As a son of Nyimara, Uhtred is not unfamiliar with the emotions that flash across the young colt’s face. Irritation. He had seen it many many times, especially when he asked particular questions, usually the ones about his father. Maybe if she had been more open with him, he would not have to come here to find out for himself. At least that was what he told himself. Regardless, he was used to it.The backward tilt of the ears, the slight raise of the brow, the switch of the tail, even the huff of exasperation. He had seen it all before and always, it was directed towards him.

The colt’s response however, brings him the first flicker of hope. Though clearly irritated by his response, and no doubt thinking him a bit slow in the brain, the boy did have what Uhtred could only call, a welcoming smile on his lips. ’You don’t live here’ an accusation more than the question Uhtred knows it to be. Salt and pepper locks flip back and forth against his muscular neck as the young stallion shakes his head. ”N…no.” he stutters, doing his best to find that confidence again that brought him here. ”I’m…. Looking for someone.” he murmurs, glancing beyond the dark blue colt towards the grazing stallions that dotted the hillside beyond. As if he would even know what is father looked like. Nyimara had not really been all that clear when she described him. For all he knew, the old palomino stallion that limped up the hill beyond them could be his father. God he hoped not.