Traveler pondered then came to a conclusion, “Hop in.”

Saer moved towards the back of cart.

“Not there.” The man said when Saer was near to climb over the barricade for sheep. Traveler joined his massive legs and made space for Saer.

“I will not be able to defend myself if you strangle me from the back.”

Saer sat shoulder to shoulder with the plumb man. Traveler whipped his horse and they rolled on their route.

“What are these cattle for?” Saer had a question.

“For marriage of the prince.” Traveler said, “King of Winstrova wanted sheep from Hilcastle area slaughtered.”

“Do they taste different?”

“They are chewy bastards.”

“So you work for the king?”

“The person I work for does.”

“And when is the wedding?”

“In a couple of weeks.” Traveler said after thinking. He flogged the horse harder because it had slowed because of the added weight.

“It took me a week to come here on a fast horse from Pryeg.” Saer mumbled, “It’ll take you more than a month to reach Winstrova.”

“It will not take so long. These horses can fly.”

“Are you sure?” Saer chuckled.

“How sure are you?”

“Not at all.” Saer told him clear.

“Good. Because I don’t want to spend a week in a fuckwit’s company.”

Droplets of his spit came in contact with Saer’s face but Saer didn’t show him sharp side of his tongue. He was willing to bend if situation was going in his favor.

Saer still didn’t want to appear as a weak person who would listen to everything the traveler said for a week. He was paying him for the ride so Saer uttered, “See, I don’t want to reach Winstrova. Leave me in any village which is not hostile to strangers.”

“Then climb down and return to Pryeg. It is closest city from where we are.”

“To get slaughtered by Nastrian free folks?” Saer raised his voice.

“Those who come here to meet Metal Mage are bound to get attacked by them.”

“I didn’t come here to meet her -”

“Please!” the person interrupted, “What did you ask from her?”

“Never met her.” Saer sighed, “Savages protected her very well.”

“They don’t protect her. They simply don’t want people to meet her.”

“What’s your name?” Saer asked to divert direction of their discussion.

“Did I ask your name?” traveler awarded him with a nasty look.

Saer made his fist and tightened it. He resisted the urge to shatter his terth.

“You’re a brave man,” Saer forced the compliment out, “to come here all alone.”

“I’d say you’re right as well as wrong. I have got some people waiting for me at Lacroix Crossing.”

“So your companions didn’t dare to get past Lacroix Crossing?”

“Yes, their vigor ended there.”