Gabriel led the remaining suitors to the stables. “Since you guys did an excellent job with giving advice to people yesterday, the King wants to see if you will be able to apply that same wisdom when such situations happen to you. You will be accompanying a group to a city-state within five days. There are several places that need attention, but the King chose the closest ones so that you may return in time for the last challenge. Gabriel,” the servant winked at the grinning suitor who bore the same name,” you are going to Flera, stable number nine. Vitus, you are going to Athelea, stable number six. Tarcissius, you are going to Itame, stable number eight. Pedro, you are going to Ameriton, stable number five. Stanislaus, you are going to Egytro, stable number three. John, you are going to Fralis, stable number eleven. Camillo, you are going to Sisermo, stable number seven. Aloysius, you are going to Porsaw, stable number twelve. And Dominic, you are going to Julhem, stable number two. Your groups are ready and waiting; you’d better get going. Good luck, and have a safe trip!”
Gabriel shook hands with each of the suitors, then pointed them towards the various stables. The nine fellows took off for the stables where they were to meet their groups. When Dominic walked into stable number two, he knew exactly who two of the members were, as their conversation revealed.
“If that woman, Jezebel—or whatever her name is—put up a statue of Baal, I’m going to tear it down.”
“Are you going to need my help?”
“Only to keep her and her men off of me while I do it.”
Dominic could imagine the owner of that voice grinning from ear to ear, which was actually happening, until the grin disappeared into surprise. “Dominic! It’s great to see you!”
Dominic had stepped out into view. “It’s great to see you too, Symphorian. And you as well, Pancratius,” he grinned at the two young men who came to embrace him.
“Well, I’m glad the three of you are well acquainted, but we’d better be on our way,” came another voice.
The three fellows turned and saw two middle-aged men dressed in the styles of the Fralisians.
Pancratius stepped forward. “May I ask who you are? We are expecting Professor Elijah and his assistant, Father Simon.”
The two men laughed. “I told you the disguises work,” said the older of the two. They took off several layers of the disguise.
“Professor Elijah! Father Simon! I didn’t recognize you!” exclaimed Pancratius.
Elijah chuckled.” That was the whole point. And you can thank young Dominic for giving me the idea.” He winked at the astonished Dominic while his two friends glanced at him.
“You gave him the idea?” asked Symphorian incredulously.
“No, he came up with the idea himself,” replied Dominic.
“You are not only wise, but modest, too. Well, we are all here, so we should get going. And for further reference, I am Mr. Edward Dubois, and this is my partner Mr. Steven Mueret. We are in search of a fantastic wine for our new restaurant, The Rose and The Ivy, and we heard of Naboth’s excellent vineyard, so we are checking it out. The three of you might have to keep an eye out for anyone who might have some details of the trial. You will be in some of the best positions to find information. After all, you did come with us, so wanting to help us out with the search would be most natural,” Elijah said while he and Father Simon put their disguises back on.
“Indeed, it would, Profes … I mean, Mr. Dubois,” replied Pancratius. “Well, we should get going, we have a way to go. We’ll chat some more when we break.” As he spoke, he mounted his horse.
“Hey, Pancratius, want to race?” asked Symphorian.
“As long as you’re ready to eat my dust, Symphorian,” replied Pancratius with a grin.
“And by the time you’ve finished your banter, I would win,” remarked Dominic before he galloped off.
“You know, he’s right,” said Symphorian.
“Well, why are we still here!” shouted Pancratius as he took off after Dominic, with Symphorian close behind.
“Think we should, Professor?” asked Father Simon, as he was mounting his horse.
“Well, time is of the essence, so definitely,” replied Elijah. The two men were soon on their way, trying to catch up to the three ahead.
They rode for several hours before stopping. They let the horses rest for an hour before they were off again. They reached an inn in Iristin just as night was falling. Dominic recognized the man waiting for them as Lionel, another of the King’s servants.
As Lionel ushered the weary travelers inside, he said, “Please have some supper and some rest before getting into the carriage.”
“But what if we were to fall asleep?” asked Symphorian.
“Then I shall wake you up long enough to get you on the carriage. You can finish your sleep there. I am going to put your things in the carriage and finish harnessing the horses while you eat.” Lionel then bowed and left the travelers to their evening meal.