The Gnome and the Guardian

After acquiring horses in Valiant, Zan and Gandr rode at a breakneck speed across the countryside. Zan had not ridden on a horse for many years, and the constant rise and fall beneath him chaffed his legs and fatigued his muscles. But he was not going to give up. Gandr for his part made no complaint, and the large gelding he rode powered onward.

Unlike the Empress's party, Gandr knew exactly where to go. They made good time and avoided the traps and delays that the Empress's party encountered. They cut their journey by more than half and found themselves quickly nearing the ice barrier. Gandr, having inherited the gnome's aversion to water, opted for them to ride around the lake.

The gnome found it interesting that nothing seemed to surprise Zan. The strange sights, animals and even the ice barrier gave the Guardian no pause. He eyed the entire situation with equanimity. The only thing that made Zan anxious was when they talked of the Empress's safety. When they had st