It was later that evening when they finally saw the mountains that Dermott had told Maeve about. Sinbad was in heaven, he was alone, on a horse with only the Sorceress for company. She had her hands wrapped around his waist as they gently cantered towards the approaching mountains.
"Uh Maeve" smiled Sinbad. "What are we going to do when we reach the mountains? Do you know where to look?"
"I'll see what I can do" smiled Maeve as she turned her attention onto the horse. Sinbad, understanding what she was doing didn't interrupt her.
Excuse me Shin shin said Maeve telepathically. Shin shin was startled and reared up, causing Maeve to tighten her grip around Sinbad as he tried to keep his balance.
Whose that? called the horse, scared stiff.
It's ok said Maeve gently. I'm Maeve, the one you are carrying
You can understand me? asked Shin shin confused.
Yes. It is a gift I have. Listen. I need your help
You want to know what lies ahead. I heard him ask said Shin shin.
Yes please admitted Maeve.
Ok. In the middle of the mountains is the cavern of darkness. It is rumoured that an evil sorceress has inhabited it.
'Rumina' thought Maeve. Can you take us there? she asked kindly.
Sure. But we wont reach there tonight. You'll have to make camp and finish the distance tomorrow replied Shin shin tiredly.
Sure sighed Maeve disappointedly. Where shall we stop?
There is a small cave a little further. We use it to hide from the sorceress
Thanks replied Maeve. She came out of the trance and thought of something. She muttered a spell under her breath before smiling to herself. 'Two can play at that game' she thought.
"What did you just do?" asked Sinbad.
"Made sure that nobody was spying on us" she stated.
"Ok. Did your friend tell you anything useful?" he asked kindly.
"Aye. In the middle of those mountains is the cavern of Darkness. That is where we are headed."
"Sounds pleasant" muttered Sinbad. "Any idea who lives there?" he asked.
"Take a guess" she replied simply.
"Rumina".
"Aye. Meaning this is all one big trap" she sighed.
"Why? Don't you think she has Dermott?" he asked.
"Oh, she has him alright. She won't harm him. She needs him alive for what she has planned. She knows were coming."
"So what was the point in your spell?" he asked confused.
"Because Rumina is a Sorceress. She has the power to watch our every move, and we need the element of surprise on our side." she smiled.
"So you've stopped her spying on us." smiled Sinbad. "So how far is it to this cavern then?"
"Too far" sighed Maeve. "We shan't reach there before nightfall. Shin Shin says there's a cave nearby where we can stay for the night"
"Shout out when you see it" he smiled.
"Aye aye captain" smiled Maeve.