Chapter 458: The Hidden Spring in the Hills
Lyria's POV
It did not take long for everyone to change.
Zephyr was the only one left behind, much to his evident displeasure, though I promised him I should return before nightfall. He did not appear convinced in the least, and I confess I could not fault him for it — for what cat should relish being abandoned in a dusty inn, whilst his mistress ventures off to labour in the mire?
I refused to wear a gown.
Instead, I chose trousers. They were practical, dark, and suited to labour. Bridget, Debbie, and Pippa did likewise. Only Elara and Margery wore dresses, and even these were of considerably simpler make than their usual attire, chosen that they might not be utterly ruined by the day's toil.
Before we departed, I called the whole party together for one final word.
"There is o-one thing you m-must all expect," I said. "The t-townspeople shall surely e-ensure this t-task proves exceedingly d-difficult for us."
