The Storm Herald

[Nix: Reyn, do you know how to ride a horse?]

The teenage boy that received this text picked up his phone eagerly. Brushing the stray curly strands of his brown hair away from his amber eyes, he reread the message. Quickly, his fingers fumbled back a response.

[Reyn: Hi Nix. Long time no see. Will you be coming here this July?]

Reyn waited breathlessly for the reply. He found a smile had spread across his face just remembering the last time he and the gang had seen Nix.

The response was not to his favour:

[Nix: Sorry buddy. Something has come up, so I won't be able to.]

- and the words created a confusion.

[Reyn: I can ride. Did you want me to teach you? I can't teach you if you're not here.]

[Nix: Couldn't you explain it to me through text...?]

Reyn laughed out loud.

[Reyn: You can't learn to horse ride without actually doing it...]

[Nix: Isn't it like reading instructions off a manual?]

[Reyn: Don't be ridiculous. A horse can't be treated like an appliance.]

The direction of the conversation nearly caused Reyn to forget his confusion. He pursed his lips and texted again:

[Reyn: You could always look up videos online. Why do you need to know?]

The reply followed as such:

[Nix: It has to do with the weather. Expect a storm in your area soon. And thunder. Lots of it. ]

"A storm....? What are you now, a weather forecaster?" Reyn blurted, confusion raised.

[Reyn: You say that, but you're not going to be around?]

His hopes raised a little:

[Nix: I'll be there for a brief moment. And when I leave, you'll notice.]

"What do you mean... why are you always so weird..."

[Nix: Gtg. Tell the rest I said hi. And to answer your question from last time - my hair is naturally pink. Good night.]

Reyn forced a chuckle. "That was one year ago you idiot..."

[Nix: P.S. Actually, expect two storms.]

= = =

That conversation had been a full month ago, Reyn approximated.

“There’s a storm that’ll be coming soon.”

Reyn glanced up to the sky through the window at his mother’s words. Indeed, the clouds were gathered low and dark long the horizon, only the light of the sun from beyond it declaring it was daytime. The threat of strong winds and rain could be seen. Yet he lowered his head again, unperturbed.

"If you've felt the humidity this month - it's going to be a big one, aye."

“Nix said there’ll probably be lots of thunder,” the young boy spoke absently.

His mother stopped her whisking of the cream in her bowl. “Nix?”

“You know. That boy that drops by every summer to hang out with us.”

“That boy!” The whisk beat into the cream with strengthened briskness. “Is that boy back again? Didn’t I tell you not to talk with him anymore? That hair of his! Listen, Reyn, folk from the city are usually bad influence.”

Reyn took up the slender hobby knife beside him and rolled it in his fingers, inspecting the blade. “Nix says his hair colour is natural.”

“That pinkish hair is a lie.” His mother rapped the whisk against the rim of the bowl, clanging it loudly. “Another reason why you should not ‘hang out’ with him. You hear me, Reyn?”

Reyn set the blade to the balsa wood before him on the table. “You won’t have to worry about that, mom.” A clean slice through the soft wood detached a triangular shape from the larger board. “Nix isn’t going to be around this year. He says he’ll be busy.”

“Oh, is that so? Good riddance.” His mother carried on with her whipped cream. She paused by the window to regard the view. “Aye, there’s going to be a storm.”

Halting his work once again, Reyn looked out as the clouds grew nearer.

He whispered to himself, "...I hope he does come.”

= = =

"Come here, Storra."

He stood in the middle of a grass field, a youth with light peach-coloured hair, gazing up at the sky as clouds of a blackened shade rolled in overhead. A black jacket that used to have sleeves and a pair of black pants were the clothes upon him while his feet were shod with a pair of black sandals. As a cool wind whipped up his hair, he closed his eyes with a content smile. In the distance sounded a faint rumble.

Just then, the first of the rain drops began to fall, large and heavy. The tall grass surrounding him began to wave violently under the assault of a stronger wind. As if released from a hold, the rain dropped upon the field like scattered jewels, striking hard again the youth’s face.

