Young Writers Society

He heard the hoofbeats long before the source was visible. A sigh escaped from his lips. This had gone on long enough. The time had come to stop running. An accounting was due.

The man-horse came over the green hill. He was like an animated statue, perfectly formed. And why would he not be? This was the son of a god, after all. He could be nothing but handsome.

His pursuer galloped up to him and came to a halt. Dust swirled about and he closed his eyes to protect them. When everything settled, he opened them and stared the man-horse down.

“So, you’ve found me,” he said.

“You’ve known I was looking for you?” the man-horse asked, his voice deep and almost guttural.

“When Hipperion, Lord of Horses, is looking for you, you know it.”

Hipperion snorted.

He laughed. “Well, you’ve caught me. We are far from the home of the gods. Slay me, as you set out to do.”

“I did not set out to kill you,” Hipperion stated.

“No?” He was confused now. “I lowered your father to a mortal level, along with all of the other gods. Have they not sent you to judge me?”

“The gods may deal with their grievances in their own time,” Hipperion said. “Besides, I do not think that you were wholly wrong, Uriel of the mountains and light.”

He winced. “That’s not my name. Not anymore. I’m only Tom of the Road now.”

Hipperion paused, looking over Tom. “You fear me, my uncle. I told you I was not here to harm you.”

“The spear in your hand speaks its own language,” Tom replied. “Now that you have assured me I am not to die, I fear for my life again. Before, I was ready for an end, whatever end that might be. Now, though, I know I may continue, that I don’t have to die now. Ask me what you will, and leave me alive.”

Hipperion lowered the point of his spear into the ground and leaned on it a slightly. “Where did you go, after you fled from my father’s wrath?”

“Here and there,” Tom said. “As well as other places.”

“But where, exactly?” Hipperion pressed. “And how did you get there?”

Tom paused. “Why do you wish to know? What do my wanderings mean to you?”

Hipperion stamped his hoof. “Tell me.”

Tom faltered a little, but held his ground. “Tell me why, and then you will know.”

Hipperion glowered, snorted, and sighed. “Nothing suits me anymore.”

“You are the son of a god. You have everything in this world.”

“None of it is what I seek. Neither girl nor mare may satisfy me. My father and his family tire me. Though they spent seventeen years without powers, most of them have not learned anything. And my father has learned the wrong things. He is too restrictive with his worshipers.”

“Unfortunate,” Tom said. “I shall steer clear of the temples of Urizen then. And, I see now what you want. You want to wander, to see new things, to explore. Perhaps you seek to find a place where you are needed for things other than the schemes of your father’s house.”

Hipperion nodded. “Such a place would be welcome.”

Tom smiled. “There are other worlds than this one, Lord of Horses, worlds so numerous no mind has been able to count them all. Those who know the way may go back and forth between them. I found such a way, when I fled the Hallowed Halls forever.”

Hipperion’s eyes grew wide in interest. “Where would such a way be?”

“On the shores of the Western Sea, not far from the Hallowed Halls,” Tom said. “You will know when you have found it. I assure you, it works. I have been to enough of these worlds to know lifetimes while only a few years have passed on this one. You were lucky to have caught me. I was about to make my way back there to travel again.”

The two were silent now. Tom watched his nephew as he thought. There was a possibility of what the demigod might do next. And if the opportunity was offered, he would not refuse.

“I believe you, Uncle,” Hipperion said. “I have grown tired of this world, though I am honored here. By your leave, I shall use this way as well.”

“It’s not my place to keep from you,” Tom said. “You can use it if you want. But, would you not like some company? We are both going the same way. A companion is a welcome addition to a long journey.”

Hipperion nodded. “I would appreciate a companion in my journeys.” He stood back and neighed to the hills. After a few moments, a horse came galloping up. It approached Hipperion. He took it’s head and held it to his chest, murmuring soft words. It nickered, and he let it go.

“She will bear you on our journey,” he said to Tom. He nodded, and walked over to the animal. With a slight bound, he threw himself onto her back. She swayed a little under his weight, but did not bolt. He straightened himself and sat upright.

“Will I need a saddle?” Tom asked Hipperion.

Hipperion shook his head. “No horse shall be bound while I am near.”

“Then I am ready,” Tom said.

“Then our journeys begin,” Hipperion said. The two continued on down the road, the sun setting behind the mountains before them.

This is for Caligula's Chorus Contest. The song for it is Violence in the Snowy Fields by Dolorean. The word prompt is exodus.