Maslakhat had done well, despite his meddling, and Valve felt something like pride at her nephew’s ability to manipulate the half-breed son of the blind seer. He had learned well, and as long as Orhan actually did as the false message from El Aran instructed, she was certain he would not present a problem when the time came for their ambush. After all, he was her son—and sons tended to want to obey their mothers, however estranged their relationship. It was an instinctive and powerful force, and a worthy tool for a means to an end.

Iftikhar no doubt knew this as well, and now that Valve was aware of the red mare’s relationship with Gabbar, she felt it was critical that she reconnect with the bay Arabian. If she had already sought out her son, Valve needed to know what had been said, as well as precisely what their plan was in regard to him, and whether it was simple or elaborate.

As she crossed the border from the Desert to the Dunes, she lifted her nose to the wind and searched for any sign of Gabbar. There was no doubt in her mind that he would tell her everything he knew, filling her in on what happened from his perspective in as forthcoming a manner as she was used to. All she needed to do was ask the proper questions—a task she was made for.

Pausing atop a large dune, Valve whinnied into the air and watched the horizon for any sign of Gabbar’s graceful movement in her direction. With her ears pricked forward and her tail lifted ever so slightly, she looked forward to the impending reunion with her pureblooded compatriot. Soon, there would be another battle at their hooves. And they will fight readily.

VALVE
slenderman x black heart machine