Then the thunder began.

A strike of lightning appeared on the other side of the hills in the distance, followed by the muffled roar like great boulders falling over each other, rolling closer and closer. Darker and darker became the sky as the clouds now completely concealed it whole, not allowing a ray to pass through. Flattened by the wind and downpour, the field of grass became as leveled as a plain, the water rising in the relentless rain.

Thud-thud-thud-thud.

Muffled thunder turned into muffled drumming, steady pounding in the sky even. They sounded louder and louder as it came closer and closer.

Another flash of lightning! This one speared the ground on this side of the hills. With it sounded what was almost a shriek, fading into a whinny. It lit up briefly the pale features of the boy that were blanched in the spectacle of it, his eyes wide and bright as they focused past the after images flashes in his vision to a movement in the storm.

Forks of lightning streaked overhead, constant and yet erratic, somehow like surges of electricity across a circuit board. The thrumming of thunder was now painful to hear, and the boy held his hands gingerly over his ears, wincing at each crash and growl. Still, squinting at the heavens, his eyes tracked the lone figure running in zigzag patterns down towards him.

Crash!

"Whoa!" The boy threw his arms over his ears, hiding his eyes. The world turned into a blinding field of white around him. Unrivalled thunder boomed as if directly into his mind, shocking him from the inside out.

Nix was only aware the thunderstorm had abated after the ringing had died in his ears a little. Quivering throughout his body was the next thing he noticed. It wouldn't wear off after a while, he felt. And then a gentle touch to his drenched hair brought him fully to his senses. A strong desire to reach out made him lower his arms away from his face.

Something indeed moved before him, breathing warm air into his face. Nix dared to open his eyes. They fluttered in the wind and rain, but enough to determine the shape in front was what he hoped.

A questioning nicker sounded.

Nix opened his arms and began to step forward. The shaking legs buckled decisively under him and he toppled right into the firm chest of a large body. His arms clasped the thick neck, leaving him half hanging as he tried to sort out his feet.

Warm vibrations buzzed Nix's ear as the animal made a rough blowing noise.

The youth burst out laughing, breaths weak and giggly. "Were you actually trying to scare me? Even a grown man would be stunned at that. Wait - don't move for a sec, I'm still trying to find my legs - I'm not mad at you!"

As best as he could, Nix stood and the two backed up till the youth held the long familiar face in his hands.

A horse of dark colours and muscular stature towered over Nix. Its body appeared to be a twilight black with hints of storm purple, flanks smooth and glossy from the rain. In stark contrast, its long untamed mane and tail were paled in a flaring lightning white that stood out boldly from its hide, as was the same with its uncannily white eyes bearing no pupils.

"It's good to see you again as well, Storra." Nix stroked the horse's muzzle. "You did well. There won't be another storm like this in for the rest of time. I'm happy you showed it to me."

Storra brought his head closer and gently pushed Nix's head sideways. The youth chuckled. "I am taking this seriously. Ceremonies don't have to be serious y'know. They should be fun and happy."

Nix glanced up at the horse. Storra was aiming a look at him that seemed to berate him. He smiled sadly. "Yeah, I know... not all ceremonies are happy..." Stepping forward, Nix rested his head against the beast's shoulder, hand grasping the wet mane. "Are you ready for your last run as a thunder horse...?"

The horse stayed silent. Suddenly, a brisk wind picked up around them. Nix felt his hair blown from his face and when it stopped, both he and the steed were dry. He smiled, patting Storra's neck. "Guess what? I know how to ride a horse now. I searched it up on the internet," he remarked in jest.

Storra blew through his nose again, nudging Nix with his leg. The youth quickly grabbed a handful of the now luxurious mane and with a practiced dart, kept his body near the horse's body while swinging his leg over Storra's back, smoothly rising into a sitting position just behind the withers. Storra almost began to move immediately, as if eager to go, but halted just as quickly. He moved his head to see his rider and nickered.

