After travelling some distance from Alnoc's north gate, Casser flicked Noha's reins and the carabao turned left from the main road. They followed a dirt road leading downwards until they reached a pond under the canopy of trees. Casser got off the cart and removed Noha's yoke. He then led Noha down to the pond where she could cool off and eat the reeds that grew plentifully in the water.Eldion watched as Noha flicked her ears, enjoying the water, "Carabaos really like the water, don't they?" asked Eldion."Noha needs to cool off every now and then or she might collapse from the heat and the exertion," Wen explained. "I guess there are no carabaos where you're from," she commented."No carabaos? Where did you come from?" asked Casser, overhearing Wen and Eldion's conversation.Eldion did not know what to say and looked at Wen for help."Dagos," said Wen abruptly.Casser whistled. "Whew! That's quite a long way from here. I can't imagine why

Noha plodded on the road after being refreshed by her dip in the pond and her lunch of reeds and water plants. She made satisfied grunts and flicked her ears happily. Casser chewed on some peanuts to pass the time while making sure that Noha did not pull the cart over potholes or large rocks.Wen was satisfied with their progress and hoped that they would reach the travelers' inn soon so that they could rest early. She kept watch behind them to make sure that no one was following. She had always been cautious and would listen for any sound of galloping horses or carriage wheels. Fortunately, they only passed a few farmers and merchants on the road who, like them, were already late in coming out of Alnoc.Wen looked at Casser who had just finished snacking on his peanuts and was whistling softly. It was a particularly jolly tune that was always well received at Thunka's. Casser had played along with Mira's request to get out of Alnoc and avoid the soldiers, but Wen did not know how long

The red lanterns that surrounded the Entertainment Palace were all lit, shedding rays of red light on the pathways that all led to the main octagonal structure. They drew in Thunka's customers, mostly wealthy traders who came to Alnoc from different cities of Sendorra. Thunka's servants were all busy pouring wine on seemingly bottomless glasses and filling platters with sumptuous servings of roasted chicken and beef. Glass bowls were laden with fruits that came in from local traders and merchant ships. Everything glittered under the colored lamps of the palace and the richest customers displayed the full splendor of their gold jewels and gem-studded attire.Merry music from the small gongs and the bamboo flute intermingled with the laughter and the noisy chatter from customers who were busy talking with their favorite performers from Thunka's troupe. Lounging on her usual seat and watching everything that was happening around her was Thunka, glamorously dressed in finest silk

Casser clicked his tongue repeatedly and flicked the reins to get Noha to go faster. Noha protested and looked behind her at Casser as if to say that she was already going as fast as she could. She brayed and snorted, then continued to plod along the moonlit road. Eldion looked repeatedly outside and expected the soldiers or the magic hunters to come out of the inn anytime. He wondered whether it was wise to use Noha to escape the soldiers or if they would be better off on foot.Wen could not believe how slow Noha was going and was thinking of just telling Casser that they leave Noha and the cart. She fidgeted with her hands and shifted in her seat as she kept looking behind them. She wished that she had a mantle of invisibility at that moment to hide their escape from their pursuers.Casser led Noha to the right side of the main road and then down a dirt road that was partially obstructed by shrubs. Eldion heard shouts from behind them and saw one of the soldiers look out of the windo

"The story of Alanca is as old as the temple ruins that lay across the vast swamplands to the north of Alnoc." Enzir remembered his father telling him the story when he was still a boy.There once was a king who ruled over the lands that included the Alnoc and extending northwards up to the Kanima Mountains. Alnoc fortress did not exist then and the king lived in a large stone palace that was built on a flat piece of land just across the swamp. Most of the king's subjects were fishermen who earned their living by fishing in the rough seas of the Corian. There were still no large merchant ships and the boats were a lot smaller and could only carry up to three fishermen and their catch.However, the kingdom became known for its beautiful stone sculptures that rivaled even the decorations in the palaces of Lazar. It was said that Alnoc's guild of sculptors became so skilled in their art that the master sculptors could create statues that could come to life. The king loved