usual spot, and Tarrin patted him on the back before, then he pulled his bow from the saddleskirt where he usually kept it stowed.  Give me a quiver, Tarrin called to Azakar as he sheathed his sword in the spot where he had taken the bow.
	Azakar nodded and went over to a pack Pegasus.
	What are you doing, my mate? Mist asked dangerously.
	I cant fight, but I dont have to just sit back and be useless, he answered.  If I can ride this thing, I can shoot a bow.
	Mist turned it over in her mind, then nodded.  Good enough, she told him, then went over and mounted her own Pegasus.
	Azakar handed him two quivers brimming with Tarrins hand-made arrows, which were hung from each side of his saddle.  Pulling those arrows was a bit tricky in his natural form, but the power he could put into his bow with his current strength would give him a range that was almost ridiculous.  Tarrin sent the bow into the elsewhere where he could call it in a second, then grabbed the reins.
	Umm, Ive never ridden one of these things, Kimmie called nervously as she mounted one of the newly freed up pack Pegasi.  Ulger took a cord of rope and tied one end of it to Kimmies foot.
	Just hold on without breaking the Pegasus ribs, Tarrin told her.  Were going to be careful until we get you a proper saddle.  Ulgers strapping you to the Pegasus, so you cant fall off.
	I wondered why he was tying ropes on my foot, she laughed.
	Ulger quickly and efficiently strapped Kimmie to her mount.  He tied a rope between her feet that looped under the Pegasus, then used the leather thongs on the pack saddle and some extra rope to very securely lash her to the Pegasus back.
	Everyone tie in, Dolanna called as she gracefully mounted her own Pegasus.
	Tarrin forgot to do that.  He tied the leather thongs that theyd added to the saddles and tested them to make sure the knots were good, then took the reins again.  Azakar, you will lead with Kimmie just behind you, Dolanna told him.  Follow her directions.
	Aye, Dolanna, Azakar nodded as he finished tying himself in, then clapped down his visor.
	Do not worry, dear one, I will use a Ward to block the ash, or we will all be blinded, she told him.
	Oh.  Good, the Mahuut nodded, putting his visor back up.  Sarraya back yet?
	Not yet, Dolanna answered.  Haley?
	The Were-wolf nodded, then raised two fingers to his lips and unleashed an ear-piercing whistle that almost seemed to resonate with Tarrins teeth.  He had never heard a whistle that loud before.
	Ouch, Kimmie growled, patting her ears.
	Sorry, should have warned you, Haley chuckled.
	Thats a neat trick, Haley, Tarrin said admiringly.
	Ill teach you how to do it later, Haley answered with a smile.  Its not hard.
	They waited for several moments, then Sarrayas voice reached them.  Coming! she shouted, then she appeared out of the drifting ash.  Im here, Im here!  Well, good to see you up, Tarrin.  You okay, Kimmie? she said, flitting around each of them in turn as she addressed them.
	Im fine.  Im just surprised to see you, Kimmie winked.
	Im full of surprises, Sarraya grinned in reply.  You feeling alright, Tarrin?
	Ill live, he answered her shortly as she landed on his shoulder.
	Alright, let me raise the Ward, and we will be ready to go.
	Kimmie had no trouble with riding a Pegasus, but Tarrin did.  The Pegasus knew he was injured, and to its credit, it tried very hard to be as gentle and smooth as possible, but there was only so much it could do.  Every downstroke of its wings caused a subtle jar, and that jar was a shockwave that raced through Tarrins wings.  The cloud of ash was breeding its own weather, so the Pegasus had to deal with sudden crosswinds, updrafts, and downdrafts that caused it to shift sharply in the air.  But Tarrin had endured greater pain before, back when hed been shot, so he simply gritted his teeth and used all the tricks that Allia had taught him about how to control pain to try to blot it out.  He kept his eyes on Dolannas Pegasus and concentrated only on following her.  There was nothing else but keeping himself behind that winged horse. There was no pain, there was no time, there was only Dolanna, her white Pegasus, and the need to keep himself squarely behind them.
