Esperanza stumbled into the clearing just as the sun set. She lay down on her side and whinnied in pain, her swelling stomach shaking with exertion. A few minutes later, her cries ceased and an unsteady whinny rung out into the crisp spring night. Esperanza sat up and looked at the young colt who had whinnied, studying the dark, green, starlit, and blooming clearing. Esperanza nickered and smiled when her first-born turned and grinned cross-eyed at her. She beamed as she nuzzled him and began to stand. He snapped at her tail as she walked a short distance away. He whinnied at her sadly and she hated to see him so sad, but her instincts told her to wait. His cries only intensified untill Esperanza was nearly in tears. But her instincts were strong and she began to graze, her back to him. The April night suddenly became silent. "Oh no!" She thought, panicked. "He's dead!" She thought as she desperately leapt around to chase away the predator that got him. The colt nearly fell over and whinnied in surprise as Esperanza spun to face him. Esperanza heaved a sigh of relief and let the colt unsteadily wobble through the long grass towards her. He nuzzled her and found the teat, and began to peacefully nurse.

Esperanza wearily raised her head as the pink dawn was warming her neck. Suddenly she froze in fear. Where was her foal?! She looked around, expecting the worst, but sighed thankfully when she saw him resting quietly by her feet. She silently scolded herself for her foolishness. She peered around the clearing. It was deep grass surrounded by clumps of flowers and trees. The sky began to turn a robin-egg blue. She nudged her foal gently until he opened a bright green eye, but he stubbornly closed it again and snuggled deep into the warm, waving grass.Esperanza smiled. She began to consider names for the fiesty gray colt. Cougar? No, if she called him, it would scare the others. She thought of his steel colored coat and his emerald eyes. Just like the wolf-dog at the cavalry! "Wolf, his name will be Wolf!" She thought pridefully. She nudged him again, and he grudgingly got up with a disgruntled snort. She began to lead him to the herd, but he began to race ahead and she nervously ran after him. Surprisingly, she realized he was following her scent from the night before. Her heart swelled with pride and she followed him until he froze in wonder on a hill overlooking the small herd. She trotted up beside him and nuzzled him "Home." She whispered to him. He happily perked up and followed energetically as Esperanza raced to her herd. The lead stallion and her mate, Strider, looked proudly at young and beautiful Esperanza and his first son. He met Esperanza at the base of the hill and nuzzled her lovingly. He looked at Wolf, who was lingering nervously behing Esperanza. "He's so handsome." Strider said fondly. "His name is Wolf." Said Esperanza. Strider led Esperanza and Wolf to the small, curious herd. They nickered soft welcomes to little Wolf. Other foals looked on nervously from behind their dams. Strider took his lookout post and Esperanza began to chat with the others dams. Wolf lingered nervously on the edge of the herd. Refusing the offers of playing from the other foals, he amused himself by watching the eagle and other birds flying in the distance, looking for shapes in the clouds, and observing the play-fights of the other colts.

2 years later...

Wolf stood nervously at the edge of the herd, the others ignoring him. He had become a lanky, long-legged two year old, not particularly handsome or cool to the other foals. As he snorted softly in amusement at a foal slipping in the mud and getting up laughing, an eagle silently alighted on a low branch next to him. Wolf gasped and widened his eyes in fear. The eagle squaked loudly, and the herd whinnied for him to get away. As a foal Strider had been attacked by an eagle, and now everyone was terrified of them too. Wolf nervously and slowly backed away, terrified. His sire had personally told him the terrifying tale of him and the eagle. Esperanza screamed and tried to run to him, but the mares kept her back for her own safety. The eagle spread his left wing and revealed a small bit of bone poking out from the feathers. Now, Wolf understood. The bird only wanted a friend to help. The herd screamed in renewed terror as Wolf calmly went back to the eagle. He stood next to the low branch and invited the bird onto his back. It cautiously stepped onto him and picked a burr gently from his mane. He ignored the pain in his back from the eagle's talons. Wolf walked calmly to his herd and nickered to them. "It's okay, he is hurt. He just needs a friend to help him heal." Strider looked at the eagle perched awkwardly on Wolf and shook his head in disbelief. He sighed and held his nose out to the eagle. The eagle butted the top of his head against Strider's nose. The younger foals giggled at the strange pair.

From that day on, the eagle and Wolf grew to be the best of friends. The eagle had healed completely, but had not left like Wolf had thought. Instead, the powerful bird stayed and refused to be carried by any horse but Wolf. The younger foals looked up to him.

"Wolf!" Esperanza called. Wolf rolled his eyes and began to gallop to his mother. He had been racing the eagle as usual, but would not make his dear mother wait. She nuzzled him affectionately and looked deeply and happily into his eyes. "Wolf, you're going to have a little brother or sister this Spring!" She said happily. Wolf smiled and nuzzled her growing belly. That night, He stood next to her and Strider, watching the stars and imagining his unborn sibling. Would they be friends?

The next day, Wolf woke as the eagle landed on him, smelling off freshly killed mouse. Wolf wrinkled his nose and snorted. The herd was soon rounded up and they began to travel to the river to drink. He sniffed the cold, wet air and snorted out a cloud. The foals laughed hysterically at that and tried to imitate him. Wolf rolled his eyes and trotted ahead to his father. Soon the eagle began to pace and make a sound between squacking and growling on Wolf's back, and Wolf looked at Strider, confused. Suddenly they heard it. The unmistakable pounding of a buffalo stampede. Strider screamed for the herd to go back, but soon the buffalo were on them. Strider was crushed and in thier terror, the buffalo began to sweep Wolf along with them. The eagle screeched frantically and tried to help Wolf, but Wolf was in the middle of a herd of buffalo. "Look after my unborn sibling, eagle! Train him, help him, and be a friend to him, like you were to me!" Wolf called over his shoulder as the buffalo swept him along. The eagle gave a final, long, mournful cry and veered away to try and console Esperanza, who was screaming in desperation.

Wolf was forced to gallop along until sunhigh, but then the buffalo slowed and the herd spread out more, and he was able to gallop into a sparse forest to rest. He sighed, knowing he was very, very far from home. Then his head shot up and he smiled. A Scent Trail! He only had to follow the trail of the buffalo backwards to get back to the river! Forgetting his weariness, he galloped to the Scent Trail.

As Wolf followed the trail, a strange scent wafted to him as the wind direction changed. The scent of a stallion right behind him! He whirled around and whinnied fearfully. The stallion screamed a challenge, but Wolf shook his head and whinnied fearfully again. The stallion suspiciously circled him and warily looked him in the eye. "You look barely older than two years. You should still be travelling with your birth herd." He stated suspiciously. "I-I-I w-wanted to, b-b-but the buffalo drove me away a-a-and killed my sire." Wolf stammered, terrified of the strong stallion. The stallion's expression softened. "My father was killed when I was a young too." He said quietly. "You look terrible. You have gashes on you back and you seem exhausted. Come to my herd and rest. Even if it rained all night, the buffalo stench would not fade." The stallion said with a small smile. Wolf stepped forward and smiled shyly too. He suddenly realized that his back was aching. Eagle must have torn his back as Wolf was swept away. "My name is Marrone. What's yours?" Marrone asked. "My name is Wolf."

