Something stirs among the islands and it makes Vihaan uneasy. Ever since Shamwari’s departure, she had taken to patrolling the borders, helping Cain where she could to ensure the safety of their growing herd. Today, she finds herself standing at the easternmost point of the desert, staring out to sea. (She does not know that, months earlier, her mother had been standing in this exact spot, looking northeast towards Luthien beyond the island of Atlantis, dreaming of Home).

The dunalino mare, wiry and alert, takes a step into the bubbling surf as her copper eyes detect the signs of movement in the distance, and immediately she calls for Cain, her heartbeat turning frantic as a sense of dread settles heavily upon her.

Just as he has in the past, Cain does not fail to come to her when she needs him. She greets him gratefully, no matter any tension that may linger between them in the wake of the Prairie King’s departure and Vihaan’s decision to remain in the Desert with her son, who was still young but growing stronger every day. With a thrust of her muzzle, Vihaan directs his attention to the island in the distance.

“Many figures, swimming from Atlantis,” she says, unable and unwilling to hide the concern in her voice. “I fear for my family on Luthien.” Vihaan splashes into the surf a few strides, before she turns her back on the ocean, on the troublesome sight, and the distant smudge of Luthien on the horizon, giving Cain her undivided attention, and focusing on him alone.

“Will you let me go to them? Everglow, and my mother... I need to make sure they are alright. I do this for them, and for myself.” The mare feels the saltwater swirl about her legs, and she reaches for the black and white male, pressing a light but lingering touch upon him, their muzzles coming together, as they breathe one breath. “Please... Will you let me go, and trust that I will come back to Akello?” Her eyes are soft and steady as she holds his gaze, and Vihaan whispers only three more words. “And to you.”

Vihaan