Minutes later, Ixion and the female centaur slow their gallop to a canter, then stop as you enter a wide grassy area, bordered by forest on two sides, fields on another, and the coastline on the far side. You spy six centaurs in all - two of them working on the fields with hoes and rakes, growing crops. A vineyard adjoins the fields.
"You're safe now," says the centauress. "You can both dismount."
You and Rachel slide off your rescuers, wondering what's going to happen next. Your friend is shaking, and you rest your hand on her arm to provide reassurance. It's then that you realize Rachel's ears are normal again.
"You've been released from their magic," the male centaur announces in his deep voice. "My advice to you would be to leave this island, so that you don't fall foul of the satyrs again - or any others of the...unpleasant...beings in these parts."
"Th-thank you," you stammer. You can't help but admire the centaurs. You're a straight guy, but Ixion looks as though he's worked out a lot, and lived an outdoor life - what with his physique and toned skin. And...
"I am Themis," the centauress says, smiling serenely. Did she read your mind?
Anyway, Themis is a model of both female and equine beauty - and unlike the satyrs, she is dressed, if it is only minimum attire.
Rachel flops down on the ground. "I need to rest awhile, Ben," she tells you.
You nod, then look back at Ixion and Themis. Your mind is reeling with the realization that mythological creatures actually exist. Worse, you and Rachel nearly became... No - you don't want to go there. If the change was going to be permanent, then your lives would have been torn asunder.
"I've got so many questions... I...," you stutter.
"Oh, very well," Ixion scowls. "You both need to recover - and your minds need filling. It's not often we get visitors, either! Come into the shade of these trees, and let us talk. Themis, fetch our guests a couple of bottles. Bring two for us, as well!"