Marrone led Wolf to a tiny herd in a barely-there forest, who gaped at the yearling's scars. Marrone led him to a small lake with waving grass. "You should rest. But first, what on earth gave you those injuries?" Wolf blushed. "My best friend did... By accident!" He exclaimed. "Looks like talon marks to me..." Marrone said. Wolf wearily nodded his head. His legs and wounds were burning. Marrone looked amazed but he reluctantly let Wolf rest. Wolf sighed and layed down, homesick already.

The next morning, Wolf's scars were burning. They itched like crazy, and put Wolf in a bad mood. Marrone soon came, most likely to question Wolf about the talons. Wolf tried to get up, but fell back with a cry of agony. Marrone galloped over and sniffed the wounds. "Infected..." He whispered to himself. He quickly helped Wolf get up and held him up. He pressed his muzzle to Wolf's forehead. "Fever..." He muttered. He and Wolf stumbled along, and Marrone met with a brown mare from his herd. "His scars smell infected and he has a fever... The indians are the only ones who can help him now." Marrone sighed and continued to stumble along with Wolf and they came to the crest of a hill, revealing an indian camp. Marrone neighed urgently to a silver stallion who galloped up looked questioningly at Wolf, who was now unconcious and shuddering with each labored breath. "What happened to him Marr?!" Exclaimed the stallion. "His name is Wolf. He's a yearling and I found him lost, and his sire was dead. He had the scars so i let him rest for the night on my territory. He smells of infection and has a fever. Can your humans help him?" Explained Marrone in a rush. The silver stallion looked at Wolf. "Yes. Wake him up and I'll take him." Marrone looked sadly at Wolf and nudged him awake. "These people will help you... Be good." He said as Wolf awakened. The silver stallion took over supporting Wolf and began leading him to a teepee. When he whinnied, an old woman, the tribe shaman, came out and rushed to Wolf. She brought out a buffalo hide and made him lie on it. He soon blacked out and three men helped drag him into the healers tent.

Wolf woke two days later in the dim tent. He blinked his eyes, confused. Wolf scented the air and snorted, his nostrils overcome by the strong scent of many herbs. All he could remember of yesterday was Marrone standing over him, looking concerned and scared. He looked at his back, realizing that it felt much better than when he first met Marrone. In the dim tent, the white gauze stood out from his gray fur. He stood up and shook himself. The tent was huge. Wolf nosed around and found a flap. He pushed his head out and squinted as the bright light of day hit his eyes. He pulled his head back in. A low and quiet moan sounded from his right. He squinted his green eyes and found another small flap of hide. This was not an exit, but another dark room. He heard the moan again. It sounded like a young female, in pain too. He whinnied gently, and as his eyes adjusted to the candles in the room, he made out a young Indian girl. Her face was pale, and her hair was limp and dirty. He nickered and sniffed her face, which was elevated by a pile of pillows. Her eyes slowly opened. "What the.....?!" She pushed Wolf's muzzle away and pulled up her blanket to cover her nose. Wolf nickered again and the girl looked amused. He liked how she was smiling, so he whinnied loudly and nodded his head. She giggled and reached out to pet him. A small, hobbled old woman pushed through the flap and looked happily at Wolf and the girl. "I take it that you feel better, Devvyn?" She said, grabbing a poultice and cloth from the sloping tent wall. "Yes, Healing Sparrow. Who is this colt? He is too old to be one of ours." Devvyn replied softly. "We do not know. Burro, my stallion, brought him to me yesterday. He has eagle talon scars. They were infected." The medicine woman came over and began to shoo Wolf away. "No, Healing Sparrow! Please, may he stay?" The girl pleaded. The medicine woman looked from Devvyn to Wolf, but reluctantly nodded. Devvyn smiled and the old woman hobbled over to her. She pulled the blanket back and revealed that Devvyn's stomach was wrapped in cloth and smelled of blood. Wolf wrinkled his nose and stared in facination as Healing Sparrow revealed a nearly healed would. Wolf whinnied in surprise and stepped forward to stand closer to Devvyn. Devvyn reached up and petted his muzzle. Wolf lowered his head and nuzzled her neck. Healing Sparrow applied the poultice and put new bandages on her. "You must rest. This colt should go out to graze, too." Said Healing Sparrow as she led Wolf through the flap. In the main part of the tent, she cupped Wolf's head in her hands. "I hope you stay, colt. You just may be the horse to pull her from the brink of death." She said gently. Wolf looked sadly into her eyes.

They emerged into the light of day and Wolf saw that the village was full of life. Children and puppies raced among the teepees and old men told stories and played games while the women cooked food and talked. Some young men and girls painted their horses in the sunlight. A few horses whinnied a welcome to Wolf and he walked closer uncertainly. A silver stallion emerged from behind a tent and he trotted to Wolf. Wolf flicked his ears and took a step back. The stallion stopped. "Welcome! I understand where you come from, stallion do not accept loners like yourself very often, but this is a tribe, and everyone is welcome." He said with an smile. Wolf frowned and snorted, stamping his foot. "I am NOT a loner!" He said loudly and defensively. The stallion looked confused. Other horses looked at him curiously. "Who are you then?" He asked. "I am Wolf, the eldest son of Strider and Esperanza, of the Cimmaron herd." He stated proudly, swelling his chest and pricking his ears. All the horses looked stunned. "Strider's kid?!" A horse shouted from somewhere behind Wolf. Horses surged forward and surrounded him, pelting him with questions, and Wolf pinned his ears and searched for a way out. He struggled past a fat paint mare and dashed into the woods. He heard Burro snort angrily and disappointed murmurs. He stood panting in the forest shadows. He was surprised of how interested those horses were. Why did they like his father so much?!

Wolf stayed in the woods all day. He looked up at a bright star and remembered. When he was very young, half a year or so, Strider had talked to him on their favorite hill. He had nearly forgotten. "My dear Wolf, when you are three years, I will teach you all I know. You shall learn to jump and race, and how to protect our herd. I know you will protect this herd as well as, no, better than I do. I know you will make me proud, son." He had said. A tear ran down his face, he knew that now no one would teach him anything. Wolf realized that now there was no stallion protecting the herd either. He hoped that Esperanza and the eagle would be enough to keep his home safe. 

