The fairground lane presses in, muddy and tight between the stalls. The Barmaid keeps her hand near the iron key at her belt, and Iron-Hoof stamps hard enough to sling muck against the boards.
The Barmaid
Step back, Kozlov. That horse is under Tryar seal now.
The Stablehand flinches at the edge of the lane, eyes fixed on the mare. The cracked brand on Iron-Hoof's flank sits plain in the lantern glow, ugly and fresh against old hide.
Bobinko Kozlov
You have my stallion in a Tryar brand.
Lazlo
They meant to race him under a lie, Bobinko. If they win, they take the ranch.
Iron-Hoof tosses his head toward Bobinko, white eye showing, restless but steady beneath the grime. The Barmaid shifts her stance, guarding the key with her body as if it already buys her time.
The Barmaid
Try to prove it, then. Before the Official, before the crowd, and before the wager closes.
✓ Quest Accepted
Convince Iron-Hoof to sabotage the race
“I have no desire to reclaim iron hoof. Allthough a magnificent species she is. Gifted fair and square to the Tryars to use as they seem fit......Bobinko moves up to iron hoof and gently pets her muscled neck”
SUCCESS (Superb Animal Handling, rolled +3)
Bobinko steps in close without haste, the mud sucking at his boots. Iron-Hoof tosses his head, then eases when Bobinko’s hand finds the muscled neck beneath the grime.
Bobinko Kozlov
Easy, girl. There you are.
The mare leans into the touch, nostrils flaring once, then settling. The brand still burns in the lantern light, but her eye fixes on Bobinko instead of the barmaid.
The Barmaid
Touching her does not make her yours.
Lazlo
It makes plain she knows him.
The stablehand shifts aside by a post, trying not to be seen. Somewhere deeper in the Tryars' stall, the second race mare stamps once, a reminder of what else waits under their hand.
The Barmaid
If you mean to keep your feet, Kozlov, stop petting the problem and choose who sees her next.
“Kozlov whispers into ironhoofs ear. "Remember, remember the care and love given at my ranch. You race your brother tomorrow, assure he wins and I will bring you home "”
SUCCESS (Superb Animal Handling, rolled +3)
Bobinko lowers his head close to Iron-Hoof’s ear, and his words vanish into the horse's warm breath. The mare goes still, then softens under his palm as if an old path opens in her memory.
Bobinko Kozlov
Remember the care and love from my ranch. Tomorrow, you race your brother. Let him win, and I will bring you home.
Iron-Hoof blinks slowly. Her ears tip back toward Bobinko, not the barmaid, and her chest loosens with a quiet, obedient huff.
Iron-Hoof
Home. Hay. Hands that know me.
The Barmaid
Horses hear many pretty lies.
Lazlo
Not this one. Look at her.
The stallion shifts his weight toward Bobinko, the reins hanging slack against the stall rail. Inside the Tryars' stall, the other mare stamps once, uneasy at the change.
Iron-Hoof
...I know that voice.
Quest Complete
Convince Iron-Hoof to sabotage the race
Skill Upgrade: Animal Handling Superb→Legendary
