"It's just one more mile," Tad whispered, fearing that someone might hear him.
Neighing in response, Warrior picked up speed, one more mile could take forever, or a second. The moon was already high in the sky, a few more hours, or minutes, the sun would be up with it. The horse's hoofs hit the dirt ground faster and faster as they got closer to the city. Sighing, Tad wished he could tell when the sun would come up, but no one ever found a way to. It was a good thing that Warrior could always sense if it was a few hours, or a few minutes before it rose above the horizon.
Suddenly, the trees parted, and the marble wall of the city gates appeared in front of them. Approaching the wall cautiously, Tad dismounted his horse friend and looked around, making sure that none of the guards were around. Satisified, he turned to Warrior.
"The city gates are to the east some way," Tad whispered. "But I think we should go in another way."
"Whichever way is fine, as long as its quick. The moon is already down and soon, the sun would be up," Warrior answered softly.
Nodding, Tad stepped closer to the wall, putting his hands along it and walked westward. Hearing Warrior behind him, Tad walked close to the wall, feeling for something. Pretty soon, the first rays of the sun hit the two figures, just as Tad found what he was looking for. It was a marble stone on a wall to the horse, but to the boy, it was something more. Pushing the stone in with quite some strength, they heard the sound of stones rubbing together and the wall parted, leaving an opening to the city behind.
Quickly stepping through, Tad waited for Warrior to completely step into the city before he pushed another stone that was extruding out of the wall. The door appeared again, closing off the opening and returning the wall to its original state. Grinning, Tad knew very few people knew about the secret door. Even upon close inspection, the wall seem to be perfect and untampered.
"Come on," Tad said. "The castle going to be some walk."
Inside the city gates, the two friends walked down the streets of the sleeping city. Aligning the sides of the marble streets, houses, taverns and stores stood, dark and silent. Only the eery light of the rising sun receded the darkness, but it also cast shadows that made people think of ghosts, demons, and especially, the Dark. Shivering inside his skin, Tad ignored the shadows and walked down the main street, straight forward would be the castle.
"I have forgotten how frightening the city can be," Warrior whispered.
Nodding in agreement, Tad became more wary as the sun rose higher and higher. People would be up and about soon, and Zack would also reach the city. He also had another reason to be more alert, he sensed that the shadows weren't what they seemed, that they really contained ghosts and demons. Quickly walking down the maze of streets, the two seemed to be swallowed up by the looming city.
"I don't remember the castle being so far away," Tad muttered.
"Well you haven't been here for quite a while," Warrior stated.
Nodding in agreement Tad hurried down the the alleyway they were in now. Something fearful was lurking within the shadows, and he didn't want to stick around to find out what they were. Hoping the sun would drive them away, Tad calmed his pounding heart and hoped that these demons didn't sense his fear. A wry smile spread across his face, Tad thought it was ironic that he would be afraid of the shadowed demons when with just a thought, he could vanquish them.
Coming out of the alley and into a large street, the two were suddenly basked in light that came from the sun. Looking up, Tad saw that the sun had risen high over the horizon and was barely seen above the tall buildings of the city. Quickening their paces, the two companions crossed the street into the next, hoping no one saw them. Seeing the large castle a few yards in front of them, they raced across the span of ground and leaned against the castle wall.
"Now how are going to get in?" Warrior asked.
"Let me worry about that."