	He was so lost in himself that when the white Pegasus before him put its hooves on the ground, Tarrin was surprised so much he lost his center when his own mount landed.  The pain was a white jag through his wings, so much so it put white spots in his eyes, and he almost bit off the tip of his tongue when his teeth clamped shut in reflex.  He looked around and saw that they were still under the ash cloud, though it was much thinner than it had been to the north, so much so that the sun peeked through as a dim white disc.  They were on a road, a deserted road, except for ten men and women wearing heavy cloaks and riding horses.  They all turned to look towards them as the Pegasi shivered and beat the wings to clear the ash out of them before folding them, and none of them moved for a moment.
	Then he heard Phandebrass wonderful voice erupt from the middle of them.  Pegasi! I say, I thought they were extinct!  How did you find them?  Do they live here?
	Phandebrass! Kimmie cried out, urging her mount forward.  Are you alright?
	Im fine, my dear, just fine, he answered, removing his hood.  He had an ugly slash on his face, just outside his right eye, that went from his hairline to his chin.  As you can see, weve had a bit of excitement here and there, but nothing we couldnt handle.  Are you alright?
	Im fine, she answered as the others squared off agaisnt the Arcane mage and his nine hooded companions, who still had neither moved nor spoken.
	I say, what happened to you, Tarrin? Phandebrass asked.
	The One happened, Tarrin said evenly.  We had a bit of a fight.  Neither of us got out of it easy.
	Phandebrass laughed as all nine of his companions gasped in unison.  Did you get him?
	Mist did, he said, looking at his mate.  Hes not gone, but we bought ourselves some time while he repairs his icon.
	We will explain it later, my friend, Dolanna said.  Right now we must find a secure place to hide.  Tarrin cannot ride for much longer.  He must rest.
	Im afraid theres nowhere safe anymore, one of Phandebrass companions, the one to his right, announced.  The soldiers of the One are scouring every house in every city, searching for Defiled, and theyre patrolling the roads and lanes so thickly its nearly impossible to get around them.  We had to flee from our last safe house, and lost several good men and women during the course of it.
	The fellow removed his hood, and Tarrin wasnt the only one to gape at him.
	He was the mirror image of a ShaKar.
	Almost.  He had the same light, delicate features, the same pointed ears, the same slender, graceful limbs.  But his skin was fair, almost pale, and his hair was the deepest, darkest black that Tarrin had ever seen.  His almond-shaped eyes were the color of molten gold, and they swept over them all like an eagles gaze.
	I say, at least they didnt get us all, Lorak, Phandebrass told his companion.  I say, dear me, how rude.  Lorak, these are the friends I was telling you about.  Everyone, this is Lorak, an officer in the Shadows.  Hes an Elementalist, he is.
	Lorak only nodded curtly.
	It is a pleasure to meet you, though the circumstances leave much to be desired, Dolanna greeted him.
	A dark truth, Lorak agreed.  Our only choice is to flee cross country.  Im sorry, but stopping anywhere within a league of a road is suicide.
	How did you get this far if theyre that thick? Haley asked curiously.
	I say, Lorak is an Air Adept, he is, Phandebrass answered.  He knows a spell thats as close to invisibility as one of Dars best Illusions.  Hes kept us hidden from the soldiers, he has.
	Theyre not spells, Lorak chided Phandebrass absently.
	I know theyre not, but it helps me classify your capability to think of them as such, it does, Phandebrass answered.
	What do you plan to do? Dolanna asked Lorak.
	Flee, he answered.  Our only recourse is to seek refuge with the Dura.  Not even the soldiers of the One have been able to breach their mountain fortress.  I just hope that they understand how desperate we are.  The words already gone out to all our cells to flee into the wilderness and make their way to the Dura.
