Altayih walked in step with the formation as they trudged down the path returning to the training grounds, their steps were better coordinated and few were losing their sense of the pace now compared to just a day ago. It had never dawned on him to simply use a drum to help them stay in step until he heard someone on the hill calling the workers back from their tasks with a loud banging. Inquiring as to what the ruckus was about Jelani had only told him that once in a while Tendaji and Sefu ordered a drill for recalling everyone just in case something got through the "net" set around the greater Wete area, be it wild animals such as lions, hyenas or the more dangerous two hoofed kind.

Hearing that heavy thrum had made his heart skip a beat until he remembered Jelani telling him to ignore whatever he heard that day unless it came from her personally or Sefu. Bad memories had surfaced quickly from the brief two weeks he had spent as a slave rowing a cargo ship until his owner had decided he was worthless as an oarsman and would be better suited on land. It was through this little shuffle of owners that he wound up meeting Shahid and he did not regret it, but hearing a drum reminded him of the ship and the sound of a whip cracking every time he fell out of step. On the other hand the memory had sparked an idea, if a drum worked at keeping the rowers coordinated, then why would it not help keep those marching in step? Rounding up a few small drums and passing them out had been easy, it was explaining to the drummer to keep a steady rythm and that had been the hard part. Once the drummers had their internal coordination figured out the rest learned to put one hoof forward on each beat and stay in step quite rapidly but a few still struggled with the novelty of the concept.

Not that it mattered now, the overwhelming majority had been very quick to learn almost everything and were slowly learning to stay in step without the drums. Getting them started with the thrumming was easy now and once they got going the thumping of hooves in the air was a dull reminder of when to step. Everything was quickly being mastered now that they had coordination, even ordering them to advance in a wall with spears and shields at the ready had almost become second nature to them. As for the fighting and tactics, they still grumbled about the cowardice of what they were learning but now they learned it without arguing or challenging why they should bother. A few mock battles had raised ire between the teams as they fell on each other in large ambushes with the losing side taking many a lump and bruise. Back and forth they fought with each other and now they were doing it on their own without instruction, each team forming its own tiny pecking order and then seeking out their opponents, formulating a quick plan depending on whom saw who first and a few times which had made him smile, they had been ambushed and began figuring out ways to turn the situation around.

That small edge of knowing how to perform the tactics themselves gave the understanding they had so sorely lacked just a few weeks ago, with this knowledge they were quickly proving themselves capable of figuring things out all on their own.

As he walked beside the formation he smiled to himself, a week ago they were utterly incapable of anything they were now doing but now they were managing quite well. What had been a maddening first few days had eased until running to the captain was pointless unless it was to ask a truly serious question about organization, tactics or strategy. Even Shahid and Raswan were not bothering to pass along questions as they had figured it out on their own or within their small group, common sense was prevailing quickly. Unfortunately, he knew that where Verik wanted them was far off in the distance just yet and every time a sudden change of pace or a rapid order given to change formation or direction proved it as they stumbled badly. So long as things were straight forward they could perform but only so long as it remained a bush fight or well coordinated, restricted and slow moving.

Gone though were the inter-tribal ritualistic fighting though, he was grateful for that. There was a time and place for ceremony but as Verik had pointed out it had no place on the battlefield. Glancing back he tapped a stallion who had fallen out of step on the leg with his spear and then waited as he saw two groups emerging from the brush with Raswan and Shahid leading them. Some limped along but from the grins on their faces he had an idea of what had happened, shouting for a halt the column stumbled to a halt and waited as the three groups combined.

"They are doing better hmm?" Altayih watched the two groups limp into position within the greater column.

"It a start." Raswan shrugged. "Saw coming this time and set traps, pull back limbs of brush tree and when others walk into path, trip and smack in face or body."

"If Jelani finds out-"

"Warn them not make lethal, they not sharpen sticks, only knock wind out or knock on flank."

"Shahid?"

"Plotting revenge all way back, rotate so they not fight each other again so soon because otherwise they..." Shahid trailed off and eyed his group carefully.

Altayih nodded. "Its a start! Better than last week at least."

"Report to captain then?" Raswan nodded towards the village.

"Ahhh you have started to call him that as well hmm?"

Raswan scowled back. "More captain now than then."

"True. Well, it is getting late so I shall leave you to it and make my report."

"Not trying to cheat and leave early?"

"Never would I shirk the duties my captain has placed upon me! I simply do not wish to go near that hut after business hours and neither should you."

"Yes, know about that."

"Then I shall be off."

