What Lies Beyond the Ocean

Chapter 9

The wind blew warily through the plains as we rode down the road. The sun began to rise on the horizon. The sky was a nice shade of blue, and the temperature was rather chilly, but it felt nice. A few clouds were hanging over the rolling, luscious hills.

I glanced over at Alyard, who was a few steps ahead. The horse he rode was named Tide. Tide was prodigious and had storm grey fur. After observing Tide, I rotated my eyes to observe Feralo's horse. Feralo was a bit behind. His horse, or should I say pony, was named Elfin due to his small size. Ironically, Feralo was small, just like Elfin. Elfin was a brown and white pony with long, flowing chestnut brown hair. I hid my laughter as Elfin ran to catch up with his short, stubby legs.

I reciprocated my attention to the never-ending road that lied ahead of me.

"How much longer?" Feralo whined in the distance.

"Soon," I replied.

"We're there when we're there," Alyard said sarcastically.

I chuckled a bit, and so did he.

After a few long hours, the sun was splat down in the middle of the vivid blue sky. There were no clouds in sight. It was still a bit chilly but was a bit warmer as the day progressed. We rode and rode. We decided to take a break by a nearby stream. The horses and the pony were jaded after doing all the walking.

Alyard plopped down Tide as Feralo, and I looked for something to eat and drink. I selected a wedge of cheese and bread. Feralo selected a whole buffet. He had a leg of a turkey, 2 apples, 4 balls of lettuce, 6 slices of bread, and a wedge of cheese as well.

"Save some for Alyard!" I exclaimed while obtaining a bottle of milk straight from Javvad's farm.

Feralo squinted his eyes, full of annoyance and amusement. He obeyed me anyways. Alyard made his way over and selected an orange and slice of bread. I smirked. He rose an eyebrow. I then pointed towards Feralo's buffet. Alyard let out a fit of laughter and began eating his food.

"I'm going to write my father and Javvad," Alyard elucidated as he stood up to his feet.

"Okay," I finished my cheese and glimpsed at Feralo's buffet. Feralo finished his whole meal! Feralo had the appetite of a Viking. Feralo didn't notice my stare as he was staring off into the dark, gloomy forest nearby. He seemed a bit unnerved. I put my hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

"Are you okay?" I asked. "You seem a bit upset, Feralo."

Feralo didn't blink. He didn't move. Nor did he even respond in any shape or form. I shrugged and decided to get Alyard over here. I contemplated the scenery and noticed Alyard was writing his other letter.

"ALYARD!" I hailed.

He looked up and set the quill down. He walked on over.

"What's going on?"

"Feralo is acting bizarre," I insisted.

Alyard's eyes lit up with understanding and warmth. He sat down next to Feralo and me. He scrutinized Feralo for a few seconds.

"Hey bud," Alyard said. "Are you all right?"

Feralo's mouth began to quiver. He began shaking viciously. I grew concerned about his well-being. Feralo got up and sprinted off into the forest before Alyard or I respond.

"FERALO!" we both hollered as we both trailed after him.

We ran into the clandestine, Stygian forest. My heart pulsated as we ran further and further into the forest. The forest was like a labyrinth. Multitudinous paths zigzagged led into who knows what. Alyard looked addled as he stopped suddenly. I was a few feet away from him as he stopped, so I caught up to him to see what was going on. My eyes grew massive as they gaped at a sanctuary of some sort. I grasped onto Alyard's arm as I read the sign.