Piotr huffs out a dry laugh. "Queen Lakshmi, all our horses that were not taken from my original estate have come from Dendarii livestock, and the hillfolk have shared so much with us they're strained to the breaking point. Money is hardly even a factor anymore, at least in this district. We've been living in these mountains for ten years. I think you overestimate our resources. And if you happen to find a reputable seller, he's probably a Cetagandan sympathizer..." He smiles grimly, a little viciously. "Well, I wouldn't recommend that purchase, anyway."

He rubs a hand over his mouth, looking somewhat strained. "What you require is a horse that can navigate mountain terrain, and well. Most of these horses have been foaled up here in the mountains, and this is nearly all they've known. Most of them are geldings; stallions rarely have the right temperament for our kind of war. I'm sorry, milady, but your request is on the unreasonable side, all things considered."