Chapter 139

Everyone gathered in front courtyard to bid farewell to Tsuruko and Kojiro. Uncle and Kojiro had both worked with the laborers sent by Lord Eitaro to get the horses set up in their new domain. At Red Wind's request, they had also set off a small paddock where she could give birth and stay with her foal until she thought it was safe to let Blackie meet his child face to face. It was all complete.

"Stuff and nonsense," Blackie had said, "but it is the custom for mares to keep the foals from the stallions until they can run. With only the two of us here, there are no problems."

"No problems that you know of," answered Red Wind. "But you won't know for sure until the foal is born. I want this and I will have it. We must get more mares!"

"I'd like more mares," Blackie agreed. A stallion's worth, especially his self-worth, was often measured by the number of mares who found him a satisfactory protector and sire.