Cheiron could not oppose that, either. But he was by no means daunted. "I bear no animosity to your daughter," he told Godiva. "But I will not give up my foal. He is unique in a way your daughter is not, and necessary to our species in a way your daughter is not, and he must be with his own kind. You must find some other companion for Gwendolyn, for Che will not remain in your mountain."

"Then I think the proof must be in violence," Godiva said, undaunted. "We shall retire and await your onset."

"But I don't want this!" Gwendolyn protested, crying. "Che, you must go back to your folks!"

"No." Che looked desperately unhappy, but his jaw was set in the same way as Cheiron's. He took her hand and turned to the tunnel. They entered, and Jenny Elf followed.

Chex knew she could not let this happen. She had to find some way to resolve it without violence. Che and Cheiron were both set, and neither would change his mind, for centaur character (some said stubbornness) was legendary. But Chex was not only centaur but mother, and she saw in Godiva a mother, and knew why the gobli-ness was doing this. She saw also that Che and Gwendolyn Goblin really did like each other, and that the elf was friends with both. The key might lie in the elf.

"Jenny!" she called.

The elf paused at the dark hole of the tunnel, turning back. "Yes, Chex Centaur?"

"You are not bound. Come with me."

Jenny was flustered. "But—"

Godiva, evidently recognizing Chex's concern, interceded. "Go with her, Jenny. We will allow you to return to us, if it can safely be done."

The girl remained confused. "But I can't—I mean—"

"I think she already knows. Talk to her."

Jenny hesitated a moment more, then turned back to the tunnel. "Che!" she called. "I—I will join you later." Then she picked up her orange fur ball and came down to Chex.

Cheiron turned away. "The barrage will resume in a moment," he said.

Nada bid parting to her brother, and walked down the slope. Chex knew that she was suffering similarly, not wanting to be on the other side from Naldo. This was all so difficult, and it threatened the welfare of Che. Chex wished that for once centaurs were not so resolute. But she knew better than to argue.

The elf came to her. "Get on my back," Chex said. "We must get away from here and talk. Perhaps we can find some way through."

The girl set the cat on Chex's back, then scrambled up herself. It was obvious that she had never been on a centaur before, but she seemed to have a touch for riding, for her balance was sure once she got settled.

"Hold on," Chex said. Then she flicked them with her tail, spread her wings, and leaped off the mountain.