| Fantasy |
| I will begin this tale with my own introduction. My name is Clearwater Sleet. I am a Pyrisian Royal. My friend and master is the Pyrisian Lord-Prince, Dorian Codynril. I, like all respectful horses my age, enjoy exploration in the wilderness of the surrounding countrysides. My recollection of this event is possible because of one such venture. I was wandering in the Black Forest of Lirenazi, a near neighbor of Pyrisia, when I heard the exasperated voices of some humans. I approached cautiously, aware of the rune-stone pouch hung gracefully about my neck, which would identify me as a perfect ransom for one clever enough to catch me. The two humans wore plain clothing: a tunic, vest, and breaches. Though the woman wore a dark, heavy cloak as well. It appeared to me that they were lost. It didn’t surprise me—humans always manage to get lost in the forests. I thought of helping them, but decided against it and was about to continue on my way when things became interesting. The woman shrieked while the young man pulled out a sword as a small child dropped from the trees above them. The child was a girl of no more than three years old. She smiled at those pitiful humans who had been frightened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” The girl’s voice was soft and sweet as the cool, crisp water that still flows through the sugar rocks of the Pyrisian Mountains. I found myself immediately liking her. The other two humans glanced at each other before relaxing a little and looking nervously back at the girl. “Where are your parents dear?” the woman finally asked. The girl tilted her head sideways, arching one eyebrow. It was so amusing that I nearly revealed my presence by laughing. The woman was clearly not amused. “I asked you a question child! Have you not the manners to answer?” The girl straightened to her full, perhaps three-foot, height and replied, “I am Tinnia Alavose of the Prince’s Seven and do not require the escort of my parents. Nor is it required of me to answer the question of one not belonging to the royal house.” Her voice now held a firm air of command. I was mistaken then about her age, for the members of the Lirenazian Prince’s chosen Seven had to be at least fifteen. Undoubtedly she was something other than human, although my recognition could not afford me what. Meantime, the young man thought perhaps he too should give his name, for he said, “Begging your pardon Lady Alavose. I am Prince Randeryl Cevasi of Isimari and this is my sister Princess Adrianaleen. We weren’t aware of your status.” Tinnia, since now I knew her name, considered that for a moment before regaining her smile. “All is forgiven Your Majesties.” And she curtsied gracefully, even in her leggings, so as to honor them as royalty. The prince and princess nodded briefly in acknowledgement then the princess addressed Tinnia. “Perhaps you, knowing your country, would be willing to help us back to ours?” “I certainly would like to help you. One moment while I fetch some mounts.” Had I thought to offer my service I would have, but so wrapped as I was in the complexity of this Tinnia Alavose that it scarcely entered my mind. So, Tinnia turned and called out to one hidden, in a language foreign to my own, and waited as they brought horses, possibly from a herd. The boy who brought the horses smiled at each person in turn, then handed the ropes to the dear girl Tinnia. He saluted both royalties before turning to race beyond my view. “That, Your Majesties,” Tinnia said, “was my good friend Jaadn Dizmiere, also of the Prince’s Seven. Now, we shall ride to find the place beyond the woods where your country is beside ours. Mount up and let us be off.” I watched them for a moment longer, then slowly turned to tread my way to my master’s side, should he need me at the present time. I continue to explore—though my wanderings often take me now to Lirenazi, so that perchance I could meet again with that remarkable child of the Prince’s Seven. |
| The Encounter |