The Intriguing Black Mare
She gazes at you with eyes like green fire.
This is part of a Choose Your Own Adventure story, Through the Black Door. Go back to the first chapter. You can also return to the previous chapter: “Blocked By the Falling Tree,” or “The Beckoning Light in the Distance.” Check out the chapter guide.
As you look around for the mare, you glance back at the forest where you came from.
The trees have a grim and foreboding aura. You hope you won’t have to search for the horse in the woods, as something tells you that the trees are not your friends tonight.
Just as you wonder how you could possibly find the elusive black mare, you hear a familiar whinny. You shoot a startled glance to your right.
Like a beautiful fiend, she stands a few feet away. She gazes at you with eyes like green fire.
You and the mare stare at each other for what feels like ages. At last, you hear her speak. “Do you still remember me?”
You are aghast. “How could I have ever met you?” But even as you say that, you feel something touching the edges of your consciousness. Somewhere in your memories is an echo, a disturbing echo.
The mare shakes her fine head. “I hope you will be the one to save us. But if you can’t remember, then we might have given our favor to the wrong person.”
She begins to trot away.
“Wait!” you exclaim. “What memories? Please, whatever it is, I want to help you.” You think about the mysterious letter that the mare had dropped beside your father’s coffin, along with a strange bouquet. You have so many unanswered questions, that you can’t bear the thought of losing her again so soon.
The mare appraises you with her glowing green eyes. She’s more alien than horse. Her gaze is full of scorn, but also pity. Then she asks, “Do you remember who Asha Bluebell is?”
That echo at the border of your consciousness grows louder. A hidden block to your memories falls away, and painful images of your past rush back into your mind.
