The early mornings belonged to him. He was grateful for the quiet time he stood apart from the mares of his herd. He could watch from here, counting the dark bodies with pride. He liked a large group. He enjoyed seeing the mares. Most of them had dropped their foals and the other dark and painted forms were scattered about. There were the three middle-sized fillies all but ready to take the world. Then there were the other small forms still close to their dams.

It made him proud. Movement however caught his eye as one of the little forms attempted to sneak through the bodies. He narrowed his eyes, trying to focus on the dark form. The mystery was soon solved by little voice that cried out.

Seemed like Luana had passed on a little of her own mischievousness to her brother. At least she tended to sleep late now. The little black colt however approached at full speed and Soljor had to side-step to avoid colliding with the boy.

“Slow down there, Kodiak,” Soljor said. “Where are you trying to get to at that speed?”