Luneshale Pass Harou le medina gedida

the pair move forward, steps falling in a single rhythm. it pleases soto to see arslan hang back just so, and fills him with a powerful burst of male pride. 

he ranges south, following the outline of the distant canyons. near a profusion of faded summer sedge, soto pauses. along the shimmering horizon of reds and tans, three black silhouettes move in a haze. 

pronghorns. their shadows move slowly across the chaparral plains. soto’s single eye holds arslan in its gaze, appreciating the subtle beauty of his brilliant red ruff before he slinks off towards their future meals at a quiet trot.