Nix continued to pat the solid body. "Whatever you like, Storra. It will take much longer to get to the assembly if we walk, but at the same time, we'll be able to spend a little more time together." the youth smirked. "I would like to see you gallop once more though. How about we take a detour?"

Storra's ears flicked. The great stallion stepped forward with strong strides. Nix shifted his position, leaning forward and prompting Storra to lengthen his stride. The horse responded with a jump forward, quickly picking up speed. The wind and rain whooshing in their ears, a feeling of bubbling excitement synced between the two. Soon they were galloping across the field, away from the hills and towards a forest.

"Storra - past that forest is the city I live in," Nix called out. "Let me show you around there. I don't think the council will mind if we knock out the power in a few areas since it's your last day. I'll take responsibilities for those, so relax."

The horse whinnied, tossing his head. Nix grasped the mane more, laughing. "Not that relaxed - some consideration here!"

Before he realized it the ground was falling away beneath them and Storra trodding upwards. They ascended in the dense fog, concealed in its blanket. When Storra levelled out, Nix could see the land spread out like a picture, scrolling underneath, an unending painting.

Nix shifted his weight once again and Storra ran on north on the wind.

= = =

The Forecaster swiped a finger at his cheek. A drop of water had fallen there. Darker and darkening, the clouds were ready to rain once again over the city, though perhaps it would be different than last time. Already a report had come in that the thunder horse from Area 131 was on its way and had caused a power out in the regions it was crossing.

"Gonna give the boy a whooping when I see him..." His voice sounded, like worn rocks beside the sea. Pulling the heavy cloth around himself more firmly, the old grizzled man reached a knobby hand for the thermos resting in a nock of the stone carved lookout cranny he stood in. The warm beverage comforted him. Then more raindrops scattered across his face. He grunted.

A shift in the wind diverted the course of the droplets. The Forecaster perked. Slowly he rose, joints creaking and refusing to move any faster. Shuffling steps ushered him to the large open window where he looked over the peaks of a high mountain range, the tops of which were hidden in thick fog.
Raising his thermos, he waved it in the air while hollering, "Stop right there young man!!"

Horse and rider broke through the cloud cover , diving down in a leap that halted mid-air, the duo racing by the Forecaster. The storm pink-haired youth laughed and the midnight horse neighed.

"Sorry great-gramps! We're running late!"

A torrent of rain battered the Forecaster's nook from above. The old man sighed as the two whizzed away, rain and wind in their wake. "When has a storm never made one late..." he grumbled. Unable to stop them, Forecaster shuffled to a seat in the wall, Beside it hung a thick cord. He pulled it, saying, "Attendant Nix and Area 131 Thunder Horse Storra have arrived."

Somewhere in the distance, the clang of a great bell shimmered through the air. The Forecaster winced, holding his old shaky hands over his ears. He sniffed, taking another sip from his coffee. "I'm getting too old for this job..."

= = =

"Welcome, Attendants and Steeds of the Storm Heralds' Council, to the Ceremony of the thunderstorm horses that have completed their term and now deserve the time to rest from their duties..." The voice of the master of ceremony, an aged man, his head fringed with graying hairs, and robed in pale purple, rang out. He stood in a large hall, gothic in style, and faced an assembly of beings, both animal and human that stood in ordered rows.

"Gramps, is that a long winded way of saying 'Ceremony for Horse Retirement'..." a lone voice spoke out from the side.
Eyes turned towards the culprit and a distasteful smile curled onto the emcee's face. "Would you like to 'retire' now as well, Nix...?"

"No thank you." Nix smirked back at the man and the hall, filled with several horses and their partners, shared in a moment of tense laughter, the horses flicking their ears or nickering along.

Storra, mane now untangled and neatly flowing on either sides of his neck, bumped Nix, blowing through his nose. The youth stroke his muzzle, a sad smile on his face.

