Her obedience made Carthage hum with approval, and he rewarded her by teasingly nibbling at the wisp of her mane. The male would always seek to reinforce the behaviors he wanted, expected, and demanded. He shook his head at her next question. "I will not leave you alone, my dear," he purred, the sound thick and warm in his thick throat. "No, never alone."
With a snort, the blood-dark stallion took a step or two back from his daughter and the water lapping at their hooves. "Come," came his command. "We'll find somewhere quiet for you and your siblings to bed down while we wait for the rest of the band to arrive. Then when you all are settled, I will depart." His crimson eyes left the shape of his daughter to the woods around them. He would have to be cautious now, aware of most that moved so that he could protect the filly should the wolves come calling.