I see that he has a gentle way with horses, as does Oengus. Such gentleness is rare to find among men. Even many of the poets are warrior-poets, as quick with the battle sword as they are with sweet words. Ruaidri makes me smile.

"Thank you. I am sure his hoof has been damaged by the broken shoe. I did my best to smooth the jagged edge as we were traveling. Still, he limps."

Ruaidri speaks softly to the big Iberian, stroking the tension from his neck and winning his trust before he slowly bends to examine the hoof. Sabio surprises me by obediently lifting his foot for inspection. The fiery stallion has become a lamb.

I have enough confidence in Ruaidri to ask if I may leave Sabio with him and return later. "There is much to be done at the stables this morning, as I've just now returned from Ebrauc. I'll come back as soon as I can, or send my new helper for Sabio."

As I leave Cruithni Crafts, I think again of Ruaidri. I think of him some more, and decide that I will definitely return for Sabio myself.