Sky Horses: the Royal Foal

by Linda Chapman

  ‘When the dark one returns, the door

  shall be reopened

  And danger will threaten all living below.

  If the binding is broken, they can be

  protected,

  But one coming willingly lets the dark’s

  power grow

  Until the first gateway is split by magic

  And he who is trapped is free to go.’

  Erin broke off. ‘That bit’s come true already.’

  Chloe nodded. ‘The gateway has just been split by magic, and Mistral has been freed.’

  ‘Is there more to the prophecy?’ Tor asked eagerly.

  ‘Yes,’ Erin told him. ‘It says: Two gateways now balance the light and the darkness, one lost in memory, hidden by the sea.’

  ‘Two more gateways,’ said Tor, his eyes suddenly looking very interested. ‘The dark door we cannot use, but this prophecy makes it sound as if there is another gateway as well. One lost in memory.’

  ‘And it seems to have some clues in it as to where it might be,’ said Erin, holding up the paper eagerly. ‘Oh, Tor. I bet we can find it!’

  ‘We won’t stop until we do!’ said Chloe. ‘And then you and Mistral will be able to go back to the clouds.’

  Mistral butted his head affectionately against Chloe, and Tor nuzzled him. ‘We will get back,’ he told his son. ‘We will find the lost gateway and return to our kingdom.’

  Erin’s thoughts raced. So much had happened that night. The giant hagstone had been destroyed, but at least Mistral was free and another gateway was waiting somewhere. But so is Marianne, she thought as an image of the dark spirit filled her head – Marianne, as she had been the time she had tempted Erin to cross through the vision, her lips curving into a familiar smile.

  My smile, Erin realized with a jolt.

  She felt Tor’s breath on her shoulder and the image of Marianne faded. Erin lifted her chin. Right then, she wouldn’t let thoughts of the dark weather weaver upset her any more. The most important thing was getting Mistral and Tor back to the clouds.

  We’ll find the lost gateway, she thought, her fingers curling round the hair that was still caught in her watchstrap. Marianne won’t stop us. We’re going to set Tor and Mistral free!