He let the stallion run, his tight fingers about the mane long since relaxed, as was his body. He continued clucking softly, his head close to the sleek neck. And beneath his knees he felt the restrained power within Flame and knew the stallion was running at only a fraction of his utmost speed.

Flame galloped with his ears pricked forward; occasionally one or both cocked back as Steve called to him. Finally he slowed to a long, easy lope.

They had approached the ascent to the gorge when Flame swerved quickly away from it, snorting at the same time; then he turned toward the center of the valley, slowing to a canter until he was crabstepping on prancing hoofs.

When Flame came to a stop, Steve sat still for a moment, while the stallion stretched his long neck down to graze. Then Steve slid off, but his hands still rested upon Flame. He knew that now he could never part with his horse.

Nothing mattered now but Flame. Steve faced everything now. There was no sense in kidding himself any longer, he felt. He had been reluctant to talk to Pitch about Flame’s return to his band because he knew full well that Flame wasn’t going back! He had known it for many days—ever since the stallion had first turned away from the gorge leading to Blue Valley. Flame didn’t want to go back. The Piebald had left his mark not only on Flame’s flesh, but deep in his very heart. And it was Flame’s fear of the Piebald, together with his loneliness, that had made it easier for Steve to win the stallion’s love.

Knowing all this, Steve had looked upon the Piebald with new eyes, aware of the viciousness, the reptilian cunning of the new leader. And he realized full well that if Flame had even the slightest fear of the Piebald, he would be killed in battle.

But he won’t have to fight him now, Steve thought, as he stood beside his horse. I won’t have him killed. He means more to me than anything else. I don’t care about the band. Let the Piebald lead them. Let it be the end of this breed, as long as I have Flame. I’ll take him away. I’ll take him home.…

STEVE’S DECISION

17

That evening, as blue shadows blanketed the valley floor below, Pitch listened to Steve tell of his desire to take Flame away from the island. His face grave, Pitch said nothing until the boy had finished.