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The castle shook and Gabrielle’s cat ran back to the castle "Gabrielle," it called in an impatient voice

"I know," Gabrielle said She paused for a moment in front of Elise "You may feel like an intruder, F&uu you with the one person I treasureyourself to prove your worth, and you will find peace"

"Gabrielle!"

"Yes," Gabrielle said, hustling back into the castle Her cat leaped into her arms and the duo disappeared inside Literately When they entered they castle threshold they disappeared like a wisp of smoke

"Consider it later," Elise reminded herself as a servant pulled a horse up to the flock of swans When Elise saw the horse, she swore several ti her assistant swan keepers/servants stared wide eyed at her

It was Falk’s horse, a spirited beast that shied easily and ran like hellhounds chased hi deep in the castle roared "No other choice," Elise gri herself into the saddle

The horse shied, but Elise clao, fly, brothers!" Elise urged as the horse ran straight into the swan flock

The swans beat their wings and cluht their way into the air, crashing into each other like drunken sailors

Elise heeled Falk’s horse, and the beast took off, careening out of Castle Brandis and entering the city "Look out!" Elise shouted as they galloped down city streets

Men, women, and children leaped out of the way, and Elise didn’t try to slow the horse down Instead, she cast nervous glances to the sky, watching for the flock of swans

They left the capital, bearing west

When Elise cleared the gates, she loosened the reins Falk’s horse threw hiled one hand in his mane and clamped onto the saddle with her other hand

The land to the west of Brandis was, mercifully, free of trees It made it easier to watch her brothers, but it also , several of the white swans started to sink Their flight was labored, and they strained their graceful necks forhen they pus

Falk’s horse had worked up a sweat, so Elise pulled hied behind the swans, which flew closer and closer to the ground