Mayard led Rhiann across the cleared area and into the nearby woods. They came upon the merchant Lennard, who held three large misty gunmetal gray equines by ornate bridles.
The beasts’ three huge eyes were the reddest things Rhiann had beheld in his young life. The three eyes sparkled like red diamonds, the rarest of Sagain’s jewels. Mayard said the middle or third eye was blind. Rhiann found gazing upon the intriguing beasts pleasant and touched the nearest shadowy creature. Surprisingly his fingers met resistance from the ghostly equine form.
Rhiann asked, “Is that the Shapechanger who attacked you in Lennard’s store.”
Mayard answered, “One and the same. He’s become a steadfast ally. Of the many facades he might project, he figured looking like old Lennard might worry you the least. He’s quite good with steeds and procured the services of these three.”
Rhiann commented, “Those beasts lack wings. I though you said we’d fly to the Hanging Gardens.”
Mayard answered, “Cloudmares don’t need wings. They blend in well with the clouds. Urra, Shyrra, and Syrrth are Maranna’s friends. They graze near her home Cragmore. They have agreed to carry us to the Hanging Gardens and allow the bridles to help us hold on.”
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