	In unison, Tarrin, Mist, and Kimmie all picked up their ears and turned north, down the road.  All three of them could hear the very faint sounds of hooves pounding the ground.  What is it, dear one? Dolanna asked him.
	Tarrin called his bow from the elsewhere.  Company, Mist growled.  Twenty horses, and I hear something that I can only assume is a Demon.  Ive never heard anything quite like it before.
	Ulger and Azakar surged forward.  Tarrin, back with the others, Ulger ordered as both the Knights drew their massive weapons and clapped down their visors.
	You would fight twenty soldiers and a Demon? another of Phandebrass hooded companions asked incredulously in a lilty, feminine voice.
	Twenty?  Thats it? Ulger snorted.  I was hoping it would be a challenge.  You ready Zak?
	Ready, he answered.
	Fighting isnt needful, Lorak called.  I can hide us.
	Not from a Demon, you will not, Dolanna answered bluntly. And they are too close to outrun.
	Weve hidden from Demons before, Lorak protested mildly.  Theyre not immune to my power.  They will go right by us so long as we allow it.
	Dolanna pursed her lips.  Tarrin?
	He nodded.  Id rather not fight if we can help it.  Besides, if they discover us that close, well have the advantage.
	I dont see how, Lorak said calmly.
	I can kill half of them before they can blink if I can get close enough, Mist stated flatly.
	Me and my mother have certain physical advantages, friend, Kimmie said with a light smile.  They wont stand a chance.
	Ah.  I remember Phandebrass talking about that, he said as he moved his horse well off the road.  No matter, gather around me please.  The closer you are, the easier this is.
	They all gathered their horses and Pegasi around the strange pale ShaKar, and the dark-haired man closed his eyes.  Tarrin could feel him reaching out, reaching, reaching beyond, and then he seemed to make his connection, for power flowed through him.  He was a bridge, a conduit between the material plane and the Elemental plane of Air, Tarrin realized, and he was directly channeling its power.  A light, warm wind blew from him, washing over them all, and then it seemed to coalesce and swirl around them for a brief moment.  Then it shimmered and vanished.
	There.  No one move.  Keep as quiet as you can.  The Windwall will mute sounds, but it cant block them entirely.  We wait for them to pass, then we move on.
	Tarrin nodded, and they all waited.  They did not have to wait long, however, for the first of the soldiers appeared a brief moment later, charging out of the dark pall that was the falling ash, like a black fog.  More appeared behind him, and more behind them, until their entire disorganized column was visible as it charged down the road.  Above and just behind them all was a vrock, and its large feathered wings beating the ash-choked air, which muted and distorted the sounds from far away, was the strange sound that Mist was hearing.  Tarrin put his palm on his Pegasus neck to make it stay still, but it wasnt necessary.  The Pegasi were very intelligent animals, could partially understand their language, so they already knew to be calm and quiet.  The horses among them shied just a bit, but their riders quickly settled them down as the mounted Church soldiers pounded past them.  They galloped past without even giving them a second look, and moments later they vanished into the black pall.
	And thats that, Phandebrass chuckled.  Weve been hiding like this all day, we have.  So, its good to finally be with you again, lad.  Where are we going?
	For now, nowhere, he answered.  My wings are injured, so Ive lost my powers until they heal.  You have a task to do before we can leave, but you cant do it until I get back in touch with my Goddess.  So for right now, were waiting on Miranda to get in contact with Kikkalli, so she can relay messages for us.
	What am I to do?
	Free the trapped souls on Auromar, Dolanna answered.  They are the fallen spirits of my brothers and sisters.  The Goddess wants them to return to her.
	You are of the Damned! one of the cowled, robed figures gasped.
	If thats what you want to call us, yes, Tarrin answered in a cool voice.  We are katzh-dashi.  He turned back to Phandebrass.  So, we have to go to Auromar.  I guess well move in that general direction until I have my wings back.  When I do, first Ill go kill the One, then well release the trapped katzh-dashi and go home.
