Mika looked at Darbie and Larys for a moment, contemplating his options, but then shook his head. He had promised to get the two to Arlor safely, and he couldn't risk leaving them with just Ed for protection. Besides, his master and the Arcane Chamber needed to know what was going on.
"Let's try to move a little faster for now," Mika decided. "We don't want to run into any more problems like last night."
Audrey impatiently nodded, and the group set off at as fast a pace as they could manage. Mika and the mule were obviously the slowest of the crew, Audrey having far more experience in long-distance traveling, and Ed's equine body having a longer gait and being less burdened than the mule. However, they still managed to make good time, and with minimal pauses for food and drink, their jouney proceeded with little interruption, much to the relief of the travelers. Mika spent much of the time deep in thought, trying to make sense of what had happened, and the nature of the dark magic which seemed to be rearing its head all around. He was only drawn out of his reverie by the sight of Darbie weaving a bit in Ed's saddle.
"Audrey," Mika called, giving Darbie a pointed look when Audrey turned. Audrey sighed in frustration, but to Mika's surprise, did not complain. Rather, she walked around to the side of Ed, pulling the reins over his head, and with a foot in the stirrup, smoothly raised herself onto Ed's back behind the saddle. Darbie, woken by the sudden presence, turned to Audrey questioningly. Audrey put her arms around Darbie, holding the reins, and indicated for Ed to continue forward.
"Go ahead and get some sleep. It'll do us no good if you fall out of the saddle and break your neck," Audrey said softly to Darbie, her gentle tone belying her harsh words. Mika looked on in wonder, but held his tongue. The half-cat boy, surprised but too tired to argue, soon drifted off, safely nestled in the mercernary's arms.
As Mika trudged along with the mule, he stole a glance at Larys, who was clinging to his shoulder, and while her mouse form didn't betray much about her, Mika felt certain she too must be exhausted.
"You know, you can probably take a nap in my hood," Mika suggested to Larys in a whisper. "It's going to be a long trip, and for now, it appears we should be safe. Why don't you save your strength?"
Larys gave Mika an inscrutable look, but then nodded and crawled around his shoulder to his loose hood, which was hanging off Mika's shoulders, forming a hammock-like shape down his back. Curling up inside, Larys too was soon fast asleep. Mika smiled to himself, glad that he could at least look out for these two youngsters which had fallen into his lap.
The following two weeks of travel passed in similar fashion, an endless cycle of small roads, quick meals, and outdoor camping. While Ed's rambling stories seemed to grow longer - and Audrey's irritation more intense - the two appeared willing to put up with each other for the time being. Despite the lack of conversation on their part, Mika and Larys grew more comfortable with each other's presence, Larys only returning to Darbie's side at meals and to sleep. However, this may have partially been due to the fact that Darbie and Audrey seemed to disappear for a short time every evening when the group made camp. MIka, however, was so absorbed in his own thoughts that he did not notice, and Ed was too busy keeping a wary eye on the love-lorn molly mule to comment.
Although worn to the limit, the group picked up their pace at the sight of the gleaming spires of Arlor in the distance. A mere glimpse of the city was enough to lift their spirits, and Mika's papers identifying him as a wizard apprentice was enough to quickly permit the entire crew entry. They paused for a moment just inside the gate to get their bearings, with Ed, Darbie, and Larys, who had never been to such a large city before, looking about in awe.