The Road to Silver Pine (2)

The carriage tumbled forward as its wheels bounced over the gravelly terrain, jumping over the potholes and ditches. It was a bumpy ride, but the cushioned seats made it bearable enough for those in the passenger compartment.

The Count's men usually never traveled this far north, which was why the road was in such a state of disrepair, and to make matters worse the heavy rain which had fallen last night had washed away the sand and grit, ruining the light patchwork.

Abigail glanced at his watch and then looked outside the window. The sun had already started drifting below the trees, and the birds were flying back to their nests.

"We should still have half an hour of daylight left. I think we can reach my village before those Ethereals show up again."

"That might be a problem," Master Arwin whispered in reply. 

"Why?" Abigail enquired.