//------------------------------// // To Travel on Gravel // Story: Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales // by Nirtha //------------------------------// Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales Chapter 2: To Travel on Gravel by Nirtha Welcome, dear children, back to my humble abode Tonight I have a story of my trips along the road Not to many years ago, the time had come to move I needed to gain experience - I needed a new groove So off I went, in search of lands and interesting places anew I remembered stories of the road but assumed them all untrue I had my bags thrown across my back, full of food and drink I was ready for a lengthy journey- At least, that is what you'd think I said my goodbyes - I left my home - I was on my way I knew not where I would go - but I would travel the entire day I trotted along pathways quite old, with promise of interesting travel I gave a little hop and skip with excitement for the paths of gravel The day went by quite smoothly - Night was reaching close I was ready to stop for slumber - I was unaware of any foes I rested my bags against a tree and curled up for my rest Just as my lids grew heavy, howls put my bravery to test I jumped up to my hooves, startled and confused I searched my bags for something I could have used With relief I found a tiny flashlight and lit it as fast as I could To my horror, and much surprise, there stood three wolves of wood I let out a scream - They let out a growl I stumbled back - I heard another howl The howl was not from the wolves ahead The new sounds came from behind my head I turned my head to match my gaze To three more creatures that could end my days Timberwolves had surrounded me there I was outnumbered but they didn't care They each took several steps closer - hissing and bearing their bites I was enclosed and trapped by these prowlers of frightful nights With not much choice other than running - I grabbed my bag to flee I ran right between to timberwolves, who turned to chase after me I galloped as fast as I could - wanting nothing more than to save my life I had plans - to be the greatest alchemist - maybe even a wife The timberwolves were close behind I was hoping there would be shelter to find All I could see were trees and grass I felt so vulnerable, as if I was made of glass I continued to canter- I would find a way I was quite determined to see another day Those wolves stayed on my tail I had to trot on - There was no room for me to fail With a burst I quickened pace The night had become a survivor's race As determined as I was to lose those beasts They were in as great a need of feasts I could hear their hunger in the way the growled I could tell from the chase, how long they had prowled They were hungry and weary - in need of some food But to worry for the predator would set no good mood These wolves were adults - unlike the baby before They did not want to play - It was meat they looked for There was no misunderstanding of any sort This was a risk that could cut my life short So I galloped away from those wolves of wood I galloped away just as fast as I could They were no longer on my tail - There had been a break in the space They had fallen farther back but I wasn't yet in any good place Even though I had increased the distance, I was still unable to rest I had to give it my all - I would need to go past my very best As I galloped, I had noticed a light Perhaps an escape from my terrible fright The hope triggered relief, refreshing and sweet Energy rushed through me as I neared the end of my feat A small town formed in the view before my eyes I took in a breath and then let out my cries "Somepony, please help me escape" As I neared, the town gained shape Somepony had heard - They were waiting outside the town He stood tall with shotgun in hand - His face had worn a frown He rushed me in - He told me to take shelter inside I trod past the gate and found somewhere to hide I was standing inside an inn, breathless and fatigued Ponies were sitting and staring, some looking intrigued "Are you alright?" A mare had asked me curiously "We have no room for trouble," another said furiously I nodded to the mares, looking at them with fear A stallion finally asked, "So what brings you here?" I had been hesitant to answer, but eventually explained I was chased by timberwolves - my travels had been strained "Timberwolves here? That doesn't seem right." Another said, "Perhaps it was imagined fright" I insisted that it happened - I knew what I saw The others only looked at me in disbelief and awe I mentioned my savior, the man with the gun They wondered who - They concluded - No one I tried to convince them - I came to no avail They only took my words as mythical tale It hadn't been long before they decided I needed to sleep A mare showed me to a room that, for a night, I could keep I went to sleep relieved of escape but worried none the less Wondering why telling my experience had come with such a mess I drifted off into my dreams, dreams to comfort and ease I woke the next morning refreshed - awoken by a breeze I ventured out of the room I was in Surprised to find that the inn had nothing within I was alone, the whole building was deserted All of my fears had then been alerted I left the inn to go check around town Seeing nopony there, my spirits sank down I had awoken that morning hoping to thank the hosts Only to learn that I had been speaking with ghosts Again, dear children, my message is quite the same Never take roaming or travel as any sort of game Always have a friend, beware of all sorts of danger You never know what you'll find, even with the nicest stranger