Snippet #2122795

The band started away, sooner and more put together than Kenni anticipated. The dream, then the telling, and the King...now here they were, on the open road to Mander. Fayvus rode on her right with two guards ahead and one behind, as the nurse had said. Kenni wasn't used to riding horses, having not needed to go anywhere. But Storm was understanding and gentle, guiding her just as much as she was guiding him. Smiling, she gave him a grateful pat and pet on the mane.

"Why are we heading to Mander?" she asked Fayvus. "Are all the scouts from both kingdoms meeting us there?"

Mander was more direct in their route, she knew, having looked at a few maps over the years. But also straight through the forest beyond Mander. Though shorter, wasn't it more dangerous.

The night was falling around them rapidly, insects zipping through the air and torches being lit to guide them. Kenni felt her spine ride with chills, but she turned to Fayvus to fight her anxiety. "Shall we begin the crossbow lessons?" She definitely needed to know how to defend herself on this open road down the mountain. Who knew what the darkness could hold.