	The casual way he said it made it not quite register to the robed men and women with Phandebrass for a moment, then they all gaped at him from beneath their deep hoods.
	Phandebrass chuckled.  Well, I think we should go with Lorak, he suggested.  Else your second mission will fail, it will.
	What mission?
	The Dwarves, lad, he answered.  Theyre called Dura here, they are.  The Dwarves have a stronghold far to the north, in a mountain range buried in snow.  I say, they might not be the descendents of the Dwarves of Sennadar, but if anyone would know what happened to them, the Dura would.
	Tarrin mulled it over in his mind.  They just might know what happened, at that.  Tarrin was here to find out what happened to the children of the Goddess, but also to find the Dwarves and bring them home, if they were still alive.  If these Dura did in fact know what happened to the Dwarves, then they might point him in the right direction.  Or they might be the Dwarves of Sennadars descendents, which was also a possibility.
	He looked to his side.  Dolanna?
	She shrugged.  We are trapped here for a while regardless, she answered.  Auromar will not go anywhere, dear one, and the nature of the place suggests that we do not go there until we are ready to leave.  And we should find out what happened to the Dwarves.  For Gnomlin and Clangeddin if nothing else.
	It might be wise, Tarrin, Haley spoke up.  Theres safety in numbers right now, given how dangerous it is.  These winged horses of yours will let us get to Auromar quickly whenever were ready for it, so it wouldnt hurt to go with Lorak.  If hell have us, that is, Haley added with a smile at the strange ShaKar.
	Friends of Phandebrass are welcome among the Shadows, Lorak said immediately.
	I think its a good idea, Miranda agreed.  Itd be nice to know where were going for a change.
	Thanks, Tarrin said dryly.
	Any time, she said with a cheeky grin.
	Well, since it does seem to be a good idea, we may as well go with Lorak for now, Tarrin announced.
	All of you are welcome among us, Lorak announced.  We must be on our way, and weve waited long enough for that patrol to leave us behind.  We can take care of the introductions while moving.
	That is fine, but we must stop soon, Dolanna pressed.  Tarrin must rest.
	Ill be fine, Dolanna, Tarrin said in a grim tone.  Ill deal with it.  I wont put us all in danger.
	Shana is an Earth adept.  She could heal you, Lorak offered.
	Aye, I can, the one called Shana agreed.  Och, there isna a wound or hurt ever made that I couldna heal.
	Theres nothing you can do for me, Tarrin told her.  Nothing can heal this.
	Isna such a thing as nothin, friend.
	Trust me, you cant heal him, Sarraya told her, and judging from the looks on their faces, she had become visible on his shoulder.  Fireflash stirred from the saddle, looking up at him, then at the others, then laid back down.  Unless you happen to be a god, that is, she added.  The woman gave Sarraya a shocked look, which made Miranda laugh.  Get used to us, friend.  Well shock you right out of your shoes about fifty times today.  Were unusual people, and if you think Im unusual, you have no idea whats coming.  Im nothing compared to that.
	Im sure it will, Lorak said calmly.  Follow me, please, and dont lag behind.
	You were saving it for that, werent you? Tarrin accused.
	Ohhh, you bet, she answered with an evil chuckle.  Ill laugh every time I remember the looks on their faces.  I live for that.
	We all know only too well, Tarrin grunted as Lorak turned his horse north, and they all moved to follow.

Chapter 10

	It was decidedly odd.
	That was the only conclusion that Tarrin could draw as he traveled with the Shadows over the course of the day, as they fled to the northeast to swing wide of Pyros, charging back into the thicker ash and the protection it afforded to them from the eyes of their enemies.  Riding itself was excruciating, but he didnt allow it to show on his face or in his demeanor, using Allias mental exercises to block out the pain.  His Pegasus was trying to be careful, but there was only so much that it could do.  Every bounce in the saddle caused a jagged flash of pain, but Tarrin managed to block it out mostly by doing what he did before, concentrating on something to the exclusion of everything else.  Earlier he used Dolannas mount as his focus, but this time he focused on Lorak.
