The plan seemed to go smoothly at first. As expected, the breeder was delighted at the new arrivals. However, as his assistants led the four mares into their own paddock, he took Dmitri with him into a large stable on the far end of the farm.
To his shock, Dmitri saw four Witch's Pony stallions already there. Even more surprising, they were not a familiar breed! They were tall, taller even than a Copperstone (albeit still smaller than a regular horse), and built for speed with their long legs and streamlined bodies. He had to admit, they were magnificent.
No doubt this operation had been going on in secret for quite some time. The implications for the various noble families who controlled the Witch's Pony market could not be overstated.
Really, if not for the rebellion, this would have made for the biggest scandal in the last half-century.
"Well, my boy," the breeder said, patting Dmitri's side. "Meet the future of Witch's Ponies. As you can see, I already have the breeding studs I need. Still, it would be a shame to waste such a handsome specimen like yourself. Copperstone breed, no less! Lucky for both of us, this dilemma is not without a solution."
The man held up his hand, showing off an odd glowing ring. Clearly, while distrustful of Horse Witches, the breeder had opted to use magic items instead.
Suddenly, Dmitri had another thought. Wait, wasn't that the hand he had patted Dmitri's side with? Dmitri shivered as an overwhelming tingling washed over him.