Hollywood Zenith

" Where are we going?" Anya asked again as she followed Samuel along the trail.

" You will see. It's just ahead in the next clearing." Samuel advised them to be patient.

" Here, Father forbade us to come here for a few days. He said there has been some construction going on." Grey said when he saw the hastily constructed wooden blinds at a distance.

It was not very far from the main mansion, but this place was largely laden with nature. It was a perfect place if one were to do any extracurricular activities. Grey would often visit this place along with others; in contrast to the quiet appearance, he loved to explore.

" I see you have been coming here often."

" Yes."

They came to the entrance, which some people were guarding diligently. They gave him a respectful greeting as soon as they saw him coming.

" Is everything ready?" Samuel asked.

" Yes, sir, but we still haven't unloaded them." One of the guards informed.

" Well, it's for the best. I wanted them to be the first to see it."

Everyone entered the area, and a vast field and some fences lay in front of them. Looking at it, it was evident that it was some sort of ranch still being constructed. Few people could be seen working in the distance.

" What is this?"

" I remember tall grasses and weeds in this area."

" Right; there was also a small flower garden here."

Those who visited this place were surprised to see it change. It was not too long ago they visited this place to play.

" Brother, what are we doing here?" Greyson asked. He was not too happy with this development. It was one of the few places that he loved inside the estate.

" It's regarding your eight's birthday. I decided to give you the present early." Samuel said with a smile.

" But I don't think doing this was a good idea."

" Believe me, it was necessary. You will know in a moment." Samuel took them to a container where familiar noises could be heard.

" Is that what I think it is?" Greyson was surprised.

" Yes." While enjoying their expression, one of the kids moved independently and directly went for the handle.

" Basmus, wait!" Samuel tried to warn him, but he was too late. The large container door was opened with a loud click. It seemed like the door was loose, as Basmus didn't have to struggle to open it.

Basmus didn't have time to react as one large shadow approached him. It was fortunate that Samuel was present as he lunged lightning-fast and tackled him out of the way.

A majestic black horse came into view. His pitch-black body radiated extraordinary luster signifying his special breed. It neighed as it tried to kick away any intruder with its frontal foot that was in the vicinity.

After saving Basmus from what could have been a fatal injury, Samuel moved toward the horse slowly. Other children were already frightened, but the guards acted as human shields while trying to calm the horse down.

Samuel noticed that the door was still open, so he closed it and regained his slow march toward the supreme beast. The horse also saw Samuel's arrival as it turned its attention toward him.

" Sjors! Stop!" The horse tried to kick him, too, but Samuel avoided it. It seemed Samuel had to do something else.

Sjors are from a rare breed of horses called the Friesian breed, mainly found in the Netherlands, with an average height of three meters and length of four meters. It was a massive horse that easily dwarfed Samuel's stature.

It's an extraordinary breed with an exceptional character. They have a gentle nature; one could call them the Harley Davidson of horses. They were magnificent horses with fantastic bodies; they hadn't got a single inadequate bone in their body.

An enormous animal was trying to hurt Samuel but could hardly match Samuel's speed. He avoided its attack and covered the distance between them. Samuel didn't stop calling out to him.

" Sjor, girl. I am here. Don't you remember me? No one will hurt you." Samuel touched his back and said with a consoling voice.

*neigh* *neigh* *neigh*

It struggled a bit, but feeling the familiar touch soon calmed down. Samuel touched his forehead just for good measure. It felt like Sjor was quite agitated inside the cage-like container. Samuel had no other choice; the space needed to transport this many horses meant he had to put them in the small container during the flight.

" That's right. Good girl."

"Is everything alright, sir? I am terribly sorry for not being here."A middle age man with a thick accent presented himself in front of everyone.

He was Charlie O'Brien, who was employed by Samuel to look after the newly formed ranch. As an Irishman, his accent was easily recognizable throughout Great Britain.

" It's alright. She was a little nervous, but everything is under control." Samuel said while patting Sjors head.

" But sir, I heard screams and-"

" The kids were a little frightened but will be okay." He handed Sjor to him and inspected Basmus for any injuries. They were minor scratches, and nothing seemed to be broken.

" Are you alright?"

" Yes, I am fine. I am sorry, I didn't know.." Basmus was clearly regretful for acting on his own. Samuel patted his head and said," It's okay if you are okay. Come."

He carried the little boy to the group. Wynonna and Anya were still shaking, but Grey and Kenneth seemed to be doing much better.

" Big brother, I don't think I can do it," Greyson told the truth.

" That's right. You can't accept us to ride that thing?" Anya said in unison. Whether it was her fear speaking, it was up for interpretation. Others shared the same sentiment as they looked very reluctant about the door. There were clearly more horses inside from the noise, but no one wanted to look inside anymore.

" You don't have to worry about it." To rip the band-aid off, Samuel opened the door himself.

What came out were miniature horses; several of them quietly exited the door. They were not as violent as Sjor but curious about their new environment. Samuel skillfully patted them one by one as they centered around him.

" Small horses!"

" Idiot, that is a pony. Am I right?"

" Ponies?"