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. But now I would enjoy the company -- and a new
mystery."
Gisella gave him her most enticing smile, which he
returned. She noticed with a twinge of regret that his
smile did not reach his eyes. It was something she
looked for in a man. However, that he was willing to
help her for nothing more than compensated for his
cold eyes.
"We should waste no time," he stated. "My horse is
just at the edge of the square. We could ride to your
lodgings, collect your things, and be in the mountains
before midday."
Gisella ignored the calls of the fabric merchant,
whom she had no money to pay anyway, and followed
Denzil to a stable just off the square. He emerged with
the largest, blackest horse she had ever seen.
Something about the animal disturbed her. Its nos-
trils were unusually red, and its breath seemed to
steam more than it should, in the cool, mountain air. It
was as if the animal were powered by coal. The horse,
obviously high-strung, pawed the ground. Its lips
moved but no noise came from them, and when it
walked, its hooves did not clatter. The animal was ee-
rily void of sound.
The stable master stood back from the creature,
counting the coins Denzil had pressed into his hands.
Meanwhile, Denzil swung nimbly into the saddle and
patted the monstrous horse affectionately. Then he
held out his hand to the russet-haired dwarf.
Gisella's arms hung at her side. "Is it magical?" she
asked tentatively.
"Yes," he said matter-of-factly. "Scul is a nightmare.
Give me your hand and I'll help you if you're fright-
ened
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