Back in the Cimmaron, Esperanza was hysterical. The past three days she had been wandering the territory, searching for Wolf. She was weeping by the river. She was inconsolable, she scented a strange stallion, much blood, and her dear foal, Wolf. The mares that had come with her were nuzzling her and weeping, for even though they had not shown it, they had seen the promise in young Wolf. She sniffed and turned back to the herd. She was now the only leader, and she had a duty to her family.

The next day, Wolf woke at dawn. He silently crept past sleeping horses and into the healers tent. He went straight to Devvyn and nickered softly. She blinked groggily and sat up. She smiled brightly when she saw Wolf. "Hello little colt," she said, holding up her hand. "I stole this from the stew last night, just for you." She said. She held out a bright orange chunk to Wolf. He stretched out his neck and sniffed it. Wolf bit into it and whinnied in surprise. It tasted sweet and crunchy. He eagerly stepped forward and snuffled her hair and arms, looking for more. "That's all for today. You should have a name..." She whispered thoughtfully. Wolf carefully layed down next to her and put his head on her lap. "Loyal... LoyalHeart!" She said happily, stroking Wolf's head and leaning back.

"Congratulations, Devvyn. I think you are well enough now to go about life normally." Said Healing Sparrow a few hours later. Wolf blinked, and got up as Devvyn leapt up and tugged on some shoes before racing outside. Wolf trotted cautiously behind her, horses watching curiously on all sides. Another young female emerged from a teepee, yawning. "Brook!" Devvyn called, running over to her. "Devvyn!" Little Brook shouted, embracing Devvyn. Wolf looked curiously at the pair. An old man emerged from the most decorative and large teepee, wearing a large headdress of feathers. Devvyn let go of Little Brook and sprinted to him. By the way he scooped her up and held her, Wolf knew that the feather- man must be her father. He trotted over with a friendly whinny. "Father," Devvyn began, "Healing Sparrow said this colt was wild. May I tame him? Please Father?" She said. Wolf nickered quietly at the man, hoping he would say yes. "He seems like a fine colt. He is still young, as are you. Yes, you can train him. But only when he is healed, may you try to ride. For now, perhaps put the rug on him, and a bit an reins, later on. Remember, Little Creek can help. But first he needs a name! Do you have an idea, darling?" Feather- man said. Wolf reared and shook his head happily. Devvyn was his human now! "LoyalHeart! His name is LoyalHeart!" exclaimed Devvyn proudly, releasing her sire and embracing Wolf around the neck.

"What should we do first? The rug or a halter?" Devvyn asked Brook the next day. "Actually, why don't we paint him? My Father says that it will bond you." replied Little Brook. Devvyn beamed and nodded enthusiastically before dashing off. Wolf started to follow, but Brook put a hand on his shoulder and smiled, cocking her head. "Now I understand your name! You love her don't you?" said Brook, fiddling with his wavy black mane. Devvyn was back soon, balancing three bowls of paint. Blue, green, and white. Brook took the blue and called over a white filly. She eyed Wolf a bit, but flipped her head the other way sassily with a "hmph". Devvyn and Brook led Wolf and the filly to a corral. They set the bowls of paint in a row in the  ground and called the horses over. Wolf sniffed at the dark green paint as Devvyn put the palm of her hand in it. She brushed some dust from his flank before drawing 2 circles, linked. "Linked circles for loyalty" She said fondly. She got a bowl of water and washed her hand. She put her index finger in the white and brushed away his forelock before making a white heart around his eyes. "A heart for love." She said, looking at him lovingly. Finally, she put her palm in the blue paint and pressed it to his chest. "And finally, my handprint, for you to know who to love, and be loyal to." She cupped his head into her palms and put her forehead on his muzzle. Devvyn looked over at Brook, who was still painting the white filly with red and purple. Brook stood and looked happily at the filly. "Kendal is done. It's only noon... Maybe my Father will help us halter train Loyal?" She said. Kendal strutted past Wolf with a glare. What was up with that mare?!  

Wolf dodged Little Creek and ran to the other side of the corral. Devvyn and Brook sat laughing on the fence. The warm afternoon sun dappled Wolf through the trees. Little Creek slowly came forward again. He looked surprisingly young, and acted like a young boy, laughing and joking. "Oh come on Creek, Nana could do it faster!" Giggled Devvyn from the fence. "Well, lets see if miss-smartie-pants can do it then!" He replied, playfully tossing the halter to her. Devvyn hopped down and caught the halter, grinning micheviously. Little Creek took her place on the sunny fence. Devvyn clicked her tongue and patted her leg. Wolf pricked his ears and whinnied, before galloping over to her, sniffing at the lightly beaded leather halter. She held it up and Wolf took a hesitant step back. Devvyn saw his nervousness and put her are through the halter and petted Wolf with her other hand. "See, Loyal? It won't hurt you!" She said with a reassuring smile. Wolf eyed the halter and looked at Devvyn. He realized that many horses were gathered around the corral. "Looks like Loyal is pretty popular!" Called Brook from the sun-dappled fence. Wolf saw Marrone and the brown mare near the fence lookinging amused. The silver stallion, Burro was looking on with an expression of mixed sternness and confusion. Wolf closed his eyes and leaned closer to Devvyn. He heard the tinkle of beads and felt the straps tightening on his face. He opened his eyes and saw Devvyn looking at Little Creek with a smug look on her face. "Told you!" She exclaimed, attaching a buffalo hide rope to the halter quickly. Wolf backed away from it but it followed. He turned his head various ways, and found that it was not alive or harmful. "You should let Healing Sparrow to change his bandages. Then, put him in the pasture for tonight." Said Little Creek, hopping down from the fence. "I will!" Replied Devvyn, leading Wolf to the healing tent.

