My lucky companion could stay curled in a warm swath of alabaster fathers. While she slept, I was privileged with the task of keeping a watchful search going overhead; eventually my span gained wider and wider spirals. Soon enough this bored task became less dreary; a dot appeared from the southern dunes, a dappled dot that grew larger as she strove near. Africa was coming along. Windblown corners twisted into a welcoming grin that couldn’t be seen from this altitude. The sun God had chosen well, his Oracle was very brave to make this journey and my faith in her abilities where right on cue. Her shinning companion and optimistic personality were a shining beacon for us all to follow.

I swept down and playfully bobbed my head which sent a cascading wave of tendrils to fall across patched shoulders in wild array, “Good morning, Africa.” Guacho arrived soon after; his massive birthright gracefully gliding through the air as only a fledged Pegasus might. I glanced over and sent a welcoming beam his way. He gave a report, announcing that the borders are secure and maintained. A following nod would suffice for an answer. Gaze slide down to Africa, “Well...the sun will be up soon. If thee two is ready, let us be off.”

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Guacho led the way to yonder cavern. I purposely hung back, absentmindedly keeping watch over the traveler below; trying to maintain a pace that was suitable. It became apparent early on that it was a good thing our troop had decided to travel during the earliest hours, it was already uncomfortably hot. My body was warm and slightly damp around the neck, shoulders, and hips by the time we had arrived at the base of our exploratory cavern. A strange illumine was trailing from within, there was a stream of fire coating each wall, a shield of crystal like glass stood between us and the fire. Yonder stone remained firmly packed and unyielding to the flaming kisses. Strong waves of heat were emitting from the endless fire yet it was not so uncomfortable that one would burn themselves.

Fina stirred awake, bright sea colored pools opening to gaze up at the entrance with a rising distaste. Daggers clicked against the lava fashioned rocks, gold spread to cover the surface of stone where each hoofclick fell. I glanced back and grinned sheepishly at Africa, “Does ye know this cavern?”

The young phoenix stretched her head passively across my spine, nearly purring as a contented cat might and all the while clicking her beak together uneasily. This show of affection is rare and spurred by a strong dislike for caves and dark little hollows. When Silas clacked his predator like bill together Fina stiffened and turned her attention his way as if just now realizing that he was in the group. Tenderness was quickly washed away, tiny bird brows narrowed as her streamline body rose from the mass of ivory feathers that had cradled it. Endless fire scorched her back, streaming beautifully down each feather into hues of gold and red. Narrowed eyes purposely drew away from the dark avian in a faced of disinterest. But such was a lie, she puffed out her chest and fanned those long flaming feathers across my spine All in a vain effort to appear collected, unattached.

A rare smile formed on Guacho’s face, raising his sweaty brow in amusement that lasted for the briefest of moments. Since Africa didn’t know of this cavern and I didn’t know much about caverns in general, there was no qualms when Guacho pushed ahead and choose to travel first. I’d not been raised for caves of any sort and as we passed the arch there was a tightening flutter alive, it caused my head to glance up halfway expecting a trap to suddenly spring as the mountain laughed gleefully while it flattened our compact bodies into mush. Fina cringed and very nearly started whimpering before again realizing that Silas was watching. Eagles guided our path, a boon from Guacho’s ability to produce spirits from his talisman.

I followed after Gaucho, close to his flank yet aware of Africa and her needs. Ears and eye swivel as we crunch along, keeping close watch of the walls we encountered on this fire lite path. The way was spun effortlessly and carried us to a wide cavern, were we are able to finally stand apart instead of standing single file. The dun stallion stalks over to a nearby wall, scrapping the glass like stone with his bone arrangement that rested close to breast.

We stood as wide eyed children in this mighty place, “Extraordinary,” I whisper in awe. Fina cowers slightly, glancing up toward the dark ceiling she knew existed even if we couldn't see it. “Let’s travel a little deeper,” if one listened carefully they might hear the sound of something flowing, “I hear rushing water.”