Swordborn

Chapter 4: The Road

They wake the next morning filled with the wonders of the night before. They spent several hours in the aviary, and in that time the young prince slipped away, leaving them to bask in the splendor. They wandered back to their rooms in a daze, tired from the afternoon ride, minds aflutter with the birds and fireflies.

For breakfast they're brought plates of salted pork, assorted vine fruits, and bread rolls soaked in honey. The girls eat what they like, and Cain eats a little of everything. Azaya and Díaday chatter about the tropical garden, each telling of their favorite birds and plants. Even Winter has a few memories to share, and looks a little out of place being so open.

After breakfast they don their riding outfits and return to the stables. They're paired with the same horses as the day before, and stable masters who give them lessons based on their progress. All but Azaya are able to canter, but to her credit she's finally able to sit up straight in her saddle.

Winter remains close to the group for a while, then grows bored and breaks away. She trots past the stables, canters past the castle, then gallops around the grove. Inspired by Winter, Cain braves a gallop, attempting to follow her around the track. Physical tasks are easy for him, having developed rat-like dexterity from years spent in the caves below Evermeed. He turns back once he loses sight of Winter, remembering his responsibility to the two younger girls.

As he returns to the field he's surprised to see Díaday riding fast through the obstacle course. She moves in unison with her gray and white steed, leaning into turns with precise timing like Winter. Azaya waves to Cain from the stables as she bobs up and down on her frustrated horse.

That night servants bring a lavish dinner up to their quarters. The servants apologize that the prince can't join them this evening, explaining that Tarlis has obligations of the court. His absence makes the girls sad, the most disappointed being Azaya. The prince has been prevalent in their thoughts and conversations, each girl enchanted by him since their night in the aviary.

The next morning they wake to servants bringing breakfast, then after they've eaten they are asked to meet Tarlis at the stables to say their farewells. The attendants pack the girl's clothes in satin riding bags, then escort the group down to the riding field.

They find Prince Tarlis waiting for them on the field, along with four stable masters holding the reins of the four horses they've been learning to ride. A fifth mount stands behind the four, a pack pony laden with supplies for their journey home.

"Thank you for visiting my kingdom," Tarlis says, kissing the hand of each girl in turn. They all give him the same blushing smile, batting their eyes, then stare longingly after the moment's gone.

"It is we who are thankful, gracious prince." Cain says. "We are most grateful for a time filled with excitement, wonder, and magic."

"Please accept these horses as tokens of my friendship," says the prince, "and when you ride them, may your hearts be warmed by fond memories of Ravenspire."

Tarlis returns to the castle, and as they watch him leave each feels the lasting glow of his presence. The stable masters give them final instructions on their steeds, though the comments for Winter are more praise than advice.

One of the attendants provides Cain with a special pack for Sandy, meant to be warn upon his back, and to allow the bunny's head to poke out while they ride. Cain frowns, but sees Díaday staring up at him expectantly, and by her look he knows that any protest would crush her. Cain sighs and dons the bunny pack, then Díaday and Azaya take considerable time fawning over snug little Sandy.

Cain and the girls climb onto their respective steeds, then ride toward the east castle wall. Several attendants ride beside them, escorting them through the castle grounds, through the city wall, then onto the kingdom road. They're instructed to follow the road east for two days, then cross the bridge at the north river and continue southeast until they reach Troddenhoof.