Everyone gathered in front courtyard to bid farewell to Tsuruko and Kojiro. Uncle and Kojiro had both worked with the laborers sent by Lord Eitaro to get the horses set up in their new domain. At Red Wind's request, they had also set off a small paddock where she could give birth and stay with her foal until she thought it was safe to let Blackie meet his child face to face. It was all complete.

"Stuff and nonsense," Blackie had said, "but it is the custom for mares to keep ...