Indira wars with what to do after she's rested, but her tired mind can't pin down the best solution. She should lie low, avoid the forest until Raider has some time to forget about her, but Indira isn't living just for herself anymore. She has Evren, Persephone, Tarek, Hannah, Kalayani, and all of her grandchildren to think about. She can't leave them alone in times of war, but she also can't be the bait that draws raider back to their shores. There is a risk in every choice.

The mare's muscles scream with every step. Fatigue begs her to stop right here, to sink into the sandy earth, and let sleep find her in the shade of the palms, but a strong will propels her ever onward, putting distance between herself and Raider. Indira hopes she doesn't run into anyone but a war has left everyone on edge, friend or foe. It's unfortunate her circumstances have found her wandering vulnerable through enemy territory.

A figure materializes around the bend. A fresh shot of adrenaline gathers the muscles under Indira's painted skin. She comes to a tense halt, lifts her head, and draws her ears back in warning. One whole ear pins flat, and the other, a torn and ragged stump, spins the other way.

The silver flash of his mane triggers a memory. Indira is back in the forest on a dark and gloomy night. Screams of pain and aggression alike rend the midnight air. There is her sister, diving into the fray, and after her, a silver-maned stallion.

Indira's heart beats and ever-increasing rhythm in her chest, and her stomach turns with unease. His body language isn't immediately aggressive, but he must know, they are not allies. The mare takes a halting step back. Her lips peel back, and her mouth opens, ready to bite, but she won't initiate the first attack. She is in no condition to win a fight, but she'll do whatever she has to to survive.

Memories of Rougaru, the gentleman in the Desert, remain buried beneath fresh memories of war. What will it take to draw them out of her?