Riding in Coach

During Gloria's talk with Rose, Rose reminded her that the contour of the lands between the Marcion and the Dragon's Caves were known, but the tracks, trails, and hazards were not. It would be helpful to have one of the Dunchovians come with her. It may not have been a good idea to drug the younger one so that he would fall asleep. Gloria responded that the concentration of the sleeping potion was such that he should awaken later that day.

After this conversation, Gloria found Vedagaisic and said, "Once I get to the border, I will need some help tracking your tribe, Vedagaisic. I would like your comrade to accompany me while you stay here."

Vedagaisic replied, "He should be able to do that, ma'am. But he will be tired from the ride down."

"That is not a concern. He will sleep soundly until I get to the border."

"You do not understand. We can sleep on horseback - but it is hardly a sound sleep. And it would be very hard to do that during the day."

"He is not going back on horseback. I am taking a coach with a few special tools that should help your tribe in its quest. He will be peacefully asleep for much of the day, and refreshed when I need his help."

Vedagaisic was confused. What would happen to Balischo's horse? And how could she speak so confidently that Balischo would sleep soundly? A thought flashed through his mind - that perhaps Balischo would be enchanted to fall asleep, if he had not been so already. These Aqualarian sorceresses knew much that he did not know. She may have had good reasons for all this. And as he was deep within their land and dependent on the goodwill of his hosts, he would be forced to trust her.

Vedagaisic then saw that Balisho was indeed fast asleep. Two soldiers had put him on a stretcher, and slid him into a small coach. There was room for one person to stretch across the floor, and for one or two people to sit on a leather bench and place their feet on him. It looked like there would be two people in the coach and a driver in front. Vedagaisic said, "That coach is not going to be able to make it across the border, ma'am. The track gets narrow even between here and the Marcion, but once you cross the Marcion, that coach won't be able to handle it."

Gloria smiled, and said, "Trust me. Your man - Balischo, was it not? - and I will be fine. I know what I am doing."

"What about Balischo's horse?"

1. "He will be part of the team. I do not plan on going at top speed. No need to. And from what I know about your horses, this one should be able to complete the trip."
2. "He will have to stay behind, of course. He is much too tired. But if you do not wish to part with him, he can be ridden to the Marcion station at a later time."

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