"We will keep quiet, acting as though nothing as changed," Lord Copperstone said. "That way, they will continue to send us Witch's Ponies."
"Father, our concern should not be repopulating our herd," Mikhail said.
"That is far from my concern, my son. No, I am concerned there are others that the rebels have captured for their breeding program. Other humans. Perhaps Horse Witches caught in horse form and not allowed to return to human, perhaps Witches shape changed to horse and then stuck for various reasons. Or even perhaps people forced. Not just into joining the breeding program, but into horse form itself." Mikhail paled. "I have heard that the new King transforms his enemies into animals. Not even just his enemies, but those who upset him in some way. I would not put it past him to have sent the breeder Witch's Ponies that he personally turned from human to horse. After all, former humans make the best breeding stock for Witch's Ponies."
"Like the old days," Mikhail whispered. Iris let out a questioning whinny.
"In the old days, Horse Witches, once found out, were forced to join a herd of horses," Lady Copperstone explained. "Take horse form permanently. Sometimes they joined a wild herd, but more often they were sold off by their family to the highest bidder." Iris neighed in distress. "That is no longer the case. Though some Horse Witches will willingly become a horse permanently to be sold by their family or rented out for breeding if their family is particularly poor. We have purchased and hired such Horse Witches in the past. Of course, once they take a permanent horse form, they can legally never return to being human, otherwise we would have allowed them to do so once purchased." Lady Copperstone's eyes filled with tears. "Some of the very horses taken from us were such Horse Witches."
"Mother, it is okay," Mikhail said softly. "We will find them. I promise." Lady Copperstone nodded and wiped her tears away. "I agree with Father. We will take as many of their horses as they are willing to send us. Hopefully we can help some former humans that way."
With the plans resolved, the mares were officially settled into their new home, finally feeling safe, despite the peril still going on around them. The rebels checked regularly and were pleased to see how well the mares were being tended to. So pleased, in fact, that they decided to send some more Witch's Ponies to the Copperstones.