The chestnut had wandering for a while since he had been kicked out of his bachelor herd. He still couldn't believe that soft-hearted fool. The Diamondbacks had fought numerous battles to secure their territory. They had become the most notorious gang in the area, the scourge of every herd for miles. Harassing leaders and kidnapping mares had been all in a day's work for them.
And he had wanted to throw it all away.
Start over, he said.
Make peace, he said.
What bullshit. And what's worse, many of the gang members had agreed with him.
And so Vicer had left in disgust, looking for a herd that wouldn't end up being such lily-livers. Perhaps Helovia held a new life for him, where he could have the same companionship within a group, and the same fear outside it.
Now, standing at the treeline and looking out over Thistle Meadow, the tree shadows striping his back like a predatory big cat's, he allowed a small grin to curl his muzzle.
Look out, Helovia. Here comes Vicer.