Order and quiet returned to the hall. The emcee folded his hands before him. "As is the custom, the thunder horses will be succeeded by those in their bloodline, and the attendants will be in charge of the new storm heralds. The horses will be allowed to spend their remaining time with their attendants as the new heralds are initiated into their roles.

"And as is the wish of the steeds, no celebration will be held in this event. The service you have done will be remembered..." His voice carried on.
In the moments that followed, Nix briefly left Storra's side. A soft murmur was throughout the halls as other attendants interacted with their horses. The youth returned. There was another with him, and Storra nickered.

The dark form beside Nix pranced forward. It was a colt with a reverse dapple coat of twilight colours, its flashing white mane and tail just like Storra's, but it was smaller in stature. The stallion and colt faced each other, circling as they regarded one the other.

Nix stood off to the side, leaning against the wall with his hands shoved into the pockets. His eyes wandered over Storra, then over the other horse as he came around. There was a resemblance, but Nix couldn't find the younger horse anywhere near as impressive as Storra, nor could he muster a sense of fondness or duty to begin taking care of the colt.

"It must mean I'm getting too old for my job..." Nix chuckled. And words came floating into his thoughts. "...last ride, huh."

"Isn't Thadrin like his grandsire?"

Nix started at the warm voice close to his ear. He jumped, but his alrm was quickly replaced by irritation. "Oh hello, dad."

A tall man with short hair of the same pale pink colour now stood beside the youth. "You have nothing smart to say to me after your grandpa and great-grandpa?"

"You wouldn't take it kindly."

"I'll excuse it for today since it's a special occasion." The man winked. "So? What do you think?"

They looked at the horses once again. Nix's eyes remained on his partner. "Thadrin is not even a shadow of Storra."

"True, Thadrin is not extraordinary in any other way than being a thunder horse. But he'll grow up to be somewhat like Storra."

Nix glanced at his father. There was a bit of an age gap between he and the man. It had a similar feeling of the difference between Storra and Thadrin. There was a great difference however, and that was...

"I'm...." Nix spoke softly but decisively. "I'm not going to be Thadrin's attendant."

"Pardon?" His father looked at him with wide-eyes.

Nix whistled softly. Storra turned instantly and came trotting towards him. He found the majestic head in his hands once again. "I'm going to retire as an attendant after this."

"Excuse me...?" The man's tone was incredulous.

Nix laughed. "Dad, I don't have it in me to do another one after Storra."

"Son - " his father gave a short laugh. "You haven't even been an attendant for that long."

"You mean not as long as you have been...?" Nix smirked.

"That too. What I mean is, every attendant goes through this. They have a favourite horse and don't want to part - I had one too - but you just have to move on."

Nix laughed again. "A horse every two years since I was nine - that's five horses. But Storra is the only one that is retiring at the end of his term."

"That doesn't mean you have to quit," his father said firmly.

"Who said I'm quitting...?" Nix smirked. "I said I'm retiring."

"It's almost the same thing. And anyhow, who else is supposed to look after Thadrin? I hope you're not thinking of abandoning that duty. I don't remembering raising you like that." His father's tone was severe, like an impending storm.

"Hey Storra," Nix spoke to the horse, smirking. "Haven't I been good? Can you tell my dad what I've been doing? Oops, looks like we can't tell you dad. That's why thunder horses have attendants, right? To help the people get to know them~?"

"Don't use that tone with me young man." Nix's father frowned.

Storra's whinny burst loudly in their ears.

"Don't you use that tone with me either, you..."

"Thadrin." Nix stood straight.

The colt nickered, coming forward and tossing his head. Nix stepped forward and they stopped a meter's length from one another. There was an impish gleam in the youth's eyes that twinkled more merrily as he learned forward with a smile.

"Are you ready? I have someone I want you to meet."

= = =

"That must be the other one." Reyn stood up from his desk to pull aside the curtains. It was past dusk but the countryside darkness seemed further sunk into the night as he heard the rumble of thunder once again. The rattle of rain on the roof confirmed the weather. "But...what does it mean...?"

