So utterly thrilled with her newest companion was Africa (the slug unfortunate enough to be hiding beneath the rock flipped previously) that she completely lost track of time, forgot the real purpose for her being in the fertile forest of the Edge altogether. The region was teeming with horses, most she knew to be from Dragon’s Throat – she was able to avoid them nice and subtly with the aid of her companion’s shrewd eyes – and others who she had met here and there along the ever twisting course of her life, she exchanged shy greeting with and continued quickly on her way.

Mobile lips nuzzled fondly at the satchel which was tethered beneath her left elbow, and she imagined fancifully that the slimy, shell-less mollusc was nestled adoringly against her touch with the leather between. She was yet to think of a name and considered options constantly as she walked, even limped a little to soften each step, through the lush, ancient woodland en route back to the starting place.

Silas could only imagine the putrid slippery mess building on the inside of the bag; he would certainly think twice from this point forward before he thought to stash snacks in its midst....

They found their place among the crowd once again, and the lean grey’s ears wavered to the hum of muffled, expectant voices. There certainly seemed to be a steady excitement throughout, and Africa did well to contain her own and keep level her head. Kahlua passed encouraging words into their mix, perhaps the most enthusiastic of all and soon too, the next set of clues to see them on their way once more. Again Africa translated for her curious bonded...

This time we need to find something blue... and new. She was very careful to mimic the pronunciation as was given, no matter how ridiculous the zephyr thought it sounded. She also asked for something whose bark is worse than it’s bite. Naturally they both thought first of a canine type creature – something whose sound was a bark, but alas none standing nearby seemed to have such an animal in tow. The one-winged mare huffed gently, confused a little when nothing drastically obvious jumped out at her.

What’d you think the bark one is? It isn’t a dog...

Silas purred affectionately, amused by her simple thought pattern.

Africa was stumped.

Ok.... what about something new, and something blue then?

The zephyr could think of two things but in the previous game he had more than carried her. Think... his thoughts whispered gently, but her patience was thinning. Slender legs turned as the crowd began again to disperse. It was late in the morning already and peckish, her stomach’s grumbling was growing ever more persistent. The Starry-Eyed led them to a pool she remembered from long ago, when wise old Hellena had pulled her from the prison-basin in the north. Skirting the crystal water was soft lawn, sweet and bright. For a little while she grazed quietly, and Silas took awkward rest across the supple canopy of a fruiting fir; prying apart the still sealed cones for any ripe seed within.

Time pressed heavily upon her and Africa soon stepped to the still water’s edge to wash the lovely meal down. As she hovered above it, gazing into the quietly-golden eyes of her reflection and the awning of canopy behind, it occurred to her what the riddle about the bark might actually mean. Silas! she called, restraining her sudden flare of excitement so that no other lurking nearby might find the idea appealing. I think I have it! The soft green foliage bounced beneath his weight as she skipped to its flimsy end, curiously he dabbled through her mind and plucked the clever suggestion with a snapping beak. Fair... he told her, flapping clear of the tree to find purchase again where her long spine curved down.

Africa turned to the official who had been so patiently waiting and smiled. The explanation was a little exaggerated, perhaps even a little farfetched – but she was more than happy, and quickly set off west when their follower understood.

Something new and something blue... something new and something blue... she chanted as she trotted with a heart lighter than it had been in months. The scavenger hunt had offered brilliant distraction from the storm of recent events, and for the time being she could think of nothing but the clues. The Starry-Eyed led them from the wooded eastern flank of the Edge and out across a verdant pasture that ceased only where the cliffs plunged into the sea. She was tempted to pause again and sample the wares, but hesitated as the roar of the ocean (out of sight, far below) attracted the attention of her ears. Curiously she neared the edge – rocks scattering through the grass if she did not place each hoof with meticulous care, and down below the soup of foam and froth churned.

Silas swooped out overhead, gliding above the wild sea, and Africa watched his effortless grace with vague contentment pooling behind her gentle-creamy gaze. As he circled back towards her, riding the thermals higher and higher, she glanced back down. Her mind cleared abruptly, and she turned back to meet the eye of the official. "I think I know! Yes!" Forgetting the plunge to death mere metres away, she bounded away from the edge and paused before him – the explanation was far easier this time, and Africa could not help the grin stretching her lips as she led at an enthusiastic canter back to Kahlua.

Africa