"When a person challenges a decision of the Night Stallion in his realm, he dictates that the one who takes the part of another shall share the fate of that other. This is part of his creed, and it is a formidable one."

"Share the fate?" she asked blankly.

"When Prince Dolph tried to protect Grace'l Ossein from the punishment of the Night Stallion, he had to share her fate. She was vindicated, and so was Dolph. When Grey Murphy tried to help Girard Giant, they shared fates. My dam reminded me of this policy in the realm of dreams, and I agree with it, though it is only an analogy. It was her way of alerting me to the appropriate procedure and signaling her acquiescence."

"But what has that to do with me?"

"You took Gwenny's part, though perhaps you felt it weakened your position. Now Gwenny is coming to my home. I would like to have you share her fate."

Jenny was nonplused. "But that's not bad, that's good! Gwenny will be happy with you."

"Will you not be also?"

He was finally getting through to her. "You mean—me too?"

"That is what he means, dear," Godiva said. "You would have been welcome in Goblin Mountain, but I think you will be better off with the centaurs, with your friends."

Jenny just stood there, unable to speak.

Chex spoke. "Ride me, Jenny. We welcome you."

"Thank you," Jenny said, somewhat choked.

Godiva lifted her, and she was on Chex's back, still holding Sammy.

"I am glad that we were able to settle this matter amicably," Cheiron said to Godiva. "We shall be in touch."

"Agreed," Godiva said.

Then the centaurs walked down the slope and away from the mountain.

It was a long walk, for they were limited by Che's pace. Jenny knew that Prince Dolph could have assumed a large form and carried the foal quickly there, while the two grown centaurs flew, but evidently they preferred to go at their own pace, and by themselves. They stopped to pick fruit and eat it, and to see the sights of Xanth; indeed, their course seemed to weave around somewhat. Jenny wondered why—and then she found out.

"There is one, dear," Chex said.

"Very good," Cheiron said. "Che, please lead your companions to the spectacle bush."

A spectacle bush! That was what they had been looking for! Jenny got down and found Che's little hand. In a moment Gwenny had his other hand.

"The ground is rough," Che said. "You must step cautiously. I will guide you by small pressure on your hands." And he did so, so that neither of them had any difficulty.

"I think this pair would look good on you, Jenny," Che said, picking a pair and giving it to Jenny. She put them on her face, and suddenly the world came clear again. It was wonderful!