Altayih gave a curt bow and followed the trail towards the village while listening to Shahid and Raswan argue over who's turn it was today and after it was settled Raswan called out the order to march again. Behind him the drums started again but he quickly outpaced them, with any luck he might just make it far enough ahead of the mobs before days end and get a chance to visit the river and go mare hunting again. Time was precious these days with his new duties but where there was a will, there was a way. Besides, that is what subordinates were for. He had to give his report as he had not done so in a few days and next time he would have Raswan or Shahid leave early, but not today. Today, it was his turn to dart away and enjoy a few extra minutes of time off. Besides, there was nothing else left to do today anyway other than bring them back to the field and dismiss them.

Picking up his pace to a fast jog until he reached the bottom of Wete, Altayih slowed his pace and made his way up the hill and past the walls before navigating the narrow confines of the upper village. Little lean-to's had popped up after he had been invited to construct one next to Raswan's hut, the idea soon spread and now those who had lost their dugouts in the rush of construction now emulated the example with friends or family. The houses were a ways off as of yet though but everything was in place and as he took a quick cursory glance at the crude frames and markers that were starting to rise. He felt genuinely happy for the first time in a very long time at the sight. Somehow Verik had twisted arms into getting Tendaji to agree that Shahid and himself would get proper accommodations for the part they were playing in things be it a hut or a section within the housing project. Not long ago Tendaji would have dumped them along the riverbank and ordered them to swim but now that he was proving without a doubt as to the validity of his claims the chieftain was starting to listen, even if only just.

Approaching the creche Altayih slowed his pace and caught his breath before listening to the wind and dust blowing. "Quiet... They must be hiding from him again."

Walking to the door and reaching out to knock he froze as a familiar voice spoke quietly from inside. Shifting his ears forward and focusing Altayih listened more intently as he picked out Verik's voice and the occasional gasp or hushed tones of foals whispering back and forth. Confused he knocked quietly and the voices ceased for a moment before picking up again, when the top of the door opened Asha stared at him before nodding and letting him in but quickly locked the door again after.

Gazing at the odd scene Altayih shook his head at the dense mass of foals that sat around Verik staring at him as he moved his hands around. "Asha? What is going on?"

"Story time."

"They would not go near him last time I-"

"That then, this now. Now they pester, before they flee. So he tell them story from other place."

"Must be rather popular stories..."

"Very interesting!" Asha nodded but then looked grim. "But also very bloody... Very bloody stories."

"I did not know he even knew any..." Altayih took a position to the side and when Verik looked up at him he nodded. "If I may captain, I shall give my report after your story as I am intrigued by what sweet and bloody words you are using to entrance this furry mass that was once stricken with terror at your mere presence, but now hangs on your every word."

Verik gave a shrug. "Alright... Where was I?"

A foal sitting in the front waved an arm eagerly. "Forest bandit!"

"Oh yes! So he was warned about the bandit that lived in the dark, black forest but traveling through the forest was the only way to get there. He had no choice but to go so he sharpened his sword and prepared for the worst, for days he made his way through the forest of thick trees and growth until he was certain that he was quite lost. But!" Verik held up a finger. "On his third day he crossed paths with a man also traveling through the forest, now at first he thought this man was the bandit and drew his sword ready to cut him down where he stood!" The foals let out a collective gasp or "ooh's" as Verik stopped and glanced up at Altayih who looked down curiously.

"But the man proclaimed he lived in the forest and was a hunter, fisherman and trapper. When challenged as to the bandit that roamed he was saddened and agreed. Yes, a bandit did travel the forest and slew people for their trinkets and he had managed to avoid him because he knew the forest quite well, and for a small price he would aid him on his journey and show him the fastest route out so he could be on his way. It was agreed upon but the forester-"

A filly raised her hand. "What forester?"

"Someone who lives in the forest, cuts trees, hunts, manages things... Never mind. It was very late and going to get dark so the forester offered to show him to his cabin where he could eat, sleep and prepare for the journey on the following morning. Accepting the offer but still wary he followed the man to a cabin but when the fellow asked for his sword... He grasped it firmly and refused, threatening to kill him if he so much as touched the blade!" Asha grimaced a little and both Altayih, Sefu and Verik grinned a little at the varying reactions in the hut. "Now the forester promised he had nothing to fear! He was only going to hang it on the wall right next to where he would sleep but no. He would do that himself if he wanted, well they spent the evening staring at each other quietly, even when they ate. Every time the forester would move he would grasp his blade..."

Verik looked at Altayih. "Bored yet? No? As the evening wore on the fire died down and the forester would stand and toss another log on but he never slept... Now our northman laid down and pretended to sleep, and after a few hours the forester slipped from his bed and began making his way towards him..."

