[The Sixth Wizard]

"Remember you are not alone."

Garnae sighed happily and kissed her again. it felt so good to have someone to understand for once, to listen. He leaned over Crean and picked a flower, standing alone. No-one should ever be alone, he mused. Ever. He brought it up and planted it inside a knot of Cordelia's hair.

"A beautiful token for a -" he started but broke off. A rabbit had leapt underneath Crean, startling the stallion.

"Ha-hey m'lady! A black foe to ruin our day. Forth Eorlingas! Strike down the shadow!" Cordelia laughed as he rode in hot pursuit of the small creature. The rabbit dove back and forth over the road and into the plain beside. Crean was faster, but could not turn and dive, or hide in holes and gullies. The horse was happy again though, he had not been allowed to roam free for a while, always having to stick close to the road. He spurred the horse faster and faster until it ran at full speed over the next hill. Unfortunately, this led back to the road, almost straight into the back of one General Hama Haukrsson, a Rider obviously Garnae's superior.

He swerved Crean just in time, managing to come to a stop a few metres away. The General appeared furious, apparently in converse with Elfride. "Wha- Foolish Rider! Just what do you think you are doing, rushing up like that?! Take control of your horse, man, and show some self-control!" Unfortunately the rabbit had run away.

"Hama!" exclaimed Garnae. "I mean, sorry sir, I er..."

Cordelia conveniently chose this moment to come dashing over the hill herself. Hama grumbled something about him being different when he was twenty and turned away. Elfride winked at him. I've never felt so alive in years! thought Garnae. What's come over me? Cordelia was grinning.