As a foal, Minutes has always been in the shadow of his older bother, Nyx. When Nyx joined Shiva's cause, he was expected to do the same by their murderous sire, and could no longer be protected my his mother. The only reason he followed in Nyx's hateful hoofprints was to avoid being killed by either.
He hates his position in the dark forces, herding slaves as they work around the volcanoes. He wants nothing more than to set them free and run away, but he fears the sharp hooves of Nyx and his fellows. as it is, he already bears scars as punishment from his lackluster performance, and allowing three slaves to lay down as they died.
More than once, Nyx has had to come up and scold him harshly. Nyx doesn't get how Minutes can be so kind-hearted, especially with his own lack thereof. He supposes it's a trait inherited from their mother, whom they learn their father murderered just before they left to join Shiva.
Upon hearing whispers of rebels plotting to overthrow Shiva, Minutes keeps it from his brother. When they appear at the edge of the slaves' field, he gives them disguises and safe passage, then doesn't hear from them again for months. He worries over them until the final battle, when he will save Muta's life.
Minutes' life wish is carry on his mother's legacy of peace, honoring the light and loving forces that still remain. He also desires to get to know Muta, whose loud and "rock star" attitude he has gotten very fond of.
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Story excerpt
Minutes looked down at the sad parade of roped animals, their feet dragging on the ground as they walked. He felt their pain, the agony of being trapped and forced to do the bidding of others. He felt the sting of the scratches from the other overseers. He felt the fright when he, himself, had to rear up in order to intimidate salves to continue working so he wouldn't be punished by Nyx.
Worst of all, he felt the ice-cold hand of death when they collapsed and died from overexhertion, dehydration, and starvation.
He remembered the green fields of the Lower North. How he loved to run free, unhindered, as he mother laughed and watched. But it was just a memory, nothing more. Nyx had told him that he burned that field. Destroyed it. And he had laughed that cold laugh of his, so remiscent of their sire. The monster.
He remembered the stars, how beautiful they were... and how now he could no longer see them, thanks to the ash clouds that flew into the air and choked him. He felt the sting of the loss of his freedom.
Heavy hoofbeats sounded behind him.
"Focus! They're starting to slack. What, do you want to get punished? Do you like it, little brother? You get a rise out of me hitting you? Sick creature."
"I'm sorry."
"What? I couldn't hear you."
"I'm sorry...."
"Excuse me?"
"... Sir."
"Good. Get to work, you useless pile of hoof."
Minutes hung his head, tapping his hoof on a rock to warn his line. He could do nothing else.
