Twenty Eight
King's Advisor Chamber, Myst City
The royal order went out, the Golden Sun were to meet with the city's distant allies and return with reinforcements.
The three riders of the Golden Sun Order met in the town square for a last farewell. Their saddlebags were stocked for the long journey, their weapons in peak condition and their mission clear.
Marin sat atop her white stead with Umbra clutched behind her. Umbra had never ridden a horse before but was content to cling to Marin for dear life.
Gladius and Fletcher's horses trotted back and forth restlessly.
Gladius was suited in full silver-steel armor from head to toe with an emblazoned shield and gleaming long sword. He was a royal envoy but overdressed for the role.
Fletcher, on the other hand wore a simple leather jerkin and britches with a well-stocked quiver over his shoulder. Plateau City was situated in the harsh deserts of the west and he knew to dress lightly for the heat.
Gladius had polished his armor to a mirror shine and insisted the heat wouldn't bother him.
Fletcher took one last sip of mead from his wine skin and tossed it away in favor of another from his chest pocket.
Gladius was intent on looking professional for the Sultan of Plateau City and had confiscated the bulk of Fletcher's alcohol, much to the archer's dismay.
But Fletcher had stashed a secret supply for the trip. He checked his bow was restrung as Marin's horse approached.
"Hello, friends!" Marin announced trotting up to her comrades, Umbra glanced over her shoulder.
Gladius greeted them courteously, but still harbored distrust for Umbra. Fletcher was happy with the situation; Umbra had proven his reliability.
"Are you sure you'll be safe by yourself?" Gladius inquired like a fussing father.
Umbra scoffed. "I'm going to be with her."
"Right..." Gladius grimaced. He nodded to Fletcher, time was short and Myst City was depending on them.
King Pious had ordered their immediate departure before morning broke and the sun was peering over the horizon now.
With a last farewell and Marin's reassurance the two groups parted ways out the opposite exits of the city, Gladius and Fletcher the west gate and Marin and Umbra the east gate.
They all had a long journey before them and Astralode's maps were meticulously marked for each group.
And so, their journey began.