It was cool now, the atmosphere. Reyn suspected that the heat would pick up again after this. With all the water soaked into the ground, it would probably be hot enough to make one crave for ice cream. There was one nice thing about thunderstorms, apart from the drop in temperature, and that was it kept the bugs low, the mosquitoes especially.

Vrrrrr.

The cellphone on the table buzzed abruptly, lighting up with a text message.

Reyn's fingers fumbled picking it up, nearly dropping it. Who could be texting him at this time of night....?

[Nix: I hope you weathered out the last storm. Don't worry, this one won't be that bad.]

Ah. Right. The only one who would do that was Nix.

[Reyn: Are you still up?]

[Nix: You are too?]

"...answer is pretty obvious," Reyn muttered sleepily, laying back on his bed.

[Reyn: Can't sleep. Expecting the thunder.]

[Nix: Great! Can you come meet me outside right now?]

Reyn sat up fast.

"What??"

= = =

Reyn stepped out onto the wet lawn in his sneakers and could feel the water drench his ss. It was nearly pitch black around him; he almost couldn't see his hands holding the umbrella. Yet ahead in the midnight space he could clearly see the outline of some figures standing at the edge of the road by his house. He was glad the dogs had been locked up in the barn because of the rain.

"Nix...? Is that you?" he tentatively called out as he neared. He discerned the lanky figure of his friend. But the other...

A curious sound reached his ears. It didn't seem human.

"Hey Reyn. Good morning," the familiar husky voice of Nix chuckled.

"What are you doing here? I thought you said you weren't going to come by. Why'd you call me out - " Reyn stopped in alarm. Now that he was within feet of them, he could see there were two other individuals with Nix. And they were much larger than he. "Nix...are those...horses...?"

Nix. Horse riding. Nighttime.

Couldn't Nix have picked a better time...?

Reyn smiled. Nix was impossible.

"Thadrin. Kehthre unomid," Nix said.

The soft nicker of a horse and a energetic movement was all Reyn could discern before a warm and blowing nose pushed into him. Reyn reached out his hands in surprise. They came into contact with a firm body. He was right, it was a horse.

"Nix, what is this...?" Reyn struggled to look past the beast ruffling his hair.

"I asked you if you could ride, and you said yes. So I'm dropping off a little guy that needs to be ridden."

A glowing haze appeared around Nix, allowing Reyn to see him better. The brunette suddenly became aware he could see better, not just his friend, but the horses as well. A trick of light or the dark?

"But - "

Nix cut him off. "His name is Thadrin. He's about two years old and the grandson of this guy right here." He patted the unbelievable black coloured white-mane horse standing quietly beside him. "Luckily, my family has been doing this for generations, so you're lucky - you get a written manual from my great-great-gramps."

"Thadrin...?" Reyn said aloud. Now being able to see the animal before him, he could stroke the smooth coat sprinkled with gray and white spots that resembled the great stallion's. He was awed to see the colt's mane was a white colour as well.

The horse shook at its name, settling down slightly. From a stroke across the strong neck though, Reyn felt immense strength. He shivered.

"I don't understand...what are they...." Reyn looked at his friend standing nonchalantly there. "...what are you...?"

Nix smiled. It had been a while since Reyn had seen that smile. Feelings of nostalgia washed over him. It was the same enigmatically reassured smile.

"I'm a descendant of a people known as the Storm Heralds. We supervise weather-inflicting beings such as Thunderstorm Horses to ensure no severe damage affects the environment and civilization. As the movements and moods of Thunderstorm Horses are directly influential to the weather, the duty of people such as I used to be, an Attendant, is to be aware of the well-being of the horse that is assigned to your area.” As he said all this, Nix drew himself up, his expression grave. He held forth a thick and well-worn book. “And only the assigned Attendant can call forth, ride, and direct their horse. Any questions?”

“Are you serious?” Reyn sputtered immediately.

Nix laughed. “I am.”

The brunette took the volume gingerly. “I don’t understand…why me? Isn’t this your job…?”

