A FRIEND IN NEED
The gambler in Heyes lost this bet and he almost lost his life too. You had me surprised that the Kid didn't see or rescue Heyes. Poor Kid Curry having to go through the grief of losing his best friend and partner. Loved the reunion and the thank you to his rescuer. Wonderful story!
Penski: May, 2025
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Enjoyed this. Relieved that Heyes was rescued by the horse, who knew to take him to good people. Hopefully next time he'll think twice about taking a dangerous route just to save time. Glad to see another story from you.
Rachel74: May 2025
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Who’d have thought it! That’s what anybody Heyes retold this story to would say 😊 A lovely idea, that such an animal could, or would do such a thing. I felt for Kid, believing his partner to be dead, but overall this story has a real feel-good vibe to it. I’m sure the horse would indeed have held a special place in Heyes’s heart. Thanks for a lovely story.
Leah: May 2025
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I really enjoyed this Eleanor, I’m so glad you’re writing again, I always enjoy your stories. I felt Heyes pain and The Kid’s grief as if I was there. What a beautiful connection between man and beast. Beautifully written.
Helen Reeves: May 2025
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Lady, you haven't lost your ability to bring emotion to anything you write. It brought tears and joy at the same time! A beautiful way to get your feet wet again. Another memorable story. I'm so proud of you! Love ya Lady
EmberRose: May 2025
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A really good story. Heyes' slide down the mountain was un-nerving as was the pain. Animals are truly amazing and at times are God sent to do amazing things. Poor Kid, at a complete loss as to what to do. The horse found the right people to care for Heyes. I am really glad that Heyes and the horse met up again.
ingin6: May 2025
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Eleanor, always delightful to see a new story from you! This one was very heartwarming. Heyes managing to get himself in trouble without the Kid around to help him. The Kid believing that this trouble had lead to his friend's death. And a dark horse (figure of speech, LOL) intervening to see that their strong relationship would no longer have to suffer. The horse seemed to be an angel from Heaven; an intriguing twist to the story. Loved it! Keep writing these wonderful stories!
Viki: May 2025
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Wonderful story, I love all the emotions involved and so characteristic of both Heyes and Curry. I firmly believe there are animals that can sense that someone needs help and will do what they can to rescue them. This is such a beautiful tale of love and caring, thank you for sharing.
Desert Sundown: September 2025
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Lovely story all around the word "friend" Actually, up to date in every time.
There are times when your best friend can't be at your side. You are completely relying on yourself. Instinctly, deep down inside, we have a hunch our decision is not a good one. Nevertheless you throw caution to the winds. Perfectly captured in Heyes's, "Natural self confidence and instinct to tempt fate." Sometimes stakes are too high.... But likely for a man, who loves to take the easy way.
Your story is written visually. Moving and comprehensible with chosen expressions as "watching in morbid fascination" I'm sure everyone of us has experienced such a feeling. You know something will happen, but if it really happens, you can't believe it and it doesn't help that you're cursing yourself. Altogether, a well described dark haired ex - outlaw.
Also, your description of Kid is right on the spot. Close friends know each other by heart, but with some things you wouldn't have imagined they would really do unwise things. Unfortunately, you can't prevent everything.
I can see the difficulties Kid must have experienced. I get the picture of him wallowing in grief. I love the idea of the white stallion rescuing Heyes. A wild animal, strong and independent, risking his life to help a human being. He's something special, too. You can see similarities between those two. Of course you're one of the most experienced writers, and very sure footed regarding Heyes's and Curry's characters, together with catching the spirit of the series. So, well done your usage of their silent communication. Beautiful scene at the end - appreciation of another kind of friend.
Great reference to your title, "a friend in need being a friend indeed" - no matter who or what.
A story out of the ordinary. Fate and luck, provided by another extraordinary living being. Well done in combination with hurt/comfort.
Dan Ker [abridged]: October 2025
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