The other stallion is naturally curious as to why he chose this place, of all the places among the islands to settle, and Al-Hattaal paused a moment to gather his thoughts on his inquiry. Why was he drawn here? Perhaps it was because it was the only island he had traveled to since he arrived here a few years ago, so in a strange land it was most familiar. Or maybe it had something to do with Avangeline—he missed her company terribly and this place made him nostalgic.

“Well to be honest, I haven’t traveled these islands very much but I have been here before and had a rather pleasant time.” He paused a moment to study Shamwari’s reaction. “I don’t remember meeting you then, but there was another stallion and a palomino mare. Not sure I got their names.”

“In either case,” he continued. “I am tired of always being on the move, and would appreciate having a place to settle into for awhile.”

Al-Hattaal wasn’t sure how long he really could stay, but all he knew was that he didn’t want El Halin or Iftikhar to find him. Even finding his sister again (whom he was convinced was not among these islands anyway) would only bring him back to the chaos he had decided he had to escape from. Plus there was the lovely Bai—and even though they hadn’t known each other that long, he found himself thinking of ways he could provide some degree of security for her. He would not fail her the way he failed Avangeline. And if the buckskin Akhal-Teke ever resurfaced again, perhaps she would think to look here.

A L - H A T T A A L
Zaman sana uymazsa sen zamana uy.