Chapter Two

Horty was tall for his age, rather sinewy too. Unlike all the other young hares around him, Horty was rarely seen to smile. A very stern expression was the only thing that ever appeared across his features. An air of cold bitterness floated about him. It was because of this that the young hare had no close friends, save for the Badger Lord, whom he loved as a father. The only other thing Horty kept close to him was his sword, which was his father's; he always carried at his side, and constantly pawed at it.

When he had heard about the seavermin sailing down towards the mountain, the young hare began pawing at his sword in anticipation, imagining how many vermin he could slay; how many ferrets he could slay. Yes, he'd make the ferrets scream with fright and pain, just as they made him and his parents scream.

But when the young hare realized that his name was not on the list to go out and fight the vermin, Horty felt as though something died within him. All the other hares noticed that he was a lot more grim than usual, and they all knew the reason why.

"His name wasn't on the list."

"Well of course not! The lad's far too bloomin' young."

"Aye, true, but he's a better fighter than any three of us combined."

"If it's Lord Windblade's orders, then it's Lord Windblade's orders, doncha know!"

"I wonder why he's not letting Horty fight, though."

"Do you suppose he's afraid that Horty might get killed?"

"Of course, that's it! Lord Windblade loves Horty like a son. I'm quite certain he'd do anything to keep Horty's life bally well out of danger."

Horty heard them whispering and gossiping among themselves. Their words burned themselves into his mind like a branding iron. Was it true, that the Badger Lord just didn't want Horty to get hurt? But he knew that Horty was one of the best warriors at Salamandastron! Was it because he was too young? The Badger Lord always said that age wasn't really a thing that should count!

Horty wanted to find out. Marching boldly up the forge room, he knocked solidly on the door.

Lord Windblade's deep voice answered, "Come in."

Horty marched in, his back straight, his shoulders back, his head high, his eyes cold and hard.

"Why are you leaving me inside while you go out and fight?" the young hare demanded, not beating around the bush.

Tairan Windblade stared at the young hare for long moment. Horty could see a trace of hesitance in the badger's dark eyes.

"You are too young, Horty," Windblade finally sighed, turning away to look out his chamber window.

"Too young?" cried the young hare. "I'm a better fighter than most hares around here! With the danger at hand here, you need all the help you can get!"

The Badger Lord turned from the window and took the hare's face gently in his massive paws. His voice was soft and gentle. "I cannot risk somebeast with your talent to die on your first battle. You're like a son to me. I wouldn't want to go on living if you died. I am trying to keep as many lives going as possible. Now go, Horty. Protect all those weaker than you should the vermin break in."

Horty stood stiff and irresolute, then bowed his head and left, knowing that he would get no more out of the Badger Lord.