Odin didn't get a chance to answer any of his son's questions before he was off and running for horse treats. Just as well; while the word would get out eventually, it saved Odin the need to explain Sleipnir's parentage. Time enough to cross that bridge. Loki had paid a heavy price for ridding them of the giant's threats, and Odin was sure he would receive more than his fair share of ribbing from the others. His own fault, true, for assuring them all the giant could never succeed, but Odin didn't need to add to that suffering.
The Alfather had barely thought all that when Hermod already returned. That boy could move! Between that, and Hermod's immediate reaction, Odin felt sure he had made the right decision.
"He will be, I've no doubt, though I'm not sure he'll ever be as fast as you!" Odin chuckled. "Now just hold on a minute and listen to me." Apparently, Hermod was already jumping to the conclusion that this was to be his horse. That was not exactly what his father had in mind.
"He will be able to be ridden, once he is broken in. So, I take it you like my new horse? That's good, because I want to talk to you about something."
Odin stroked Sleipnir's neck, as if contemplating something that hadn't occurred to him, though the plan was already in motion. "It seems to me, with the new wall around us, that it won't be quite as easy for word to get in and out of Asgard. Not to mention I don't always have time to run around looking for someone when I want to talk to them."
He turned to give his son his full attention, and to mark his reaction. "What I'm going to need is someone fast, someone who can show they can be responsible, and someone who is willing to take on some of those duties for me."