The next morning, William, Marie, Cayleb and about 20 other fighters marched out of the ark.
They all had their supplies, their weapons and the best armor that was available.
The group was lead by Colonel Cyrus, his hooves making a clomping sound on the ground.
"Father," said Cyrus' daughter, a 12 year old blonde centaur girl named Alice, "Can we rest for a moment? I have blisters on my hooves and they really hurt. Can you look at them daddy please?"
Cyrus let out a heavy sigh. "Let's stop for a little bit," he said, "Alice and I are going over there."
William smirked. He always thought the centaurs didn't get tired.
Cayleb built a campfire, William was sharpening his sword and Marie was talking with Alice.
"I wonder how Edgar didn't come with us?" Said Alice, "He's the best swordsman in the ark."
"My father wanted him to stay," said Marie, "He's the next king so my father doesn't want him in harm's way."
Gort, the golem was carrying some wood for the fire.
"You okay William?" Said Alice, "You look sad."
"Yeah, I'm okay."
"I bet worried about this quest."
"Of course," said Marie, "My brother has always been there looking out for him since his parents died. This is the first time his been out without him."
William glared at Marie. "Watch your tongue Princess. I can prove that I am worthy to be knighted."
Marie looked back at him. "I know that." She said, "And I have no doubt you will be knighted, but you must remember that this is dangerous."
"Dangerous for you too." Said William, "You're the same age as me. Besides your royalty, are you sure you can handle yourself?"
Marie crossed her arms.
"I'm a cleric, I can cast healing spells and protect everyone here. Don't underestimate me just because I'm a girl."
"Well don't underestimate me because I'm not your brother."
Brian, a member of the leprechaun family and Tara, the pixie were watching this whole argument from the top of the trees.
"I guess he really likes her." Said Brian.
"Yeah," said Tara, "But if they keep this up, they'll both get into trouble."
Pixies are magic creatures about 2 feet tall with large dragonfly wings. Pixies are playful and very kind creatures who live in forests and love to play pranks. Pixies can also create magic and have been known to help travelers and heal wounded people. They make great wizards or clercs.
Brian is a member of the leprechaun family, he is the youngest in the family and the smallest. He has red hair and green clothes and loves gold and ale.
"Do you think we should help?"
"Of course," said Gong the robot, "that's enough you two. You're both important to this quest. You two should get along instead of fighting."
William and Marie looked down at their feet, feeling embarrassed.
"Alright I'm sorry." Said Marie, "I was just concerned about you."
"I'm sorry too," said William, "I guess I'm a little nervous about being the youngest on this mission."
Marie giggled.
"I'm a little nervous myself," she said, "But we have to be brave.
"Yeah." Said William.
Brian and Tara smiled.
"They're getting along now." Said Brian.
Colonel Cyrus sent a shrinkage cabin down on the ground and pushed a button.
The cabin became large enough to hold everyone, and then he opened the door.
"Everybody inside." He said, "We must travel a long distance."
Everyone went inside the cabin.
Marie pushed a button on the console and a desk came up.
"Now's a good time to do my hair." She said as she pulled a brush and mirror out of her bag.
William snickered.
'And she's worried about me? She has vanity issues. At least I know what's important, my skills and the people I care about. And her, but she seems to care alittle too much about how she looks. Well what can you expect from a princess?'
William went over to the food processor as everyone else climbed in bed, a shrinkage cabin that held over 20 fighters was like an RV, it had four bathrooms and a small kitchen, three couches and a big bedroom for everyone.
William pressed a few buttons on the food processor and a bowl of spaghetti with meatballs came out.
He grabbed a fork and a glass and sat down in front of a window.
"Are you sure that's enough food William?" Asked Gong.
"It's enough."
"Well you're going to need more protein, we have a lot of walking to do and we're going up a mountain."
"I don't care, I'll get a salad later."
"Oh let him be," said Ken the dwarf, he was a small man with a deep voice, his long blonde hair in a braid and his beard was a foot long, "You're a young man. You should learn to fend for yourself."
Dwarves are four foot tall people with long beards. Dwarves are very smart and crafty and can make anything, from the most delicate jewel to the strongest weapon. Dwarves are usually miners or blacksmiths and they are very good at what they do.
William looked at Ken.
"I can handle myself."
"Just remember son," said Ken, "We have a long ways to go and there's no telling what's out there."
William nodded his head.
"I know."
After finishing his meal, he got up and put his dish in the sink.
Then he climbed into bed.
"Good night William," said Colonel Cyrus, "Have a good sleep."
"Thank you." Said William.
Everyone closed their eyes, waiting for the journey to end.