ORHAN
From the shade of a distant tree, Orhan had watched the entire thing unfold with the cold fist of horror around his heart.
He knew Shamwari’s russet color and muscular build well enough to tell it was he that had challenged Koray, and at first Orhan did not understand why until he remembered two things: firstly, that Vita Nova was Shamwari’s sister; and secondly, that Koray seemed to have trashed the few alliances the desert held while Orhan was away. Perhaps Shamwari had got wind that Vita Nova was unhappy here; perhaps he was simply peeved that Koray gave him none of the respect Orhan had.
It pained him to see his son and his ally fight. He rooted for both and neither at the same time, and when it was done - when he saw his son receive a bone-shaking hit, then turn and flee - Orhan did not know what to feel. He was relieved and devastated at the same time. One thing he knew for certain was that this fight would have dire consequences for his herd.
His suspicions grew stronger when he heard Vita Nova summon him. Hurrying to reach her as fast as his lame front leg would allow, Orhan quickly saw the raw emotion written on the young mare’s face and in every line of her posture. Indira had reached her first, however, and when Orhan finally neared them, he shot his daughter a wary glance before giving his full attention to Nova.
His face was grave. “I heard your call,” he told her, his eyes searching hers, “and I saw the fight. Nova, what is going on? Why was your brother here?”
ARABIAN/AKHAL-TEKE/MUSTANG; 15’1HH; BUCKSKIN; 13 |