Alcor stepped forward too. He stayed low to the ground and walked with his muscles tensed. His head swiveled back and forth checking for any movement. They made their way quietly across the yard, past the chicken coop and beyond the tool shed. The forest was a little further and Gwinn wasn’t ready to light her lantern yet.

She pointed and whispered to him. “That’s it up ahead.” There were two large pines that marked the entrance. Like two giant columns they rose from the earth and disappeared into the starry sky. She always thought of them as sentinels that guarded the entrance of the forest who would turn away any travelers that didn’t belong. She was thankful that they had never turned her away because, she knew she belonged in the forest.

They walked through the columns and past the sentinels. Gwinn lit her lantern and Alcor relaxed out of his crouching position. He sniffed the ground with his large nostrils and disturbed the pine needles that littered the forest floor.

“This is the great Wildwood Forest.” She said stretching her arms out. “I think you’ll like it here.”

“I like it already.” He said.

“Most people are afraid to come here, so there shouldn’t be anyone out here.”

He stopped sniffing and tilted his head at her. “Why are people afraid of the forest?”

“Because it’s so big and they’re afraid they will get swallowed up by it or by some strange beast.” She told him. “But don’t worry I’ve never come across anything really bad out here, in fact, I found you in this forest.”

“You did? Where?”

“Up the stream, I’ll show you the place but I still have no idea how you got there.”

“I don’t know either.” He said dropping his ears.

She patted the soft fur on his head. “That’s ok. I don’t know where I came from either. We’re the same that way.”

His ears perked up. “We are, aren’t we?”

“Maybe you should try your wings out again.” She suggested.

They found a little clearing between the trees. It was a good spot to try his wings out. Alcor got a running start and flapped his wings feverishly. He jumped up and took to the air working his wings as hard as he could then flew a few feet before coming down. He tried several more times and Gwinn decided to sit down and watch him. She slid down against a sturdy pine as he continued.

“I’m getting better.” He yelled over to her.

She nodded and smiled at him. She pulled her cloak tighter. As she slumped against the tree her sore muscles relaxed and her eyes grew heavy. After awhile her head dropped and her eyes fell. She tried to fight it but her long day made her weary.

Something cold and wet brushed her face and startled her awake. Alcor had licked her with his long tongue and his wet nose brushed her cheek. “You’re tired,” he said. “Maybe we should go.”

“We can stay longer if you want to.”

“No. I’ve had enough. But we can come back later, right?”

She smiled at him. “Of course we can. No one will disturb us out here.”

“Good, I haven’t got this flying thing down yet.” He flapped his wings and then laid them flat against his back.

“You’ll get it. I’m sure you will.” She said standing to her feet. “Now let’s get back before the sun comes up.” 

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They soared high above the forest. It was a clear day and Kellin could already see the towers of Aerion. The stronghold was resting on the familiar cliffs which rose high above the green canopy. It was surrounded by the forest and water spilled out from the base of the city. The water fell from every side rushing over the edge and disappearing into the forest. It took his breath away every time he saw it.

Kellin could feel the spray of water as they approached. There were several platforms to land on and Kellin chose one in the middle. Marshal landed behind him and jumped off his horse. “I have to go make a report. Take care of the horses.” He threw his reins at Kellin and walked off without another word.

Kellin slid off Markab and shrugged. Why was Marshall so obsessed with that egg? It had caused them to be more than a day late on their last run and there were still plenty of eggs in the hatchery. He didn’t see what all the fuss was for. “Oh well,” he said to Markab. “I’m only a trainee. The Riders seemed to think the egg is important, so it must be.” He pulled on the reins and led both of the horses to the stables. “But I hope we get to go on a run someday without looking for that egg.”

He started brushing the horses down and Markab nudged him with his nose. It was soft and fuzzy as it brushed Kellin’s arm. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did I forget your treat?”

“Yes. I feel a little neglected. The girl at the Inn was not so neglectful.” Markab said.

Kellin shook his head. “I guess you’d rather have her as your rider then.”

“She did call me handsome.” He fluffed his wings and preened.

He looked at the horse and laughed. “You’re incorrigible.” He brought a sugar cube over to Markab and held it out. “When did she call you handsome?”

He licked up the treat quickly. “When you were getting stitched up.”

“You talked to her?”