	Lorak mystified Tarrin, who talked as they rode, answering Dolannas questions.  The first thing she asked him was what race he was.  He called himself an Elara, and said that at one time the humans referred to his kind as elves, at least before the One came to dominate much of the world.  She then asked him if he had ever heard of the ShaKar, and he replied that he did not.  When she described a ShaKar, Lorak looked shocked, and told her that Elara that looked like that were called Demora, and they were evil and malicious.  The Demora lived deep underground, or had at one time, for they were presumed extinct, for no one had seen a Demora for a thousand years.
	Umm, youre named after the moon? Zyri asked, then clamped her teeth shut.  They were speaking in Penali, because Lorak and the others didnt understand Sulasian.
	That is the name of your moon? Dolanna asked Lorak curiously.
	Were named for the moon because thats where were from, he answered the girl calmly.  Lorak wasnt the kind that got ruffled, Tarrin noticed.  The moon is its own world, full of life and populated by the Elara.  The One will turn his eyes to our moon when he finishes conquering this land, so we work very hard to keep him in check.
	The maiji-din used to transport us back and forth, another Elara added, a brown-haired male that had been introduced as Thren.  Our most learned Wizards.  They know spells that open gateways between here and Elara.
	That is why Master Phandebrass is welcome and needed by the Shadows, Lorak explained.  He is human, but his skill and mastery of the arts of Wizardry are exceptional, even by our own reckoning.  He is maiji-din, a Gatemaster.
	Why do your Gatemasters simply bring your people back to Elara? Dolanna asked.
	Two hundred years ago, the One altered the nature of the land under his dominion, Lorak answered.  He changed things so our Gatemasters cant open gates into or out of his domain any longer.  Were trapped here.  The only way we could get back to Elara would be to flee to Auromar, but thats all but impossible.
	Why is that? Dolanna pressed.
	The Ones navy is patrolling the straits between Pyrosia and Auromar, he answered.  They attack any boat on the water.  Even a single man in a rowboat.  Its a two day journey between the eastern tip of Pyrosia and the western edge of Auromar, and theres simply no way a ship can make it without being attacked.  The One knows about the Shadows, and took these steps to isolate the agents from Elara.  By blocking the maiji-din from opening gates into Pyrosia, he forces us to run a gauntlet at sea where we have a major disadvantage.  But that doesnt completely stop us, Lorak smiled.  Some Wizards and Elementalists know magic that lets us cross the straits safely, so we can get new agents into Pyosia.  Just not many.
	Thats why the eastern tip of Pyrosia is the last unconquered area, Thren informed them.  Those that oppose the One have concentrated there to give our agents a safe place to go when they attempt to make the crossing.  The eastern peninsula and the stronghold of the Dura are the last bastions of resistance left in Pyrosia.  The One has conquered everything else, he added with a sigh.
	Hold.  If the One can change the land to stop your Gatemasters, why can your gods not simply do the same? Dolanna asked.  That creates a stalemate.
	There are permanent gates that lead from Pyrosia to Elara, part of the nature of the universe itself, Lorak answered.  The One controls them on this side.  When he finishes conquering Pyrosia, hell use them to try to invade Elara.  So, the longer we can prevent him from finishing his conquest of Pyrosia, the more time we have to prepare for his invasion of our home.
	That seemed to be the primary and complete interest of Lorak, and the other two Elara with him, Thren and a female with blonde hair and lovely, delicate features named Neh.  As they talked more, heard Lorak explain things, the more he understood the simple fact that protecting his homeland was Loraks driving, almost obsessive, concern.  He could tell from the way he talked, the words he used.  He had that same single-minded determination that anyone would probably have if his entire way of life was being threatened.  To Lorak, Thren, and Neh, everyone in Pyrosia was there to stall the One.  They were pieces on a chessboard, units to deploy.  That was a generals mentality, and understandable, but there was a certain coldness about Lorak that he didnt entirely like.  He wasnt quite sure what it was, but hed put his finger on it eventually.
