He also explains that he is a respected butcher in his hometown, Schleiden. This companion is a soldier known as 'Crazy Old Friedrich,' a belittling nickname that appears to hide Friedrich's true character.įriedrich confides in the horses, explaining that he finds the entire war irrational and bizarre. Still, he, Topthorn, and the two Haflingers find themselves performing tedious work pulling the artillery wagons-although the burden is lightened, somewhat, by the presence of a new friend.
Topthorn gains some of his strength back as the weather warms, and Joey notes that the season itself is peaceful, with few battles facing the horses. Chapter 13 begins with a description of the arrival of spring.
