Chapter 4

It was still dusky, on the cusp of sunrise, yet the castle was a stir with life. Dew covered the ground and steam accompanied every breath, every word spoken. The horses and mules stood by, stomping their feet and puffing up their bellies as their master’s went to strap on sturdy saddles and load bearing rigs. There was a sense of excitement in the air and this added to their restlessness.

Barcus approached the mare being saddled by Dayton. She was a fine three-year old filly; one of the fastest in the realm. He watched with approval as Dayton gave her belly a little nudge with his knee. As she blew out the air she was holding, he cinched the saddle tight. Her name was Spite. Odd to most, but Barcus knew the story behind the name. She was a tough horse to train and ride, but Dayton, even though he was only 14 at the time of her breaking, kept telling her over and over that he was going to ride her in spite of herself. She would come to love him in spite of herself. He would be her master, in spite of herself. Barcus smiled. Spite still pushed the boy but he never flinched or gave an inch. And the two of them loved to race….

King Lothan, Queen Zenia and Perseus stood conferring in the doorway of the courtyard. She then entered the kitchen and soon came out with a handful of staff, all carrying bags full of food and drink which was passed amongst the hunting party. The mules were laden with sleeping bags, cookware and extra food to sustain the group for about five days. They would be able to hunt along the way for any meat they might need. Queen Zenia gave Dayton a hug and without a word, moved back to stand by her husband who had moved to the center of the courtyard.

He tilted his head back and raised a horn to his lips. It was made of a special type of gourd found only in this valley. He gave two powerful blows and lowered the horn to his side. He then addressed the group.

“Everyone has already been briefed on what Perseus and I observed yesterday during our hunt. The Kindale farm has been ravaged and we know not of their fate. I fear this may not be the only farm you will find has been attacked. Your first priority is the safety of the search party. Your second is the safety and rescue of all who may need it. You are not to engage an enemy unless you are attacked yourselves.”

This was met by some quiet grumbling from within the ranks. Many knew the Kindales and would seek revenge if they were, in fact, murdered.

“I need information before I will allow any action to be taken. We must find out what we are up against. Is it a random robbery? A gang of thieves? Are they organized or not? Or is it an army with far greater intentions then to just rob a few farms?”

Suddenly everyone looked up as two shadows passed overhead. Within a few seconds the two dragons gently settled on the ground on the space which had been left open for them. Perseus approached Gemna and began to saddle her. She looked around and saw Dayton standing next to Spite. This actually made her happy as it meant he would be coming along. She tolerated Spite, though she thought the animal should treat Dayton with more respect than she did. But even Gemna could see the joy the two of them felt when they were racing across the valley together.

Once Gemna was saddled, Perseus gathered up his weapons and food bags and placed them on the back of the saddle and strapped them in. He then gave his mother a hug and mounted the Dragon. This was the cue and everyone else mounted their horses, ready to be off.

Perseus nodded to his father and said, “Father, we will not let you know. I know I speak for everyone here when I say that we will find out what has happened and should we find anyone needing assistance, they will be taken care of. And, we will try not to get into any fights, but we will not run from any that come our way.”

“Here. Here,” was heard from within the group.

King Lothan smiled. “Be off then. And be careful. All of you.”

Gemna rose into the air at the nudge of Perseus’ knee, soaring up and circling the castle as the hunting party streamed from the gates onto the road. With a short glance down to see that all had made it onto the road, Perseus turned her to the north and let her fly. He would act as scout, surveying the ground for the easiest paths for the horses and mules and keeping a sharp eye out for any danger that might befall the hunting party. This would be more difficult once they entered the forest, but he would concentrate on finding ways through the forest that were less dense, not only for their ease of passage, but also for the extra security he could provide.

King Lothan turned to his Queen. “We have raised two very special sons. I am very proud of both of them.” She nodded. Worry creased her brow, but she was also very proud of them.

A young man in his early twenties approached the King. “Sire, I was told I could not join the party because you had something special for me?”

King Lothan beckoned him into the castle. “Yes, Torin. I have a very important task for you that may be dangerous, if you will accept it.”

“Gladly, Sire,” he said somewhat breathlessly as excitement immediately coursed through his veins.

“I must get a message to King Eldon. You cannot go straight north as has the hunting party. You will have to go east and then turn north through the mountain pass. It will be a cold and hard trip, but you should be able to safely pass that way. Regardless, you are to remain alert and avoid people whenever possible in case they are involved in this business. I understand your mount is a mountain bred horse capable of the trip?” he asked.

“Yes, Sire. He is quite capable, as am I. Thank you for this opportunity.”

They entered King Lothan’s chambers where he handed Torin a sealed courier bag.