Better at everything. That was an ambitious goal, but Şahin assumed Lyden had specific things in which he wanted to improve at. Something his father told him when he was a colt sprang to mind as the cloud-colored stallion apologized again: ‘Change does not always come from within.’ No doubt the talk with Skylar had been beneficial to the second-in command, and Şahin hoped that Lyden would take a lesson from that. Extended self-reflection was only helpful for so long before an individual’s thoughts stopped being productive and instead ran in circles.

At least, thus has been his experience when left alone with his thoughts for too long. But Şahin understood that everyone was different. He shook out his mane and flicked his tail idly against his hocks. He’d never done this before and, months prior to this, would never have considered it. The palomino’s recent experience of rejection and let-downs from others during the past year or so on the islands had hardened his heart, however, and so the Nez Perce faced Lyden with no hint of his hesitation on his pale face. “I believe you’ll find it improve yourself in the face of adversity rather than my compliance,” he said, well aware that he was in all likelihood turning the other stallion’s world upside down. Şahin stifled the guilt that threatened to surface and continued, “You are no longer welcome here as second in command, Lyden. I do not have the patience to accommodate an absent stallion and his equally evasive herd. You’ve lived here in name only, as far as I’m concerned, and I will not support your skulking about any longer.” The last of his words came out in a rush and he closed his mouth with a quiet click of his teeth.

Şahin pressed his hooves deeper in the sand as he watched Lyden’s face, waiting to see his words sink in.