I: The true account of Sir Gowere, Knight of the Mirror
The true account of Sir Gowere, Knight of the Mirror, and of Valamonte his fading Steed: wherein are set down their adventures, perils, and combats, and the manner of the horse's decay. As recounted by Samzun, Squire to the said Knight
It happened that one Spring, Gowere - the Mirror Knight - received a task from the Giant Seer to retrieve some livestock. The banality of it vanished when the Giant Seer repositioned herself and, in doing so, changed the course of a stream; she specified that this would be no common livestock: three witchy goats with an inclination for speaking in turn and the slipperiness of butter.
The Mirror Knight, moved by the need to prove his worth, complied - not without curiosity. It was soon clear that the goats had last been seen crossing the mountain passes into a neighbouring realm, one that the Gowere had never visited in his brief life.
When he conferred with me on the matter, I reminded him that it might be wise to keep moving for a while - especially since those on his trail would not hesitate to find him and finish the job. Gowere agreed by mounting the trusted Valamonte and delegating to me the menial tasks: readying the mule, gathering provisions, and sharpening his hook axe.
Valamonte has been with the Mirror Knight for as many seasons as I can count. The two share memories of every possible kind; most recently they shared tragedy, and retribution, and displays of bravery that the words of a Squire cannot do justice to. Sometimes I wonder if they share thoughts as well; it could very well be. A proud steed, but one that fades a little more with every turn of the moon.
The plan is clear: one last homely soup, one more night under a roof, and tomorrow, at the first hint of sunlight, we move.