After Healing Sparrow replaced his bandages, Devvyn led Wolf to an unfenced meadow. Other horses were running around or lazily grazing and gossiping. "Alright Loyal, tonight you stay here. Now go and make friends!" Said Devvyn, taking off his halter and shooing him away. Wolf watched as she walked into the large teepee. He turned around and looked around the pasture. Groups of yearlings and foals were chatting and having races. Wolf shyly walked to a small crabapple tree and began to ravenously graze. A cool breeze carried the scent of a group of other horses, old and young. He looked up and saw the group shyly shuffling his way. "He saw us!" One whispered, but the breeze carried the word to Wolf. He lowered his head again with a small smile and swished his tail contentedly. "Uh, hi..." Said a dappled filly. He smiled at her. "Hello." He replied. The other horses of the group grinned back shyly. The filly, who seemed to be oldest, spoke first. "My name is MorningGlory. This is my sister Lilly," she said pointing to a dun filly, "and StrongHeart, both my siblings." She said, this time motioning to a very young brown colt. Wolf smiled again. "Nice to meet you. I'm Wolf." He replied, chewing some grass. "But you're not a wolf, you're a horse!" Giggled StrongHeart from behind MorningGlory. MorningGlory began to apologize for her young brother, but Wolf snorted with amusement. She smiled and looked fondly at StrongHeart, who looked confused. Another yearling stepped forward. "My name is Burr. My sisters here are twins, Suzie and Marri." He said, motioning to two gray and white fillies, who smiled impishly. Wolf grinned warmly. "Nice to meet you all." He said nodding. Secretly, he was rather uncomfortable with the group of 6. "Well.." Began MorningGlory, but Marri and Suzie interrupted, "Are your scars REALLY talon wounds?!" Burr glared at them, but Wolf was holding back a burst of laughter. "Marri, Suzi! Mind your manners!" Scolded MorningGlory. "No, no! It's fine. And yes, they are talon scars, from the eagle." He said looking curiously at the twins. They gasped and beamed at each other. "Really?! Well, after you think about it, it's not really surprising... Eagles do attack for no reason." MorningGlory said thoughtfully. Wolf snorted in outrage. They all pinned their eyes and looked confused and scared. "Sorry. I just hate it when horses judge those they don't know! This eagle is great. I helped him when his wing was broken, and he helped up defend our homeland in return. When the buffalo stampede came..." He trailed off, looking towards him homeland. "What happened at the stampede?" Asked the twins. MorningGlory glared at them and began to scold them, but Wolf broke in. "The stampede came as my herd went to the river to drink. I was next to Strider, watching for cougars, with eagle sitting on my back. He started making strange noises and pacing, but Strider and I were confused. Then we heard it. The pounding of the buffalo herd running, but it was too late. Strider was crushed and I was swept away. The eagle tried to pull me away, but he couldn't spook away the buffalo. My dam tried to follow but it was too dangerous. I made the eagle go back and teach my-" Wolf was interrupted by an ear splitting scream in the night. The sky was becoming ever-darker and he spun around.

Kendal was teetering on the edge of a small cliff over the strong river. A large male cougar almost as big as her was snarling and spitting at her. Wolf looked around and saw Burro racing from a hill across camp, but he was too far away. Wolf knew what he had to do. With an bloodcurdling battle cry, he raced toward the cougar who backed away from Kendal, to face the colt. "No!" he heard Devvyn scream. Wolf reached them and began to strike out at the cougar. Memories of Strider fighting off cougars flooded his senses. He kicked it and leapt back, but the cougar jumped onto his back, weighing Wolf down with his sheer size. Many horses screamed, including Kendal, and he began to buck with all his might. He heard a sickening cry and a splash and he knew Kendal had fell. The cougar had gotten a strong grip on his bandages, and Wolf recalled the move Strider used when the cougar would not fall off. Wolf threw himself to the ground, landing on the cougar. He quickly rolled off and stood, and killed the cougar with a shark kick to the neck. He peered over the edge of the river and saw Kendal uselessly paddling, the river sweeping her away. Wolf jumped over the edge, ignoring Devvyn's screams, and held his breath as he plunged under the dark waters. His mane swirled as the underwater current began to sweep him away. He resurface and gasped, hearing the screams of many horses, dredging back the horrible memory of the stampede. He heard Kendal scream and saw her white form standing out in the dark night. He struck out with all four long, lanky legs and quickly caught up. He saw the silver and brown figures of Marrone and Burro racing along the bank, along with other horses he did not know. As he reached her, Kendal began to sink, exhausted from her struggle. He dived under her and resurfaced with her safely on his back. He used the last of his energy to struggle onshore, where he coughed up mouthfuls of the river water. Burro, Marrone, and the other caught up and he heard Kendal struggle to her feet and be led to the village by Burro. "Wolf!" Exclaimed Marrone, bending over him and looking worried. "I-I'm fine... Just tired... And my eye." Replied Wolf, suddenly aware of a sharp pain in his left eye. Devvyn rushed up and hugged him wordlessly. "What eye? Show me." Said Marrone. Wolf turned his head and opened his eye painfully. He heard Devvyn's gasp and Marrone told him to get up. He struggled to his hooves, Devvyn shooing away curious horses. He slowly stumbled over to the healing teepee, where Healing Sparrow was gathering dried herbs and bandages. Wolf sighed and layed down near the entrance, drifting into an uneasy sleep of cold, rushing, dark water.

 The next day, Wolf awake with his eye bound in cloth, and Devvyn sleeping on his side, using him like a pillow. He smiled to himself and sat up, awakening Devvyn. She smiled at him and embraced his neck. "I had thought I lost you when you went under..." She whispered. He nickered softly and nosed her long, black hair. He began to stand, and she went to pull on her moccasins. He swung his head around, not used to only using one eye. He pricked his ears to the entrance flap. He made out many low, worried, and serious voices. He walked over hesitantly, and poked his head out slowly. He saw MorningGlory, Burr, and their siblings, and also Burro and Marrone with two mares. One was the mare from Marrone's herd, the other he did not know. The stopped talking and smiled, nuzzling him. He saw Kendal standing sheepishly a few teepees away. He stepped out, feeling the teepee flaps slide along his bare back. His bandages were gone! He twisted around and saw that there were now 5 silvery scars on his back. He whinnied to Kendal, who trotted over shyly. He turned to all his new friends and smiled. He would go home someday, but not for a while.

The next winter months passed peacefully in both the Cimmaron and the tribe, but as a warm spring day dawned, Esperanza felt the first twinges in her stomach. She layed down in the waving grass. She soon foaled a little buckskin colt, bringing back the memory of Wolf. This new son dulled the edge of her sadness, but she knew she would only feel truly happy if somehow Wolf had survived and he came home. She smiled sadly at the young stallion and got up.

Back at the tribe, Wolf and his many friends grew very close. He learned that MorningGlory, Lilly, and StrongHeart were the foals of Marrone and the mare called Flowers, and Burr and the twins were Burro and Lucy's foals. Marrone and Burro and their mares adopted him and taught him many things in the coming spring, and Wolf grew into a noble, strong, clever, and kind 3-year-old stallion. 

Wolf warily looked at the thing in Devvyn's arms. It was beaded like the reins she had taught him to wear, but was big and floppy. He approached Devvyn and she laid it on his back. She looked into his eyes as she slowly lifted herself onto his back. She sat up and beamed at Little Creek who was watching with pride from the fence. Devvyn grasped the reins and pulled at the bit. He turned, trying to stop that unpleasant tugging. Devvyn hugged him from behind, proud about something he did not know. "I wish every horse was as clever as LoyalHeart!" Said Little Creek from the fence. Devvyn beamed at him some more. She gently tapped his sides, and Wolf walked forward. She twirled him around and made him dash to the open gate. "Wait!" Little Creek yelled, jumping onto a young brown and white mare. They quickly caught up and Devvyn urged Wolf to go faster. Wolf lengthened his stride and left a stunned Little Creek in his dust. "Watch out!" Little Creek shouted from behind them. Wolf saw a huge cliff coming up, and he swerved to avoid it, nearly falling off. "Well that was a good first ride!" Exclaimed Devvyn sarcastically, smiling a bit. Little Creek led them back to the village. "Hello. My name's Rain. What's yours?" Said the the mare. "I'm Wolf. Nice to meet you, Rain." He replied with a friendly smile.

