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The slender Akhal-Teke led the way back to the Peak through the cold ocean, keeping her focus on the task of ensuring that Vanya and her son would arrive unharmed and free from whatever oppression previously befell them. In truth, the red mare wasn’t privy to what kind of herd the stallion of the Paradise had been keeping—she had simply seen the pain in the faces of the two mares in the moonlit clearing, and overheard the quiet words of worry for their well-being when she had come upon them. If there was a wrong to be righted, and she saw an opportunity to offer a choice for one of them to change their lives for the better, it was the least she could do to present it.

Nekharat was no fool; she knew there would be repercussions for her actions. Whether in the form of the stallion paying the Peak a visit, or worse. Of course, whatever the effects presented from the pot she stirred, she was prepared to take responsibility. Even if the Vulcans themselves disagreed with what she had done, she could accept it their judgements rightly. She was not afraid of judgement, nor did she act for the pleasure or praise from others. It would have been just as well if Vanya or the black and white mare never said a single thank you—in her mind there was no need to thank someone for bestowing a right upon them that they should have already had.

When they arrived, the light of dawn had crested the edge of the towering mountain, casting the fields at the foot of the Peak in a soft, amber-pink light. Nekharat breathed the cool air in deeply, finding the chill invigorating. She gave Vanya and her son space to adjust, standing within earshot as she grazed idly, just in case she had any questions.

She lifted her head, flicking her ears forward as she thanked her, and Nekharat bobbed her nose softly and kindly acknowledged her gratitude. Her next question gave her pause, and she took a step or two closer before responding.

“Perhaps,” she began. “Though it may be wiser for her to wait until her child is born, before traveling a significant distance across the ocean.”

Nekharat had not considered the risk an escape attempt might have posed for her until this moment, though it might have been a decision between the lesser of two evils. “If she were to stay there much longer, do you imagine she’d be in grave danger?"

NEKHARAT