Time and space seemed to have done them both good. Xina looked tense but not aggressive, and Şahin was grateful for that. He didn’t want to fight. While he would be there, as any decent stallion would, to defend the herd with his body or mind, the Nez Perce took no pleasure in conflict. He’d had enough of that when he was younger, more bold and stupid than anything else. He’d seen a war and he’d been treated with contempt from horses who’d never made a judgement based on character, and he’d scuffled with others over petty things. He considered himself lucky to have avoided confrontation while on the Islands. Honestly, the closest he’d come was when he told Lyden to leave. Şahin had been certain the spotted male would attack him then.

He flicked his ears toward the mare and focused on her face as she spoke. His breathing slowed and softened as if he feared any sound too loud might interrupt her. When she spoke of Mera’s father he frowned, recalling the odd, unkempt stallion he had met in the Falls with his daughter. That man’s name had been Caspian, though, not Debonaire. He would have to ask if she knew someone— later, when the matter of Conquistador had been taken care of. His first impression of Rade was of a protective brother, and as Xina spoke on Şahin tucked that impression into the back of his mind. He was not one to make judgements of another before speaking with them.

From what little he knew of Xina, however, the mare was not one to exaggerate or engage in dramatics. Rade may not be her son (so he gathered) but she had lived with him. She would have a better idea of his integrity than Şahin, and he accepted this with a low snort. His herd was his priority.

“Of course I will,” he said. He did not let her see the pain that wormed through him that she should even have to ask. He did not know her life story: he did what he could to try not to take her reluctance to open up to him personally. “This herd and the horses within it are my family. I take their protection very seriously. I haven’t met this Debonaire, but Conquistador is a bright child and no matter his lineage, he deserves a good life.” He chewed on his lower lip for a moment, then added, “I’ll have to discuss it with him, of course, but as of right now I have no second in command. Once Conquistador matures he can step into that role, and I will groom him further as an adult. That would keep him under our eyes and protection until he is capable of taking care of himself.” Şahin’s dark eyes had dropped to the mare’s knees as he spoke, not out of deference but deep thought, and now they swung back to Xina’s face. “If that is agreeable to you, I’ll bring it up to the boy myself.”