He knew this time would come eventually, but he had no idea it would be this soon.

Just last week he had swam off the island to the falls where his met his brother. Drogon was a very young half brother of his from the time his father did grace them all with his presence. He had wished Devil’s Retribution would have stayed longer because they never really got to speak, but at least Ironclad got to meet him. From the boy’s stories his grandfather was mighty protective of his family. Warsaw had wanted to make him second of the Inlet before he disappeared and Zharko saved his little girl. It was Zharko who now holds that honor and he intends to keep it that way.

The twins were older now and finding their own way. He had hoped they would find their way back to each other, but it was only Ironclad who has returned. Their family was almost all back together, but time was quickly running out. At least he had accomplished the last thing of his list that was obtainable. The most important things, get back the Inlet. He had wanted their Kingdom back as well, but there was no more time left for that. Warsaw steps out of the open meadow of his home, admiring the various flowers and wildlife. Squirrels chatter at him angrily from nearby trees as birds pass by overhead.

The sky was clear today, almost completely cloudless, and the Summer sun was so bright. Today was warm for Tinuvel, but he still felt cold. Why did he feel cold?

Warsaw limps to the forest, one of his favorite places on these islands. He suddenly slips, falling to his knees as a flashback rushing across his vision. He sees Shamwari standing over him just as he had back at the war. The two stallions had fought until they were both beaten and bloody, but Warsaw was overly tired. He fell and as Shamwari reaches out to finishes what he started; someone screams. ”Vita?” He says it aloud even though no one was really there. He can see her clearly and hear her pleading with them both to stop. They do stop, but only the physical fighting.

”He has done nothing, but try to pry us apart Vita Nova!” Warsaw shouts through the trees as he stands up. He says many things just as he had that day, but somehow, she still won. Warsaw spent the night with his Queen in the Prairie underneath the watch of his sworn enemy, her brother. Since then he has barely talked to Shamwari, but neither has attacked the other. No more of his herd members were stolen and Warsaw no longer challenged him to duels for his herd members. They made a sort of silent truce. Warsaw decided to let the brother of his mate alone so he could stop trying to show Vita Nova how wrong he was for her.

He clearly knew he wasn’t perfect, but he loved her. He loved her more than anyone he was ever loved.

Even the fire of Morrigan couldn’t defeat what he felt for his Queen of Tinuvel. She deserved the power he gave her and she rose to the title gracefully and respectably. No other mare has impressed him more than she has. He was very aware that his life was better with her in it. Vita Nova pushed him to do things he never would have and she gave him endless amounts of forgiveness when he didn’t deserve it. Morrigan, the only other mare he has loved in his lifetime, was so wrong for him. She brought him down a path of destruction that would have killed him much sooner. Vita Nova saw him alive to twenty years of age. Battle ridden and scarred, but he was still breathing.

He would be in better shape if it wasn’t for the damned wolves!

He was almost to his destination, but he falls again. This time he doesn’t get back up in a timely manner. Each breath he takes hurts as clouded mocha eyes scan the surrounding trees. A few crows land on a tree nearby and shout at him. ”Shut up,” he whispers as his eyes close. ”Dad?” Someone was calling him. ”Dad?” His eyes open to see Ironclad standing over him. He takes a quick glance around to find the land darkening. Had he fallen asleep? ”Dad what’s wrong?” Ironclad asks, eyes never leaving his father’s face. Warsaw grumbles and sits up instantly wincing in pain. ”I am fine son.” He finds the strength to stand even though his whole body hurts.

”Help me to the cave.” Ironclad nods as his larger sire leans on him. The young greying stallion does his best to help his father to the cave opening where they family spent many nights when he was younger. ”Thanks,” Warsaw says as he limps the rest of the way to the cave opening. Ironclad stares at the various scars a crossed his father’s body. The more gruesome injuries came from the places of torn flesh and missing chunks that the wolves left behind. He remembers that day clearly and remembers exactly why he had run away to the Shore. Warsaw turns around to face his son as he lays down on the cool ground of the cave entrance.

”Ironclad find your brother and allow him to grow in power with you. Make Letavice the Inlet’s new co-leader and keep Zharko as the sub-lead.” Ironclad’s hoof stomps. ”Don’t talk like you’re dying.” Warsaw just stares at him coldly as his child gasps. ”Dad, no. You can’t…I’m not ready. Not like this. I was planning on asking you for the Inlet, but not like this.” Tears begin to roll down his dark cheeks. ”Well then ask me,” Warsaw says with stern eyes watching his son. Ironclad shakes his head at first, but after a few minutes of silence he brings up the courage. ”I want to be lead of the Inlet. I want to prove to everyone I can do this and I want to show Xiomara I am ready. I am ready to allow my children to grow up looking at me as their idol just as I looked up to you.” Ironclad stood tall, talking through his emotional pain as tears drop to the forest floor.

”Then you are ready my son. Now let us hope your brother is ready too.”