Chapter 2 - The Silent Survivor
The massive black stallion immediately stopped his frantic thrashing.
As Arthur remained on his knees, proving he was no longer a threat, Titan’s ears slowly pivoted forward.
The horse lowered his massive head, blowing a soft, warm breath over the little girl's hiding spot.
Arthur slowly raised his hands to show he was unarmed.
"Hey there, little one," Arthur whispered, his voice cracking with intense emotion.
The little girl flinched, pulling her knees tightly against her chest.
Titan nudged the girl gently with his velvet nose, as if silently encouraging her to trust the old rancher.
Slowly, agonizingly, the child crawled out from beneath the protective pile of straw.
Arthur could see nasty bruises along her small arms and a deep, untreated scrape on her cheek.
He took off his warm flannel jacket and gently draped it over her shivering shoulders.
"Who are you running from, sweetheart?" Arthur asked softly.
The girl did not speak a single word.
She just stared at him, traumatized into absolute silence.
Outside the stall, the farmhands watched in absolute, stunned silence.
"Call the sheriff, right now," Arthur ordered, never taking his eyes off the child.
He carefully scooped the little girl into his arms.
To everyone's absolute shock, Titan let out a low, calm rumble and followed right behind them.
The stallion that had been a raging monster just minutes ago was now walking like a gentle, protective guardian dog.
Arthur carried the child into the main ranch house, the heat of the fireplace immediately warming her freezing skin.
His mind was racing with terrifying questions.
The nearest town was over twenty miles away through harsh, unforgiving wilderness.
There was absolutely no logical way a toddler could have made it to his barn on foot.
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Someone had brought her here.
And judging by the terror in her eyes, whoever left her was extremely dangerous.
