They exchanged side laden glances at each other as they walked, and Maslakhat found himself silently wondering how their relationship might evolve as time passed. Sidika was not like many of the other Akhal-Teke mares he had known; she had something more righteous and less manipulative about her, perhaps due to the trials she had endured in her life. He was not known for having a gentle nature, but rather he suspected that with her having come from the watch of stallion like Solomon, who had a more verbose tilt to his personality, that the golden bay Akhal-Teke need not press her patience any more than it had been already.

Maslakhat was not particularly verbose in general, but he had no problem with pontification when it was necessary to achieve the whims and impressions he desired. In this case with Sidikha, less was more, and it was certainly in his own best interest that she remain endeared to him, lest she decide that she was unhappy here as well. Such was the challenge with strong women, and Maslakhat knew precisely how to empower them—so that they may all collectively benefit.

She readily accepted his offer of fruits, the rasp in her voice subdued from the cool water of the oasis. He returned her gratitude with a subtle smile of his own and nodded to affirm her question.

“Yes, there are others—you will meet them soon I am sure.” His mind darted to the collective of desert compatriots he had both invited and permitted to reside here—the sons of Mira were particularly affluent in their pursuit of wives as much as their patrolling of the borders. He had also managed to encourage the whims of sweet Kore, uncage the beautiful Merwerit and even maintain something of a mutual respect with the indomitable Ak Burun. Sidika would be a welcome addition, and as she revealed her prowess with healing, Maslakhat’s eyes widened with both surprise and reverence.

“A most generous gesture, Sidika,” he commended. “I have no doubt the others will be as proud to count you among our collective as I am.”

And he truly was. It was a real honor to keep the company of a healer; such a rare and valuable power that took years of mastery, and clearly the golden mare had some skill, otherwise she would not be standing here to offer herself so readily.


MASLAKHAT

ateş düştüğü yeri yakar