Chapter 79: An Arrival at A Deserted Camp
The young teenager stood alone, looking at the deserted campsite. It had only been a few weeks since he had last seen her, but the memory of her smooth, smiling face as she had waved him goodbye while riding the horse was still fresh in his mind.
The teenager spoke slowly with a deep exhale and drooping eyes, "I guess this is it. Goodbye, Lady Raychard! I’m leaving now."
His words trailed off into the emptiness around him.
His little white puppy, which popped its head from the opening of the sling bag he was carrying over his shoulder, barked and licked his hand, sensing his sadness. He looked down at him and smiled, his eyes filling with determination.
"Let’s start our journey and achieve more in life. Someday, we will meet her again, and by then, we’ll be greater versions of ourselves," he said to the puppy.
The young teenager had been inspired by the knowledgeable princess when she had treated him, his brother, and his neighbour. Her skills had opened his eyes to the vast world of knowledge and the wonders that could be achieved with it. With this newfound passion, he decided to leave Mistdale and explore the outside world to gain more experience.
As he stroked the dog’s head and gave it a piece of beef jerky, his attention was suddenly caught by the sound of rattling wooden tyres rolling fast onto the hard ground. A sense of unease washed over him, and he quickly scanned his surroundings, noticing a carriage approaching in the distance.
It was uncommon to see such a transport coming this way, as it was a dead end that only led to the campsite. He turned around, looking for a way to escape, but there was no other way to run.
Concerned for his safety, the teenager swiftly hid behind a nearby tree and shoved the puppy’s head into the bag. His heart pounded with fear and uncertainty as the carriage stopped by the place.
***
The carriage’s tyres turned swiftly down a gentle hill as the sun shone brightly in the sky. They had been travelling for a few days on a secret route commonly used by smugglers and slave traders. The journey was expedited and went without any delays, and they arrived at the kingdom of Cassian four days from the Ardel border, a day earlier than expected.