Chapter 86

Rapunzel

They rode non-stop at a gallop out of the city. Stations were set along the road where they traded horses and grabbed a quick drink and some food.

"We must ride long and hard," the messenger said. "You will slow us down if you are hungry or thirsty."

The fields that the caravan had crawled past last summer flew past in a blur. Rapunzel and Jordon didn't know how far they had come, only that they must ride faster, ever faster. They rode until Rapunzel was almost asleep in the saddle, then they stopped for a few hours to sleep. When they woke, the Rider's Station was full of confusion.

"Will someone tell me what is going on!?" a younger version of the King was shouting.

"The King has sent me to stop a war started by treachery and evil magic," snapped Rapunzel, holding her fist with the King's signet on her thumb.

"Who are you and what are you doing with Father's ring?" demanded Prince Hal.