“Yes.”

Kellin rubbed his chin. “I suspected as much, maybe I should tell Marshall about it.”

“Tell me about what?” Marshal said walking into the stables.

“I think Gwinn has the wing-speech ability.” Kellin said.

“The girl from the Inn?” Marshal said with skepticism.

“Yes, I’m sure she was talking to the horses when she was tending them.”

Marshal pursed his lips at Kellin. “But you don’t know for sure.”

“Markab said he talked to her. Isn’t that enough? You should test her at least.” Kellin argued. “She should be considered for ridership.”

Marshal shook his head. “You don’t understand.”

“What is there to understand?”

“She is not rider material.” He said it like it was the end of the conversation and then he went to his own horse. He checked her hooves and patted her on the side.

Kellin followed him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“A rider has to be brave, unselfish and loyal. I’ve talked to the girl. She doesn’t have those qualities. It is not her ability to speak to the horses I question. It is her character.”

“But that’s what the training is for. You can train her to be a Rider. She deserves to be here.” Kellin continued.

Marshal sighed as if he were talking to a child. “No, she is too dangerous. She cannot come here.”

“Dangerous?” Kellin almost laughed at the thought. “How could a poor country servant be dangerous?”

“It is her ability that makes her dangerous. I have seen people like her become Riders. They were bitter and angry and ended up using their skills for evil. You must have a strong character to be a Rider otherwise you will be a danger to this organization and to the entire kingdom.”

“You don’t know her. She is a good person, but you have to give her a chance.”

“She cannot be allowed here. It’s that simple and it will be easier for her if you say nothing about this to her. There is no reason to get her hopes up.”

Kellin crossed his arms and shook his head. “You’re wrong about her.”

“The Board would never accept her. You have a duty as a Rider not to reveal anything to her; for the safety of our organization.” He turned on his heel and left effectively ending the conversation.

Kellin was not satisfied with Marshal’s explanations. He still didn’t understand how Gwinn was dangerous and now he would have to keep a secret from her. It didn’t feel right. They should consider her for ridership like any other person found with the ability of wing-speech. 

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The Cuthberts had finally let up on Gwinn. They gradually let her go back to a normal schedule and she was grateful. It might be a small thing but she was happy for the extra time it gave her. It meant that she had more time to spend with Alcor. Gwinn finished sweeping the last corner of the common room and set the broom down. “That’s it. I’m done for today.” She walked toward the door but the furling chirped something to her. Gwinn turned back. “I can’t stay here. Alcor will want to go for a walk.”

The furling chirped again. “Can I go with you?”

She bit her lip and looked over her shoulder. “I guess it would be all right, but don’t tell anybody.” Gwinn held open her pocket.

The furling chirped with laughter because she knew Gwinn was the only one who could understand her. She jumped into Gwinn’s pocket and landed with a plop. Gwinn took the furling outside and crossed the yard to the barn. When she walked through the doors she felt instant relief. She was more comfortable here than anywhere else mostly because there was no one to bother her.

As she put her feet on the rungs of the ladder she heard the floorboards in the loft groan. Alcor knew she was coming. He was getting bigger and, it worried her. If he kept growing, he would outgrow the loft. He licked her face as soon as it appeared above the ladder. “All right, I’m here.” She pushed him back. “Give me room to get up.”

He backed up and let her through. The floor groaned again. He was now taller than her hip and close to four feet long. He was larger than most dogs and she had no idea how much bigger he would get. His fangs had grown too. His top lip hung over his bottom lip but when he pulled them back he looked truly frightening. It didn’t scare her though. She knew he would never hurt her. He sniffed her pocket with his nostrils.

She laughed. “I brought you a friend.”

He cocked his head at her and sniffed the pocket again, “A friend?”

“Yes, and I’ve told her all about you.” Gwinn reached in her pocket and took out the furling. She shook out her short fuzzy fur and chirped hello. “Her name is Merith.”

Alcor lowered his eyebrows quizzically at the little creature and then sniffed it. His nostrils were as big as she was. “I’ve never seen anything like her.”

“I’ve never seen anything like you either.” Merith chirped.

His chest rumbled in a deep laugh. “You’ve got me there.”

Gwinn patted her on the head with her finger. “They say that furlings bring good luck, so she’ll be good to have around.”

