Next morning, they all were getting ready. Ednar and Deacon got four horses and arrived at the meeting area. These horses were not the ones which can be found anywhere. Horses were unique.
They were Gypsy horses also known as Gypsy Vanner or Traditional Cob or Irish Cob. These horses had a pattern of unpigmented spots(white) on a pigmented background of hair, feathers or scales.
They were the cob viz. small horses whose legs and muscles are very strong with large joints and steady disposition. And the most distinguishing feature is that they have feathered heels.
They have long hair on the lower legs and the hair can almost cover the hooves. In today's World, such breeds can be found in Irela, United Kingdom.
When Eliza saw four horses she enquired, "Where is the fifth one?"
"Fifth one? What are you saying?" Said Deacon. To that Ellina replied, "There is only one person besides my parents who knows about the way of the witch's womb and that is Clayton, my father's scout and he'll be here any moment."
Eliza shouted, "Oh look! He's here." Both the boys seemed surprised to see that Clayton is the sentinel whom they daily visit. Clayton looked different today.
He was wearing a blue segmented coat, chocolate brown colour musketeer boots, a black metal belt covering his waist, a black hood attached to his coat covering his head and tight skinny black pants.
With him he was carrying a dagger, mongol Horsebow quiver, ponch, short sword and a knife. All were shocked to see him because usually he wears a long shirt hoodie with cape sleeves in sand colour paired with black balloon pants.
In normal days he looks like an old man in his early sixties but today he looked like a warrior who's in his early forties. All of them were stunned to see him in his new attire. He looked none other than a true warrior.
Deacon managed to get one more horse. They were all packed. None of them carried extra or large luggage except for containers to drink water which were covered with a piece of brown cloth with belts which hung around their shoulders respectively.
All the males were wearing forearm protection, ponch, and rivets. They all were carrying weapons including: dagger, knife, sword and wooden recurve bow.
On the other hand, ladies were carrying: daggers, swords and knives. Both Ellina and Eliza covered their heads with black hoodies.
Before leaving the castle Clayton instructed them, "You all now have to understand that it's not easy to reach the destination. There will be many obstacles in our journey. You will see some unusual places which you haven't seen nor you have ever imagined. We all are going into the unknown World.
Unknown World of the unknown powers. These places will not only test you physically but also mentally. You have to be fully aware of each and every situation which you will have to face. And never forget that we have to always stick together no matter what.
More closer, more safer. But the most important thing is no matter what happens to you, you all will never forget that you have to believe in yourself."
Clayton's words made everyone struck dumb. Princess Ellina knew at that moment that it wouldn't be an easy journey. Each one of them looked intense.
Deacon grabbed the hand of Ednar and said, "Please see me for a minute". Ednar then told everyone, "Please give us a minute then we'll continue".
"Yes, Deacon, what happened? You seemed a bit tense?" Ednar enquired Deacon. To that Deacon replied, "Ednar, I don't know. I am not having a good feeling from all this. I am not saying that I will not help but Clayton seems a bit suspicious. Don't you think? I mean suddenly Lord Rudolf was abducted and Clayton is the only one who knows the way to the witch's womb. I don't think it's a coincidence."
Ednar paused for a minute and said, "Deacon, I understand your concern and I know what exactly you are thinking. We need to have little faith. Princess Ellina trusts Clayton more than anyone so there must be some reason behind it. For the moment, let us not doubt anyone otherwise we will end up creating more problems instead of solving the current one."
Deacon seemed irritated and said, "But" Ednar interrupted, "Deacon, time will tell us everything. Just for now, let's focus on the situation. No more buts and ifs."
Deacon seemed annoyed but he didn't say anything. All of them left for their first destination. For a while none of them seemed to speak with each other as if they all were having some queries and doubts to themselves.
All of them were very quiet and kept on riding on their horses. Strangely, horses were as calm and composed as were their masters. For many hours they have been riding. All of them lost track of time.
They seemed tired and wanted to rest for a while. Ellina in a very soft tone asked Clayton, "Clayton, how long will it take to reach our first destination? We've been riding for too long. Horses seem to be tired too. Can we rest for a while now?"
On hearing princess Ellina, Clayton replied, "My highness, just bear a little longer and we'll be there."
They continued their journey for a few more hours and finally they reached their first destination. Clayton ordered everyone, "Stop everyone. We have finally arrived at our very first destination into the unknown. Everyone, in front of you I present "Riverine". Finally we've arrived. Your actual journey starts from here."
All of them stopped and sighed. Their feet soon touched the ground. They were looking for some place to rest and stay for the night. They sat on the ground and had water from their containers. Their horses were also thirsty so Ednar and Deacon went to search for water for their horses.
They roamed here and there. They couldn't believe what they just saw. Deacon rushed and went to the girls and said, "You have to see what we have just found. Hurry, come and see it for yourself. You will be mesmerized for sure." They followed Deacon and saw….