The heavens rumbled as Wendell, Tony and Thomas mounted their horses. All three men turned their faces to the sky. Thomas had suggested carriages, but Wendell knew that horses would be faster. They might have to go over rough terrain.
"Ah yes, a storm. What appropriate weather in which to pursue a witch," Wendell said darkly. He was anxious to find Rose and a storm was only going to slow things down.
"C'mon Prince this will be our second time going up against a witch," Tony said as he slapped Wendell on the back, "Don't you remember how well that turned out?"
Despite himself, Wendell smiled. He really was glad to have Anthony around.
"Anthony you are absolutely right. We will leave at once," Wendell said resolutely. He was about to spur his horse when Thomas stopped him.
"Majesty, the grooms have yet to bring out all of the supplies," he objected.
"Have we food and flint?" Wendell asked. As soon as Thomas replied that they did, Wendell was off.
"We better hurry Tommy boy. He has a tendency to get in trouble without me," Tony said to the older man who sighed. He hated it when Lord Lewis called him Tommy boy.
"Prince! Priiiiinnncee!," Tony yelled, "Slow down! Wait!". He was no equestrian, but he knew that running a horse that fast couldn't be good for the poor thing. Tony yelled at Wendell until his throat was raw. Finally the young king stopped.
"Anthony what is it?" Wendell asked shortly. Starting and stopping made him, and his horse, chomp at the bit.
"You're gonna kill your horse," Anthony said pointing to the snorting animal. Wendell glanced down at his mount. Anthony was right. He certainly didn't want to cripple his horse, he was a very good horse. The young king sighed reluctantly. To be fair, he didn't even know where he was going.
"Thomas you worked for Mistress Yaga, which way are going?" Wendell asked as Thomas rode up beside them.
"Majesty, I was never informed as to where Mistress Yaga lived," Thomas said resignedly, "But I do know that she operated out of a cottage on the outskirts of a rural village,".
"That means we only have to search ooohhh two thousand villages in every direction," Tony said in his most sarcastic manner.
"Not necessarily Lord Lewis," Thomas countered, "It only ever took Mistress Yaga half of a day to arrive in the city when I called,". Wendell perked up. This was good, this was information that he could use.
"If we only knew which gate she entered the city through," he thought out loud.
"If His Grace is willing to go back into the city, I know an inn where Mistress Yaga often stays during her visits," Thomas said.
"Now he tells us," Tony said. Thomas shot him an annoyed look.
"I was hardly given a chance to," Thomas said sharply. Apparently sitting on a horse in the middle of the night during a storm, which made his arthritis act up, and being accused of treachery put him a little on edge.
Wendell sighed impatiently. He pinched the bridge of his nose to relieve the tension headache that was on its way. He didn't want to turn around but he knew he had no other choice.
"We will go," he said, "immediately,". The three men turned and went back to the city, Wendell leading the way. After what seemed like an eternity they reached the inn. Thomas stepped forward and knocked. Out of the building came a soft middle aged man with a surprisingly thick head of black hair. He was in robe and slippers and did not look at all pleased to be awoken at this hour.