Three years later...

"Wolf!" Screamed Rain, galloping back from the desert. He raised his head from his late afternoon grazing. He pricked his ears and noted nervously that Little Creek was not with her. "The cavalry men got him! I tried to help, but he shouted for me to get the village!" She said breathlessly. She and Little Creek had been sent out to raid a supply train. Wolf stared wide eyed at Rain. "Then go and get them!" He replied quickly, galloping to the teepees. Soon the men realized that Little Creek had been caught. Some of them jumped onto horses, galloping away to help. Rain looked sadly at Wolf, her emotions revealed in her eyes. "Go with them Rain, and help get your human free." He told her. She smiled sadly at him and galloped after the men. He looked after her, and Devvyn ran up. "Brook is upset, Loyal. Go and help her." She whispered, putting a hawk feather behind his ear. He looked to the village, but Devvyn shook her head. "She went to the hideout." She said sadly. Wolf nickered and began to trot into the woods, towards the hidden waterfall. He waded into the shallow water and walked onto the other side of a fallen tree, sitting in the water. On a sturdy branch hidden from the other side sat Brook. Her eyes were closed, but Wolf saw the tear stains on her cheeks in the shadowy light. She was resting her head on her knees, her hand clutching a beautifully carved statue of a horse, most likely made by her father. He nickered softly and she looked up at him tearfully. "Hey, LoyalHeart." She said hoarsely. He sloshed forward and nuzzled her shoulder gently. She threw her arms tight around his neck and sobbed into him thick mane. As the sky above them began to darken, Brook snuffled and stood up. She lied on his back and Wolf began to walk slowly back to the quiet camp. Devvyn was on a log just inside the wood, appearing to have fallen asleep while waiting. Wolf passed over her and carried Brook to her teepee. She gave him a hug and went into the dark teepee. Wolf turned back to the woods just as the first stars winked into the sky. He gently nudged Devvyn's shoulder and she sat up, yawning. He walked with her to the teepee she slept in, then turned to walk to the pasture. He settled under the large apple tree and laid down. He saw Kendal hesitantly approach through sleep-blurred eyes. He smiled as she approached. "Long day?" She asked. "Yup." He wearily replied. "I thought you went to help Little Creek?" He said, a bit confused. "Yes, but my rider was sent back to fetch a knife. We'll throw it over the wall and Creek will cut himself loose. He should be back any moment." She explained to Wolf. He nodded. They heard a whistle from the camp, and Kendal pricked her ears. "I have to go. We should be back by moon high tommorow."She said, before running off. "Good luck!" Wolf called after her. He couldn't explain it, but he didn't know what he'd do if Kendal was caught. Since their differences when they met, they had bonded strongly. He put his head onto the grass and slipped into sleep.

At the Cimarron, eagle forlornly sat, silent, brooding. He had failed his best friend's final wish. He had taught Spirit, trained him, played with him, but when the cowboys came, he could not protect him. Esperanza was in tears. Her second son was gone, like her feisty little Wolf. 

Wolf awoke to Devvyn, sitting on his back, weaving a crown of meadow daisies. Pretending to be asleep, he looked at her mischievously from the corner of his eye. Suddenly, he rolled onto his side, sending Devvyn sprawling onto the grass. She shrieked as she went flying, and landed with a thud. She leapt up and pretended to swat at Wolf's muzzle angrily, but they both knew each other was laughing on the inside. "You bad little trickster!" She said with a fond smile. "We're going scouting on the plains!" She called as she skipped to the teepee where everyone stored tack. Devvyn came back with a blanket, simple saddle, and a strap-free bridle with beads and feathers. She quickly saddled him up quickly. MorningGlory and the gang trotted up. "Going on a long trip today?" She said, eyeing the saddle. "Scouting on the plains." He replied around a mouthful of grass. "Maybe you'll see some family out there." She said with a wink. Wolf rolled his eyes as Devvyn mounted. "See you later!" Everyone called as Wolf and Devvyn began to ride into the plains. 

"The plains are so empty...." Said Devvyn, peering around. Wolf snorted in agreement and looked into a sparse wood. A flash of tawny caught his eye and he froze. Devvyn leaned over his neck and peered at him, worried. "What's wrong? Do you see something?" Wolf cautiously began to creep closer to the woods. Wolf's mind was telling him to run, but his curiosity was stronger. He saw a flash of tawny again, and black and brown too. "What is that?!" Shrieked Devvyn, seeing the tawny. "It is too small to be a cougar....." Thought Wolf, flicking his ears uncertainly. "Hello? We won't hurt you...." He called into the copse of pines. "Who are you?" Someone called from the undergrowth. "I told you not to say anything!" Whispered another angry voice, the wind carrying their voices. Foals! "Come out! Where on earth are your parents?!" He called. "Should we?" Whispered another voice. "No!" Muttered the angry one. "Well, I'm going with or without you!" One muttered. He saw a bush shake and a young light gray filly emerged. "Wow..." Whispered Devvyn.  "Where are your parents?" He repeated as the filly slowly approached. "Our mother was killed by a cougar, and our dad is a cowboy horse." She stated. "And my two brothers are too prideful to accept help." She said loudly glaring at a bush. Two little colts emerged, grumbling angrily. One was tawny, the other coal  black. "Come on. Me and my human will bring you to the tribe." He said, flicking his tail. "How do we know if we can trust you?" The black one said suspiciously. "You don't. So make a choice, come with us or don't." Wolf turned away and began to walk away slowly. "I'm coming!" Yelled the filly. She caught up and walked beside him. "My name's Sugars." She said. The two colts sighed and galloped to catch up. "Nice to meet you Sugars. My name is Wolf." He replied, smiling at bold, little Sugars. "My prideful brothers here are Ferrari and Alamo." She said rolling her eyes as her brothers glared at her. Devvyn clicked her tongue and kicked Wolf. "Come on!" He said, beginning to gallop. The foals struggled to keep up, but soon they returned to the village.

