"As soon as you arrive in Summeria, you have to look for my men," Edgar told Gewen. "They will know what to do and they also can protect you because they already know the ins and outs. You all can be our eyes and ears while we are traveling to Summeria."
"What's the place like?" Gewen asked Edgar. "The capital, I mean. Is it big? Small? Advanced? A desert?"
He wanted to be prepared for whatever was waiting for him.
Edgar shrugged. "Castile is just like Kingstown, but slightly bigger and maybe even more advanced. They have a university and cultural center, in addition to the biggest library in the world today. At least that's what I keep being told. There are many scholars in Castilse."
He added, "However, I don't think we will meet their army in their capital. Summeria is located very far inland. By the time we land on Glasswell, at the tip of Atlantea, they would already know of our intent and send an army to meet us halfway. If we are ever going to battle them face to face... it would be somewhere before Lakeshire."
"I see..." Gewen was not sure he would be able to escape from Castilse to meet his friends in Lakeshire. But, hey... never say never! The man took a deep breath and forced a smile. "I hope to see you all again in Atlantea then."
"You make it sound like you will die and never see us again," Edgar commented. "It's not good for our men's morale."
"But that's the truth. Once I land in Castilse, their soldiers will know who I am and arrest me. Perhaps, they will immediately kill me, which I am fine by the way, because I am ready to die for my country," Gewen said, trying to look nonchalant about it. "I am just sad that I will not see you again."
Edgar shook his head and then clear his throat. "Uhm... Actually, you can just get off outside of Castilse to avoid being captured by the enemy. You will be able to recognize Castilse easily. It is a big city in a valley, surrounded by mountains. It will look like a bowl from the sky. That's the capital of Summeria."
He added, "You can land in one of the mountains and enter the city under disguise. I trust that you can do it. I heard from Renwyck, the wizard who raised the dragons, that they live on top of a mountain, to the south of the city."
"Oh... that's a good idea," Gewen's face lit up. He hit Edgar on the shoulder and scolded him. "Why didn't you say so? I have been living the past one week feeling like I am going to my death."
"I had a lot in my mind. Sorry, I forgot to tell you." Edgar massaged his temple. He looked at Gewen seriously. "Even if you land outside of Castilse and you enter the capital under disguise, the mission is still quite dangerous. So, you have to be careful."
"Of course, I will be careful," Gewen replied.
"I hope by knowing what to do as soon as you arrive in Castilse, you can have a higher chance of survival and convince Lady Emmelyn to come home."
"I will do my best," Gewen nodded.
He knew the assignment well. He hoped Emmelyn would trust him enough to listen to him.
If she didn't want to even see him, Gewen was prepared for the worst possible scenario.
Death.
They continued discussing strategy and their plans moving forward. Once the meeting ended, everyone already knew what they needed to do.
Now, it was time for Gewen to go. His mother provided him with two sets of leather and fur coats because Edgar had told him how cold it would be up in the air with the dragon.
Also, the temperature was getting colder by the day because winter was approaching. By the time Gewen arrived in Summeria, it would already be winter. It was better to have more stuff and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Gewen also brought his bow and arrows, together with a sword, a knife, and rope. Edgar advised him on whatever things he needed to bring for the journey, learning from his experience.
The rope was especially needed to tie him to the dragon's back, in case he would fall asleep while flying. It would be dangerous if he fell from the height just because he was feeling sleepy.
After everything was ready, Mars, Edgar, and Gewen went to the hill behind the main palace. That's where Sand was staying for the past week.
He was enjoying being pampered with good food and peaceful rest for one week. Now, he was fresh and ready to go.
Harlow chirped excitedly when she saw the huge animal. She had never seen such a big and scary dragon before. However, she wasn't scared. Instead, she looked intrigued.
His daughter's behavior really interested Mars. He thought Harlow was very special. She really reminded him of his wife, Emmelyn.
Even though Harlow looked like Mars, as days went by, it became obvious that her personality took after her mother entirely.
"Okay, everyone... I have to go now." Gewen sighed.
He hugged Edgar for a long time. Then, he took Harlow from Mars and hugged her too. He kissed her fragrant hair and gave her to Edgar. Finally, he pulled Mars closer and hugged him. The former womanizer was looking really emotional.
"I will do my best," he whispered. "I hope Lady Emmelyn will listen to me."
"Thank you, Gewen."
Mars knew Gewen was serious with his words and would really do his best to win Emmelyn back for him. The king hoped Gewen's smooth talk would be useful this one time.
Sigh. Hopefully, that Maxim guy was not as good as Gewen in seducing and convincing women.
After Gewen let go of his hug, he ruffled Harlow's hair and kissed her right hand. "Be good, little bear. I hope someday you will hear about me after I'm gone. Uncle loves you so much."
Having said that, Gewen turned around and went to Sand who was licking his claws leisurely. the man cleared his throat and greeted the great dragon. "Hallo, Sand. It's time to go."
Sand stopped licking his claws and lowered his back so Gewen could jump on it. He put his bag and extra coat in front of him, while he wore the leather coat and tied himself with the rope to Sand's back.
Once Gewen was settled nicely on the dragon's back, the animal straightened its body and got ready to go.
"Take care, Gewen. See you soon!"