"Nooo! No trust him!" Foals continued to shout but Verik gave a cruel grin at Altayih who raised an eyebrow as the foals called out.

"And the northman jumped up sword drawn! What are you doing he demanded?! Well the other man just smiled, hands up in surrender and said "I am only putting another log on the fire so it will not go out..." Well... He sheathed his sword after the forester had gone back to bed and waited, and again it happened! Each time he proclaimed he was only stoking the fire. Well come morning they were both sleepy from having such a long night on guard against each other but the northman knew he had to escape the forest even if it meant accepting this mans aid... But he knew the other would trick him and maybe not lead him out at all! For two days they walked through the forest without so much as a single incident. The forester was a perfect gentleman! But on the third night as they slept the northman snapped awake as the forester was sneaking towards him-"

"He chop him!?" Everyone stared at Asha a moment as Verik shook his head.

"No, he demanded to know what he was doing. Once more he was only "putting another log on the fire." Well the northman growled and kept his on his sword as the forester went back to sleep. He was exhausted from the long walk and being on guard every night for four nights! And sleep was over taking him, he knew there was nothing he could do to stay awake." Verik took a quick drink of water as the foals pestered him to continue. "Late that night after he had fallen asleep the forester rolled over and watched the sleeping form of the northman for a moment. Slowly he slid off his wool sheet and listening to the sound of the northmans snoring he smiled, he was asleep. Drawing a long dagger the forester slinked- No, it means to sneak, like a cat. He snuck over and standing above the northman he plunged the dagger into him!"

A wail filled the creche as the foals lamented what had happened but Verik shushed them.

"But! As he stabbed down until he was quite certain he had killed the northman the forester heard a "thunk" sound and then drew back his daggerin confusion. There was no blood!" Verik held out his carving knife and touched it showing that there was no blood on it. "Standing in confusion the man gasped in pain as a blade SLAMMED through his back and the point emerged from his chest!" The room was dead silent as the foals stared in shock. "The northman was standing behind him! Yanking the blade free the forester slumped to the ground gurgle blood and gasping, shock written across his face! Smiling at him the northman leaned down and took the dagger. "You thought I was asleep? While you looked the other way I filled my blanket with leaves and a log. I waited knowing you would strike like the snake you are while I slept!" Well the northman made a fake snoring sound as the forester died and smiled again. "But now I shall sleep." With that he stabbed the man again and slept until morning."

"Bandit dead?" The foals stared.

"Well no one ever heard of the dark forest bandit again, people traveled through the forest again but no one was ever attacked. Many believed it was all just a rumor to start with! But! Our northman knew the truth but he never bragged about what he had done, only when he was an old man did he tell his sons the story of what had happened."

"Interesting story captain... How many of these have you been telling?" Altayih motioned towards the mass of foals who were asking for him to continue the saga.

"Two day now." Sefu stood and stretched his legs. "Like his stories of "northmen" very much to."

"I must admit they are quite unique." Altayih nodded. "But then I consider who is telling the story and it makes sense..."

Verik gave Altayih a blank stare before looking back at the foals. "So what are the lessons of this story?"

"Not trust strange stallion!"

"Not let guard down!"

"Keep sword sharp." Everyone stared at Sefu's son Auni a moment before nodding.

"No forgive." Silence held in the air as the dust covered filly spoke without looking from her far corner.

Verik nodded. "You can learn many things from the story, but very true. Always keep your weapon sharp and ready but also never forgive a murderer, bandits or brigands. Being nice to them or worse, letting them go just means they will have a chance to stab you in the back later. Better to kill them now and be done with it."

"If I may captain?" Altayih raised his hand a little. "What about those who are slave soldiers?"

"Then they will have to make a hard choice when the time comes to either fight for their masters or take a chance and do what is right. Nothing is ever easy, especially when lives are on the line but ask yourself this: what is your soul worth? You can do as you are told and hope to glide by or risk everything, probably lose it all but at the end of the day when all is said and done you can look your spirits, gods in the eyes and say: at least I did something. Sometimes you have to lose to win, that is the nature of fighting evil."

"Hmm... Do you believe in forgiveness?"

"Not really, no. But I do believe that some just dont know the way but when the light is offered either follow or die."

Altayih smiled a little. "With you captain there is little room for doubt, you are utterly mad but quite convinced of your ways."

"Is that an insult or a compliment?"

"A compliment of course dear captain. Having... Traveled, as much as I have willing or otherwise and having met so many it is good to know my captain will remain the captain. With you I know exactly what I am getting and what to expect. You do not hide what you believe."

