is a good idea if you travel with Aaron at the rear. That way, we will have the power of a Berthold at each end of the group,â Zavier said.
âOkay, good idea,â replied Francis. He spread his wings and flew to Aaron at the back of the group, landing on the stallionâs broad black back.
âWatch what youâre doing with those sharp talons, Boogly Eyes!â Aaron said, turning his head and glaring at Francis.
âWatch what you are doing with your sharp tongue and have more respect for the Berthold!â said April the feisty appaloosa, as she kicked out with her hind leg, narrowly missing Aaronâs head. Aaron stretched out his neck and blew air disapprovingly out of his large nostrils. April responded by purposely swishing her white and black tail across his face, causing him to close his eyes and purse his lips. He was just about to retaliate by nipping her rump when the bluebells covering the woodland floor began to shudder, emitting a sound similar to that of a thousand tiny hand bells chiming.
âOh no, the alarm bells!â said Francis and he left Aaronâs back and flew to Zavier and Chester at the front of the group.
âA breach!â he said. âThere must have been an attempted breach through the gate into the Human world. The Nomeds must have seen us leave and what with the others being bound to the vicinity of the Giant Horse Chestnut, they have taken the opportunity to try and invade the Human world.
âIt should be okay⦠it should be okay,â he mumbled. âThe gate is guarded by enchanted brambles, roots and ivy. They were enchanted by Ice, Berthold of Winter Forest. She placed the enchantment after the first attempted escape by the Nomeds, many years ago. The alarm bells have not sounded since, until now, that is! It should be okay⦠it should be okay.â
âWe will have to pray that the defences have held and that none of the Nomeds have escaped. For all we know, it might even be a ploy to lure us away from our task in hand. We cannot afford to waste time investigating, we must press on,â Zavier insisted.
âIs that wise?â asked Ezekiel, who was behind Zavier in the line of Halfses. âSurely someone should go and check.â
âThereâs no time!â replied Zavier.
âBut I am the fastest in the herd,â said Ezekiel. âI can get to the gate and still be back in time to join you at the beach before sundown.â
âBut I cannot ensure your safety if you leave the group,â said Zavier.
âWhat if I take Francis with me? With my speed, his power and plenty of time before nightfall, we should be fine.â
âOkay, but be quick and remember the Nomeds are less active during daylight hours but they are still a threat, nonetheless.â
Francis hopped between Ezekielâs muscular shoulder-blades.
âFrancis, hold onto my mane as tightly as you can and prepare for the ride of your life,â said Ezekiel.
Francis grasped Ezekielâs dark mane with his claws and beak.
âGod speed,â said Zavier.
Ezekiel turned to the group and said, âMake sure you get a nice warm fire going on the beach for us when we get back.â
Then, with a powerful leap, he launched into a gallop, suspending Francis in the air and flowing like a flag attached to Ezekielâs mane, then the pair galloped through the bluebells, jumping over fallen trees as they disappeared off into the woodland. The rest of the group continued on their way to Serenity Sunrise Beach.
âWhen we get to the beach, we must find its Berthold, Pelagia,â said Zavier. âThis is not going to be as straightforward as it may sound. As you know, Pelagia is commander of the Water Warriors, he inhabits the vast depths of Serenity Ocean and is rarely seen. In all the times that we have stayed at the beach house, has anyone ever seen him?â
âNo,â they all replied.
âThen, you see