Mal lifted the bottle and poured a large slug, somewhat unsteadily, into his mug, then topped up the one opposite him.

“… ‘n’ that’s when he decided I was old enough.” He laughed. “Damn thing was five times my height, and he expected me to ride it.” His laughter grew. “Biggest fengle horse you ever saw, and me a squirt no higher than my knee. I thought I was done for, and no mistake. But Gil, he lifted me up onto that monstrosity, settled my feet into the stirrups, and led me around the corral.” He hiccupped slightly. “I was only five, I didn’t know Horace was the gentlest horse you’re ever likely to see.”

Mal took a mouthful of liquor, wiping his chin where he’d spilled a drop, still grinning.

“Course, once I figured out they weren’t gonna kick me to death or stomp me into the dirt you couldn’t keep me away from ‘em. Got me a sweet little ride for my eighth birthday, and from then on I was out with the men whenever I could, if I wasn’t at my lessons or doing chores.” He smiled lopsidedly. “A great one for lessons was my momma. Said it was the best way for a man to improve himself, that and cleaning out the kitchen stove. She sure made me tired before I went to bed every night.”

His smile took on a wistful touch. “Used to sleep in the roof, had a window and everything. I’d lay there awake and look at the stars, wondering who was out there, what kinda adventures they were having. Used to dream sometimes of floatin‘ amongst ‘em.”

He leaned forward, staring into his mug. “Never thought I’d be out there. Always knew how my life was gonna turn out. My Ma’d stake me to a place, probably adjoining hers, and I’d build a house, white picket fence, the whole deal, and get me a herd. Get me a wife too, and half a dozen fat children. All boys. ‘Cept for maybe one girl, just for me to spoil.”

He choked for a moment and drank quickly, swallowing back thoughts of other children.

“But the war came and I decided I had to do the right thing. My momma waved me off, standing watch