"We must send her to the Copperstones in Wind's Grove," the second human said, patting Gelvin's side. "They are far more skilled at difficult deliveries such as this."
"Can she travel with two newborn foals?"
The man shook his head. "The foals will be transferred to a surrogate mother like we originally planned. Then, we can send her."
Inside her stall, Gelvin's heart fell, partly from the idea of losing her foals and partly because she would be taken from her stallion despite her efforts. For a moment, she considered acting up again, but she knew the humans were more alert now. No, it would be better to bide her time. Perhaps, depending on how many humans they sent to escort her, she might have a better chance to escape while on the road.
Meanwhile, as Gelvin schemed, the rest of the foals were born. The humans all stood back to gaze at the unusual but amazing sight. Eight Witch's Pony mares stood in their stalls, every one of them nursing twin foals. Sixteen foals in all! They decided to let them alone for a few hours before separating them. That was as long as they dared wait.
The rebels clearly sought to gain an advantage by monopolizing the kingdom's supply of horses while also utilizing the strengths of their new breed. As such, while the Royalists had superior numbers, without warhorses, especially Witch's Ponies, their army was too slow to maneuver effectively. Capturing a decent-sized wild herd with a decent number of Witch's Ponies was like finding gold. Better, even! They just needed to get them sufficiently trained before the rebels made another major move.
Iris picked up on the urgent atmosphere, and she knew her time with her young was limited. So, she made sure to dote on them, wishing them a safe new life and promising in her heart she would see them again once the humans' conflict was over.
The next day, the foals were led away. Calming spells could only mitigate the sorrow of their mothers so much, but the men were experienced at keeping them from being overly stressed. Gelvin and Iris were then readied for their journeys in opposite directions.
At last, the various groups headed out. Iris whinnied her farewell to her herd-sisters as she departed with the soldiers. Gelvin, aside from a brief whicker towards her stallion, seemed much more quiet as she was led off.