She couldn’t believe her ears. The Adrian she knew could never be so cruel. But spending a week in prison terrified her to no end. She nervously said, “F-fine. I will come.” 

“Good. It’s cold outside, make sure you wear a coat.” the king stated. “And hurry. We’ll be leaving in fifteen minutes. If you aren’t there when we do, I will send you to the dungeons.”

Eldora took in a shuddering breath. She didn’t know what she was expected to do during this time. She quickly put on a coat and brought a rucksack with water, food, and medical supplies.

She met the king and a contingent of his Royal Guards in front of the castle gates, all mounted up on horses. They chatted for a time, and they spoke the language at its normal, fast rhythm so she could barely understand what they were saying. Celina was there, too, and Eldora was grateful for a familiar face.

Celina said to Eldora in Enlgish, “Do you know what’s expected of us on this trip?” 

Eldora shook her head. An overwhelming sense of dread hung over the pair. Instinctively, Celina held Eldora’s hand, and Eldora didn’t repulse it, even though–outside of her husband–she didn’t like being touched by others. 

Once the king finished preparations, he barked at Celina and Eldora, “Get on a horse. Now. If one of my men fall in battle, you two will patch them up. Mistress Pilinka–our Healer–will give you directions if needed.” he nodded at the beautiful woman with the heron head. 

Eldora’s eyes were wide. Her legs felt weak–like jello–as she strode toward the horse. The knight she was going to ride with held out a hand toward her. She grabbed his hand, and he hoisted her up on the horse. 

Once Celina was on a horse, the king gave an order and his soldier’s whipped the reins on their horses. Eldora yelped and hung on to the man in front of her. 

She was sweating profusely, she felt lighthearted. Why am I such a coward? She remembered her most profound flaw. Her soul felt like it was floating away from her body, and she watching her body being stolen away on a horse. Eldora slipped away from the current time, and back to her most salient memory of cowardice.