Two days in the making preparations were finally complete. The departing journeyers gathered in the front lawn of the Nieve household saying their last goodbyes to those who would be remaining behind. Even the younger members made it out, despite the early hour, though John remained bedridden, his condition making it impossible for him to make even the short trip outside. Caleb and Edward and Rainbow stood a little apart from the main group, finishing up the final touches to their mode of transportation. Boy and hippocampus looked quite different from when the first arrived. The young equine was given a layer of dye coating, which changed his golden coloration into a more subtle bay. Strapped to the cart and shoed he looked very much the normal everyday horse. Caleb traded out his worn-down garments for some of John’s old ones which were meant to be passed to Jake when grew a little older. They fit surprisingly well for being hand me downs, if a bit tight in the waist and long in the legs, but Caleb appreciated them all the same. His old shirt was nearly torn to shreds and he hadn’t thought to bring extra when he snuck away from Eagletown all those weeks ago. Besides his new clothing Caleb carried John’s sword strapped across his back, the blade having been a too long to wear comfortably at his hip.

	Edward shifted uncomfortably in his physical restraints, pushing a little closer to Caleb. “Are you alright Eddy?” The boy set a comforting hand on Edward’s flank, reassuring his friend.

	“Tell you the truth…” Edward whispered. “I don’t like the idea of going further from the ocean. It feels so far away already. I guess I didn’t think of it until now, but we’re traveling inland away from the water. It just feels wrong I guess.”

	Over the last two days when recuperation had been their main goal the original crew had gone back to the water’s edge partially for Edward’s benefit and to check on their boat. The vessel remained unharmed, though much of the hold had been pilfered. Luckily, they were not carrying anything of great value anyway. They secured the [i]Eagle’s Deliverance[\i] at a proper harbor and then just relaxed by the water’s edge letting Edward enjoy himself, swimming and healing. At the end of the day the hippocampus seemed reluctant to drag himself away from his aquatic home, but Caleb never got the feeling he was dreading the journey inland. He seemed quite excited, and eager to get underway. The change in mood must have been a recent occurrence. “Eddy, you know you don’t have to come. You could stay here-“

	“No.” Edward said, with such force it almost made Caleb jump. “I’m going, it’s just scary. You know?”

	Caleb thought back to all the times he had felt scared or uncertain during his adventure. How many occasions did he have to set his jaw and ask himself what the right thing to do was? They seemed almost countless and melded together in his mind. “Yeah, I do know. You’re being brave, and knightly.”

	While the two friends were talking Sara finished up her goodbyes. Giving her children and grandchildren one last hung each Sara joined the crew at the cart. “Everyone ready?” She asked looking to each of her volunteers in turn. Caleb’s young and determined face, Rainbow’s more cautious nod, and Edward’s nervous but adventurous expression, all in unanimous agreement. Even Flower, the seagull looked fully prepared from her position perched on Caleb’s shoulder. They made an odd band, one that would certainly attract unwanted attention if seen by the wrong people, but they were willing to try their best no matter the danger. Sara felt a stab of guilt, putting them all into jeopardy for a mission she should be undertaking alone. Nevertheless they were determined to accompany her and save someone they did not know, at tremendous risk of their own lives and freedom.

	“Are you?” Rainbow inquired quietly.

	Sara took a deep breath, her head dipping in acknowledgement. “Yes, let us be off.”