Just days after the tournament, in which he had come through victorious, the Dauntless had traveled to the Threshold on his patrol with Ktulu to bring back some warrior, but the creamed dun had denied him. Archibald paid no mind to it, felt no hurt or offense, but merely tagged the dun as an idiot who was probably a weakling as well. Now, however, the kingly beast was finishing up another patrol. The leaders had yet to announce their decision as Captain, though Archibald would not stand for any less than himself, and if possible, Ktulu to stand at his side. She was a strong mare with many ideas, the only thing she lacked was experience. Archibald's was skilled and experienced, his knowledge and past would merge well with her. He even had a more level-headedness about him that Ktulu did not, and Archibald would even her out. Together, they could build an army. Not only did the Dauntless see her as a powerful ally, he looked to her as one of his closest friends. She and Lakota, it seemed, would be in his life forever. Both mares had traveled into the lands at his heels, though the mammoth knew he was not their reason for being here, it was surely an idea he kept in his mind.

He knew, within a fortnight, he would need to travel to Circe. His sons were nearly a year old and strong, venturing out on their own each day. It would be a lie to say that Archibald did not worry for them, but he was also confident in their ability to keep themselves safe. Thus far, no harm had come to them, and the Dauntless did not predict any soon. Reginald was a cunning boy, a genius that would be very successful in his lifetime. Abraham was strong and able, and with his dragon companion he knew his curious son would be safe. The little white reptile had even tried to claw at Loretta for getting to close to him, and the memory caused a chuckle to spill from the back of the warlord's throat. Yes, his sons were safe. He needed his wife, however, to join at his side. He missed her, truly, his heart pined for her. He needed the warmth of her at his side while they slept, he needed her muzzle pressed into the muscle of his neck.

A wild, sharp call snapped Archibald out of his thoughts. Loretta, bounding up to his side momentarily, shot forward towards the sound. Above him, Archibald saw a flash of tan flying. The king was in a panic, as the Dauntless could tell by the tree branches and leaves that crashed to the floor before him. Confused, Archibald set off at a steady gallop, dodging trees and boulders to follow after the flying king. In minutes, Archibald burst into a clearing, the same clearing he had battle in just a few days past, and he skidded to a stop. Loretta, a few horse-lengths in front of him, was set in a war-stance and snarling. Golden eyes flicked up to see Kahlua, the daft but kind queen, being attacked by an on-fire, raging mare.

The warlord knew he needed to stop Kaj, or else he was going to hurt himself, this attacking mare, and Kahlua. "KAJ! ENOUGH!" Archibald bellowed, his voice booming thunder across the land. Another painted mare darted in the sky, attempting to thwart the king just as he was. Archibald had never met the king before, but Archibald would not stand for more pain than what was needed. After all, Kahlua had called for peace, and she seemed to be attempting to reason with her attacker. With his bitch snarling, Archibald cantered more towards the flying golden stallion to position himself more underneath him, so when he hit the ground, Archibald would intercept him. Gritting his teeth, Archibald sent his bone magic flying, hoping to lock Kaj in the magic and all it's power to send him reeling towards the ground.