Like a thorn to the holy ones [Magnus]

[magnus]

magnus

howling ghosts, they reappear
in mountains that are stacked with fear

If Nymphetamine had asked, Magnus would have corrected him—he hadn’t done this alone. He had pulled together an assembly of horses who had worked alongside him to make Tephra what it was today, a lively and bustling land. He would have told him about Ellyse as Head of War, as Lucrezia as Head of Peace, and Dahmer as his third Council member. He would have told him of the way they had worked and toiled, greeting newcomers, visiting new lands, and even going to the field to guide new souls home.

At the blood bay’s teasing, Magnus rolled his eyes. He wouldn’t expect anything else from the jokester but for him to treat it jovially, to let the golden stallion’s irritation roll off of him easily. Which was most likely for the best. Magnus had a strong Council and capable members of the kingdom, but that didn’t stop him from knowing that danger lurked around every corner. He would be a fool to turn away the help of an established, seasoned diplomat simply because he was annoyed by the other’s presumptuousness.

“You are more than welcome to travel to the lands, to see for yourselves how they are fairing, but you would be wise to touch base with Lucrezia before you go. She serves as our Head of Peace and has made several journeys herself; I would hate for us to visit other lands and give the impression that our left hand does not talk to our right.” He rolled his shoulder. “Ashley from Ischia was recently here, but as far as I know, we have not yet visited his island. Nayl from Nerine has been here, as well, and I recently went to visit her. I traveled to Taiga a while ago with Aranea and Longer, and both Lucrezia, Dahmer, and I have made two separate journeys to visit Sylva.” Another pause, a small scowl. “Pollock and Sinew of Pangea recently arrived here, but the trip was short-lived.” They had quickly shown them the door.

He inhaled deeply, as if he could rub the palm of his hand over gritty eyes. “I believe that catches you up on everything. After talking to Lucrezia, I would recommend starting with either Ischia or Taiga. I will likely accompany you on the first visit as it’s one of the only kingdoms I have not yet personally visited.”

but you're a king and I'm a lionheart