At first he was elated to hear Conquistador accept his offer, but Şahin curbed his enthusiasm as the boy continued, with but leading a long line of what the boy must have meant when he spoke of complications. The Nez Perce stood in silence beside the young colt and continued to stare out at sea, his body relaxed and his expression neutral as he considered what Conquistador told him. When he felt the boy’s eyes on him, Şahin glanced down and offered a quick smile.

“Do you want to go with him, wherever it is he’s threatened to take you? Not for the sake of the safety of your family and your herd —although it is very mature of you to consider their well-being before your own, Conquistador, and just one more reason why I feel you’ll be an excellent second-in-command here. Think selfishly for a moment. If your brother came today, would you want to go with him?” He watched Conquistador’s face and waited for the colt to process what he had asked and to come up with an answer.

“Here is how I see this situation,” he continued in an even voice. “While it is admirable and deserving of thanks that your brother saved your life and brought you here to us, it does not make you beholden to him. As you said, he is your brother. It is right that your sibling saved you and placed you in a good herd that could protect you.” Nevermind the fact that it was done secretly and almost entirely with Şahin knowing. He would thank Rade, if he met him, for bringing Conquistador to Paradise, but beyond that the shining palomino would likely want nothing more to do with the other stallion. Conquistador’s earnest concern and Xina’s warnings coupled with the secrecy involved in this whole situation had begun to make him wary of a potential visit from the colt’s brother. “But your life is your own now,” he said before he could get carried any further away by his thoughts.

“And if your answer to my question is ‘no,’ then stay here. I can teach you how to fight, and together the two of us and the mares, yes, Dia and Xina and whoever else comes to stay with us will all work together to protect each other. We are your family, too, Conquistador, and it is by choice rather than bloodlines. Personally I think that is a much stronger bond.” Şahin’s eyes stayed on Conquistador’s face and he waited, hoping the boy would believe him.

His brother was just a nightmare, for now, something that could easily be dispersed by daylight and the unconditional love of a herd. Şahin would not let the boy be taken anywhere if it was not by Conquistador’s own decision, one made without duress.