Excerpt: Dance Magic (Dance)

“You know this would be impossible in reverse.” Jonathan replied casually, holding the lead ropes closer to the horses’ bridles. It wouldn’t do for the horses to look terrified and act up in front of what he was trying to pass off as a large wolf-like dog. “Your Earth magic isn’t strong enough to hear anything I’d say in another form. You might as well enjoy it. After all, imagine how much more uncomfortable you would be pretending to be a Prince!”
Merrick only glared in response.
“You’ll get used to it.”
Raising his voice in greeting, he walked up to the guards.
“Hail and well met,”, Jonathan called out gaily, a jolly swing to his step. The guards nodded to him solemnly in greeting. “I have come here at the bequest of His Majesty, King NAME for the CHALLENGE. Who shall I speak to regarding my appointment?” Jonathan kept his tone light, friendly.
One fo the guards stepped forward ceremoniously. Clearing his throat, he eyed the other guard for guidance, then spoke. “CHAMPIONS, If your business is our Challenge, follow the red flower path through the side entrance, and ring the bell you find there. Someone will be with you there shortly to process your application.” Nodding curtly to signal he had finished, the guard stepped back in line with his companion. Both men looked forward into the distance.
Jonathan exchanged glances with the Wolf.
They get this a lot, I imagine, Merrick commented dryly, in mindspeech.
“Thank you,”, Jonathan replied, clicking his heels together and bowing his head slightly. “I do believe I will.” He moved forward, noticing the path lined with red flowers started just beyond the gate,