Dominic woke up with a start—the carriage had hit a rather large bump. He glanced at his companions; they were still asleep. Go figure, I’m the only one who would wake up. He glanced out the window; the sun was just starting to rise over the horizon. Well, I am glad to be awake for this, smiled Dominic, it’s beautiful. He continued to watch the sun bring light and color to the world, while the rumbling of the carriage wheels was joined by the songs of birds. Soon, he could hear the chattering of the waking animals, followed by the moans and groans of his traveling companions.
“Oh, my back! This is the last time I ever sleep in a carriage,” groaned Elijah. Dominic could hear some popping sounds as Elijah stretched. “Ah, that feels better. So, how did my nephew like his very first overnight carriage ride?”
Dominic chuckled. “I think it’s alright, Uncle.”
“Only alright? It’s fun to go to sleep in one place and wake up in another!” said Symphorian.
“Not only that, but you can sleep whenever you want and blame it all on the bumpy roads if you wake up,” grinned Pancratius.
Dominic laughed. “Well, I can definitely say that a bump woke me up early this morning, but it was well worth it, as I got to see the sun rise and hear the morning songs of the birds.”
“What! I’ve always wanted to see that!! Why didn’t you wake me up?” Symphorian exclaimed.
“Well, I didn’t know you wanted to see that, otherwise I would have woken you up. I promise to wake you up if I’m awake that early on the return trip,” replied Dominic.
“Alright,” sighed Symphorian.
“How about this? If any one of us is awake that early on the return trip, we’ll wake everyone else, alright?” suggested Pancratius.
“Good idea, let’s do that,” replied Dominic.
“Yes, let’s. Uh, Mr. Dubois, Mr. Meuret, would you like to be awakened for the sunrise?” asked Symphorian.
“I wouldn’t mind it. I’m actually glad we are doing it on the return trip, as there should be less I have to worry about,” replied Elijah.
“I would like to see the sunrise myself,” responded Father Simon.
“So, it’s unanimous. Whoever wakes up as the sun is rising, awakens everyone else so we may see it, as well as hear the birds,” said Pancratius. Everyone nodded.
“Oh, look! We’re coming to the main castle of Julhem!” exclaimed Symphorian.
Everyone, except Elijah, looked out the window and tried to see the magnificent structure they would be entering. Dominic could only see part of the stone wall; too many trees were obscuring his view. When he sat back in his seat, he started feeling butterflies in his stomach. He was excited to be able to visit one of the country’s first cities, but he was also nervous, as he might have to face off against the possible mother of Kama. He might even meet Kama himself, and Cupid wouldn’t be there to fight him. Pancratius is a good soldier, but I don’t think he could hold Kama off for long. Cupid’s the only person I know of who could even scratch Kama. Dominic shook his head. I can’t think like that, I have to concentrate on the task at hand. He noticed his companions were watching him.
“Penny for your thoughts, nephew?” asked Elijah.
“Oh, um, was just thinking about the possibility of meeting Kama, but I figured that it would be better to concentrate on the mystery of Naboth’s vineyard, and… oh man,” groaned Dominic, placing his head in his hands.
Pancratius and Symphorian started chuckling.
“You’ve already started calling it a mystery, eh? And you’ve given it a nice title, too. I’m definitely giving you my clues,” winked Symphorian. Dominic grinned back.
“Have you solved many mysteries?” asked Father Simon.
“Not really, only four,” replied Dominic.
“Only four? You’re being too modest, Nic. If I remember correctly, you’ve solved eight,” remarked Pancratius.
“Solving eight mysteries doesn’t make me a detective. Even a real amateur has solved more than twenty mysteries,” said Dominic.
“Doesn’t matter, you still have more experience than the rest of us,” winked Father Simon.
“It’s still good to know we have something of an amateur detective in our midst,” smiled Elijah.
No more was said on the matter as the carriage pulled up to the inn they would be staying at for the duration of their visit.
After unpacking, the five separated and set off on their different missions, Pancratius to see to the status of the soldiers while Symphorian went to check on how Ahab was faring in his leadership skills. Elijah, Father Simon, and Dominic set off to find out anything about Naboth and his vineyard. Later that evening, the five situated themselves in the room that Dominic, Elijah, and Father Simon shared.