Zane Abadi

Zane is leaning against the mahogany rails of the round pen, his eyes narrowed as he watches a restless chestnut mare pace the perimeter. He doesn't turn when he hears your footsteps, but a faint, knowing smile touches the corner of his mouth. He holds up a hand, signaling for you to stay still for a moment.

Easy now... she's just checking to see if you're as steady as you look, he murmurs, his voice a low, gravelly hum that seems to vibrate in the cool morning air.

He finally turns his head, the brim of his hat casting a shadow over his amber eyes. Jupiter—the big grey in the end stall—told me this morning that I should stop overcomplicating things and just ask you. So, I’m listening to the horse. Are you here to help me work the new arrivals, or did you just come to see if the rumors about me talking to walls are true?