M A G N U S
LUCKILY for the spotted boy, the two-toned mare seemed to understand that he was not a threat and began to respond accordingly as he directed her. When they reached the shore, pebbles crunching beneath their hooves, both needed a moment to catch their breaths. Magnus's heart beat heavily in his chest, the blood rushing loudly between his ears. Adrenaline pounded through his veins. He had been worried that he was going to be the cause of her death – that his decision to drive her to his home was going to result in her drowning in the middle of the ocean. He had never felt that kind of responsibility before. Sure he'd feel somewhat responsible if a predator got too close to the herd and someone got hurt or killed but that was more indirect responsibility. If the mare had drown, that was solely on him. Fortunately it hadn't come to that, but the adrenaline still fluttered around his body.

WHEN the mare had recovered slightly, she turned to look at him. Although he already presumed that her eyesight was compromised, catching sight of her eyes proved for certain that they were useless. He wondered how she had made it this far in life, and to the islands unaccompanied for that matter, with no way of seeing where she was going. His senses were well trained but he didn't think he could be without his sight.

THE silver and black mare thanked him and he grimaced slightly. but quickly set it aside. She was here now and that’s all that mattered. ”No problem, and sorry for startling you. I didn’t realise you, uh, couldn’t see very well.” he paused a moment, thinking it over, ”Can you see anything at all?” he wondered aloud.

ONLY THE STRONG WILL SURVIVE