The motion of picking out the compacted dirt from the mare’s hooves was simple enough. He positioned himself so she could rest her knee on his own, then turned the hook shape down and up with a single flick. This popped out the loose dirt in a solid pack, and he brushed it aside with his own foot. Doing all of her feet was needed, especially since the group was soft—he had been warned about caring for hooves, and the idea of an infection spreading frightened him. After his own brush with such a thing, Anatole had no desire to see anyone else suffer for it.
When finished, he stood up to look at the strange man again. His answer was peculiar, and one that made his brows furrow together. A flash of darkness and unwelcomed fear filled his mind, and he stiffened subconsciously. A glance towards the door revealed that the eagle had settled outside, and was watching him with piercing eyes…but keeping a distance and allowing him this chance without the strict guidance he often seemed to need. Perhaps this was a test.
Glancing back to the man, Anatole spoke lowly. “Were you a prisoner?” The Tribe had seen such horrors recently, and while Anatole had not been present for them, he imagined this was something that could happen elsewhere.
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