Page 33 of Clan and Crave

As if he understood, Sletran nodded.“Conyod’s told me so much about you since we last met. I had nodoubt you were resilient enough to pull through. I look forward towitnessing you at full strength soon. Maybe you’ll pick a suitablemount for me to learn to ride.”

He almost sensed a smile from the intelligentanimal. The light snort sounded like an agreement, at any rate.

“How are you holding up?” Sletran asked hisowner.

“Okay. Dresk’s fever broke, and his breathingeased a bit. The vet will be by to check on him soon and give himanother dose of medication.” Conyod took a halter from a hook onthe wooden wall.

Dresk tilted his head as he gazed atConyod.

“The restraint is for your own good. I don’twant you putting any of the mares in line if you notice them actingup. You may be king of the herd, but you’re still too ill to remindthem of it.”

Snort.

Despite Dresk’s obvious dislike of being puton a lead, he allowed Conyod to place the halter on him.

“Containment, off,” Conyod ordered, and aslight shimmer came and went from the stall’s opening.

Dresk’s steps were slow, uncertain. Holdingthe rope attached to the kestarsh’s halter, Conyod matched his paceon one side of his neck. Sletran accompanied them on the oppositeside.

Vel paused his work as they passed to callencouragement. “You look much better, Dresk. You’ll be chasing theladies again before you know it.”

Dresk rumbled deep in his chest. He pausedwhen the response set off a series of hacking coughs that waveredhis balance. Noting how Conyod braced against his shoulder, Sletrandid the same on his side, steadying the beast. After a couple ofseconds, he was ready to go on toward the stable entrance whereConyod’s other parents and several ranch hands watched.

“How far?” Sletran asked. He couldn’t helpbut worry what would happen if Dresk collapsed. The stallion washuge and muscled, a formidable weight should they have to carry himback to his stall, even if everyone pitched in.

“Just a few yards beyond the stable and back.He’ll appreciate checking on the mares. He understands they’resafe, but like a Nobek, he has to see them to be sure.” Conyodchuckled and patted Dresk’s long neck.

Sletran wasn’t so sure Dresk could manage iton his trembling legs. However, the instant the kestarsh caughtsight of the corral around the corner of the shelter, his head cameup and his pace steadied. He answered the cheers of the ranch staffand calls of his herd in strong voice and even put a sign of aprance in his step.

“Showoff,” Conyod snickered in a lowvoice.

Dresk discarded the performance once he wasin the shelter of the stable again. Relief washed over Sletran theinstant the big animal entered his stall and lowered himself to thefloor, lying on his folded legs. Dresk stretched his neck acrossthe ground and closed his eyes.

Conyod remained outside the stall next toSletran. Noting the Nobek’s drawn-together brows, he said, “He’s nolonger lying on his side, which is a tremendous improvement. A lotof the time if they end up in such a position, they never riseagain.”

“I guess if he can put on a display for hissweethearts, he’s on his way to recovery.”

“No kidding.” Conyod smiled up at him. “I’mglad you’re here. Sorry our visit is under such strainedcircumstances.”

“I’m happy to be here.”

“Did my parents speak to you?”

“They greeted me quite politely.”

“I bet.” Conyod sighed. “Anything or anyonethat takes me from them isn’t exactly welcome. I apologize inadvance for their behavior.”

“They’re fine, Conyod. Really. As is youconcentrating on Dresk as much as you need to. I’ll simply standback and admire the view.”

Conyod snorted and gave him a little push,but his expression was pleased. “What a line.”

“Your other boyfriend says hello.”

“Oh, quit. He’s only a crush.”

Sletran was amused at the crimson stainingConyod’s cheeks. “He’s infatuated too. Commander Erybet asks aboutyou when he can work it into a conversation. He tries to be subtle,but he can’t quite pull it off.”

Sletran’s superior had gotten in the habit ofappearing when Conyod visited the base. They made what sounded likeidle chitchat, but Sletran was aware of the bits of informationthey teased from each other as they toyed with mutualfascination.

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