Sassy was enjoying the feed she had been given in the stable when Gelvin came up to her. He smiled at her.
“Come along, Nyx,” he said. He put a lead and halter on her, then lead her out of the stable and into the adjoining paddock. Sassy’s head was swirling. Why had Gelvin called her Nyx? Did something happen to Anya? Those thoughts disappeared, however, when she saw the stallion waiting for her in the paddock. He was an incredibly handsome palomino quarter horse, no doubt coming from a pedigree to rival hers.
Sassy didn’t even notice Gelvin muttering magical phrases under his breath. She was too enthralled by the stallion before her. In a repeat of what had happened to her earlier that day, Sassy soon found herself mounted. The palomino stallion thrust vigorously into Sassy, making her whinny in ecstasy.
“I am sorry, Sassy,” the stallion grunted. Sassy’s blood ran cold.
“Anya?” she neighed. The stallion continued to pound her.
“Gelvin is a horse witch. With my magic so weakened, I could not detect nor stop the curse he placed upon my food. The farmer intends for me to be a stud for him, and my first task to be impregnating you. I am so sorry, I cannot stop myself!”
Eventually, Gelvin broke the two horses apart.
“Well done, Aurum,” Gelvin said. “Nyx is now with foal.” Anya, now Aurum, whinnied angrily at him. “Calm down. The boss says that once you have sired five foals for him, the curse will be lifted. And in the meantime, we will take excellent care of you.” Gelvin led the two horses back into the stable, putting them in stalls on opposite ends of the building.
So far from Aurum, Sassy, now Nyx, couldn’t consult him for advice on what to do next. She had to determine a course of action on her own and then, hopefully, get the message along to Aurum.