The party of five left Nolos and headed for the East District. It was before noon. They moved slowly but steadily. Their horses galloped and neighed. Elna led the party, and the rest followed. Felmer was still shocked and wondered why Raftin had given them the permit. Melfer spotted it and asked. Amazingly, everyone wondered the same thing.
"His permit is still bothering you?" Melfer asked as he moved his horse closer to Felmer's
"Yeah…And another as well…" Felmer was still lost in thought.
"Another?"
"The book has an ancient language. I understand that Falvarians are totally unfamiliar with this language. But still…there are scholars whose genius and knowledge are beyond our mother's. He could have them translate, learn and venture on the quest."
"He thought it was useless as it had the Cerfisian emblem." Melfer gave his reasoning.
"But won't that attract as they could uncover our history and further damage us?"
"Hmm…Makes some sense, though." Melfer couldn't argue.
"You are right…But as the general said, we should focus on finding the badge."
"Yeah…But it had been bothering me a lot."
They moved through the lush green plains and soon reached a dark and shadowy area. The sun was directly above them, partially hidden by the great mountain.
"What is this big dark shadow?" Flexin asked, unfamiliar with the area.
"Nolfin's shadow," The captain asked.
"Couldn't this be the unchanging shadow?"
"No…The shadow changes all the time. We are looking for an unchanging one."
Flexin nodded, and they picked slight pace. The horses galloped steadily through the shadow, and after a while, they were out of it.
They travelled steadily through the vast plains, green fields, and flowery gardens. As they passed through a farmland, a farmer happily waved at them, and they waved back.
"I think we should speed up," Elna advised, looking at the setting sun.
"Yeah…We have to reach before night," Felmer replied, tightening his grip on the rein.
The rest nodded, and then Felmer whipped the reins, and his horse began to run. The rest followed him. The five horses ran swiftly on the road, with the setting sun behind them.
Before they knew, they were in the eastern district. Their horses ran swiftly, and at the conjunction, changed the road to bypass the head town and head straight to the border village.
As the sun set and the night approached, they were near their destination. The carts and convoys were increasing in number. And they could see the fire torches lit the night sky and the entrance to the village.
Near the village, they slowed down. Soon, they were in the village. There was a lot of hustle and bustle as convoys were leaving and entering the country. The markets and the people made the night lively. Many foreigners and travellers were there and were busy checking the stalls.
They stopped at an inn and tied their horses in the stable.
"Melfer and I will get the necessary resources. You three get us a room and wait for us." Elna ordered, grabbing Melfer's arm.
"Okay…" Felmer said over his shoulder and went inside the inn. The captain and Flexin followed him.
Inside the inn, they went near the counter and asked for a room for five. The innkeeper identified the prince. And looked in shock.
"Master Felmer, right?" The innkeeper asked loudly.
The whole inn turned and was now attentive towards them.
"Why are you looking like that? Never seen a noble before?" Felmer said with a tired voice.
"I will get the best room prepared for you. Please wait for a moment." The innkeeper said and began to order his servants.
'Just give us a room, man. I want to sleep…' Felmer thought. He was tired.
The captain placed his hand on his shoulder and mentioned at an empty table. The three moved and sat at the table.
"You seem pretty tired…" The captain noticed Felmer's tired face.
"Yeah…A lot happened today. I wanna sleep."
"Rest assured…" The captain said.
After a while, two servants came and served them with food. Felmer wanted to sleep, but he decided to eat first. As they ate the food, Elna and Melfer came back with resources: clothes, maps, and some fruits. All the things they needed.
"That was fast…" Felmer commented as he took a bite.
"Well, a little perk of being nobility," Elna smirked.
They ate their dinner. Then they were shown their room. The captain tried to pay for the food, but the innkeeper didn't take the money. But the captain forced him to take it.
The five then slept and made sure they were prepared for the upcoming journey.