He nodded in approval. “Is she going to the forest with us?”

“Yeah, she wanted to go with us. The Inn is very boring and she doesn’t get to leave it very often.”

“I understand.” He nodded. “So let’s get going. I can’t wait to get out of here either.”

“All right.” Gwinn nodded as Merith chirped.

The forest was cold this time of year. Autumn had come to the Wildwood and crisp leaves scattered the ground. Gwinn buttoned her cloak all the way and pulled up her collar. The cold didn’t seem to bother Alcor with his thick coat of fur. He was perfectly comfortable. He walked through the forest as if he owned the place.

They came to a clearing and Alcor leapt into the hair. He flew around them in circles. He had finally mastered the act of flying and Gwinn was happy for him. The look of joy was apparent on his face whenever he was in the air and she loved to watch him fly. He was as free as the wind that rippled across his fur.

He wove his way around the clearing and then landed beside her. “Maybe we should go someplace new tonight.” He suggested.

“I don’t know. I’ve taken you to all the places I’m familiar with. We would be in unfamiliar territory.”

“But we have Merith tonight. She’ll bring us good luck.”

Gwinn gave him a look of uncertainty. “That’s only what people say. I don’t know how lucky she really is.”

Merith chirped sharply. “It’s not just something people say. It’s true.”

“See?” He insisted. “You told me there’s nothing to be afraid of here.”

“There’s not really…” She hesitated. “At least, I don’t think there’s much to worry about.”

“Then let’s go.” He said. Merith chirped in agreement. “You’re outnumbered anyways.”

“Fine, if you guys really want to.” She relented.

Alcor wagged his tail excitedly. His tail had gotten longer too and, she had to jump out of the way to avoid being whipped. “Let’s go this way.” He said moving to the right.

“All right, but don't get us lost.” She said following him with the furling on her shoulder. “It may not be dangerous but we should still be careful.”

“Don’t worry. I can sniff our way back.” He put his nose to the ground and sniffed as he walked.

“Well, I guess it’s easy for you but I can’t smell like you and I can’t see as well in the dark.” She reminded him.

“Good thing you’re with me.” He grinned at her and some of his sharp teeth showed. They gleamed off the moonlight and, she had to admit she felt a little safer with him around.

They explored the forest as they walked through the fallen leaves and spongy moss. Gwinn stepped on a large twig. It cracked and, the sound reverberated through the woods. A bird got spooked and its wings flapped into the night. Gwinn couldn’t see the actual bird. It was like a ghost, unseen but still there. A chill ran down her back. She didn’t know if it was from the cold or the creepy atmosphere.

After awhile she turned to Alcor. “Maybe we should turn back now. I have no idea where we are.”

He pulled his head up after sniffing the ground and the corners of his mouth drooped. “A few minutes more.”

“All right, since you seem to be enjoying yourself so much.” She didn’t really mind but, she was unfamiliar with this part of the forest. He trotted off a few feet and continued sniffing. 

She picked up a colorful rock and turned it over in her hands as she waited for him. There were two pine trees curiously wrapped around each other. She stepped around them and studied their twisting bark. Merith made a sharp noise on Gwinn’s shoulder. It was close to her ear and, she jerked at the sudden sound. There was a snapping of branches and Gwinn lifted her lantern in that direction. A large bear reared up and faced her with his teeth bared. It let out a deep rumbling roar and Gwinn’s heart skipped a beat. She backed up, tripped on a root and fell down. The lantern skittered out of her hand and the flashing movement seemed to anger the bear even more. It pulled its lips back further and bared more teeth. They were dripping with thick mucus. The fur on its chin was matted with mucus and Gwinn flinched.

She tried to recover her nerves and reach for the lantern but it was out of her reach. The bear took a step closer. Its black fur shined off the lantern’s light. She pushed herself backward on her hands. Merith shrilled frantically on her shoulder. Gwinn tried to remain calm but her hands were shaking.

A pink flash streaked across her vision and Alcor landed in front of her. He turned on the bear and let out a deep thunderous roar of his own. The bear stopped in its tracks, looked at Alcor and took a step backwards. The bear's eyes never left him as it came down on all fours with a thud that shook the forest. In a quick motion it turned and ran the other way. Alcor kept his eyes trained on the bear until it was out of sight.