“I never said you were, did I? Have I not called you a man? That is my people’s word for stallion.” He took a sterner tone of voice. “I am treating you like a man and expect from you what I expect from an adult. You are young, and you have many a long year before you. If adventure is what you truly desire, then in due time, you will be ready for it. For now, grow, learn, live, for you will never again have days such as these.” Grave Danger looked up at him, unsure of how to respond. Good, then the storybook bullshit he was spewing was working. “Cherish them, then perhaps you will understand what it is you are defending when you come of age.” Handy turned to walk back to the griffons. “Goodbye, Grave, take care of Pawstown,” he commanded. He heard the sound of little hooves trotting away as he came back to the griffons.