black stallion off to the side, seeming to hide in the shadows. Alex Whitman, a local rancher known for his sharp criticism of anyone not working for him, stood right by the coral’s gate like he owned the place.
As Raven led Solana, her prized mare, into the ring, she felt the weight of the crowd’s gazes. She began her demonstration by explaining her approach to blending traditional Sabákari techniques with modern psychology. Her voice was steady, her hands trembling imperceptibly.
When Solana responded to her subtle cues, the audience murmured in approval—except for Whitman.
“Interesting,” Whitman boomed, stepping even closer. “But what happens when you’re dealing with a horse that doesn’t respond to your… gentle methods?”
The question hung in the air like a challenge. Raven paused, her heart leaped.
“It’s about trust,” she announced firmly. “Every horse is different, but force is never the answer.”
Whitman smirked. “Trust doesn’t get a stubborn stallion to move when you need it to.”
The tension was palpable as the crowd exchanged glances. Ben stepped forward, his deep voice breaking the silence. “I’ve worked with horses my whole life, Whitman, and I’ve seen Raven do things no one else can. Maybe you should watch and learn.”
Raven met Ben’s gaze, grateful for his support, but doubts crept in. What if Whitman was right?
Later, the crowd had gone, and Raven’s friends gathered on the porch for refreshments. Raven’s unease was evident.
“I’m not sure I should go through with the city event,” she admitted. “What if Whitman’s criticism makes people doubt me?”
Val shook her head. “Raven, you did beautifully today. Totally in your element. You’ve trained horses for years. Don’t let one naysayer derail you.”
Ben added, “Whitman thrives on confrontation. I’ve seen him do this too many times. Don’t give him the satisfaction of seeing you doubt yourself.”
Riley leaned in, her voice gentle. “Raven, you’ve built something incredible here. The open house, the garden, the training—it’s all a reflection of who you are. Don’t let that man take that away.”
Raven took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. “You’re right. I can’t let him get to me. The city event is my chance to show people what’s possible—not just with horses, but with understanding and connection.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they raised their glasses in a toast to courage and friendship, the bonds that held them—and Echo Canyon—together.
Unnoticed, the silhouette of a small figure on a large horse lingered briefly before vanishing into the sunset.
I do like the way you are introducing us to your characters. I find that getting to know them in this more introspective way is whetting my appetite for more. I am not so curious about the arc of the story as I am about the people I am getting to know. Keep layering it all in, weaving the people in with the community and the land. Nice!
Hi, Marylee, I love the photo! Fun and inviting...The story progresses. If I might make a small suggestion...when stuff is happening and the story characters get excited, people don't often talk in complete sentences. They often interrupt each other as opposed to waiting for the speaker to finish a thought. It's a suggestion only....I'm enjoying your story....