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"It seems they want us to follow them," Pippa says in wonder.
The luminous little sprites, if that's what they are, take us into the forest. The air has a rich, earthy smell. Moss grows on the enormous trees like soft green fur. Looking back, I can no longer see the gorgon. It's as if we've been absorbed into the forest. I've the urge to run back, especially when I hear the soft rhythm of hooves coming closer. The ball of light bursts, the tiny illuminations flying away pell-mell into the forest.
"What is that?" Felicity squeaks, looking around wildly.
"I don't know," Pippa says.
The pounding seems to come from all sides. Whatever it is, we are surrounded. It grows closer and just as suddenly stops. A band of centaurs emerges one by one from the trees. They pace uneasily on their strong horse legs, their thick arms crossed over bare man chests. The largest of the clan comes forward. His chin sports a wisp of beard.
"Who are you? What business have you here?" he demands.
"We've come to see Philon," Pippa asserts. She's being quite brave, for I'd like to run.
The centaurs exchange suspicious glances. "The gorgon brought us," I say, hoping it will open doors.
The largest of them comes forward till his hooves are inches from my own feet. "The gorgon? What game does she play with us? Very well, then. I shall take you to Philon and let our leader decide your fate. Climb on, unless you care to walk."
His grip is strong as he swings me with one hand up onto his broad, smooth back.
"Oh," I say, for there is no bridle as on a horse. In fact, there is no decent place for me to hold on, and I am forced to wrap my arms around his thick waist and rest my head against the broad expanse of his back.
Without so much as a by-your-leave, he takes off at a gallop, with me holding on for dear life as we dart through trees whose branches come dangerously close. Some of them leave scratches along my face and arms, and I suspect he's doing this on purpose. The centaurs carrying Felicity, Pippa, and Ann ride up beside me. Ann has her eyes closed and her mouth set tightly in a grimace. But Felicity and Pippa seem almost to enjoy the strange ride.
At last, we reach a clearing of thatched huts and mud houses. The centaur gives me his hand and flings me to the ground, where I fall on my backside. He puts his hands at his hips, towering over me, grinning. "Shall I help you to your feet?"
"No, thank you." I jump up, brushing the grass from my skirt.
"You're one of them, aren't you?" he says, pointing to my amulet, which has worked free from beneath my blouse during the bumpy ride. "The rumors are true!" he shouts to his friends. "The Order is returning to the realms. And here they are." The clan moves in, surrounding our little band of girls.
"What should we do about that?" the centaur asks, rage snarling around his words. I no longer care about seeing Philon or asking him about the Temple. I only want to escape.
"Creostus!" comes a new and strange voice.
The centaurs part, back away. They bow their heads. The large one, Creostus, dips his but does not keep it down.
"What is that?" Ann whispers, clinging to me.
Before us is the most magnificent creature I have ever seen. I do not know whether it is a man or a woman, for it could be both. It is slight, with skin and hair the dusty color of a lilac bloom and a long, trailing cape made of acorns, thorns, and thistle. Its eyes are vivid green and turned up at the corners like a cat's. One hand is a paw; the other a talon.
"Who comes?" the creature asks in a voice that is like three-part harmony, the tones distinct but inseparable at the same time.
"A witch," the defiant centaur says."Brought to our shores by the cursed gorgon."
"Hmmm," the creature says, staring at me till I feel like a naughty child facing the belt. The sharp edge of its talon lifts my amulet for inspection."A priestess. We have not seen one of your kind in many years. Are you the one who broke the runes, the seal on the magic?"
I pull my necklace out of its reach and tuck it into my blouse again."I am."
"What is it you seek from us?"
"I'm sorry, I can only speak with Philon. Do you know where I might find--"
"I am Philon."
"Oh," I say ."I've come to ask your help."
Creostus interrupts. "Do not aid her, Philon. Do you remember what it has been like for us all these years?" Philon silences him with a glance. "Why should I help you, priestess?"
I have no ready answer for this."Because I've undone the seal on the magic. Order must be restored."
