And then there was nothing more to do but turn and leave. He walked to the silver horse, mounted and inserted the key in its neck. The statue came to life and, at Jafar’s command, began trotting across the stable yard. Spreading its magnificent wings at the last moment, the horse soared into the morning sky, circled the city to get its bearings, and then set off to the north and east. Not once did Jafar look back at the people on the ground. To do so would have lost him all the resolve he’d worked so carefully to build. They were parted now, and only kismet could tell whether they would be reunited again.
With heavy hearts, the remaining travelers saddled their horses and began their long ride northward. The task ahead of them was clear but, like Jafar, they had no idea how well they coul
