Aurora wasted no time, beyond what it took to thank Darius for so switly arranging things.  "We have a hard ride ahead of us," she told him.  "And if you truly can lead us back to Valeria's Heart by sundown, I will call you Sir Darius the Winged, and add a bird in flight to your pennant with my own needlework.  Lead the way, Sir, and I will follow."