Wolf and the foals stopped in the meadow and Devvyn dismounted. She unbuckled the saddle and dashed off to tell the others about the foals. "Is this your herd?" Ferrari, the black, asked. "Yes.... But we are a tribe, not a herd. We work with the humans, and protect each other." Said Wolf, leading them to the apple tree. "Wow!" Exclaimed Sugars, seeing MoringGlory approaching with the others. "What's this, Wolf? We leave you alone for a day and you find a bunch of foals! Trying build a herd, Wolfie?" She teased him, the twins peering suspiciously at his new arrivals. Wolf snorted. "No. They were lost in the plains-" Wolf began, but Ferrari cut in. "We were not lost, we were going to the Cimmaron!" He said angrily. Everyone gasped and stared at the triplets. "Why the Cimarron?" Said Wolf suspiciously. "Mother said we'd be safe with the new stallion, Striders son. She left when he was half a year old. Why are you so surprised? Did he die?!" Said Sugars worriedly. MorningGlory and Wolf exchanged glances. Wolf looked at the triplets. "I'm Strider's son. The buffalo herd drove me out. I think I remember your mother.... Brown and black mare?" He asked. "Yes!" Exclaimed the triplets. "Are you visiting here, then going back to the herd? Will you bring us? Can we join?" Said Ferrari, forgetting his initial distrust. Wolf looked at MorningGlory. She looked at him kindly and nodded slightly. "I suppose. But we'll have to wait until you're yearlings to go. The journey is long and hard, and you must be prepared." He explained to the foals. They looked back sadly. Ferrari glared at Wolf. "We're going to the Cimmaron and we won't wait. We'll find it ourselves!" He said angrily, flaring his nostrils. "Calm down hothead. If you're really that eager, you can go without me. I'm not an idiot, older horses are obviously smarter than us." Sugars said, stepping closer to Wolf, her head high. Alamo shyly shuffled next to her. "Fine! I don't need either of you!" He shouted angrily. "And I most definately don't need you!" He seethed at Wolf. Ferrari turned and galloped off. Wolf sighed. "Headstrong colts are always the first to go." Muttered Wolf. Sugars stared defiantly after him. "What do you mean?" Whispered Alamo. Wolf looked sadly at the shy colt and shook his head. "MorningGlory, Burr, watch after these two. I'm going after him. It's nearing sunset and cougars will be hunting." He said starting down the slope. "Kendal won't be happy about you running off without her!" Called the twins, teasingly. They loved to tease him about Kendal. He rolled his eyes and galloped to where Ferrari had dissapeared. He began to Scent Trail, heading into the forest. He heard a terrified whinny and began to race to it.

He saw Ferrari backed against a stone wall, a spitting and hissing cougar creeping toward him. Wolf screamed a challenge, and the cougar leapt around to face him. "Run back to camp! NOW!" Ordered Wolf. Ferrari ran without question. Wolf kicked the cat harshly and it raced off. Wolf slowly made his way back, in the soft starlight. He emerged from the woods to see Kendal pacing in the meadow, looking distraught. He whinnied to her and she galloped to him. They nuzzled each other and made sure the other was uninjured. "We thought you were dead...." Whispered Kendal tearfully. "I love you." She murmured to him. Wolf closed his eyes and nuzzled her. "I love you too." He whispered back. 

They made their way to the meadow, MorningGlory and Burr grazing with Rain. "Rain! How did the escape go?" He called, trotting up with Kendal. "A new mustang was brought in. I like him." Said Rain, looking towards the corral. "Don't let him know that. Stallions only want what what they can't have." Said MorningGlory past a mouthful of grass. "Hey!" Exclaimed Wolf and Burr defensively. Kendal, Rain and MorningGlory laughed. "Where are the foals?" Asked Wolf, looking around. "By the apple tree. Ferrari seems really mad about you saving him." Replied Burr. Wolf rolled his eyes. "A prideful brat, that Ferrari." Said Kendal. Wolf looked to the tree and saw Ferrari angrily talking to poor little Alamo, who was standing there and nodding. 

The next day Wolf slept to noon. Kendal teased him, saying "You complain about Devvyn not riding anymore, yet you're the one sleeping all day!" The triplets were talking to the other Indian foals. "Little Creek has been trying to ride that stallion all day. That horse doesn't like twolegs to say the least. Rain is giving him the hard-to-get act. Earlier he tried to run away. She ended up flipping him over! It was hilarious. He seems new to the world of humans, gawking at everyone like we're insane. He got Rain an apple, it was so romantic!" Said Kendal as they walked through the teepees. "Gossip much?" He teased her. Kendal bumped him playfully. Wolf snorted happily. "Want to go for a swim?" Asked Kendal. "Of course." Replied Wolf, nuzzling her. 

"I thought she was playing hard to get!" Exclaimed Wolf in a whisper. At the pond, Rain and Spirit were tied together and swimming in circles. "I feel like a stalker!" Whispered Kendal as Rain and Spirit came out of the water, lovingly nuzzling each other. They trotted off, and Wolf and Kendal walked into the water. "Come on, Kendal. I know a secret place." Said Wolf, glancing at Kendal impishly. He galloped off and Kendal followed closely. They pushed through a curtain of ivy and emerged into dim sunlight, filtered by the leaves above them. In front of them was a small waterfall with flowers and clover growing on its shores. "It's beautiful..." Whispered Kendal. Wolf nuzzled her gently and they went forward and began to graze on the abundant clover. 

As the sun set, Kendal and Wolf trotted into the camp. Ferrari was galloping around, dodging other foals in a playful game of chase. "Looks like he's settling in alright." Observed Wolf. Kendal shrugged. "What's wrong?" He asked bending down to look into her blue eyes. "I know you promised them to bring them to the Cimarron." She said sadly. "Kendal... Couldn't you come with us?" He asked quietly. She looked away sadly. "I've barely been out of camp, Wolf. I'd never survive out there...." She said, closing her eyes. "I've saved you from a cougar, drowning, and remember that bee?" She smiled, remembering two years ago, when Wolf took a bee sting for her. "I'll take care of you, Kendal. You wouldn't be alone." He said to her hopefully. She raised her head and leaned it against his neck. "I'll go with you." She whispered. 

Wolf stood laughing at the new stallion. Little Creek was trying desperately to ride him. Spirit dodged him easily and galloped to the other side of the corral. Kendal trotted up, a fresh pink heart on her shoulder. "Little Brook made new paints." She said. "You should go see if Devvyn is looking for you." Wolf nodded and trotted into the village. Sure enough, Devvyn was walking around peering between teepees. He nicked and she walked up, smiling. She led him to where horses were painted, and she got blue and green, but no white. She painted a new design, a blue ring around his front knees and a green circle around his eyes. She smiled and Kendal galloped up looking amazed. "Little Creek freed the stallion!" She exclaimed breathlessly. "What?!" Wolf exclaimed. Kendal's reply was silenced by a distant whistle. "Cavalry men!" Screamed Kendal, before galloping away to find Brook. Devvyn ran off to a teepee and Wolf followed. She ran back out carrying a blanket and a small ax and shield. She leapt onto his back just as strange men stormed in, knocking over teepees and injuring the Indians. Devvyn gave a loud war-cry and they galloped into the battle. Surrounded by destruction and pain, Wolf panicked as Devvyn's body went limp on his back. He galloped into the woods, where nobody was fighting. He twisted his head around and saw Devvyn, a bullet wound on her chest. He knew she was dead. He kneeled down and pushed Devvyn off his back. His eyes filled with tears as he picked a wildflower from nearby and laid it over her wound. He stayed by her side until soft starlight fell upon her still figure, but he made his way back to the tribe.

