‘It is the least that I can do. And it is not the only thing. Come with me.’

He led Teclis from his chambers and by devious and secret ways took him out of the tower, avoiding the throngs that sought audience with the High Loremaster. Two Sword Masters dogged their steps. It was a measure of the High Loremaster’s worries that even here in the tower, bodyguards followed him everywhere.

Had things really come to this, Teclis wondered?

They emerged into the sunlight. The day was bright and beautiful and one would never have suspected that somewhere far-off wars were being fought and elves were dying. The High Loremaster trudged on, leaning on his staff, and Teclis was all too aware of how old Morelian was and what a great weight of responsibility pressed down upon his shoulders.

They came eventually to the open fields where many beasts grazed. They passed the corrals in which the steeds of the Sword Masters were penned. They came at last to an oddly constructed stable on the very outskirts of the tower’s domain. From inside came the whinny of a great horse. It seemed to greet the High Loremaster as if the beast was welcoming an old friend.

‘Peace be upon you, Silver Wing,’ the High Loremaster said. The horse snorted in response, or at least Teclis thought it was a horse until he entered the stable. Then he saw it was something quite different.

In some ways it looked like a great white stallion, as noble a beast as he had ever seen. It looked old but still very strong. In one important way it differed from a normal horse. Two great wings were folded against its flanks and when it reared to welcome its master, the wings extended and their flapping sent great gusts of air billowing around the room, making the wizard’s robes flutter.

Morelian said, ‘Silver Wing and I are old friends. He carried me on many a quest when we were both younger. He will bear you on this one at least as far as Avelorn.’

Teclis knew that he should feel grateful, and he did, but he could not express his gratitude. He found the prospect of riding upon this great beast terrifying. It could bear him to Avelorn faster than any horse could. It would take him through the air with the speed of a bird.

That was the problem. Just the thought of getting into the saddle and riding through the sky almost paralysed him with fear.

‘You do not seem entirely enthusiastic,’ the High Loremaster said. ‘I confess I had expected a somewhat greater display of gratitude. It is not every day that Silver Wing extends this privilege.’

Teclis considered his words with care. ‘I am grateful to you both. I was merely overwhelmed by the immensity of the favour that you’re doing me.’

‘That and something else,’ the High Loremaster said. He looked as if he was struggling to keep from smiling. ‘I can tell.’

Teclis decided that it would be simplest not to conceal his reservations. ‘I find the prospect of flying more than a little daunting. I might even go as far as to say I find it terrifying.’

‘I felt exactly the same way the first time I ever had to bestride a pegasus.’

‘Without wishing to insult Silver Wing or demean the generosity of your offer, perhaps it would be better if I took a normal horse to Avelorn.’

‘I was under the impression that every minute, every second, counted.’ Teclis got the impression that this evil old elf was rather enjoying his discomfiture.