I strode forwards, into a huge cavern whose floor was covered in sand. It was warm and soft, and I delighted in the feeling of my hooves sinking into it. Just as I was thinking that I could probably rest here for a minute, I heard a whimpering. Immediately alert, I noticed a lump on the floor on the far side of the cavern. I debated for a second whether it could be a trap, but my instincts were telling me that this was safe, this was probably just someone who needed help. I walked over, slowly, so that I didn’t spook them.

‘Hey there’ I said, in my softest voice. ‘Are you okay?’

The lump sniffed back a whimper and then shook it’s head. As it did so, it shook some of the sand off and I could see that this was a Courser, wearing what looked like poorly made adventuring gear.

‘I got attacked by something, and managed to drag myself here, but I’m so lost and my leg hurts, and I just want to go home.’ His voice broke on the last few words, and I couldn’t help the twinge of pity that shot through me.

‘Let me have a look at your leg.’

He obediently stretched out his leg, shaking the sand off it as he did, and wincing in pain. I had a close look, and could tell that it wasn’t broken, but it was very swollen, and most likely very sore.

‘Okay buddy, there’s no serious harm done, but we need to get you out of here, okay?’

‘Okay’ came the quiet reply.

‘Can you stand?’

It took a minute, but eventually he managed to get on his feet, though he had to lean on me to do it. He looked at me and said ‘You know the way out?’

I nodded. I had only passed through about 4 chambers to get here, so I could remember the way back easily. ‘I do indeed. Now, we’re going to have to work together, okay? Lean on me, and we’ll go at your pace, and we’re gonna get out of here.’

‘Thank you’ said the Courser, looking directly at me for the first time. I saw no glint of recognition in his eyes, and it was a joy to not be known for the first time in a very long time.