Episode 2: Already So Far From Home

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The continued travelling Eastward, the lands becoming more and more distinctly unfamiliar. MacGregor pointed out the massive city of Bran far to the South. He swore that he could see it's walls and spires, but no one could see it at all.

The peace felt at Arbor Tower seemed to hover over them for the next several days. They fell into a routine, and despite the desperate reasons for which they embarked on this trip, MacGregor felt his mood lightening. To be in the outdoors was one of his greatest passions, and to see the lands that always sat just over the border from where he had been permitted to go gave him a thrill. Sometimes, he would find himself smiling broadly, and felt foolish and selfish when he noticed Abby's state of mind.

For Abby, each day took her farther from that which she knew so well, and that which she loved. Frequently, as they rode along, Abby would be lost in memories of her time with Aiden, and she would sigh sadly to herself and wonder if she would ever see him again. He has probably already forgotten about me, she said to herself. The occasional tear escaped, only to be covered up quickly, lest anyone noticed.

For the most part, no one did notice, except Rikkard on occasion. He wondered about this fragile Southern girl. She doesn't seem to be ready for leadership, he mused to himself. So what! His thoughts turned angrily to the little nymph who had sent him this way. Swear your allegience to her, she had told him, and he had done so; to cross one who had restored you to life is the worst kind of bad luck, and it was true that his honour was at stake.

But this frail thing will never survive this journey, or will not rule well when we have returned! he thought furiously. Suddenly, he felt a shift in himself, and he knew what he had to do. I will train her, as the women of my tribe are taught: to be strong, and to take command when necessary! Thus resolved, a satisfied grin crept across his features. Lady Seraphina was somewhat riding separate from the rest, and he saw her wipe a tear from her eyes. But first: to find out what makes her cry so...

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