| �I can�t believe how fast the scenery changes,� Kevin said as he looked around him in awe. Before crossing the stream, the land had been green and thriving, dotted with trees of every type. Now, just a few minutes after crossing, the land began to turn brown and dusty. The only trees were the occasional cacti. �I think that�s what I love most about the land here. It changes from one extreme to the other in a blink of an eye. There�s always something new to see and the beauty is breathtaking,� I said, still a little in awe myself even after all these years. �Exactly,� he breathed, his tone was one of wonderment. We rode on a mile or so more and I glanced at the sky and noticed farther on up in the hills that it was dark gray. I had been keeping an eye on the sky, making sure we would be able to reach shelter before the storm broke over top of us and I still felt confident that we could. We came upon a dry wash and I paused at the edge and surveyed the sky again. Deciding it was safe to cross, I turned in my saddle and spoke to Kevin. �We need to cross here, but we need to be fast about it. It�s raining up in the hills and if its heavy, it will turn this dry wash into a raging river in a matter of seconds. If you don�t want to go with me, that�s fine.� �I�m game,� Kevin said as he too was watching the sky. Taking him at his word I began to cross, making sure Kevin stayed close to me. We had gotten a little more than half way across when I heard it. It was the unmistakable sound of rushing water. I knew what was happening and I shouted at Kevin as I gigged Mayhem in the sides. �Run!� I screamed as Mayhem heeded my commands. I looked over my shoulder and sighed in relief when I saw Kevin riding directly behind me. The rushing sound of water was growing louder and I turned my head to the right to gage the distance. What I saw stole my breath. Less than a quarter mile away the wall of water was bearing down on us. Oh God, please let us reach the other side, I prayed as I urged Mayhem on. A moment later, Mayhem�s hooves touched the ground on the other side of the wash and I sighed in relief. I turned around to see how Kevin was doing and my eyes widened. Kevin�s horse had stumbled. CCC Index Chapter 6 Main Page |