Counting the Heads in his Herds, 2024
The royal herds of William’s Khubi – his wealth and ultimate warrior status – were innumerable, unassailable, and indefatigable. During the days when not in battle they would run free and play in the snow of the Khentii Mountains and the plains along the Onan River. When the Mongols weren’t looking, these ponies would organize races, kvetch about the ornamentation of their battle saddles, and forage for the tastiest grasses hidden under the white blanket. While uncontrollable to an untrained eye they were easily coaxed into a single file as they returned for their evening repast, brushing and rubdown. The call for return was subtle and unusual, a quietly sung Urtiin Duu, showing that even Mongolian horses have a sense of humor.