“Don’t tell me what to do,” he said coldly. “I know exactly what Reardon’s reaction is going to be, and I’m prepared for it. In fact, I’m counting on it. I’ve thought it over and I may be changing strategy. So get out there and do what I ordered you to do.” He nodded behind her at the horse one of the stable boys was leading out of the stables. “Or you’ll lose your faithful buddy from times past.”

Zeus. Beautiful, graceful, prancing as gracefully toward her as he had the first time she’d seen him when she was a little girl.

And the threat was as clear as if Masenak was pointing a gun at Zeus’s head.

“You understand?” Masenak asked softly.

“I understand,” she said jerkily as she turned away and started down the track toward Chaos. “Make the call.”

She heard him laughing as she stopped in front of Chaos.

You’re angry…and sad.

Yes, but you’ll be happy. You’re going to get to run.

Then why are you sad? It will be joy.

No choice. He would hurt Zeus. She gathered the reins and jumped on his back. So let’s give him what he wants and worry about everything else later. She gave him a gentle kick. Take the joy and save an old friend. Now!

Chaos bolted forward!

No breath.

Stinging wind!

Blurred colors.

Thunder of his hooves.

Silken movement.

Faster.

Faster.

Faster.

And then it came.

Joy.

Joy.

Joy.

She could see Masenak ahead.

Stop, Chaos.

He was paying no attention.

She tried again. Enough.

Never enough. But he was slowing. You aren’t sad now.

No, I’m not. Thank you. But I have to leave you now. Stop, Chaos.

He didn’t come to a stop until he’d passed Masenak. It was wrong that he wanted to hurt Zeus. Even if it meant joy for us. When can I stomp on him?

Soon, I hope. She jumped to the ground. Though stomping isn’t always the answer.

You only say that because you’re weak and don’t have the power to do it yourself.

She didn’t answer because Masenak was impatiently motioning for her to come to him. His eyes were gleaming, his face pale with excitement. “Very good.” He jerked her in front of the computer screen. “Reardon wants to congratulate you. He was impressed. Though I told him you could do better.”

“When I can stay on him,” she said. “Did you mention that was a problem.”

“No, I didn’t.” His grip on her arm tightened painfully. “Because the problem is only temporary, as you just proved. Both Reardon and I are great problem solvers.” He looked at the screen. “When we believe in a project. Isn’t that right, Reardon?”