Reckless was not an ordinary horse. She was small, sturdy, and lived in a noisy, dusty camp. But Reckless loved people, and she loved jobs—especially jobs where she got to meet new friends!

Her very best friend was a soldier named Private Finn. Finn taught Reckless everything: how to stay calm when the air was loud, and how to balance big, clunky bundles on her back.

One morning, Finn came with the heaviest bundle yet. "This is very important, girl," he whispered, patting her nose. "The path ahead is dusty and noisy, but our friends really need this."

Reckless trotted out alone, her ears flicking forward. She had to weave around big rocks and stomp through deep mud. The air smelled smoky, and the path grew steeper.

*Boom! Whoosh!* went the loud sounds nearby. Reckless's heart thumped like a drum. It was scary being alone. But she remembered Finn's words: *our friends really need this.*

Reckless took a deep breath, kicked up her little hooves, and kept going. Faster and steadier than before, she delivered the important bundle right to the soldiers waiting behind the crest of the hill.

The soldiers cheered! They gave Reckless big pats and sweet carrots. But then Reckless noticed something else. Some of her friends were hurt and couldn't walk back to the camp easily.

Reckless lowered herself carefully. She wasn't just a supply horse anymore; she was a rescue taxi! She knew the path, and she knew she could be gentle.

Slowly and sweetly, she carried her injured friends back down the steep path, one by one. She was extra careful not to jostle them. She brought them all home safe.

The generals heard all about the brave mare who rode into danger for her friends. They gave her the greatest honor of all: she was promoted! Sergeant Reckless, the hero horse, had earned her stripes.