Where his brother-in-arms has grown tired of their aimless wandering, Caspian is content with the freedom. It had been far too long since he’d been free to run with reckless abandon, and this freedom blessed him with clarity. Now, life hadn’t been all bad with the band of stallions he’d devoted the last several years of his life to. But moving on towards the unknown with Achilles at his side, Caspian realised that not all of it had been good, per say, and that perhaps this was meant to be. A belief had bloomed within him, the moment he’d watched Achilles hover over Apollo, victorious. Greater things awaited them than the orders of staunch, self-serving souls like the Azteca that had been brought low.
The island, when they’d spotted it floating on the horizon like a jewel in the ocean, had stirred up excitement within the red and white bachelor. That the waters were stormy did not deter Caspian, even as they gave his brother pause. But it was Achilles who entered the water first, and as always, Caspian followed his lead. What had appeared to be one island was actually a cluster of a handful, and this revelation set the embers in Caspian to bursting into full-bodied flame. So much awaited for them to discover. But first, they needed to rest.
Caspian slumbered peacefully, comforted by the presence of his brother, and by the certainty he offered. This was to be Home to them, and that was enlightening. It wasn’t fear that made Caspian hope that they never crossed paths with the likes of the domineering brotherband they’d left behind, but rather a deep, aching soul-weariness. He had grown so tired of it all. That kind of life had served its purpose and taught him many things, but he needed something more than any number of stallions could ever offer him.
He woke to the sound of Achilles stirring, and mumbled sleepily, barely managing to register the sooty bay’s word, acknowledging him with the flick of an ear. "What do I suppose?" Caspian repeated through a yawn. He blinked his eyes open, and took a moment to admire the soft colours of the sunrise painted across the sky, before turning to the stallion beside him. "I suppose they all take you for a fool, Lees." A sly grin spread across his face. "But what do they matter? If I were to agree with them, and I’m not saying I don’t, you’d be the greatest fool they’ve ever endured, and still you left them in the dust."
Caspian shifted his weight and pretended to settle, only for him to reach out seconds later and aim a playful nip at Achilles’ shoulder. "And you? Why do you suppose I followed you?"