They awoke the next day. And started their preparations for
return home. Fortunately, he had spotted a rabbit. And they had rabbit stew for
breakfast. The puppies finished off the rabbit stew. He set the aircraft controls
into drone mode. So that they would stay within 5 miles of their location. Leap
frogging ahead, he would use their Cameras, with the heads up display from
their Hats, he could investigate the area ahead of them. They would also help
pick out the way home using the drones' cameras he used his heads-up display to
find the easiest terrain to ride the horses. The stud only partially broken
bucked him from his back six times along the way, every time he spotted
something that made him flinch. But Michael managed to hang on to the lead rope
on each occasion. Finally, he had had enough and started leading the Stallion
behind him, the Stud still feeling his oats, would occasionally move forward
and try to bite, but Micheal was too fast, he would almost without looking,
swat the horse's nose with and open hand. Finally, after an hour of walking,
they saw the drones ahead parked with their solar array deployed, the area was
open and there was plenty of grass for the herd to graze. He handed the lead
line to Sandra and spooled off some cable, clipping it a pair of cutters from
the crafts toolbox, he hooked the cable around a small sapling and the other
end attached to the Stud's lead rope, giving him plenty of room to feed. Sandra
just dropped the rein and her horse stayed close. He did not feel bad for
having to walk, his butt was already hurting from the little bit of riding he
had done. He had read, that the Indian riders could go all day bare back.
Staring at the benches on the drones. An idea came into his head. They even
look like saddles. From the pictures of the old westerns. Held in with six
straps. The seats had a small back on them to keep you from sliding off. But
they were still only about 2 ½ feet long. Using an adjustable wrench. He took the bolts
loose that attached the seat to the drone. After completely removing both
seats. He experimented with the mare first, because she was the most Docile. He
places one of their blankets on the mares back to avoid damage to her skin,
then placed the padded bench on top of it. He connected the front and rear
strap under her belly and adjusted them tightly. He then added wench handles to
either side for stirrups. Sandra quickly leapt aboard her mount and rode her
around, shouting enthusiastic thanks to her lover, for her ass was sore as
hell. He repeated the same process with the Stallion; he was not as
cooperative. He finally tied the stud very close to the sapling limiting his
movements, finishing his saddling of the stud, he climbed aboard, the horse
pitched and bucked a few times but quickly gave up. Michael thought it was much
better.
With padding on the horses back he ordered the drones
forward, as they moved out, he reviewed the Terrain, at almost five miles ahead
he saw in the distance what looked like a small river. He thought he would try
something new and kicked the stud up to a trot and about half an hour later
they caught up with the drones. Sandra pulled up and started swearing at him,
this old mare and I are not up to that speed yet, he grinned and apologized. We
are only about four miles from here to a river, do you think you can make
another four, she nodded her head and said walking speed only. Another hour
they made it to the river and set up camp.
Laying in his arms Sandra and the pups slept soundly. About
the break of dawn, Michael's eyes snapped open, the stallion was raising hell,
the Hat Light popped on and he saw several wolves running away. Unfortunately,
one had got close to the big stud, and got her head crushed from the horse's
mighty kick, out of the dark a little wolf cub appeared, it looked to be only a
few months old, it whined and sniffed her fallen mom, which of course melted
Sandra's heart. They still had a long way to go and there was not much water
between their location and the bunker, so leap-frogging the drones they made
their way back. Upon seeing the facility, he signaled the drones to return
home. When they got close Michael called for Jeff to open the doors, and they
drove the horses inside the great hall, since there was not a fenced in area to
keep them, they would have to remain inside for the time being.
Jeff met him at the door, hey man you gave me a scare when
those empty drones landed on the roof, Jeff said. Sorry Jeff, can you help
organize some people to build a large corral, and help Sandra with their care,
Michael asked? I will get the need tools from the basement. Please inform
everyone they are not to be eaten; we will need them for plough horses very
soon.