Roads were made for journeys, not destinations.

It was a day's ride to Carinthia.

Tony and Happy decided to ride all night, so they would reach Carinthia in the early morning and sleep for a while, once they got there. Jerald had told them of an inn, whose owner was sympathetic to the farmers and wouldn't tell anyone of their arrival. Instead of using their own horses, Happy borrowed two horses from the village's stables and a small donkey cart as well, for transporting the armor.

Tigliath had to be left behind as he attracted a lot of attention. The big cat was not pleased with this and was very vocal about his displeasure.

Tony wanted to enter the city as sneakily as possible, so Jerald had given them the perfect cover: pretend to be laundry men from a nearby town, which was situated near a river. To help support this disguise, they were carrying a huge bundle of bed linen and pillows, helpfully provided by the village's seamstress, Happy's wife. The armor was nicely wrapped in a dozen bedsheets and cushioned with pillows.

They rode along quietly, Happy whistling a cheerful tune and Tony silent with his thoughts. Much to his annoyance, his thoughts were of Pepper.

She wasn't there when they left the Keep. Jarvis told him she had gone to the village. He didn't really blame her for not saying goodbye, their last conversation was very... difficult.

Difficult! That's putting it mildly. huffed the dragon, who Tony knew, liked Pepper a lot. You deliberately set out to hurt her feelings. Why didn't you just be honest?

Tony snorted. Be honest and tell her what? Pepper, I do not want you to get hurt. This is going to be dangerous. I couldn't bear it if anything... if anything happened to you. My greatest fear nowadays, is that I will not be able to protect you. I will be too slow, too late or just not there in time, to save you from danger. You have become too precious to me. And people who stay around me, who are close to me, end up dead.

He closed his eyes at that, memories assailing him. Then he glanced at Happy.

I wonder if I'm doing the right thing by taking Happy. He's a father. I didn't even ask him if he wanted to be involved.

He spoke out loud then. "Hereald, may I ask you something?"

Happy stopped whistling abruptly and stared at Tony. "Hereald? What's wrong, my lord?"

"You are aware that you are taking a huge risk by coming with me right? On this dangerous quest? I mean, you are a father now." He swallowed. "If you want to go back, I understand. I can handle this alone. I do not want anything to happen to you."

Happy smiled at him easily.

"Thank you for your concern, Tony. But don't worry, I need to do this. Jerald is close to me and seeing him hurt, is something I cannot bear. I must stop this. Also, if we do not halt this evil in Carinthia, the Queen will extend her reach and ultimately reach my simple village, which as you have seen, is not capable of handling foes. At least, we were not capable until the Iron Knight came along."

Tony shook his head, smiling. "My friend, you are most capable without the Iron Knight. You just needed him to realize this fact for yourself."

They rode on in silence. Tony was thinking of the armor now. But the dragon had other thoughts.

Anthony, this quest is... different. This is not about some overlord or troop of soldiers to face. There is an old evil at work here.

I know my friend but whatever it is we can face it together. I have faith in your council.

The dragon whispered, a note of worry in its voice, If this is something dangerous, don't you think it would have good to have Pepper at our side? It does not feel right that you have left her behind.

Tony growled so loudly that Happy stared at him. He shrugged.

The dragon continued, From what you've told me, you have never had a woman as a friend. Or as a lover. Ah, ah, I know you've been in lust with a woman many times. And enjoyed their lust for you as well. But have you ever been loved by a woman? Loved for who you are, not because you were a knight or a lord?

Tony was determined to be silent so as not to encourage the dragon. But his silence didn't seem to matter as the dragon went on whispering.

Pepper is... a very special woman. The kind a man should get on his knees and pray for, that in each lifetime, she is his. She has come into your life. Do not let her leave it. Life is short, Anthony, trust me, I know. There is more to it than sex and war and even the fire. Do not push love away because you are scared of the way it makes you feel. Because you are scared of losing the one you love. Death comes to us all. Do not let it cheat you into ignoring love.

Tony would to do anything, to avoid hearing the dragon's whispering truths, so he said to Happy, "Why so silent? Let's have a singing competition. Whoever sings the dirtiest ditty wins."

Happy was very excited to oblige.