Chiron sat on the wooden jetty, kicking his legs languidly in the water, reflecting upon the day he'd endured. Today was recruitment day, the day after school ended, and all the boys rushed down to the local fortress, eager to fulfill their duty as men and citizens of Equos. Chiron and his friend, Dand followed the crowd, swept up in the anxiety and the anticipation of leaving home to fight in a foreign land. For Chiron, the opportunity to serve meant everything to the young, diminutive horse. Doing so would finally prove his stallionhood to all who belittled him for his size growing up.

When he and his cohorts stood naked in the courtyard for inspection, Chiron imagined all the sights, sounds and the women he'd get to know once training concluded. But when the General stopped in front of him, reality crashed down upon him like a blacksmith's hammer against the anvil. The derisive looks he'd seen all his life from the other students returned with a vengeance upon the General's face. He couldn't hold back a snicker as Chiron stated his intentions of joining the army.

The General denied Chiron in front of the other hopefuls, making a joke about how even the cooks would've overlooked him too. As laughter rose up around Chiron, the hurt and anguish he'd suffered at the hands of his schoolmates all returned to him. All he could do was retreat into himself and bear the humiliation without emotion.

Once everyone headed off to be formally signed up, Chiron went to retrieve his clothing in silence, head bowed in shame. This was the proof of his emasculation. He'd never have the opportunity to prove himself otherwise. Ignoring the quips from the guards stationed outside, Chiron walked to his favourite secluded spot by the lake.

Sitting in his underwear, Chiron thought about his future. He couldn't do hard labour, wasn't strong enough to wield a blacksmith's hammer, and would never fight in battle. All he could do was continue working at his Aunt's brothel, doing the laundry and making the beds until he could afford to leave home. Chiron sighed and stared at his dejected face in the water. He wanted the day to end, to forget how wretched his life really was. If only he wasn't a pathetic weakling.

Remembering something important, Chiron stood up and pulled his tunic back on. The ship Dand and the others were on was set to leave before sunset. What sort of friend would Chiron be if he didn't at least wave him off? Slipping on his sandals, Chiron sprinted to the docks.

Art by  HikaruTheWolf