The stallion stuck out his hoof and shook with Lyra, and then Dale—three pumps, just like Lyra had shown him yesterday. As soon as he’d accomplished that bit of pleasantry, the stallion got down to business, asking Lyra dozens of questions. It was like the interview she’d had earlier, except she looked a lot less comfortable talking to him. He wasn’t hostile, but he was aggressive, and he was clearly asking questions that Lyra didn’t want to answer. Dale put his hand on her shoulder, hoping that the touch would be reassuring.