The bird nudged her side with its gallantly hooked nose, which was as black as the tiny pearl Matthew wore around his neck for luck. He ruffled his feathers anxiously. Even as he did, she heard shouts not far away. The riders were drawing nearer. They had little, perhaps no time to spare for consideration. But she didn’t know if she could do it. With costly reluctance – as dangerously expensive as time was at the moment – she moved behind the massive creature. He bowed to admit her.

She paused to secure the egg within her pack, making sure it was well cushioned by her scarf. He cooed impatiently as more precious seconds slipped from between their fingers. With her limbs shaking to the beat of her heart, she pulled herself forward onto the eagle’s back. It was more than big enough for her, but still she trembled all over. She buried her hands in its brilliant golden and black plumage and clung to the soft down beneath it. The eagle waited for no further signal.

He spread his long, magnificent wings and thrust himself forward into the air. For a time, she dared not look down, fearing that she would faint, but at last, the temptation was too great for even her to resist. She peered over the sleek, feathery shoulder and saw the forest growing smaller and smaller below her. Then, of a sudden, the foliage disappeared, and the ground dropped a hundred feet lower to reveal the shimmering green ocean. It took her breath away to see it and her stomach felt strangely light, but she didn’t feel sick.

To her surprise, she didn’t even feel fear anymore. The eagle dived lower till his wings were almost skimmed the ruffled surface. Remembering her caution, she clung tighter to him. Be careful, friend, she clicked nervously, if you wet your feathers, it’ll be the end for both of us. She felt his amber eyes staring back at her as though he understood her warning, but seemed to smile, as if saying, I know what I am doing. She managed a small smile in return, the lay her cheek against the silky feathers of his neck.