	Sarraya took complete advantage of the newcomers.  With calculating casual remarks, she dropped shock after shock on the Shadows, mentioning just in passing that Tarrin had fought the One, noting to Dolanna that hed wiped Pyros off the map, then just mentioning that Tarrin and Mist had managed to seriously damage the Ones icon.  When they didnt know what an icon was, she treated them like children, feigning shock that they didnt understand something so simple.
	How can you do such a thing? Neh asked.
	All gods are represented in the material plane by an icon, Miranda explained.  Its their link to this universe.  While they really exist in another plane, they use the icon to direct their power here.  The icon makes them invulnerable in the material world, but its also their one true weakness.  Destroy a gods icon, and he loses touch with the material world until he replaces it.  That takes years.  When Tarrin was lured to Pyros to fight the One, Mist managed to nearly cut his icon in half using Tarrins sword.  That seriously damaged the icon, and thats why the One himself isnt charging an Avatar at us right now.
	Ive never heard of an icon, Lorak said mildly.
	Its not something that only a gods High Priest would know about, Miranda told him.  Gods keep it a secret, for obvious reasons.  Even if a mortal cant do any real damage to an icon, if they knew about them, they might be tempted to try.  And the resourcefulness of mortals is not something even gods take lightly.
	If only a High Priest knows, then how do you know? Lorak asked, his tone mildly challenging.
	Because Miranda is the High Priest of her goddess, Sarraya said smugly.  High Priestess, actually.  Her Grandness might suffice, but I think she likes being called Her Absolute Wondrous Eminence.
	Enough, Sarraya, Miranda chided.
	Oh, Im sorry.  Its Her Magificent Muckety-Muckness, right?
	Howd you like a black eye? Miranda threatened.
	I think you have to catch me first, Sarraya taunted from Tarrins shoulder.
	Tarrin felt Fireflash slide over from his other shoulder, then he heard Sarraya squeak in surprise.  The gold drake vaulted from Tarrins shoulder and flew over to Mirandas Pegasus, with Sarrayas wing clamped in his teeth.  The Faerie had no choice but to follow along, kicking and screaming at the drake, even punching him once in the side.  Fireflash landed on Mirandas Pegasus, in front of her saddle, and spat out her wing, dropping her to the back of her mount.  Then he sat down and looked up at Miranda expectantly.
	Um, hi, Sarraya said with a nervous laugh, trying to back up, but backing into the drake.
	Hi, Miranda said with a voice that was both light and cutting at the same time.  You were saying something, werent you?  Something about my title? she asked, putting a single finger on Sarrayas belly, which effectively pinned her to the back of the Pegasus.
	I think Wavemistress sounds really nice, Sarraya said wheedlingly, reverting to Sulasian.  Traitor, she snapped at Fireflash.
	Fireflash ignored her completely.
	Thats a good little drake, Miranda smiled, patting him on the head with her other hand.
	Ill get you, scalybutt, Sarraya growled at the drake.
	Without blinking, Fireflash reared back slightly, then unleashed a small blast of greenish gas directly into Sarrayas face.  The Faerie screamed in surprise, then flopped limply to the back of the Pegasus.
	I think Sarraya forgets that Fireflash understands Sulasian, Miranda said in Penali with a sly smile.  I do believe that he decided to get you first.  Doesnt that just burn you up?
	Sarraya made several gurgling sounds.
	Nodding gravely, Fireflash leaned down and clamped his jaws on Sarrayas leg, then vaulted off her Pegasus and flew back over to Tarrin.  The Faerie flopped bonelessly in the air as she was carried, her gossamer skirts riding up to bare her blue-skinned rump.  He dropped the Faerie in Tarrins saddle, then lept up onto his shoulder and wrapped himself languidly around the back of Tarrins neck.
