William didn't need to prepare anything for the journey. Professor James, brimming with excitement, took care of everything.
They would travel to the kingdom's capital on a fire salamander, a flying mount that James owned. The creature was massive, with four wings and, according to James, the ability to breathe fire and a poisonous tongue.
"I found this little one near a volcano," he explained. "It's quite rare."
William sensed the creature's immense power, though his system couldn't discern its level or other details.
They gathered their belongings, eager to depart. James, wanting to leave as soon as possible, scheduled their departure for that afternoon.
A nagging worry plagued William. His mind kept returning to Altair's words. What if Tholfnir was an imposter? What were they plotting at the academy? He couldn't focus with those thoughts swirling in his mind.