Birjanji reared and struck out with one of his sharp hooves as the bear took a step forward, baring his teeth. Shal screamed and pulled on the reins while Lilly nervously bounced on her four legs.

It was all Kaira could do to stay in the saddle when the white and black stallion reared again. The bear was the largest she ever saw and she gaped at the sharp white teeth that could tear her flesh with ease. The eyes were small and black, glittering with anger as they looked at her. She stared back at them and was reminded of the dragon. The dragon talked to her in her mind. Maybe she could talk to the bear in the same way? What a strange idea, she told herself. She couldn’t talk to animals—or could she? Should I try to talk to the bear, she thought while Birjanji continued...

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