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I woke in the Heart of the Eastern Green Forest. Snow fell lightly, creating a crystalline veil through which ice-clad trees stood guard. The sky above shone with an unbearable whiteness, though no sun could be seen, causing the ice to glitter like polished silver. No wind stirred the brush. Beside the path stretched a snow-covered river, as flat as a road. On the farther bank, a cliff that towered above us, there were icefalls colored like moonbows.
I looked down to where the horse’s hooves had churned mud and snow together, and saw that we walked on a black road.
Gods protect us. At least it is still day.
Peter slogged along, head down and arms hanging at his sides, breathing heavily. He had carried me for a long distance from the castle, and now he had walked while I slept. I touched his shoulder to catch his attention, then signed, "Ride for a time. I’ll walk."
He shook his head and signed back, "Please stay on the horse. I am in good health, and it would be easier on you if you did not try to walk."
Obviously he had never ridden a war-horse while bruised. "Perhaps we could stop a few minutes to rest."
He nodded, then caught Charles’ attention. Together they released my bindings, and helped me down. Charles unpacked a feedbag of grain for the horse, then pulled out cheese, bread, and a skin of wine. "Join me?"
Charles could ride with me, anytime. I nodded eagerly; Peter accepted what he was given. We ate, and then the other two helped me back into the saddle. Almost immediately, I fell asleep.
