They galloped in the direction of where the picture had originally been taken. When they reached the cluster of bushes, they met the rest of the herd. Their heads all popped up to look at them. Chaphar slowed as he reached them. “Who you got there?” asked a feminine voice from the group.

“His name is Tom, I’m taking him to find some food,” Chaphar answered.

“Are you sure he’s trustworthy?” the voice asked again.

“Yes, he just needs a friend,” Chaphar answered.

A couple horses parted as the horse who had been speaking walked out. Tom’s eyes went wide; it was the white horse that had drawn him into following. “That may be, but he has the look of carelessness,” she said.

“Well Shehleg,” Chaphar said walking past her. “If you have concerns about my safety why don’t you come along?” he said looking her in the eye. “Why doesn’t anyone come along who has worries about my choice in friends,” he said turning to the other horses.

The other horses looked at each other and twitched their ears, but none said anything. “Fine, if you want to risk it, do so,” Shehleg said snorting. “You won’t find me a part of it.” She turned and ran off.

Chaphar just began walking the way he had been going. The herd opened as he passed through. When he was clear of them, he galloped away at full speed. “I’m sorry Tom. You shouldn’t have heard that.” Chaphar jerked his head to the side, “It’s my fault, I should’ve gone around them.”

“Did you mean what you said? About being my friend?” Tom asked.

“Yes, I totally did. I wish to be more than that though. I want to show you the way to find more love than you know what to do with.”

Tom closed his eyes and gripped the Bible harder. A tear nearly fell down his cheek but he shook his head and wiped it away.