"There you are," she whispered. "That's a brave boy."
The horse's breathing began to slow. Emma glanced toward Thomas. "Would you come in quietly? I think he'll let you take his reins if we give him another moment."
Thomas entered, approached along the stallion's shoulder, and gathered the reins carefully. When Storm stood still, Emma withdrew a step to give them room.
"Don't remove the saddle out here," she advised. "Take him somewhere quiet first. And please, no more riding."
Thomas led the stallion slowly toward the stable entrance, with Emma walking several paces beside them. James followed at a distance. Inside Storm's stall, Thomas secured him and waited while Emma stood near the doorway.
When the stallion had settled, Thomas loosened the girth one hole. Storm released a long breath. Emma noticed the change immediately; so did James.
"There," she said softly. "Did you see that?"
James nodded. He seemed relieved.
"Perhaps, but we shouldn't decide what it means before Mr. Bell examines him."
With Thomas handling the familiar routine and Emma observing from outside the stall, the saddle was carefully removed. Storm shifted when the leather lifted from his back, but Thomas paused until he stood quietly again.
Emma leaned forward without entering. Beneath the area where the saddle had rested, a patch of hair lay flattened and uneven. She could see a faint area of irritation, though its full extent was impossible to judge from the doorway.
"May I ask how often this saddle has been used recently?" she said.
Thomas hesitated. Captain Vale, who had followed them into the stable passage, answered first.
"Daily. The horse must remain fit."
Emma turned toward him. "Even after Mr. Reed reported that he disliked having his back brushed?"
Vale's face hardened. "I will not have my methods questioned by a blacksmith's daughter."
James stepped between them. "Then you may direct your objections to me, Captain. I am questioning them."
Silence settled over the passage. Storm lowered his head toward the hay rack and began pulling at a mouthful of hay. James watched him for a moment before turning back to Emma.
"You asked me to look at something. I believe I am beginning to understand why."
"We have seen enough to justify an examination," she answered. "Not enough to condemn anyone."