Author: Allison Thompson, Malaki, Lillie, Korinthia Guenther
Written: 7/2/2019
Here is the harrowing story of the 4 stallions and the king:
It was a day like any other. Allison, Jereme (The King), and 3 stallions(Malaki, Lillie, Korinthia), embarked on a journey to “enjoy” sunshine at Foster Lake (Much to the King’s dismay). All 5 arrived and staked out the most opportune spot available on the shore for both sun and fun. Everyone enjoyed several minutes of sun bathing and enjoying the views that Foster Lake provided.
The three youngest stallions, ventured out into the water to gauge its temperature and depth. They were successful in determining that the water was both “inhabitable” and “comfortable.” The 3 youngest stallions approached Allison and the King dutifully. They presented them with their findings.
Allison was welcoming of the information and agreed to venture out into the water. The king was less welcoming of this information. He protested that the water was simply too cold. Allison pointed out that there was a circular flotation device that could be used to perch the king in such a fashion as to avoid too much water submersion while enjoying being out in the water. The King agreed (after several minutes of persistent persuasion) that as long as the water was not splashed upon him he would get into the water. He then made a clear threat that if too much water was splashed on him, he would swim back to shore and would never again enter the water. Accepting the challenge, Allison joined the ranks of the stallions and agreed to assist them in any way needed. The now 4 stallions placed the circular flotation device in the water and perched it in a place where the king would easily access it and sit in it. The king entered the circular flotation device in a way that he was comfortable with his level of water contact without getting too wet.
There was a large log/makeshift boat that was found in the initial search that was offered to be used as a second flotation device and a lead like a harness for a plow, for the kings chariot. The 4 stallions entered the water with the king. The youngest stallion suggested the buoy in the distance as a great destination. They agreed with each other that they would carry the king to the buoy that marked the edge of their dominion. All 4 agreed that was an ambitious yet attainable goal.
To begin, they attached a rope to the circular flotation device and the large log that was found to make a chariot for the king.The 4 stallions submerged themselves up to their necks. They kicked and kicked to propel the king. The stallions kicked as hard as they could with their arms firmly grasping the lead log. They strategically placed themselves in a place to propel themselves forward evenly toward their goal. Part way through the journey, the stallions grew weary. Their legs ached and their arms were sore and tired. The 4 stallions devised a plan to rotate their placement on the tow log to ensure that no one got too tired. At one point the stallions were unsure if the could make it any longer. They were tired and were about to give up. As they approached the end of their dominion (and the buoy that went with it) they realized that their prize was in sight. They all looked back at the king. The king had a sour look on his face. He had been splashed with water in the stallions effort to propel him forward.
The king expressed his discomfort in being wet. The stallions ensured him that they would not let him fall into the water ( Even though the youngest stallion really wanted to knock him off) and continued on. All 4 stallions propelled forward and endured to the end goal of the bouy that signaled the end of their journey. Once at the buoy everyone took turns touching it. All 4 stallions were excited to reach their goal. The King was asked to touch the buoy as a symbol of their victory. He daned to reach out his foot and touch the mere tip of the buoy with his right big toe.
After a brief victory and a rest, the 4 stallions looked back to the shore. They realized that there was much work ahead of them. They reorganized their ranks and determined that the flow of the water meant that they would have to try even harder to get back to the shore in the same spot that they began their journey.They looked at the king. He expressed his displeasure in being made to get into the water in the first place, and made sure that everyone knew it. The 4 stallions acknowledged that they knew he wanted to reach shore soon. They kicked as fast as the water could carry them.
There were moments of stomach ache, moments of muscle fatigue, and the residual waves of the ever so fancy boats and jet skis in the distance. There were moments of arguing and moments of satisfaction. The stallions led the king to the shore. The king was again on land without a scratch (although if you ask him, his was the worst journey of all). The 4 stallions watched as the king enjoyed warmth and sun after his treacherous trek into the unknown.