The War Horse

(3 minute read)

            I wrote a story about a warhorse a few decades ago back in ’92.  As I watch and read about what’s going on in Ukraine this updated version of the story is about Ukraine and the valor that they have and are showing in the war Putin’s Russia forced upon them. 

I believe that their cause is righteous and that they will take their beloved Ukraine back from the occupier. 

I dedicate this story to them.

 The War Horse

By Keith Thomas ©

            The war horse was a magnificent steed and had seen many glorious battles with his knight.  His strength and stamina were beyond compare.  In full battle dress the horse was a beautiful and awesome sight.

            There had been many campaigns over the years.  They had exacted a toll from the loyal animal but always the call to battle with his knight had been answered.  Once again they were called to fight an evil foe with familiar ways of battle.

            Their outnumbered army had been forced to the edge of a clearing.  As the warriors turned about to make their stand again, they noticed a warhorse whose valiant knight had been unseated in the confusion of battle.  The warhorse turned with them to face the field that had taken his knight.  Wounded and losing strength the horse started back into the fray.  The enemy pursuers came to a halt as the lone horse thundered out to meet them, battle ribbons streaming from his empty saddle, without wavering or hesitant steps.  The horse carried the burden of his armor with years of experience.  He had one last mission to carry out with his strong heart.  He crashed into the line of waiting fighters, momentum alone carrying him through.  The enemy raced around him, their lances stinging like so many bees.

            The reason for the war horse’s charge was unclear to the foe because they could see no purpose to such foolhardy action from such a noble and war-wise veteran.  Finally, the great horse made it to where his knight had fallen.  There he halted.  As his tormentors circled he used all he had to fight with, his body, to charge into them, taking whatever injury they would give to him in his quest to defeat as many of his foe as he could.  At last the war horse could stand no longer and fell beside his loved one.  The war horse knew that his knight would have done the same and he could do no less.  They shared a warrior’s peace together.

            There was a quiet upon the field.  Silence was the recognition such unwavering dedication and valiance would have.  Their reward was the final field of battle. 

            Off the field at the edge of the clearing where they had stopped the warriors bore witness to the final moments of their heroes.  First one and then another cast off their old and heavy armor.  Then they lightened their mounts of the same.  The field now called them back as well.

            Then they too thundered onto the field, knowing they would not leave again.  Injured and tired but with spirits strong they rushed to the place where their companions had fallen.  That was the only goal left for their lives.  They embraced the battle one more time.  They found the warhorse and his knight together where they had fallen.  Inscribed on the knight's tattered shield was written, "Never forget us.  Carry our spirit with you."