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As soon as they were finished, they set out. Lord Dyrant urged them to go as fast as possible, since the sun would be setting soon. Even after it did set, they continued toward the palace. Lord Dyrant was determined to reach the king before the "spy."

Not long after Greyith fell asleep, he suddenly woke up. Far in the distance, he heard the sounds of men's voices.

Oh, no, they've come, he thought. I've got to get out of here.

With that, he ran over to where Sheri was lying down and untied her. She got up quickly, and Greyith mounted her.

"Let's get out of here, girl, real fast," Greyith urged his horse, careful to keep his voice low.

It was hard traveling in the dark, but, with the moon shining through the treetops and on the forest path, they could just make out where they were going. Greyith knew that he had to do it--not only to save his own life, but also the king's.

All night they traveled. Once, when Greyith stopped near a mountain stream to give Sheri a drink, he heard his pursuers not far behind him. After that, he tried to take shortcuts wherever he could.

If only we can get there before they do, Greyith wished. If only.

As dawn broke, Greyith could see the sharp outline of Mount Royal directly ahead. He knew that he was almost there.

By now, Sheri was getting very tired, and Greyith knew that it was time to split up. Reluctantly, he slid off her, and led her over to the stream. She lowered her head and took a long drink of the crystal clear water. Greyith looked at her and shook his head.

"Well, girl," he said, sorrowfully. "Go home. And, thanks a lot for the ride. Go, now."

Sheri gave him a happy look, and then slowly trod off into the woods.

Not far in front of him, Greyith noticed the path which led directly up Mount Royal to the Saachen Palace. In front of the path stood a weather-beaten shack where the guards stayed. Seeing no one around, Greyith started up the path. Just then a door opened and a pajama-clad guard ran out of the shack.

"Get down here, kid," the guard yelled. "What do you think you're doing? You can't go up there!"

Greyith walked back down the steep path to the guard's shack. "Please, sire. It's really important for me to speak to the king," he pleaded. "I must go up there."

"What are you going to tell the king? That you want money?" The guard laughed. "Beggar! Go back where you came from. We don't want your types here."

"Give him to us," a familiar voice growled.

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