She dodged to the left, but his hip caught her shoulder and sent her spinning. Then before she could catch her balance he had whirled and rushed her again. This time he knocked her to the ground.

He was rearing above her!

She rolled to the side, but her ponytail was caught beneath that iron hoof.

He reared again!

But by that time she was scrambling away from him and crawling desperately for the fence. She’d barely reached it and started climbing when he rammed into her from behind.

Pain.

She clutched the rungs of the fence, bracing herself for another onslaught.

But he’d whirled away again and was running down the track.

Sasha quickly managed to climb to the top rung before he turned around.

But Chaos wasn’t running toward her again, she realized. He was standing still, head lifted. I could have crushed you like I did that young boy the other day. You used to be much quicker.

You didn’t kill the boy. You only broke him a little. And you didn’t kill me. You know you could have savaged me instead of bruising me. You must think I’m a little worthwhile. Maybe “friend” isn’t such a stupid word.

You left me. I didn’t want you to leave me.

I was taken. By the same men who brought you here.

Then we should crush them for doing it. They are fools. I was going to stomp on all of them anyway.

Chaos was nothing if not direct and simplistic, Sasha thought wryly. But not right now. Do you believe me?

I might…if you don’t go away again.

Only if I’m taken.

Then do not be taken. Stomp on them.

I’ll keep that it in mind. Since I’m not as good at stomping as you, it would be easier if we find ways to do it that don’t involve stomping. Right now we need to make these fools think we’re beaten. Be careful and use courtesy and respect at this point. Chaos was only partially reconciled and accepting. Will you permit me to ride you? I won’t use a saddle this time.

He hesitated and then slowly walked over to the fence toward her. What next?

She slipped off the fence and onto his back. We run. Very hard. Very fast. He wants to see how wonderful you are, and we won’t mind it as long as you’re in control. She bent her head, winding her hands in his mane. Will we? Let the lightning strike. Let the wind blow. We’ll be ahead of all of it, my dear, dear friend. Ready? Her palm slapped his haunch. Let’s go!

Chaos leaped forward!

Lightning.

Wind.

Dizzying speed.

Stretching out.

More speed.

Together.

More speed.

The wind was stinging her cheeks now.

How long had they been running?