"Che has agreed to be Gwendolyn's companion, and—"

"What?" Cheiron demanded, outraged.

"And we think he has reason," Gloha said to Chex.

"But we can't tell you, unless—" Dolph said to Cheiron.

"Dear—" Chex murmured.

"Is there duress?" Cheiron demanded.

"No," Dolph and Gloha said together.

"Ha!" Grundy Golem said from Cheiron's mane.

"Not him!" Dolph said. "Grundy's got the biggest mouth in Xanth."

"Go elsewhere for the moment," Chex said to Grundy.

"But—" Then the golem translated the nature of her glance, and hastily departed.

Chex rotated the glance and brought it to bear on Cheiron.

Cheiron considered. "We will not speak your secret," he said at last. "But I make no commitment about my actions."

Dolph glanced around to make sure that no other creature was in hearing. "We think Gwendolyn goblin is blind, or close to it. If the goblins learn—"

"They'll kill her, so she can't be chiefess," Gloha said.

"So Che—" Dolph started.

"Will help her—" Gloha continued.

"I can see that the goblin girl has a problem," Cheiron said. "But that does not justify foal-napping our kid." He was evidently upset.

Then Chex touched his arm as she looked toward the mountain. They all looked. Che had arrived at the surface, with Gwendolyn Goblin and Jenny Elf.

Chapter 13. Chex's Choice

Chapter 13. Chex's Choice

Chex was thrilled to see her foal again, but she knew that the situation had not been resolved. For one thing, Cheiron had not made a commitment about his actions, and that meant he still intended to get Che back.

"Oh, we forgot to tell you," Prince Dolph said. "Che said he would come up to tell you himself. That's Gwendolyn Goblin with him."

What an omission! But of course Dolph remained pretty juvenile. Marriage would cure him of that.

They trotted up to the tunnel opening. Chex reached down to hug Che! "You're all right!" she exclaimed, almost painfully relieved.

"Of course, Dam," he replied. "We have been treated very well. I have decided to remain as Gwenny's companion, so will not be returning with you."

"But why?" she asked, for she knew that she must not reveal her knowledge of the answer.

"I weighed the considerations, and consulted with Jenny, and made the appropriate decision."

He had indeed! But how could she give up her foal to the goblins?

"If you will not give adequate reason, I can not accept your decision," Cheiron said carefully. "I must recover you from captivity."

Che, with an aplomb that made Chex proud, avoided responding to that. "Sire, Dam, allow me to introduce my companion, Gwendolyn Goblin, daughter of Chief Gouty and Godiva."

"Hello, Gwendolyn," Chex and Cheiron said together.

"Gwenny, these are Cheiron and Chex Centaur, my sire and dam," Che said.