141
THE BLUE FEATHER
“Point Turbo in the right direction,” Tital said to Bardala, as
the newborn kept looking for something to nurse on. Bardala got
the little one straightened away with his mother, and stroked his
back while he nursed.
“He’s so-o-o soft, but look at those long legs,” Bardala said,
“What are you going to do when you need to ride your horse?
She will need to be with her baby all the time for at least a while,
anyway.”
“Hmmm...I was just thinking of that, but it’s not just me that
needs to ride. Look around at these people. They have no
horses.” Tital said.
“So, what of it? I don’t understand what you are getting at?”
Bardala questioned.
“Just imagine, if these people had horses, and learned to ride
them, then they could, and probably would be stronger than the
Tarawan tribe. They could learn to breed horses, and trade them
to other tribes on this planet. They could use them for
agricultural use also, so they could be even more productive.
There is the situation with Trall’s Tribe, the Almaya. They are in a
similar situation with the Atoo tribe, and their constant raiding
for slaves. The introduction of horses to them could put an end
to that horrific practice by the Atoo,” Tital expounded with
enthusiasm.
“I am starting to see your point. Both tribes of peaceful
people would be much better off if they had horses, but Huracán
didn’t put horses on this planet. Little Turbo is the first one
born.”
“How long does it take to have more? Tuns. Where are you
going to get enough breeding stock to supply two tribes? You
can’t use Jonathan’s, or Viviana’s horses, or...mine! I need to ride