"Why would I?"

"Never change captain. Now... I see the foals are no longer terrified of you."

"Nope."

"Your story is quite gory but interesting, I am surprised they allow you to tell them." Altayih nodded at Sefu and Awe.

"Bloody stories but good lessons, better they learn now than hard way." Sefu stared at Altayih a moment before yawning.

"Scary lessons!" A colt stared up at the Arabian stallion.

"Your report?" Verik went back to whittling after nodding at Altayih.

"All is well, they are marching almost in step, their grasp of your tactics is quite good but we are in agreement they need more time. Much, more time. I would have given more reports the past days but you would have missed very little so I deigned not to disturb your peace and quiet. The groups are getting rather-"

A small dusty head rolled over and after snorting dust the eyes opened for a moment to scan the room, taking in her surroundings and dismissing everything that was going on the starved form scooted a little towards a bowl of food. To apathetic to use the spoon the tiny figure stuck a tongue out and tried to lick out the contents without getting up but as the inability to reach the contents persisted the foal scooted forward more and opening up her eyes fully to stare at the bowl they took a quick glance around the room again.

Everything was the same including the strange creature that had come to inhabit the building, every so often the older ones would leave and be replaced by new ones but they all left her alone. At first they would say something to her or try to coach her out of the corner but the new creature just glanced once in a while but otherwise left her alone. A new figure was in the room and hearing their voice she stared at them a moment as he leaned against the wall talking to the creature. Eyes going wide and pupils shrinking to pinpricks the filly sat upright and let out a loud yell.

"Daddy!"

Every head in the creche snapped to the dust ball in the corner as it screamed but none had quite the reaction that Altayih had as the dust bunny streaked across the room and latched onto his leg like their life depended upon it. Ears splaying back and eyes looking confused with his pupils dilating Altayih stared down in shock for a minute at the sobbing ball of dust that clung to his leg before panic set in.

"She is not mine! I sear to the gods she is not mine! I had nothing to do with this! If she was mine I would never- Captain! I swear!" Altayih spoke rapidly and in panic as he began to shake his leg a little to loosen her grasp as the tiny hands digging into his fur made him wince.

Verik stared at the Arabian a moment before looking at Awe and Sefu who shrugged. "Well first off we all know she is not yours but why does she think your her-?"

Sefu's ears suddenly stood upright a little more. "Ahh... Same color."

"What is that supposed to mean!? Get off! I am not your father!" Altayih reached down and tried to pry her off but the sudden wailing made him stop. Standing upright again while tears leaked from his eyes in pain as the filly continued to painfully pinch his leg with her fists he wheezed a moment and glared at Sefu.

"Only see maybe once, twice... But you maybe same height? Fur same color, she think you him."

"I am most certainly not! And stop laughing! Sir."

Verik shrugged. "Well we got a reaction out of her. To think our resident smooth talker ladies ma- Stallion, would be laid so low by a tiny foal."

"This is not funny!"

"Of it is! But at least she is showing some signs of life."

"Could you please get her off my leg before she takes my fur with her?"

Verik reached over at the foal but her eyes locked on him and began screaming. "Noooo! Not let go of daddy! Not let go again!"

Stopping mid reach he looked up at Altayih. "I think we have a problem bigger than getting her off."

"Yesss..." Altayih hissed as he shook his leg to loosen her grip. "We have a problem."

"Maybe not?" Sefu leaned back against the hut wall and crooked his head.

"How is this not a problem!? Ouch! Dont do that!" Altayih reached down and tried to pry a hand off but it only grasped harder forcing him to stop quickly.

"Give up life, now want life..."

"What is yoourrr oww... Point?"

"Maybe you dad now."

"I am not her dad!"

"Maybe."

"What is that supposed to mean?! This is not amusing! She is not mine!"

"Hmm... Awe?" Sefu leaned over and after whispering the mare took out the door quickly, once she was gone he stared at the foal again. "Sit and wait."

"I want her off my leg!"

Verik reached over and ignored the howls of protest as he engulfed the fillies hands with his own and tested her meager grip. "She is latched on like a tic from hell but maybe she will ease up in a few minutes if you just calm down and quit trying to shake her off your leg like a dog with a bad case of fleas."

"I cant help it! She is pinching-"

"Just quit shaking your leg and sit down, the harder you shake the more she hangs on. Whats her name again?"

Everyone shook their heads as Altayih tried to ease himself to the floor and even after he had done so the foal was still hanging on with a vengeance. Looking exasperated he slumped against the wall wincing every so often as the foal continued to sob on his leg till it was tear streaked.

