and I also knew that the colonel - my rider - had shot his mare. If that was ever revieled then I was dead meat. But the closer we got the faster I ran. Even if I was terrified something was still pulling me towards the cimarron herd. We finally climbed up a steep hill and a herd of mustangs came into view on the other side. Jade reared and neighed, then galloped down to meet her parents and grandmother at long last. I walked behind, giving them their moment together before I had to be noticed.

Spirit eyed my US branding. I wondered if he remembered me, but even if he had that didn't stop him from from welcoming me into the herd. I was a stallion, a potential opponent, yet he was letting me stay. It was because he trusted me, because Jade did too. She wouldn't drag a horse out of the army and across miles of thick snow if she didn't love him. This was where I belonged. All the events that had brought us together had happened, so this, them and us were meant to be.