23The horse did not fear people. They had never done him or his small band any harm. Sometimes, they offered food. But he didn't belong in the enclosure, was agitated without the mares. He had to find them, keep them safe.
After a long drink from the metal tub, he nosed around the sides of the paddock. His hip was uncomfortable, tight from the stitches. But he had no way to understand the purpose of the sutures. All he knew was he had to find the others.
He looked across the enclosure, could see the river in the distance, could smell the redolent scent of the water and streamside foliage. These things he recognized.
The horse bolted across the field, limping as he galloped. The pain in his hip burned as several stitches burst, allowing the broken flesh to open. Had he been healthy, he c
