Joseph was running. He had always been running. At least, that's what it felt like. He could see the ship, cruising just ahead. And then he whistled.

Halt was yelling at the captain.
"I was calling to you, you ignored me! I could be back on shore now, but you..." Halt felt a strong urge to strangle O'Mare. He resisted. Just.

Gillian whistled. So did Horace. Baron Arald walked over to an inn where his horse was stabled. Desperately, Gillian hoped that Joseph had thought of Flame. If not... he didn't want to think of that.

Halt was racing down to the in board stables. He untied Abelard and led him up to the deck. His plan was desperate, he didn't know whether horses could swim, but it was all he had. Abelard shied as the boat rocked, terrified.

Joseph kept running. He mounted on the run. He couldn't afford to waste time. Everyone was depending on him. He took off. Flame sensed his urgency, and ran. He leant into her, urging her on. They were drawing level with the ship. The gates were just ahead. Could they make it?

Gillian thundered ahead on Blaze. Then Horace on Kicker. Last was Baron Arald on Nightmare, a black stallion. Gillian could see the small figure speeding toward the gates. He was just drawing ahead of the ship. Only just. Would he be in time?

Halt was comforting Abelard, getting him ready to jump. The water looked deep. And cold. Very cold. He looked up, and saw Joseph rushing along past them. Halt had to have faith in his apprentice. In his son. He made up his mind. He didn't jump. He watched Joseph. He had to believe. He had to. He slipped on the oakleaf. Joseph would make it. He had to.

Joseph tapped a point on Flame's neck. She ran even faster, and then bucked. Joseph shot forwards. He was going faster than Flame. He was flying through the air. He landed in front of the gates-man.
"Close those gates, in the name of the king."
Joseph showed him the ring. The man started to close the gates. It seemed so slow. The ship approached. Joseph felt like yelling at the man to hurry up. Then he stepped forwards, and pushed with all his might. He pushed until his strength was gone. And then some more. The gates were nearly closed. The ship was slipping up to them. He saw Halt and Abelard on the deck. He whistled.

Flame heard her master. She ran. She barrelled into the gate lever. The gates snapped shut, closed by the final push by the strong mare. They had done it.