Teepees lay on the ground smoking, and men and women walked around, assessing the damage. Kendal was standing near Burr, looked very distressed. "Kendal!" He called. She turned and looked relieved for a moment, before recognizing the look on his face. "She's gone?" She whispered in amazement. Wolf nodded tearfully and Kendal nuzzled him reassuringly. He noticed that many horses were gone. "Where is everyone?" He asked quietly. "Taken..." Kendal replied. "MorningGlory, Lilly, SrongHeart, the twins.... So many are gone now." Kendal replied, nuzzling his mane. "Rain was shot into the river. Spirit went in after her, but they went off the falls." 

The next day, a light snow fell onto the weakened tribe. The survivors crowded into the few undamaged teepees, and the few horses left crowded together in the meadow. "I can't belive they're all gone..." Said Wolf sadly as Kendal and Burr huddled with him under the apple trees. "All I want to do is go after them... But the tribe needs us." Said Burr sadly. Wolf and Kendal nodded in agreement. "I can't believe Rain is all right." Said Wolf, digging up some dead grass beneath the snow. "Don't get you hopes high, Wolfie. She got shot, not many horses are quite the same after being shot." Said Burr sadly, pawing the snow aimlessly. Wolf sighed. "Ferrari got a bad cough." He said. "I know. He might not make it. I've seen it before, and the lack of extra space won't help." Replied Burr forlornly. Wolf shook his head. "Wolf!" Yelled someone from over a hill. "Wolf!" Wolf looked at Burr. "Lets go help!" Said Kendal, galloping to the voice. As they looked onto the other side of the hill, Wolf saw Sugars and Alamo nipping and whinnying at a small pack of wolves. "Burr! Come help!" Screeched Kendal. Wolf plunged down the hill and crushed the nearest wolf. He counted the small pack, 5 wolves. Burr and Kendal ran over and they all began to crush and scare off wolves. They stood there, catching their breath after the last of the wolves ran off. Sugars and Alamo ran up and huddled at Wolf's legs. He bent his neck down and nuzzled them reassuringly. Kendal looked on, looking proud and amused. "Looks like Wolfie's found himself some step children!" She teased. Sugars looked up at him impishly, and Alamo smiled at him sheepishly, and Wolf knew that it was true. He would raise and care for these foals as if they were his own.

"Come on, come on, come ooooooonnnnn!" Shouted Sugars on a warm day in early spring. Spirit had left with Rain many days ago. Kendal rolled her eyes and shook her head. Wolf snorted. "You promised!" Said Alamo. That winter, Burr's prediction came true. Ferrari did not make it, and Alamo had become much more outgoing. MorningGlory and the twins had come back, but StrongHeart was still gone. The triplets, now just twins, had become yearlings at last. Sugars leapt around, bursting with excitement. Alamo pranced next to her in the bright light. "Good luck out there." Said Burr from behind. Wolf turned and nuzzled him. "We'll miss you. And remember, you'll always be welcome in the Cimarron." Said Wolf with a small smile. Burr smiled back sadly. "I'll keep that in mind." He replied. Kendal nudged Wolf's shoulder and they began to trot away, the foals prancing beside him. Wolf looked at the sky, the sun high in the bright blue sky. They walked through deep, waving grass and Wolf paused at the top of a hill. He looked back and saw MorningGlory, Burr, the twins, and all the Indian ponies watching him depart. He reared and whinnied loudly, before galloping off. But before he was out of earshot, he heard happy whinnies, wishing him happiness and longevity.

Wolf paused an a wooded ridge. He looked down and stared pridefully at his home. He saw Esperanza, grazing with the other mares, and Spirit and Rain too! "Hey, it's Rain!" Said Sugars loudly. "Lets go!" She said. "No." Said Wolf. "I have been gone for a long time, and have earned many scars; they may not recognize me at first." He explained. Sugars nodded. "I'll go down there and I'll call you if everything goes alright." Kendal looked troubled, but she nodded, along with Alamo and Sugars. Wolf started quietly down the slope, hiding in the shadows of the trees. "If he attacks you, I'll fake a cougar attack!" Called Alamo quietly. Wolf grinned, but continued on. He paused at the edge of the wood, looking at his dear mother. He galloped forward, the mares with Esperanza turning and running. Esperanza turned around and screamed. Wolf skidded to a halt. Spirit's head popped up from grazing and he began to gallop forward angrily. Spirit must be his brother! "Esperanza!" Exclaimed Wolf, looking from Spirit to her. "How do you know me?!" She said, backing away from him. As his brother was nearly upon him, Wolf turned and ran onto a grassy hill, away from the herd. Spirit stood snorting angrily at the edge of the herd, keeping his eyes on Wolf. No matter what he did not want to fight his brother. Esperanza walked beside Spirit and whispered something to him. Spirit narrowed his eyes at Wolf. Wolf heard a screech in the distance. "You best be going." Called Spirit. "Eagle does not take kindly to strangers." Wolf smirked. "If only you knew..." He thought. Wolf saw eagle in the distance. It seemed like eagle saw Wolf too, because he flapped his wings to go faster. Soon eagle was soaring over the Cimarron, heading towards Wolf. The eagle screeched angrily, not recognizing Wolf. The eagle began to tuck his wings, diving towards Wolf with his talons outstretched. Wolf calmly turned his back, as if inviting the eagle to land. Wolf heard the eagle screech in surprise, and felt the wind as he swerved away at the last second. "What the...?!" Spirit exclaimed. The eagle turned back and gently landed on Wolf's back. Wolf turned his head and nuzzled the eagle lovingly. "I'm glad to see you, old friend." He whispered. The eagle made a strange purring noise. Spirit trotted closer curiously, Esperanza behind him. "I know he doesn't like strangers. But I just happen to be his friend." Said Wolf with an amused smirk at the look on Spirit's face. "The eagle hasn't been that happy since-" Esperanza gasped. "Could it be?" She whispered to herself. "Wolf?" She whispered. Wolf nodded slowly, smiling. He stepped forward as Esperanza did and nuzzled his mother for the first time in many years. "What's going on? Who is he?" Said Spirit, pushing close to Esperanza. Esperanza nudged Spirit away from her. "Show some respect, Spirit. This is your long lost older brother, Wolf." She said, moving to stand beside Wolf. Esperanza beamed and closed her eyes, leaning into Wolf. Wolf nuzzled her happily. Spirit wore an expression of confusion, disbelief, and shock. "But I don't have a brother!" He exclaimed. "Yes, you do. Who do you think tamed the eagle and told him to watch out for us?" She said, looking at Spirit, amused by his confusion. "We all thought he was dead, so I never told you..." Explained Esperanza with an apologetic smile. Spirit looked utterly baffled, looking from Esperanza to Wolf. "But he looks nothing like either of us!" Exclaimed Spirit, furrowing his brows. "I took after Strider, instead of Esperanza." Said Wolf with a sad smile. He realized that Spirit had never met his father. "My dad?" Spirit said. Wolf nodded. "He was very dark." Explained Esperanza. "Well were were you my whole life then?!" Said Spirit angrily, turning to Wolf. "Calm, Spirit." Said Esperanza quietly but firmly. Spirit pinned his ears and looked to the ground. "Same old Esperanza, scaring the living daylight out of everyone she meets." Teased Wolf, nudging Esperanza. Esperanza rolled her eyes, but couldn't stifle a small grin. "Well?" Prompted Spirit, more calmly this time. "One day me and Strider were leading the herd to the river to drink. Eagle started making strange noises and pacing, so we told the herd to wait. Before we could react, a buffalo stampede came and crushed Strider, and swept me away." Explained Wolf sadly. Spirit narrowed his eyes. "I doubt they swept you away for years and years!" He said, his voice quiet but scalding with anger. Esperanza looked apologetically at Wolf and began to speak, but Wolf cut her off. "Same reason as you! You stayed in the Indian camp, when after a few days you could have easily broken out of that corral! I grew up in the camp, and I'm no stranger to horses in love. I bet you would have stayed if Rain refused to leave. I know I would stay with Kendal. Even if my homeland is a stranger to me now." Replied Wolf quietly. He turned back to the woods. "Kendal, Foals! We're leaving." He called. Kendal trotted out of the woods with Kendal and the foals trotting beside her. "Lets go. It seems I'm not welcome at my home anymore." He said loudly. Kendal nuzzled him apologetically, and they galloped off with the foals trailing behind him. Esperanza desperately called for him to come back, but her old legs could never catch up to him, and Wolf didn't stop to let her try.

