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– You came here in it?

– Yes.

– They are three times faster than normal horses.

– More than that, actually, – the Countess said. And the Flame is the leader, as long as none of the tribesmen can compete with it.

She mounted the horse, which was not even reined in, with surprising ease,and thus once again surprised her companions.

– The Flame knows the way very well, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me, I'll go first.

The King frowned, but did not object. Soon, the four horsemen disappeared over the horizon.

When they were halfway down the road, a ravine appeared ahead. The horses walked slowly. Anna suddenly stopped. Robin, riding beside her, looked at her questioningly.

– The flame senses danger, – the Countess said.

As soon as the horses stopped, and the sound of hooves ceased to resound over the snow-covered expanse, a dead silence enveloped the gorge. Even the crystal-clear stream in front of them seemed to flow without a sound.

The Countess started as a long-drawn-out howl rang out.