Zecora's Book of Horrific Tales

by Nirtha

To Travel on Gravel

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

Comments

[Nirtha]

3280720
Thank you!

[Harwick]

These are a fun addition for the month of October! Quite the impressive use of your rhyming skills as well... Composing such adventuresome (and timberwolf infested) poetry cannot be easy, but these do our favorite zebra proud and are easy to read in her voice!

[Nirtha]

3289641
Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me.