Wolf gazed happily at the empty, starlit expanse of green plains. "Strider told me about here. Very empty, no herd here yet." He said happily to Kendal, who was happily watching the foals frolicking in their new home. She turned to look into his eyes, her own eyes were sparkling with excitement, but behind that was concern and worry. "This place seems wonderful, but.... Well, empty..." She said. Wolf nodded to her. "It is, but there are a few loners who stay here for a few days. I bet we could recruit some of them." He replied thoughtfully. "That sounds great." Murmured Kendal, lowering her head beginning to doze off. Wolf nickered quietly to the foals, and Alamo trotted up with Sugars trailing behind him. "You should be getting to sleep." He whispered to the twins. "Mm-hm" murmured Alamo as he curled up next to Kenal. Sugars yawned and rolled on the grass before settling down. Soon everyone except Wolf was breathing slowly and evenly in sleep. He couldn't explain it, but something was pricking the back of his mind like a hard-to-reach burr on his back. Suddenly he heard a whinny from  behind him. He wearily turned, expecting a loner, but his tiredness vanished as he saw Esperanza on the hill behind him, alone.

"Mother!" He exclaimed quietly, galloping over to her. He quickly made sure she had no injuries, and looked at her scornfully. She rolled her eyes at him with a small smile. "We both know you are too old to be wandering alone! You should have stayed in the herd!" He scolded her. She snorted. "Rain told me about you," she said, ignoring his scoldings. "She says you helped train her in the ways of humans when she was born. She also said you were one of the most respected stallions there. They said you were the leader's daughter's horse." She said, cocking her head and her eyes squinting in amusement at him. Wolf rolled his eyes and snorted. "I was just another stallion in the tribe, mother." He replied. "No. I'm you're mother, Wolf. You are very modest. Rain told me all the tribe gossip. I may be old, but I'm still interested in all the mare gossip. She said that Darla told Rhonda that when Revvy saw you say who you were, you got so flustered by the attention that you ran away!" She said with a giggle. Wolf rolled his eyes and looked away. "Wolf, you don't know it, but Strider did train you more than you think." She said quietly. "Like when? I was going to be trained at three!" Wolf replied. "How did you know how to fight off cougars then? Yes, she told me of 'the handsome dark stallion' that saved Kendal, and swam against the strongest river we know of. He showed you, you saw him, and that is the best kind of training." She said to him. Wolf nodded. "Most of the tribe gossip she told me included you in some way; as the victim, the pranker, or the hero. It would take an idiotic, or modest, horse to NOT know you were extremely popular." She said, looking at him proudly. "Okay, okay, I was popular. So what? Did you put you life at risk just to gossip with me?" Esperanza snorted at his reply. "I told Rain to tell Spirit what she told me. I know that Spirit will feel bad about sassing and chasing you away after he knows what you're like. It's a hard time in the Cimarron, Wolf. Predators are more common, yet the mares are having less foals, and rival stallions are challenging Spirit, so he's a bit on edge... Especially if he sees an older and stronger stallion like yourself come out of nowhere." Said Esperanza seriously. "You're my son, Wolf. I want you to be in the Cimarron with me! I lost you in that stampede, and I don't want to lose you again!" She buried her face in his mane and Wolf laid his muzzle on her neck. "Alright, mother. But we must spend the night here, cougars will be out by now." Wolf led Esperanza to the top of the hill where the others were soundly sleeping. "We'll go back in the morning." Esperanza dozed off quickly, but Wolf fell asleep long after.

Wolf awakened with Sugars butting into his side and Kendal and Esperanza laughing at them. Wolf raised his head groggily and shook himself. Sugars leapt backwards and ran strait into him, knocking Wolf over into the tall grass. "Oof!" Wolf exclaimed as he fell. Esperanza and Kendal exploded in laughter and Alamo ran in a circle around everyone, making ripples in the waving grass. "Where was all this energy when I told you to fetch moss last winter?" Said Wolf happily, pulling Sugars onto the ground. Sugars laughed and leapt up, racing around restlessly. Wolf rolled his eyes and stood. "We'd better get going before someone breaks their legs, racing around." Kendal nodded, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "Come on!" Said Wolf, calling the foals. The foals reared playfully and galloped off, with the others right behind. 

As Wolf looked nervously at the Cimarron from a distant hill, Kendal nudged him softly. He looked into her blue eyes and saw a glimmer of excitement so strong that it made him smile, too. "What?" He said to her. She smiled softly at him and put her muzzle to his ear and whispered, "I'm pregnant."