Akhal-Tekes are proud creatures, generally speaking, though Sidika outwardly rejected the notion, to which he blinked quizzically. Indeed, the golden mare was full of surprises. It occurred to him that her workman like demeanor might have been a result of endless chiding she’d experienced for her scars—stallions may not mind, looking the other way or even commending her for her bravery as Maslakhat had. But mares were another beast entirely. He wanted to believe that none among the dunes would be so childish as to recoil or outwardly slight Sidika for her war-torn marks, but in truth he could not be sure—particularly with Ak Burun.

“Yes,” he agreed, dipping his head and showing her in his voice that he understood she meant no offense. “We all have our duties, and should anyone get in the way of them…” he trailed off for a moment, his voice shifting from warm to a more serious tone. “You will never be punished for retaliation. Nor will I fail to punish those who disparage you.”

He knew Sidika could likely handle herself, but if he caught wind of an indication that anyone else might have insulted her for appearance or disrespected her talents, he would respond appropriately. He would not lose her to such antics. His hotblooded kin of the dunes were better than that.

She diverted her attention back to the main oasis in which they both stood, aptly changing the subject. He obliged, not wishing to belabor the point.

“This is the largest,” he replied. “There are others, mostly to the east, though you will often find them occupied by the Sons of Mira and their wives.”

“There is another—quite small, to the southwest—that I have seen that is typically quiet.”


MASLAKHAT

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