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// Page 14 
// Story: The Purloined Pony 
// by Chris 
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You leap the fence and go running towards the creature, intent on making it pay. The little devil, for his part, puts his hands to his face in mock-fear and goes running off into the woods.



As you thought, he’s no match for you in a race. You quickly gain ground on him as he runs off. Although the woods are thick, you are able to keep him in sight; lucky for you that he’s too focused on running to try and hide amid the undergrowth!



Before long he runs straight up to a huge pile of boulders that are much to large for him to climb or circle quickly. As he stares at the insurmountable obstacle, looking for some crack or niche he can crawl into, you draw up about ten feet away from him. “Time to face the music, crop-thief!” you tell him. “Now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Come on back with me, and I’ll give you a chance to work off your debt.”



In answer, the little creature turns and puts his thumb to his nose while sticking out his tongue. You don’t recognize the gesture, but his intent is unmistakable. You grin. “Alright then, the hard way it is!” You trot over to grab the little imp.



As you approach, the ground suddenly gives way beneath you! You fall head-over-hooves, and land with a resounding thud. Looking up, you see that you’re in a sheer, smooth-walled pit at least twenty feet deep; you’re lucky you weren’t seriously injured in the fall.



Your diminutive foe pokes his head over the lip of the hole. “Hee-hee-hee!  Stupid pony, now you’re out of the way! No more trouble from you, and carrots all for the taking!” Then he vanishes once more.



For hours you call out for somepony, anypony to help you, but there is no answer. Your captor doesn’t come back, either. As darkness begins to fall, you huddle down in your hole and hope that the townsponies come looking for you soon. Because without any food or water, alone in the forest, you won’t last long. If help doesn’t come soon, this could be...






The End