Now, it is his youngest daughter's turn to learn. Tyrath's singular lesson seemed to have been extremely effective, and Volterra already knows how he will help his youngest offspring learn to survive. Before they begin their practical, however, she must learn her theory, otherwise he will be quite literally throwing her to the wolves.

"At your age, the best thing to do if a predator is nearby is to run. We are animals built for flight, my girl, and one of our greatest defences against predators is our ability to outrun them." When Volterra was a colt, and an outcast one at that, he'd had to flee from many a hungry carnivore. Running had prickled his pride, but he'd been smart enough to realise that he wasn't yet strong enough to fight back against his would-be killers. Now he's older, he wouldn't dream of fleeing - he'd take any predator attack as a personal insult and crush them like a twig - but his youth had been filled with exciting chases and near-death stumbles. "If you are ever hunted in the Throat, for example, you should immediately run to the first adult you can find, as they will be able to help you deal with the threat." If Volterra was ever grazing in the Throat and a foal ran towards him pursued by a predator, his natural reaction would be to help - he can't think of anyone in the herd who would refuse to aid a child in need.

"However, there will be times when running simply is not an option. Amongst trees like these, for example, you would be hardpressed to escape a pack of wolves who undoubtedly know this territory better than you do, and would be able to surround you whilst you fought your way between the trees. In such a scenario, you should shout for help, but if there is nobody nearby to assist you then you will need to stand and fight." It may be futile, a foal against a pack of wolves where there's only going to be one winner, but it is better to die trying than cowering next to a tree.

"We do not have sharp claws and razor fangs like carnivores do, but we have our own arsenal that can prove just as dangerous. The most effective attack against a predator, I find, is to turn around and buck towards their head." The mammoth man turns and demonstrates; he hurls his great weight forwards and flicks out his hindhooves, showing the sheer force that the action can create. "If you time your blow correctly, you can kill with one single hit." Which the stallion has done many a time. "A rear is another option, although you risk exposing your underbelly. Again, however, if you time your attack correctly, you can break a predator's spine and render them useless by slamming your forehooves down upon them." He demonstrates this, too. "Finally, your teeth. They may not be sharp like a wolf's, but they can cause great pain if used correctly. Aim them for the predator's joints, such as their legs, to help immobilise them. Again, this could leave you open to retaliation, but in some situations it may be your only option."

Finally he pauses. Before he begins with his plan, he needs to know his daughter understands. He gestures to a nearby tree with his muzzle. "Demonstrate your attacks on that tree. Buck at it, rear at it, and go to bite it, to show me you understand."