*****
"So boss, where are we going?"
I glanced up from cinching my saddle to see the distraught features of Thanuel. "What worries you Thanuel?"
He shrugged expressively and said, "You don't know?"
I stayed silent and he soon exploded out with, "You have everything here! You are the King's friend! You're a national hero! You could accomplish so much! Why leave?"
"Because it's time to old friend, but you can stay if you want."
"Hmmphhh! My place is with you! I think you're making a mistake, but I'm with you to the end. You must know that by now!"
I gripped his forearm tightly, "I do know that. Thanuel, as you put such trust in me to go wherever I lead, then you must also trust in El Elyon's plans for our lives. Our time here is over and to stay would be against the urging I feel in my spirit to leave and begin what El Elyon has next for me to accomplish."
Thanuel nodded, "When you put it like that…….how can I say otherwise."
I slapped him on the back and mounted up onto Phalon. Thanuel mounted up and the group of eight riders, who had first adopted me as their own, followed me out of the courtyard even as Susori rode beside me.
We began to make our way through the city. Glancing back I saw several Cronian Knights ride up fast to only then keep pace with my friends. I glanced at Susori and smiling she said, "They asked if they could come along. I did not think you would mind."
Not in any way did I mind. Cronian Knights were some of the best in the world and I was glad to have them.
I headed for the Eastern gate. I'd come from the South, had my share of escapades to the West, and I felt that it was not yet time to head to Vella in the north. That left me the East. I'd leave it to El Elyon to show me otherwise if I was flawed in my choice of direction.
The clip clop of our horses hooves sounded loud as we made our way down the stone paved byways and thoroughfares of Philanthia's grandest city. I hadn't expected to see the reactions that our entourage of riders received from those on the street.
They cleared a way up before us as if we were royalty, but more than that they took the time to regard us with waves and salutes to which I responded in kind. I had not known the news of my departure had traveled so far within the city already.