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sandcoloured robes except one man who stood apart and was dressed in black and orange.
    â€˜On behalf of the Guardian Cassaria, I present to you Frog of the Chosen and his companion Billy,’ Ameer announced.
    As one, the group touched their foreheads and bowed.
    â€˜Step forward and return the gesture,’ whispered Ameer.
    Frog and Billy quickly did as they were told.
    â€˜They are to join our scouting parties this night and ride with us,’ he continued.
    It was then that the orange and black-robed man stepped forward. The whites of his eyes stood out from his deep brown face, and he wore a jet-black beard, which gave him a most fearsome appearance.
    He spoke with suspicion. ‘So, the rumours are true; you have accepted two young strangers into our midst and endangered our security because you believe them to be allies of the Guardians. We have been told whatthe witch is capable of. They could be creatures of her making.’
    â€˜They have satisfied Cassaria and also proved themselves in my eyes,’ said Ameer.
    â€˜That may be, Lord Prince, but you know that they must endure the Sensing to be truly accepted and they cannot ride until they have been accepted.’
    â€˜Frog, Billy, this is Sand Master Katar. He is the stable master and custodian of the Sandspiders,’ said Ameer. ‘It is written in the ancient laws that he must be obeyed on any matters regarding the Sandspiders.’ Ameer turned to Katar. ‘They have already ridden and been scented,’ he said. ‘They were brought in from the desert by Alban and myself. The Sandspiders accepted them without hesitation.’
    Katar leaned over Frog and Billy and vigorously sniffed at them.
    â€˜They have the scent, but they have not been accepted by Arac-Khan and as you know,’ repeated Katar, ‘they should not be allowed to ride until that initiation has been fulfilled.’
    â€˜Which is why now seems as good a time as any,’ responded Ameer. ‘We will ready the scouting parties while you conduct the Sensing.’
    â€˜You seem confident that they will pass the test,’ said Katar.
    â€˜I have every confidence in these boys. Besides, as I have said, they have Cassaria's blessing,’ said Ameer.
    â€˜No doubt,’ said Katar. ‘But let us see if they really deserve to wear these robes.’
    He guided Frog and Billy away from the group and towards a narrow corridor between two of the pens.
    â€˜Where are we going?’ asked Frog.
    â€˜To meet Arac-Khan,’ replied Katar.
    â€˜Who's Arac-Khan when he's at home?’ asked Billy.
    â€˜Have patience,’ said Katar. ‘Now, no more questions.’
    Frog couldn't help noticing that Katar had a knowing grin on his face and a gleam was in his eyes.
    As they continued down the corridor, the spider scent became stronger and as they breathed it in, Frog and Billy started to feel lightheaded, almost drugged. By the time that they stepped into a large, shadowy cave, their thoughts had taken on a dream-like quality and everything seemed to be happening in slow motion.
    Katar guided them to the centre of the cave. It seemed empty except for sand and some straw-like material scattered around on the floor. Its recesses were lost in darkness. Katar stood in front of them, leaning forwards and looking into their eyes so that his face became distorted in their vision.
    â€˜Even a Guardian can be tricked,’ he said, staring into Frog's eyes. ‘Perhaps you are not the true Frog after all. I do declare that Arac-Khan will make short work of you both and expose you for what abominations you really are.’
    He moved silently into the shadows leaving Frog and Billy standing alone, confused and dazed.
    â€˜Are you okay, Billy?’ asked Frog.
    â€˜Something's not right. I feel strange,’ said Billy. ‘My head feels all fuzzy.’
    â€˜Me too,’ said Frog. ‘Be on your guard and stay close to