The column had halted on the road to await Beverly's return. Anna stretched her legs while Tempus bounded across the field.
"He's still got lots of energy for his age," commented Gerald.
"Yes," she agreed. "I don't know where he gets it from. He can be dead tired one moment and then tearing across a field the next."
"Would that we were all that energetic in old age."
"You're not that old yet, Gerald. I know we like to tease you, but you'll be around for years."
A hail from the front of the column brought their attention to Alric, who was approaching them.
"How much further?" asked Anna, turning to the prince.
"Not long, now," Alric promised. "The road up ahead bends around that group of trees, and then you can see the city itself."
"Couldn't we have just ridden on, then?" asked Ann
