They made their way toward Radan Mountains. While traveling, Lanying did most of the talking, and every now and then Sir Reginald commented on something. Annchi was silent through the entire way there. She was deep in thought about the trip there. She knew that something big was going to happen. She just did not know when. It took them a day to make it there. It was just before lunch time when they made it.
"Now what do we do? We can't leave the horses behind." Lanying said.
"There's a path over there." Annchi pointed.
"All right! Now we're getting somewhere."
"Shh! We should be quieter here." warned Sir Reginald.
"All right."
They followed the path until they reached a nearby creek.
"Oh, I'm tired. Can we stop and rest, please?" asked Lanying.
"Very well, but we cannot rest for too long." answered Sir Reginald.
They dismounted.
Wanting to be alone Annchi told them, "I'm going to freshen up a bit."
"Be careful lass. This is not the time to be wandering off." Sir Reginald warned her.
"Don't worry. I won't be gone long." Annchi answered before going off.
Annchi walked and soon made it to the creek. She knelt down and looked around. There was some vegetation here, but mostly dirt and rock. It was like nature was trying to live here, but just couldn't quite make it. Annchi splashed some water on her face. When she looked at her reflection, she saw that angelic figure again. She rubbed her eyes and looked again, this time it was her reflection.
"This is strange." she thought.
All of the sudden, she got the impression that the others were in trouble. She stood up and ran.
During this time, Sir Reginald and Lanying rested.
"How old are you Lanying?" Sir Reginald asked.
"Eight. Why do you ask?"
"I just don't understand why a wizard would send a child on a dangerous mission."
"Neither do I, but I am glad though. I don't think Annchi was too crazy about the idea though."
"Why?"
"Because she is terribly shy and is not the adventurous type."
"So I've noticed."
That very second, a bunch of men jumped out. Sir Reginald and Lanying backed up as the men surrounded them.
"Careful, Lanying. They are outlaws." whispered Sir Reginald as he guarded Lanying.
Indeed they were. One of them stepped forward. The twenty year-old man was muscular with golden blonde hair and blue gray eyes. He was tall at six feet. His name was Lance and he was the leader of the group.