"If she does not let go soon I am going to pry her off even if part of my leg goes with her."

"I have a feeling if you succeeded she would grab onto your arm next, at worst your neck."

"Please captain, do not give her ideas."

Verik shrugged as they stared and waited for her to calm but the foal only sobbed and continued to call out for her father every so often. Things returned to a strange normal in the creche as they waited for something to change but when Awe returned they all froze. Poking her head through the doorway Nuru looked at the crying foal and equally upset Altayih before stepping inside and waving Awe off.

"Stand."

"Can you get her off?"

"Stand." Altayih stood as Nuru hunched over a little and stared at the filly. "Manna." The filly turned slightly. "Who this?" Nuru tapped Altayih with her walking stick.

"Daddy."

"Look at face."

Manna stared up at Altayih's face as he stared down with a strange, pained look. "Daddy."

"What is his name?"

"Daddy is daddy."

Nuru stared a moment and looked at Altayih a moment before looking back. "He not go away, go sit there and wait, need to talk with him."

"No! Not let go again!"

"He not go, stay here. Promise. He not go." Manna stared a moment looking confused before burying her face in Altayih's leg, Nuru reached down with her free hand and began patting the filly gently until she loosened her grasp. "Only for moment, you wait there okay? He not go."

Easing her grip slightly Nuru eased Manna off his leg and quickly passed her to Subira who took a few steps away.

"Thank you." Altayih rubbed his leg and turned towards the door but was quickly blocked by Nuru's staff.

"You, stay."

"But I am NOT her fath-"

"No care, Manna think you him. She die soon if not change, she change when see you."

Altayih stared at the pink foal who was staring intently before looking back at Nuru. "Yes, she is skin and bones but I am not her father. Surely you know thi-"

Nuru's glare silenced the stallion. "No care. She needs father, think you father so you father. Maybe she realize and stop but maybe not. Nothing work, you leave she not live, not want to live after lose family. Now you family, maybe she have reason to live now yes?"

"But-"

Stepping in close and whispering so low that even Verik who sat only a few feet away could not hear Nuru hissed into Altayih's ear. "You chase every mare in Wete who not wed, want wife so bad? What you think happen after? This not different, that one need you! You abandon Manna because she not yours?"

Altayih whispered back somewhat confused and with consternation. "Of course not but-"

"Not convenient? This life, not convenient but IS. No one else accepted but you, yes. Maybe not later, but now, now important."

"It is not that simple!"

"Oh? Know about plan, all plan. This simple, that hard."

"Ho-... I lived in a hole in the ground till just a few days ago! I can barely feed myself, how cou-"

"That not problem, she need father. Need family. You abandon her?" Altayih opened his mouth to say something but all that came out was an overly exasperated and low nickering sound. "Good. She your daughter now, you have family now like you wanted. Maybe not wife, but maybe in time hm?"

"I live under reeds leaned up against-"

"Not problem." Nuru leaned away. "Time change everything, now have new responsibility yes?"

"Yes..."

"Maybe in time you toss away and run-" The look on Altayih's face as Nuru suggested he might throw her out and run was priceless as shock was written on it. "You maybe smooth talker but not that good hm?"

Nuru gave Altayih a knowing grin that made him flinch as he realized he had just been read like an open book and that there was nothing he could do about it. The elderly mare looked at her granddaughter and nodded, releasing Manna. Quick as a flash the foal darted to Altayih and hung on again as everyone stared quietly for a moment.

"Done then?" Nuru stared at Altayih.

"Yes." Altayih looked at Verik and tried to summon up some dignity. "When I woke up this morning I had no idea I would become a father before days end."

Verik shrugged. "Life is full of surprises, just like Asha."

"Quite."

Standing upright and trying to regain his composure as Nuru continued to smile at him in a way that terrified him Altayih limped to the door with Manna hanging off his leg and after opening tried to keep his composure as he walked towards his lean-to. Passerby snickered, stared or pointed at him as he limped past, some smiled, others raised eyebrows and continued on their way. He felt utterly conspicuous. Looking down he felt pity and remorse for her, that her life had been hell was true, but she was a stranger. Not that it mattered to her however as Manna continued to cling onto him as if her life depended on it while continuing to mutter the same word over and over again.

"And your life does depend on it... How did I get myself into this?" Altayih looked up at the sky. "Why did you deign this to happen?"

All he heard though was whispers from all around or a very small voice from below.

"Daddy."

Author's Notes:

Cant keep my eyes open today, keep falling asleep the past two days. Thankfully had this written before it hit so here you are. Enjoy, donate a dollar if you enjoy the story, comment.