As soon as she released his horse, Zita rode ahead without waiting down the twisting path that led towards the valley.
The King followed and it was impossible for them to speak until they were clear of the trees and in the meadowland.
Then, as he rode alongside her, she touched Pegasus with her whip and he immediately set off at a gallop, delighted to stretch his legs and knowing that his head was turned in the direction of home.
There was nothing the King could do but gallop too and they rode very swiftly until Zita pulled in her reins, knowing that Pegasus had had enough, and the towers and spires of the Capital could be seen in the distance and so could the Palace outside the City.
It looked impressive and rather beautiful in the sunshine.
But Zita felt it was a prison waiting for
