Although Winters, having left Wolf Town, had more than once entertained the thought of "simply escaping back to Vineta," he never put it into action.
Not to mention what would become of his military registration after his escape, relying solely on one horse was insufficient to sustain a long-distance trek. Furthermore, as a foreigner, how would he shake off pursuit on this unfamiliar land?
Escape was highly impractical, so Lieutenant Montaigne could only resign himself to thinking about it.
Winters had not left Wolf Town intending to flee, but rather to find Andre.
His new comrade was called "Rejek" by the Dusans, meaning a reddish-brown horse. Consequently, Winters also named this three-year-old colt "Red Mane."
Mounting Red Mane, Winters immediately decided to make a trip to Blackwater Town. To see Andre and, incidentally, to test Red Mane's mettle.
