Euthalia asked a servant to lead her back to her room (as she was still unaccustomed to navigating the castle). Since she had not unpacked when she arrived, putting away the few things she had gotten out was accomplished in short order. She then checked her money bag.

50 gold coins!!

That was quite a sum for the ranch raised Euthalia. She had never held that much money herself.

She took her pack and had a servant lead her to the stables. Along the way, she contemplated what things might be necessary. Certainly food and lodging along the way, so some of the money should be set aside for that. Elias conceivable had his own armor and weapons, so he should be good. Euthalia did not have any armor so she would have to buy some. She also considered getting a magic staff. A good staff was able to increase one’s magical potency; perhaps it could also help her control the magic power better too.

Euthalia and the servant arrived outside the stablehouse and Euthalia thanked the servant who curtsied then left.

Euthalia entered the stable and began looking for her horse, Ajax. She searched several stalls, but didn’t see him. As she was looking, Elias arrived. A few of the horses snorted and stamped their hooves.

She heard Elias mutter, “Still don’t like me very much, huh?”

“Elias, are there any other stables in the castle?”

“Only the military stables, why?”

“Because I can’t find my horse here.”

“…Come with me.”

He turned and exited the stables with Euthalia following.

He led her to another part of the castle. As they were walking, she began to notice more muscular men around, some sharpening or polishing weapons. She surmised that they are arrived at the military sector.

Elias walked to another stablehouse and greeted the man standing guard there.

“Birger, the Mage’s horse is missing from the royal stables. May I check to see if it has been placed here?”

“Go ahead Elias, though I don’t think it is.”

Elias walked past the guard with Euthalia following.

The horses in this stable seemed more adjusted to Elias’ presence.

“Do you see your horse Ms. Santhos?”

“Please, just Euthalia.”

She looked around.

“No, I don’t.”

“That settles it. Someone took your horse.”

“Why would they do that?”

“It seems then that you don’t know of the undercurrents.”

“Undercurrents?”

“Some people blame you for the current state between Baingana-Kerejya and Silica.”

“What?! Why?”

“Because you exist and are the Mage. The Mage was prophesied to only appear when something bad was going to happen. Since you were the first to arrive, people place the blame on you. You also announced our presence with that enormous flare. It could be seen across the city.”

“That doesn’t explain why my horse is missing.”

“Someone stole it.”

“Because they were angry at me?

“Correct.”

Euthalia felt her body sink a little bit. Why were people so cruel? Was Ajax ok?

“It’s not your fault, Euthalia, some people are just stupid. Those who can think don’t blame you. The problems with Baingana-Kerejya caused your appearance, not the other way around. Just know that some people in the Kingdom may not be particularly hospitable toward you. You needn’t bother about those sorts. I should know.”

Euthalia perked up at that last comment because she saw Elias’ eyes widen and he covered his mouth with his hand.

“I’ve said too much. Well, I doubt we’ll find your horse soon and we need to be heading to the front lines. We’ll borrow some horses from here and have the military search for your horse. I’ll go to a commanding office and get permission; you describe what your horse looks like to the guard outside, Birger.”

While Elias went off, Euthalia went back outside the stable and explained what Ajax looked like and certain characteristics to the guard. Birger assured her that they would find her horse.

“One more thing, Ms. Santhos, take care of Elias while he’s with you. He may look and act tough and intimidating, but he’s a nice guy once you get to know him. You’ll be in good hands. You seem like a nice person.”

“Thank you Birger, I will.”

“Ah, there he is now.”

Elias walked to them.

“We’ve got permission. Saddle up and we’ll go. The equipment is along the back wall.”

“Elias, you sure you should make the Mage saddle her horse?”

Birger turned to Euthalia.

“I would be happy to do it for you Ms. Santhos.”

“Thank you Birger, but I grew up on a ranch, I’d prefer to do it myself. Thank you for offering though.”

“Yes, Mage.”

Soon Euthalia and Elias were saddled and had their gear secured. As they were riding away, Birger winked at her, as if to remind her to take care of Elias. Euthalia waved back in response.