He nods. There's nothing else to expect, no matter how his heart might ache at the thought of her remaining here, with all this pain and uncertainty, caught like a bird in a cage.

"I'll take care of her," he promises, and reaches to the white mare, who steps placidly along, into the her new home.

The eyes he turns on Marian might be solemn, but he finds a smile, as encouraging as he can make it.

"We'll look for you. And, Marian -- be careful."