The Rising Pheonix

Chapter 21

Jacobe POV

We went outside to see the horse and to make sure everything was ready. I had Elnora's basket, where she was sleeping, in my hands and I wasn't going to set her on the ground, so I was limited in what I could actually do. Thankfully, I now had people who were willing to help me. Grant went to grab the horse's reins from the guard that had it and brought it to me to inspect.

"This is the horse that had got away. It's the horse from our first attacker. I didn't get the chance to go through it," I stated.

"Well since you need to leave, we can take the contents out and put it in the carriage for you to look over on your journey," Commander Dmitry offered.

"That's an excellent idea. I don't need the horse, so I will leave it here for anyone who needs it," I answered.

"If that is all, we need to go." I turn to leave then add, "Did anyone help my companion to the carriage? Last I saw, she was unconscious and she is to come with us."

"Yes, Your Hi... Sir Everett. If you turn around now, you'll see she is being taken to the carriage now," Nancee stated. She looked flustered for almost revealing who I am.

"Great, let's go. Thank you, Commanders, for everything." I said and walked away. Now that we are about to depart, Commander Dmitry should be going to make sure the spot where I fought is cleared up. I trust he will make it look as if nothing happened.

I reached the carriage and grimaced. It was nothing like the carriages I was used to seeing. By the looks of it. I'm not certain it will make the whole journey. Fortunately, it wasn't made entirely out of wood, there were some metal parts that made it more durable. I guess. The horses were tethered to the posy in front and the seat was wide enough for two people. I saw different compartments on the outside and inside of the carriage and the bigger things were tied on top.

I sat in the carriage to hold the basket, where Elnora still slept, and I saw Emily was laying down on the opposite seat. The guards, dressed in regular clothes except for their weapons, got in their positions and we left. Some shouted farewell to friends and loves ones, others were silent. I didn't stop them because this might be the last time they see them again.

Once we were out of Heartreach I told them I wanted to go faster. The sun was almost at its highest, so I've lost a lot of time that needed to be made up. Since we are traveling on the road now, the trip will be much smoother and we can travel for longer. I don't want to stop until we get close to Arocall.

Arocall is a fairly large town and it's also very far from where we are now. It's the last big town before we reach Tarnithia, King Caster's land.

I've been to Tarnithia once when I was a boy. I traveled with my mother on a special diplomatic mission. Later, I had learned that she and the previous king were good friends and she wanted an excuse to meet his newest baby. Mother was always fond of children. Unfortunately, during my trip there I had not seen Caster once.

"Excuse me, sir?" A voice calls, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turn left and look out of the little window, to see Nancee trying to get my attention. Quickly, I glance at Elnora, who is asleep in her basket still, and at Emily, who was still asleep on the bench across from me. She looked peaceful. Then I spoke to Nancee.

"What is it?"

"We had Grant ride ahead, as a scout, and he has informed us there will be a crossroad approaching. However, the signs are missing. Since nobody here has ever left Heartreach, we were hoping you knew which way we should go." As she was explaining the dilemma, her cheeks were tinged pink, probably embarrassed that she doesn't know the way to the next town.

"Well, I have been to Arocall before, however, I cannot recall which direction we went. I was a young child when I passed through. The crossroads does not even sound familiar. When we get to the crossroads we need to stop so I can see which path looks familiar."

"Yes sir. I'll pass the message, so everyone will know." After she said that she made her horse go faster to tell the others. Meanwhile, I was trying to figure out if we were on the right path.