Dawn rose with a peculiar light over the expanses of grassy plains, heavy with seed as they prepared for the coming of autumn.  No wildflowers greeted him with their bright faces.  Only the sun, clear and golden with just the barest hint of rose, rising above far horizon.  It was too soon for him to miss the riot of colors that the desert dust transformed the sunsets and sunrises into.  For now there were too many adventures ahead, too many things undiscovered.  He lived in a time of legend though he did not know it yet.  Of dragons rising and of brooding war.  He had only the faintest whispers, months old, of what transpired in the land across the narrow straight that bridged desert to plains.  

That straight was behind him now.  The nights were pleasantly mild compared to the desert's freezing darkness, but some of night's cool air seemed to linger during the day even under the highest sun.  Still, he left the three horses un-robed since their work would warm them.  He moved easily with the blood colored stallion's movement, as natural as breathing.  Only a thin blanket separated their bodies to wick away the sweat generated by the heat of their bodies and the day.  Behind the ride, small saddlebags held some supplies with long-necked instrument's case strapped securely on top.  Two slender lines tethered the other two equines to the first- a small knife sheathed on the side of the saddle near them offered the quickest release if something should happen.  

Keeping with their easy pace, the blue-eyed mare kept a watchful eye on their surroundings and on the black colt that frolicked at the end of his lead.  Little more than a yearly, he was full of youth's energy and fretted with the slow pace, rushing to try and outpace his sire and then falling back when distracted by some bit of the surroundings.  The yearling had no burden, though his mother carried other supplies the traveler might need.  But the yearling was a child yet and Andreii had no need to rob him of his childhood with work too early.  The collar he wore would have to be replaced soon though, for with his rapid growth it was tied only at the end of the black strings.  Andreii hadn't quite finished the new one in his preparations for the journey- the pattern was done, he had only to affix the ties and smear a little of his blood on the inside to seal the contract between them.  Just as he had on the others.  

Though he had been many days away from his home he did not feel lonely.  How could he be?  He traveled with the kindred of his soul.  

The yearling, as though echoing his thoughts, tossed his head and let out a cry that one day would be his battle challenge.  For now it was only a thin, challenging scream.  Sokol arched his slick neck, blowing out a great huff of air.  He was no longer a young stud, to need to respond to every cry.  He only turned his head to cast a sidelong look at his impatient offspring before turning his attention forward again, towards the Realms of Mir and Cendra City.  

Cendra City.  Found on peace, a mixing pot of races and a trade hub.  It was there Andreii intended to start.  Where he went from there... well, only the wind knew.