Prin

Are you sure?"

"Oh, yes! I'm very broad-minded!"

So, Prin hoisted the minck onto the back of the horse, told him to hold on and then started off again into the woods. The minck's name, he discovered later was Kilittle. He was a runaway from his home, or as the minck put it: 'a fugitive'. He told Prin about all the damage the worm was doing and how violent it was. It thrashed in its sleep so that huge waves rose up and swamped the houses on the shore. It could only live in water but it was a deadly aim and had venom on its fangs.

"Fangs?" Prin broke in.

"Lots!"

They rode deeper into the Vale until it closed in around them and darkness fell although it was still daytime. The sword's bright green blue blade glittered in the fading evening light. Eyes watched from the trees and pearly teeth shone like stars. But Prin did not heed them. On he rode, intent on reaching Labry.

Night fell and the moon sent dream-like rays dancing at the horse's hooves. It lit the trail forward; lighting up the thin dewy mist that roped about the companions' feet.

"I don't like this darkness," Kilittle whispered, his breath clouding before his face, "It swallows up everything. And I see faces around us. Can you see them, Master Prin?"

"Only friendly faces," said Prin, "If you believe that you are frightened of the dark then it will envelop you like fog. But if you pretend you hold a light in your hand then everything will clear. And in the light that only I can see I can make out the faces and they are only creatures watching from the shadows."

Kilittle clutched at his new master. He closed his eyes and tried to picture a little candle. What appeared in his mind was a faint golden glimmer that burned the night softly away. Opening his eyes, he saw that the Vale seemed less deep and menacing. In fact, it was tinged with the same gold glimmer of the little candle in his mind. He settled back in comfort to sleep. The eyes and teeth that had leered at him so brightly before faded away.

The white horse cantered up into the morning light. The trees broke open in a fine green gateway. The track was gold in the thankful awakening of light. Prin was tired and bleary-eyed. He turned to wake Kilittle but the minck looked to peaceful and Prin left him to slumber. The trees were more scattered now and fields were appearing. Prin guessed he saw a farm on the east horizon as well. It had been such a long night and very cold. The chills still prickled his spine. It was another long dull ride and he felt so wearisome after the previous night.

Suddenly, the horse whinnied and reared back, grinding its teeth on the bit. A number of men had collected on the hilltop they were approaching, bearing spears and waving their hands madly around.

"Go back!" they were shouting.

"We are besieged by a great monster! Go back, traveller, do not come here!"

"Away as fast as you may ride!"

"Fly! Fly! For your very life!"

But Prin did not retreat. He galloped up the slope to greet them.

"Hello," he said.

"Oh," said the soldiers, "You came."

"Yes I did," Prin said boldly, "I am from Micryst, sent by King Sesterbloi the Third with The Sword of the Sea to aid you in your fight against the Seaworm that attacks your town."

"Oh," said the soldiers, as they understood. They jumped astride their own stallions, very excited and talking amongst themselves in hushed tones of revere to the stranger on a white horse.