From above, the wicked shall receive their just reward
They needed soldiers, they needed men and women with grit and steel spines. They needed diplomats too, or else Kronk would have to continue the task of making alliances. If that were to continue, the Gate’s would probably remain friendless. The orange and white stallion snorted. When did he start playing politics? He knew when, and the very thought caused his anger to rise.
Slowly, he was beginning to learn to control his rage. He was learning to cope with failure. It was harder when there was no enemy before you to fight. Waiting was more difficult than doing. He felt the anger like a pretense at his back. He felt lit like a suffocating cloak that was just tight enough to make breathing difficult. He would pant and wheeze and always he would feel the failure. Still, all that would stay in his mind. It would stay locked away where Kronk could pull it out and examine it privately. In public, right now, he had work to do. He had revenge to sow.
Kronk saw a man by himself. A sturdy black creature who seemed content in his solitude. Perfect. He walked over, weaving in and out of bodies, eyes locked on the one creature who probably wanted to be left alone. Over the years, Kronk had learned that the quiet ones were also the thinkers. The ones who enjoyed their own company had a well developed enough minds to exist on thoughts alone. He liked them. As long as they weren’t so bent on solitude that they couldn’t take or give orders, Kronk liked them.
But, apparently, the stallion was not alone. Kronk saw the Tundra man in a sudden burst, and he had to suppress the surprise. He channeled it into nothing more than a stony expression. He hadn’t met the Tundra man, but he could smell the snow and ice on him. And besides, they were probably looking for the same kind of recruit. Kronk wouldn’t turn down a woman who fit the bill, but he would admit a partiality to brothers in arms. Kronk nodded in greeting to both men.
“Well met, gentelmen. I’m Kronk.” And indeed he was.
Kronk
