Indian Hemp is sucking down sweet waters when he hears a whisper of his name. His head comes up and his eyes fall on the red mare. Water drips from his mouth in the most unflattering way and his eyes are wide with surprise. Maybe he didn't imagine her voice. Or maybe he is imagining this image too.

"Chianti?" Indian hemp echos back, as she is backpedaling away. He takes a step forward, sinking into the silt, and then she has a change of heart. The mare crosses the water and joins him on the south bank.

Indian Hemp remains motionless, and tense. He watches carefully, with his ears turning, and his eyes noting her empty sides. Chianti comes close, and hesitates for only a moment before pressing into him. Indian Hemp stands a solid force, confused and searching her face for answers.

The stallion barely hears her words. No sooner does she fall quiet, does Indian Hemp chime in with a tone of urgency. "Where is Indy, Chianti? Is she okay? Has something happened?" The noises of the forest fade to where Indian Hemp hears nothing but the pounding of his own heart in his ears. He is falling, falling down into every worried father's worst nightmare. He pictures the worst: predators, starvation, a great fall off a cliff. He should have searched harder for them when he discovered Chianti and Indy missing! If something's happened to the precious filly, he will never forgive himself for his neglect. He resolves never to let a child of his out of his sights again.