Maslakhat’s heart pounded loudly in his chest. Spring had finally arrived, and with it trepidation concerning the encounter he was to have with El Aran. His suspicions surrounding the black mare’s significance as it related to the Arabians had been confirmed, and he found himself standing in a very precarious place between the three of them. However, despite his anxiousness, he was absolutely certain this was where he needed to be. In fact, the bay Akhal-Teke had worked for over a year to acquire this degree of leverage. If all went as he hoped, then he would at last be able to close in on what he’d been searching for since he first came to the Islands some time ago. Yusuf.
He snorted loudly, forcing the cool air from his nostrils. The Falls were quiet today despite the fresh green grass that sprouted from the ground in messy patches. To quell his nerves, Maslakhat reached down and tore a few blades from the damp earth and chewed slowly, keeping his ears tuned to any nearby hoof-beats. Certainly El Aran was a mare of her word. After all, she had been the one to decree that they meet again. And here he was, out in the open and exposed—easy for a wandering set of eyes to see.
What if she did not come? He entertained this thought while lifting his head and stamping his hoof impatiently. Then he would look like a fool when the time came to search out Iftikhar and El Halin. They certainly would expect news from him, and if he had none, he suspected they would both turn on him. His entire strategy relied on the half-breed appearing before him now, and if she did not, Maslakhat would need to resort to an entirely different tactic. And it would definitely get ugly.
At last when he noticed her dark shape on the horizon, the Akhal-Teke stallion grinned his Cheshire grin and flicked his tail like a cat anticipating a mouse. Yes, yes, of course she had come. After all, it was she who needed him. He straightened his posture and stood squarely, watching her draw closer with a glint in his deep brown eyes. He was the epitome of composure, firm and strong and capable.
Maslakhat was ready.
MASLAKHAT
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