	Would someone explain what just happened? Lorak asked.
	Sarraya got to experience my drakes breath weapon, Tarrin answered.  It paralyzes the muscles for a short time.  Shell be alright in ten minutes or so.
	Ah.  She wont require any healing?
	No, it does no harm.  It just paralyzes, thats all, and the effect is very short-lived.
	Sarraya made several more gurgling noises.  Tarrin picked her up by gripping her two upper wings, pinching them between his fingers, then laid her limp body down in the cup of his palm.
	Maybe Fireflash should gas her more often.  It seems to be the only way to shut her up, Ulger said with a rasping chuckle.
	I think it might be the only way to shut you up too, Miranda proposed.
	I can take a hint.
	Really?  After how many times? Miranda pressed, which made Haley laugh.
	By sunset, they were well away from Pyros, but the blowing winds made the ash and the cloud above even thicker.  Gray ash fell like snow, covering everything, blotting out the sky and making the late afternoon blacker than the blackest night.  Tarrin had no idea how the Elara was navigating, but he led them arrow-straight on his course and did not waver, so Tarrin suspected that he knew what he was doing.  After Dolannas power waned and her Ward dissolved, Lorak took over the task of protecting them from the choking ash and dust-like cinders that drifted from the nasty remnants of Tarrins battle with the One with his Elemental powers.  Tarrins entire body was drained from the pain in his wings, and by the time Lorak called for a halt to make camp, Tarrin was sagging heavily in his saddle, with Ulger leading his mount.  Sarraya, who had been cowed into behaving by Fireflashs treachery, kept patting his arm and trying to cheer him up with light smiles and clever little remarks, often at the expense of the others.  But Tarrins alertness waned with the passing of the hours, as the pain of his wings slowly yet inexorably consumed his ability to think.  By late afternoon, there was nothing but the pain, and he stopped responding to the others.
	We will stop here, Lorak announced.  Bedrolls only.  We will be away by midnight.  Were still too close to Pyros to stay in one place too long.
	Tarrin?  Were stopping, Sarraya said, which barely registered to him.  Goddess, he was so tired.  Tired and weary, and he wasnt entirely sure where he was.  He was dimly aware that the horseif that was what it was, it had wingswasnt moving anymore.  He saw someone else get down off his horse, and realized that that meant that they were stopping for a while.  The throbbing of his wings eased somewhat now that the mount wasnt bouncing him up and down, and part of him debated trying to move as the other part of him found the idea of remaining absolutely still to be quite a wonderful concept.  But in the end, the realization that he could lay down if he got off the mount overruled the idea of staying where he was.
	It took him a moment to figure out how to make his leg work.  He tried to pull it free of the stirrup three times, but for some reason he couldnt get it out.  He leaned down a little to look, and the shift caused a flash of pain to race through his wings and into his back.  Gritting his teeth, he leaned down even further, reaching for the stirrup, and then realized that he was sliding in that direction, that his other foot had come free of the stirrup.
	Tarrin! Kimmie cried out in surprise when Tarrin tumbled out of his saddle.
	The Pegasus tried valiantly to prevent him from hitting the ground.  It stiffened its wing and locked it against its side, but Tarrin was too tall, too much weight came over the top.  Tarrin lurched over the wing, and the Pegasus swept that black-feathered appendage out and almost fell to the ground itself, collapsing its legs to reduce the distance he would fall.  Tarrin landed on the Pegasus wing, and the impact of his shredded wings with the flight feathers of the Pegasus was like someone had ripped him in half.  He screamed in pain, arching his back to pull them out of contact with everything, but the act did nothing to stop the pain, it only made it worse; he was laying on his side, and the act scraped his wing across the feathers of the Pegasus.
	Mist was there immediately.  Her powerful pa