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finger-combed that thick mane and braided a bracelet of loose silvery hairs. When she gave that bracelet away to a girl who needed its magic, Sam hadn’t guessed the Phantom might never trust her to get that near him again.
    â€œWe’ve got to move closer,” she repeated, “just to watch.”
    With silent skill, Brynna turned Jeep toward a deer trail. To human eyes, it was faint, as if a bit of dull green had been erased from the hillside, but thehorses followed its twisting path downward.
    Trusting Ace to keep his feet, Sam turned in her saddle, still watching the Phantom.
    In her imagination, she could lure him to the river again. She could lay hands on his warm back. Her touch would tell him she’d never hurt him. He’d understand she could ride him and then slip from his back and set him free.
    Across the canyon, the Phantom rose in a half rear. Sam tried to believe he wanted their friendship as much as she did.
    A crunch and shower sounded as Jeep’s hoof struck a piece of loose sandstone and crushed it. Taking no chances, Ace rocked back, then vaulted forward, leaping over the spot.
    Hazards were all around. This was no place for daydreaming.
    â€œDoing okay?” Brynna called back.
    â€œSure. Ace is more surefooted than—”
    Scattered neighs and a tumult of hooves interrupted. Something was going on. Whatever had disturbed the mustangs was hidden by a dust cloud swirling over them.
    Sam glanced up. They were pretty close to the herd, about two city blocks away, but she could no longer see the Phantom. No silver shadow glittered against the pink sandstone. He’d gone to protect his family.
    â€œOh, my gosh.” Sam took a breath, then pointed. “Look.”
    A tall black horse strutted apart from the herd. It was Moon. Sam was sure of it. She’d just recognized him when a movement farther up caught her eye.
    Through a piñon-choked pass, Sam saw a pale flicker. And there—dust floated in the wake of something moving fast. The stallion raced toward the intruder.
    â€œIs that his son?” Brynna asked.
    Sam nodded. “That’s New Moon.”
    Down by the turquoise river, the dun lead mare lunged with bared teeth. It was only a warning, and Moon knew it. Glittering like black satin, he slipped past and insulted her with a swivel of his heels.
    Moon didn’t pause to see her reaction. He shoved into the herd of mustangs, scattering bays and sorrels, mares and foals. The tiniest of the lot, a roan filly whose red coat looked like it had been covered with a sifting of sugar, raced to get out of Moon’s way.
    â€œHe’s sure not trying to be sneaky about it,” Brynna said. “Every horse down there can see he’s trying to cut out that blood bay mare.”
    Hooves clattered on rock. Ace and Jeep shifted uneasily at the Phantom’s warning neigh.
    Sam turned toward Brynna, who looked at her with raised eyebrows.
    â€œStallions do a lot of pretending,” Brynna said. “I’ve always heard they don’t fight unless they must.”
    â€œI don’t know,” Sam said. “I think Moon’s pushed his father too far.”

Chapter Five
    A s if Moon heard Sam’s worry, he let the blood bay return to the other mares. He whirled to face his sire.
    Sam and Brynna rode a little closer, drawing rein at a relatively flat spot where bare aspen stood tall and white. Here, Jeep and Ace could stand together, and they could all watch.
    Sam felt a little sick. If she were observing this on television, she wouldn’t hear hooves pounding bone and teeth tearing skin. Or if she did, it would all be pretend.
    The Phantom stopped about ten feet from his son and laid his ears back. Any horse could read the stallion’s irritation, but Moon didn’t move away.
    The Phantom stamped a front hoof. He looked impatient, but Moon switched his tail as if he didn’t care.
    He’s asking for it, Sam