‘I thought there was not a moment to be wasted.’

‘And indeed, this is the case,’ Teclis said. ‘On the other hand, it would probably be for the best if I actually arrived in Avelorn and did not fall out of the saddle as I streaked through the sky.’

‘Fortunately, we have provided for that contingency,’ the High Loremaster said.

‘I suspected that you might have,’ said Teclis. He did not entirely succeed in keeping the sour note from his voice.

‘The saddle of a pegasus rider is not like a normal saddle. It contains an arrangement of straps designed to restrain the rider in place as much to keep it attached to the pegasus.’

‘That goes some way towards reducing my reservations,’ Teclis said. ‘But I am forced to confess that I have some more.’

‘Doubtless you’re wondering how you will guide Silver Wing.’

‘You show an understanding that verges on the telepathic.’

‘Silver Wing is very old and very wise and will respond to voice commands. If I may say so, he is considerably more intelligent than many elves although he cannot speak.’

‘I suppose you will have ready answers to any other objections I might raise.’

‘I would deem such an eventuality very likely. Pegasus is undoubtedly the fastest way for you to get Avelorn unless you propose inventing a spell of long-distance teleportation within the next few hours.’

‘Would that I were capable of such a prodigy of research.’

‘I have taken the liberty of not only providing you with the special saddle, but also with saddle bags containing rations and enough space for any medicines that you might need to carry.’

‘It seems that you have thought of everything. I wish I could find suitable words to express my gratitude.’

‘You have done quite well enough so far,’ the High Loremaster said.

‘When do you propose that I depart?’

‘Once again, I was under the impression that there was not a second to be lost. You seemed most insistent upon this the last time we talked about this matter.’

‘Forgive me for saying so, but you seem to be taking some pleasure in using my own words to discomfit me.’

‘When you reach my age,’ the High Loremaster said, ‘you will understand that one must take one’s pleasures from what one can, no matter how petty those enjoyments may seem to those younger than you.’

‘I hope that when I reach your age I should be somewhat more generous of spirit.’

‘A noble wish, but I fear it will not be the case.’ The old elf was smiling. ‘I would like to be here to wish you a safe journey, but I do not have an infinite supply of time to take off from my duties.’

‘It seems that you have prepared all that I need. All that remains for me to do is to wish you farewell.’

‘And to mount your new steed,’ the High Loremaster suggested.

‘Indeed,’ said Teclis. ‘I would not wish to deprive you of the pleasure of witnessing that.’

Cautiously Teclis approached the pegasus. As he got closer, he realised exactly how massive it was. Its head was taller than his own. Huge muscles bunched as it moved. He reached out to gently stroke its muzzle, and it lowered his head as if accepting him and his touch. His hands trembled as he stroked the creature’s cheek and looked into the huge, deep black eyes. There was an intelligence in them greater than in that of any horse he had ever encountered. The pegasus whinnied softly and stopped prancing.

The High Loremaster himself came forwards and fixed the saddle onto the beast. It was larger than a normal saddle, with far more straps holding it in position. At front and back, it was higher and the saddle posts were larger. As it was fixed in place, Teclis could see that there were a number of straps left unbuckled. Doubtless these were intended to hold the rider in place. Carefully, he put one foot in the stirrup, threw a leg over the saddle and got himself into position. The High Loremaster showed him how to fasten the restraining straps that would hold him in.

The beast shifted below him as it adjusted to his weight on its back. Its wings flapped. Teclis was all too aware of their motion very close to him, of the great muscles moving in the beast’s flanks. Mighty as the creature was, he could not see how those wings alone could get it airborne. There had to be magic involved. He sensed a reservoir of energy within the pegasus and he suspected that it was as much needed to get the winged steed aloft as its pinions.

‘Very good,’ the High Loremaster said.