The pace was sedate as the travelling party moved through the grand arch and gates separating the courtyard from the outside world. Celia squinted against the sun. The sky was cerulean blue, with only a scattering of fluffy white clouds.
Such an idyllic summer day, she thought. It was hard to believe that only a couple of months ago, it seemed like the rain would never end. The rolling green hills and scattered wildflowers belied any trace of recent disaster.
Celia was sure the signs would still be there though, if you knew where to look. Or wanted to look.
She estimated they a good twenty minutes from the palace, yet their horses were still moving at a very gentle trot. But when she turned to ask Tobin when their group was going to pick up the pace, all she got was a grumpy look.
"Don't be so impatient." he snapped. "We have the better part of a week to travel before we arrive. I don't want to be hearing your complaints this early."
