you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

It is clear that tension bristles between Syden and the mare, and Magnus frowns momentarily.

It was not in his nature to let other stallions talk down to mares, but since he had not heard anything that was overtly cruel, he kept it to himself. Besides, he had walked into the conversation late and had no way of knowing what was said before he arrived. For all he knew, the mare had been horrifically rude—although, looking at her now, Magnus could not imagine her doing so. Still, he brushed it off, suppressing his typical urge to protect those in his vicinity and watched the stallion with renewed interest.

As Hurricane gave his pitch, one corner of his lacerated lips rose into a corner. It was an honest proposal, and he was grateful for it. Too often recruiters came to the Field with sugared words and false promises; it was nice to see that Hurricane presented the Tundra for what it was—flaws and all. When it became silent, Magnus shrugged his scarred shoulders. “As he said, all kingdoms will have the same foundation for their proposal: protection, camaraderie, the chance for promotions. That is all the same.” Not that Magnus’ viewed his offer as one that came from, say, the Valley—but that was neither here nor there.

“As for my motives,” his voice fell off, considering what drove him to the field every day. “I’m from the Gates. Usually, my motive is simple: help individuals find a home that suits them. The Gates can be a great many things to a great many people. It is a haven for some. It is a fresh start for others. For many, as Hurricane said, it is a place to gain rank and power.” His mouth becomes a grim slash across his face, “However, if I am being honest, my motive right now is to find strong soldiers for her ranks.”

Magnus considered the other stallion for a second, frowning in thought. “A few years ago, the Gates was attacked by another kingdom here, the Chamber. It was unprovoked; the actions of a bully.” It had been before Magnus had returned to Beqanna—returned to the Gates—but that was irrelevant. He should have been there to help protect them. “The land is recovering, and we are growing, but Beqanna is uneasy. I have a feeling war is on the horizon, and we need the strong, the willing, the brave to fight for the Gates.”

It was not an easy offer. It was one that demanded bloodshed before he had even made the choice—but it was also a noble one should he choose it. There was a chance to be on the right side of history. “You look like a soldier, and it would be an honor to fight alongside you—but, ultimately, the choice is yours.” He nodded toward Hurricane. “The brotherhood is a noble kingdom, and they would be lucky to have you.”

Still, Magnus hoped this stallion would be willing to join the army.
Hoped he would be willing to fight for a kingdom he had never even seen.

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.

you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me

Magnus remains quiet as Syden makes his choice—quiet as Hurricane takes his leave. He was perhaps not as old as Hurricane, but he had decades to his name (although many of those had been spent beneath the pulsing waves of the ocean) and he knew the intricacies of war. He had seen it fall upon the land, and he had carried his weight throughout it. Magnus did not hunger for revenge as many throughout Beqanna assumed he did, although he could not deny he had more of a taste for bloodshed than a man of the Gates should. What he did hunger for was justice. The Chamber was just a bully, and he would not be content to lie down and take their abuse. Further, he would not be unprepared should they attack again.

So he cannot deny the grim pleasure at Syden choosing to join their ranks. Watching him with his burning gold-flecked eyes, he finally nods. “Yes, we would be grateful to have you on our side.” He is silent for another second, considering. When he does speak, his voice is husky, genuine. “I hope that it will not come to you lying down your life for the Gates, but if it does,” he pauses, straightens his shoulders, “then your name shall be remembered among her people for centuries to come. We do not forget our warriors.”

Taking a step back, he motions toward the borders. “So, are you ready to see your new home?” He knew that it would most likely not be the stallion’s first choice, or his permanent home, but he hoped that the quiet beauty of the Gates would perhaps spark something in the other. It was not the harsh power of the Tundra, but there was something worth protecting there—and Magnus needed other soldiers who saw the value in stepping up to shield it. They needed those who were willing to die to save that sanctuary.

MAGNUS

once general. once lord. once king.