Joining the guild as a fresh novice was not an easy task at all. Especially when you came from a small province whose only concern was the successful completion of the next harvest. Wynnstan, a courser who wanted wealth and fame, had to gain the trust of these horses who had only seen him for the first time in their lives. Convinced of his unique nature and stunning appearance, he thus found himself on the threshold of Horned Heraldics. A not very well-known guild in the Buried Kingdom, or at least one about which Wynnstan's attentive ears had not yet caught any rumors or opinions. However, this did not make him withdraw. As they say, a little is better than nothing! 

Standing in the wooden room, he looked at the huge banner hanging on the wall. The shape of a courser was visible on the navy blue background, but what distinguished it was the huge horn in the middle of the courser’s forehead. Wynnstan had never seen anything like it. The golden decorations around the coat of arms made it look luxurious, however. Maybe he had gotten lucky and really ended up in the guild of famous explorers?

“So,” he heard a voice behind him suddenly as a massive bay roan Courser entered the room, his muzzle ending in a braided beard. “Osmond said you were looking for the guild.”

Wynn pricked up his ears as the stranger stood before him. There was something immediately awe-inspiring about him, but it didn’t make the young courser feel overwhelmed or uncertain.

“Oh no. You’re the ones looking for me!” He replied with great enthusiasm. “My name is Wynnstan. A local adventurer and artist, and occasional heartbreaker. I came from far-”

“All I need is answers to a few questions.”

The stranger interrupted Wynnstan’s highly emotional monologue, which he had been preparing in his head all the way to this place. Knocked out of rhythm, he nodded, allowing the other horse to speak.

“I’m Husein, one of the founders of Horned Heraldics. For several years now, we’ve been exploring the dungeon and researching its secrets. We’re not looking for artists and musicians, but for hardy explorers.”

“And I’m one of them! Don’t you see these muscles? There’s nothing I wouldn’t do!” Wynn replied very enthusiastically, but Husein was looking at him the whole time with the same unwavering expression.

“Are you a novice or a veteran?” Was the first question.

“Well… I’d say a novice, but doesn’t that make me special? I’m just showing off my skills, which I have a chance to develop, and I’m a very fast learner. They called me-”

“Get it.” Husein interrupted. “Why did you decide to take on this type of work?”

“Pfff, it’s obvious! What could be more exciting than dangerous expeditions, vast treasures full of gold, and incredible fame that makes you known even in the farthest corners of the Buried Kingdom?”

Compared to Wynnstan’s immense energy and excitement, Husein’s face remained unchanged. Only his eyebrow twitched when he heard the last sentence, looking at the courser with a very unconvinced look. A momentary silence fell between them, which was finally broken by Husein’s short sigh.

“Before I make a decision, I need to talk to the others, Passenger and Melchior.” The older courser stood up, walking past Wynn and intending to leave. However, Wynnstan’s eyes widened when he heard the last name.

“One of the bosses is a MARE?!” His eyes shone like two gold coins.

“You’re making me want to quit this job.”