Parts 15-17 Summary

Tristan is harnessed along with the other slave ponies to make the morning round in the village. Nicolas walks beside Tristan, pausing to kiss the slave's eyelids. The other slaves do not seem to notice. The harnesses are tighter than before and Tristan finds that he is unable to move except for the straight ahead march that all ponies must make.

Once in the village, Tristan recognizes the Captain of the Queen's Guard. The Captain is the one who originally captured Tristan and took him to the Queen's castle. The Captain takes delight in seeing Tristan again and accepts Nicolas' offer to touch and fondle the prince slave.

Tristan remembers the Captain as a handsome man, and the Captain returns the compliment. Tristan notices that some of the people in the village think of Tristan fondly as he is fed and given much wine. The...