Yusuf ambled onward following the unmistakable scent of fresh water with his velvet nostrils flaring. He would make it there eventually, or least he hoped he would. Haste was hardly the blind stallion’s forte.

Hoofbeats resounded and Yusuf stopped, lifting his head and twisting his ears about to determine the source. Perhaps Orhan would find him before he reached the oasis. The female voice that came instead was unexpected, but friendly enough and Yusuf thought it seemed slightly familiar despite not being able to place it precisely.

“Oh, hello,” he responded trying not to sound too disappointed. “Sure that would be very nice.”

It actually would be—Yusuf was not used to company of any sort, let alone friendly company. Even though he was looking for Orhan, he didn’t mind walking with this mare. They were headed the same way and perhaps he would get to where he was going at a more reasonable pace with her nearby.

A’idah, rumbled the mare’s name on the lead stallion’s lips and Yusuf found himself stopped in his tracks. He remembered how she seemed familiar now. She was there the day El Aran had tried to kill him, another recipient of the unwieldy mare’s fury. Yusuf took a deep, sharp breath, remembering the fear that overcame him when he lay in the surf coughing up saltwater on the first day he had come to the desert, however accidentally. The gods had brought him here, he remembered too, but he still had no idea why.

“Well enough,” the mahogany stallion replied when Orhan acknowledged him. “I am glad we have crossed paths again Orhan, and if it’s convenient for you to speak with me now I’d like to do so.”

He paused a moment, wondering if perhaps A’idah’s presence here would cause him to procrastinate the conversation further. “Though I understand if you would rather converse another time.”

Yusuf would run forever if he let him.



-yusuf