Wren had chosen to take a nap under a shady palm, near the beach, when Belikov had wandered away. The mother wasn’t so preoccupied with rest that she didn’t notice, but he was getting bigger and was apt to explore. Perhaps it would help get his mind off things, and to help him get more adjusted to this new life. What Wren didn’t expect, was for the things that had happened with her son while he was away.


The sabino mare was grazing near the same spot she had been before, when Belikov had left. The sun dappled her sleek skin, and the warmer climate seemed to be treating her much better. Already she had shown signs of gaining weight, and not from carrying a child. When her son returned, she raised her head to playfully snuffle his forelock before perking her ears towards the mare that followed.


“It is a pleasure, Siobhan.” Wren greeted, offering a friendly smile. “I hope all has been well today?” But the mare had the sinking feeling that it had not, since her son had been escorted back to her side.