Originally, I intended to write The Centaur Chase as all one story. However, after writing about half of it, I realized that it was getting a bit long and decided to divide it into two books. While separating the two halves, I had to delete a scene in between the two.
But, if you'd like to read that scene anyway, here it is!
Warning: Contains spoilers for book 1.
This scene takes place just after Dale and Bree met the wayfinder on the beach for the first time, just after the transformations.
...
“Did you hear the wayfinder's compliment?" Dale asked. "She called you a good matriarch.”
“I’m not sure what that means,” Bree admitted.
“A matriarch is the female in charge, but in her own way,” Dale said. “She cares after everyone and keeps track of who they are and what they need. Small herds don’t always have one, but when they do... well, matriarchs are invaluable.”
“Like the lady of an estate,” Bree said. “I was training to be one of those. I suppose I was one, for a little while, after Marc threw our mother out. Mama was a good matriarch, too.”
Dale shook his head. Her brother had two matriarchs in his life, and he’d thrown both away. How idiotic could one male get? “You know that you’re still valuable, right?” Dale asked. “It’s not your fault he threw you out.”
“Oh. Of course.” But her smile didn’t cover the pain in her eyes. That human deserved to be eaten by snakes for hurting Bree this way.
This wasn’t the time to think of revenge, though. Dale scanned the beach, spotting each centaur. Then he raised his voice. “We need to move on.”
Little Dash rushed to his side and squared his shoulders. “Move!” he ordered.
Shade, Clay, Poppy and Belle gathered around. Dale should have gathered them silently, though. In the distance, he heard a human cry. “This way!”
Dale stomped his hooves, still listening for human cries in the distance. Move out! Quickly! he sent through their mental link. He charged up the nearest hillside. Pounding hooves followed, and for a moment, he thrilled that they all listened and obeyed.
But they were in danger. Dash couldn’t keep up with the adults, and no one knew how well Bree and Belle could keep up after such a big change. A bigger herd would be an asset against natural predators, but numbers meant nothing to guns.
They crested over the top of a hill. Behind them, the human cries grew louder. Is everyone all right? Dale demanded.
Most of them murmured their agreement. We’re fine, Bree sent. Keep running.
She must be running in the back, keeping track of the others. Dale increased his pace. You’re outrunning them, Bree sent them. It’s working.
Wait. He glanced back. Clay, Poppy, and Shade kept pace. Belle lagged behind, her balance awkward. He didn’t see Bree or Dash, and the hill was rapidly retreating behind them. Where are you? he demanded.
Dash couldn’t keep up. We’re hiding. The humans are following your tracks. They haven’t even glanced toward our hiding spot. Keep leading them away and we’ll join you when we can.
Dale forced himself to keep running, when he wanted to whirl right around and kick something. That’s dangerous, Bree! We would have stayed with you.
Exactly. That wouldn’t have worked.
He hated to admit that she was right. Don’t undermine me, please. We need to work together.
Sorry.
He couldn’t help her now. Neither of them could change their course without endangering the other. He’d have to trust her. Fighting every instinct that demanded he turn around, he led the others over a rocky patch that hid their tracks, and then into a patch of scrubby trees. They slowed to let Belle catch her breath and limit the sound of pushing through brush. Dale was too aware of his pounding heartbeat. Are you safe? he demanded.
Completely, Bree answered. The humans already passed us. It’s you I’m worried about. She hesitated. Should we leave our hiding spot? The humans might come back this way once they’ve given up.
The shouts still echoed in the distance. Dale still didn’t like the humans between him and his family. He’d rather fight his way through, but instinct wouldn’t serve him now.
“Where’d they go?” a human voice cried.
“Face it, we’ve lost them.”
“I doubt the one with the huge reward on his head was among them anyway. He doesn’t have a big herd like this.”
Still talking, they turned aside. Dale swallowed. Was he the one with a big reward? That sounded exactly like something Marc would do.
They’re turning back, he warned. Stay out of sight.
We’re well hidden, Bree promised.
The voices faded. Birds resumed their songs. The wind rustled in the trees. Everything felt innocent and safe, but Dale could barely breathe. Did that talk of rewards mean that he was their only target? Or would these hunters happily shoot other centaurs as well?
At last he heard two light sets of hooves coming toward them. Is that you and Dash?
We’re coming, Bree answered. The humans are long gone.
He charged out of the trees. Bree and Dash were already within sight, trotting after them. Dash pressed close against Bree’s flank.
“I’m sorry,” she said aloud, as soon as he drew near. “I should have consulted you. It didn’t occur to me. I heard them coming and I saw how hard Dash was trying to keep up and I knew he wouldn’t manage it for long. So I grabbed him and—”
He threw his arms around her, capturing her head beneath his. Her torso heaved for breath, and her whole body trembled. “You did it,” he murmured. “We all made it.”
The others edged out from the trees. “Where now?” Belle asked. “Can we go meet other centaurs?”
“Can you not think about yourself for five seconds?” Poppy snapped at her.
Dale let go of Bree, reluctantly. “We need a safe place to regroup, and then get out of human territories as fast as we can.”
“We’ll regroup at the Ambles’, right?” Bree asked. “We need to get Eve.”
He’d completely forgotten the three-year-old. Good thing we have a matriarch looking out for us all.
Bree ducked her head as if embarrassed by the compliment. He meant it, though. Maybe she didn’t realize how rare and valuable a good matriarch was. He was beyond lucky to find her.
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