The horse galloped unevenly, loosing a long, sorrowful cry. Then, abruptly, it halted. The shopkeeper, panting and red-faced, caught up—only to freeze at the sight before him.

Beneath the shade of a roadside tree lay a foal. Its small body trembled faintly, each breath shallow and pained. Its eyes glistened with fear and suffering.

Blood streaked its sides, and scrapes marked its fragile frame. It was clear the little one had been struck by a car and abandoned to di:e.