The Party of the Gods

Clouds made the morning as dark as dusk, but the sun’s place in the sky marked a new day. Lince met Gena at her suite as usual. “Is that all you’re putting in your carriage?” he asked when he saw her bags.

“I didn’t bring a carriage, I rode,” Hydrogena said.

Lince was used to being startled by now. He simply nodded, and they headed for the stable. An attendant got his fine grey mare and packhorse for him, and Gena said she would get her own horse. When he saw the great black stallion she came out with, Lince dropped his jaw and stared.

“Where did you get such an animal?” Lince asked softly. He reached out to touch the dished face, but the stallion snorted and pulled back.

“Bright Eye will let only me handle him in these lands,” Gena said. “He’s worth it.”

“I can see why you think so!” Wondering just who he was escorting, Lince watched as she set a crimson and gold saddle blanket upon his back. She then dressed him with a tooled and polished leather saddle beset with gems in amazingly creative creature forms. When she slipped on a braided red and gold bridle, the horse willingly took in the solid gold bit. Seeming to levitate, Gena set herself upon the saddle, enhancing its elegance with her pale blue riding dress and matching cape.

She signalled she was ready, and Lince led the way. As they started out, he said “I think we should make this a ten-day trip and stay on well travelled[WS1]  roads. The eight-day route I mentioned would take us cross country. We could stop at inns the first couple of nights, but we’d have to camp after that.”

“The eight days cross country would suit me better,” Gena said when he looked back at her. “Bright Eye is much easier to handle without others around.”

“It’s dangerous,” Lince said. “There are hungry animals.”

The mysterious lady actually smiled. “I’ll take my chances.”

Reluctantly, Lince said “Very well.” He hoped he could keep her safe.