"And what of Hildalgo," asked Diedan, after the others had gone to bed. He and Frank were sitting on the floor, sipping mint tea that the servant's had provided for them.

"I had to let him go," said Frank sadly, putting his glass down on the beautifully decorated table before him.

Diedan nodded. He always understood those things.

"It was a smart choice, my friend," he said. "Hidalgo was exceptional. I am sure he will come back to thank you one day."

Frank did not respond. He was almost positive that he would never see his old horse again.

"And this treasure you are seeking," continued the fair-haired boy. "Is it worth all the perils you will be facing?"

"Yes," said Frank with a sure voice. "What is adventure but...."

"Life-harrowing? Deadly? An almost surefire way to make your girl become a widow before she even marries?"

Frank and Diedan laughed.

"She is coming along. If anyone is to be a widow, it will be me," answered Frank.

The friends toasted each other, and continued to drink, each dreaming of treasure, adventure, and death.

The next morning rose with a much deserved rain. As Frank looked out of the flap of his tent, he saw the people of the kingdom running out of their stucco homes with baskets to catch the water.

"Although I love the rain," said Dorian, coming up behind Frank, "I do believe this will hinder our traveling."

Frank laughed and turned around.

Today Dorian was wearing bright rouge and an all-beige dress.

"You don't look fit to travel anyway, ma'am," said Frank.

"You'd be surprised," replied Dorian, "What a woman is capable of....."

Frank laughed again and went around to rouse his other friends.

He soon found Jazira running around the campsite, trying to collect what she saw fit to bring on the journey.

"I hate this weather," she said in Arabic, giving Frank a kiss. "But there is something I must show you... in the stables."

In wonder and awe, Frank followed Jazira to the stables.

Grazing in the middle of a stable and dripping wet was a purebred mare. Completely white and shining, the horse looked up as the two entered.

"Her name is Pegasus," continued Jazira, still speaking in Arabic, "Your friends bought her for you. In remembrance of Hidalgo. They named her for her speed....they explained to me the Roman story."

Frank slowly walked towards his new horse, and wiped away a tear.