“I’m technically retired.” Nix held up his hands. “But actually, I’ve only retired from being an attendant. I’m switching jobs,” he answered to Reyn’s questioning eyes. He placed a hand on Storra’s neck. “I’m going to be looking after the retired horses now.” A smile grew on his face. “I want to be able to spend time with the horses I used to be an attendant to. It’s a hard job, to be honest.” He began unconsciously stroking Storra. “But you’re a hard worker. I know you’ll be able to do this. After all, you can ride horses.” Nix smirked.

Reyn started. “So that’s why you wanted to know…” He turned his eyes back to Thadrin, regarding the wondrous steed. A cool wind had picked up around him. Then he noticed the rain had stopped and the glow around the horses was fading.

“What do you think?” Nix asked.

Reyn laughed. “It’s so sudden…”

“No, it isn’t. I told you ahead of time.”

“People normally tell exactly what they want. Not give a few mysterious clues and vanish.”

Nix snickered. “Have I ever once said I was normal…?”

Reyn snorted. “We all figured it out without you saying so.”

A pause followed.

“Do you accept?” Nix asked again.

“You ask as if I had a choice…” Reyn gave a strained smile. But what was there to choose? He hesitated but a moment, considering something. Then, “I accept.”

“Good.” Nix seemed pleased. “For now, Thadrin is free to roam the area and acquaint himself with it. You won’t have to do much unless you sense a problem.”

“Problem?” Reyn frowned.

“There usually isn’t one, depending on the horse,” Nix briefed him quickly. “But I’ll tell you one thing, and that is – thunder will never sound the same to you anymore.”

The smile Nix flashed at Reyn raised questions in the brunette’s mind. Another mystery was added to the scene. He shook his head in wonder at it.

Nix placed a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “That is everything. And I apologize, but I must take my leave now. The previous Storm Horse of the area is only allowed to stay until the new Storm horse has safely arrived. I have to return with my Storra.”

Nix was mounted upon his stallion the next moment. Bareback, Reyn noticed. He glanced at Thadrin. A gesture like a nod was offered him. There was definitely more to these horses than your normal ones.

“Are you going to come back?” Reyn had to ask.

“Of course,” Nix replied in a matter-of-fact tone. “Can’t leave the new Attendant without a few tips. Which reminds me – you don’t need to tell anyone about this.” He held a finger to his lips.

“Nix, I’m sorry to say this, but no one believes anything about you…” Reyn hesitated. “Except a few.”

“I like to keep it that way.” The blush-coloured hair youth smirked. His steed shifted restlessly, feet pawing the ground and giving little shakes of his pearly mane. Nix patted him, and gave a last look at Reyn and the horse that was now his partner. They would make a good team later on, he thought. He held up a hand in a parting gesture. “Text me when you need to. I’ll be in contact.” He paused. “Thank you, Reyn. And good night!”

A vicious wind kicked in the next second, forcing Reyn to close his eyes and stumble back into something, but he had caught a glimpse of Nix and his midnight horse vanish like mist before his eyes. When the gale died down, Reyn found only himself and Thadrin on the road. The horse had posed himself behind the boy, acting as a brace. Reyn flushed and stroked the beautiful coat.

His umbrella lowered and book in hand, Reyn raised his head, feeling a gentle breeze. To his surprise, the clouds had cleared and he was gazing up at a starry sky. Thadrin nickered softly, his head also aimed towards the heavens as if admiring the view as well.

Reyn looked at Thadrin again. In the night atmosphere, his mind couldn’t seem to make up itself if this was a dream, a fantasy, or a made-up story that was playing before him. Yet the horse was there and his could feel something was slightly difference about him than when he had first come out. He felt that…this week was going to be pleasant and sunny.

Thadrin started forward, and Reyn knew he was apt on exploring the area. He felt he himself should return to his room before his absence was discovered. The horse moved towards to the field on the other side of the road…then he looked back. And Reyn knew he’d be seeing Thadrin quite often for the rest of the summer. A few storms were due for the rest of the month.