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Michaela basked in the scent of horse.
In the warmth of them. The movement. The strength of their bodies. The beautiful lines of their necks and legs.
She combed her fingers through manes. Stroked soft and sensitive noses.
Spoke to them in the beautiful language of her tribe.
She had never met any of these horses, but they knew her for what she was: a horsewoman from birth, their protector, someone safe who would never harm them.
She weaved through the herd fearlessly. She knew none of them would harm her. Not even the fierce bay mare she saw biting one of the stallions who approached too close.
That mare welcomed Michaela’s touch. Her ears pricked at the sound of Michaela’s voice.
Michaela could build a new life with a herd like this.
She would.
The sky was overcast above the
