Suddenly, the rumble of galloping hooves fills the glen. The satyrs look around in agitation, then jump back as two riders burst out from the densely-packed trees and head straight towards you and Rachel, before stopping.
Your friend stares at the new arrivals with a wide, green-eyed gaze. "Oh, great," she manages to squeak. "This gets better and better!"
You are too amazed to say anything. A bearded man and a silver-haired woman are now regarding everyone present. But they are not riders. The man is bare-chested, with a muscled-torso - whilst the woman is wearing only a bikini top.
But that's not surprising, since both she and her companion aren't human from the waist down. In place of (normal) legs, they bare the bodies of adult horses.
"Centaurs!" you gasp.
The man extends his hand to you. "Climb onto my back, young mortal, if you wish to leave here as you are now!"
Both centaurs lower themselves to the ground. "Come, girl! Do not be afraid!" the female urges Rachel, as she beckons to her.
Rachel wastes no time and swings onto the centauress's back - before locking her arms around the latter's stomach, ready for the ride.
You cast a glance at the satyrs. They look as though they're being deprived of a new toy. Cedius looks furious. You therefore decide to climb onto the male centaur. Seeing as he has a mane, you grip onto it, as well as his shoulder.
Both centaurs rise and turn to leave.
Cedius steps into their path. "Curse you, Ixion!" he rages. "They're ours!"
"Really? I thought I heard them reject you," your male rescuer growls with disdain. "Now get out of our way, or be trampled!" Both he and his companion set off, and quicken their pace.
Cedius and the others scurry back on their hooves, in order to avoid the kick of the centaurs' hooves. You glance back just once as you depart the glen - and catch the sight of Skye baring a sly grin.