Upon feeling the carriage leave the castle, Ford can't help but feel nervous.

Yes, he has been on road trips in his world, but that was 2 years ago, and he never was too fond of going on road trips.

Arias: "Ford... Are you okay"

"Wha... Yeah totally!"

Ford told Arias he was fine because he did not want alarm her over some "pre game jitters" as some people say to describe nervousness.

But, normally that's used to describe nervousness before a football game. As Ford wasn't going to a football game, the best saying for this would be "road trip jitters".

Ford was having the road trip jitters.

Arias: "you're lying... Aren't you?"

Ford looked up, putting on an obviously fake smile, and said-

"No of course not! Why would I be ly--"

Arias: "yeah you're lying"

Arias had stopped Ford mid sentence, as she had found out he was just nervous.

So, she would try to comfort Ford, by hugging him, and asking him what he was so nervous about.

But, Ford wouldn't be able to answer Arias. He wasn't too sure why he was nervous, he just had felt a sense of unease throughout the first few days of the trip.

*************

Fast forward to day 7, as nothing too interesting or noteworthy happened days 1-6.

The carriage was continuing on the path to Rowan. It was currently driving through a dark forest. Ford, by this point, his nervousness has already somewhat faded.

All that was left was a small sense of dread for the forest they were in.

Ford's mind: {I can't help but feel like there is someone watching us...}

Suddenly, the carriage halted to a stop. Standing before the crew, was a man with long, messy red hair and a nice purple suit.

He also seemed to have a white bandage covering his right eye. The suit was also in pristine condition, certainly not one of a man who was standing in the middle of a muddy forest.

??: "Why thank you for stopping! I don't wish to die, you know."

The strange man had said that in a formal tone, not a voice someone would use if they were trying to intimidate someone.

Vulgart, would be the first one to speak to the strange man.

Vulgart: "Who are you? State your business!"

??: "Please, don't be so rude. I'm not going to kill you, or anything."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

The one who would respond next would be Ladis.

He said in a calm manner-

Ladis: "He was just asking who you are.. and quite frankly, I'm a bit curious as well."

??: "Ah, right. I forgot the most important thing, introductions. Whenever speaking to someone, it is just common sense to introduce yourself, wouldn't you agree? It is just plain out rude if you don't introduce yourself when speaking to someone."

The strange man smiled, and said-

Rayn: "My name is Rayn, just Rayn. Now, you were wondering why I was here. I would hate to take up too much of your time, you all seem to going somewhere important."

Everyone looked at each other in confusion. This man didn't show the slightest trait of malicious intent.

His tone of voice had given off friendly vibes.

Ford, who was quiet all this time, would finally speak up.

"So.. you a salesman or something?"

Upon hearing that, Rayn looked up at Ford, with a confused look on his face.

Rayn: "Salesman? Haha, no, of course not. Why I'm just a lone wanderer looking for a ride."

Vulgart: "Where to?"

Everyone looked at each other in surprise. Why would Vulgart let such a strange man onto the carriage.

Rayn: "My destination is the country of Laplan. As you all are probably in a hurry, I'll only have you take me to the road that leads to Laplan."

Arias couldn't help but have a look of concern on her face as soon as she heard-

Arias: "Laplan...?"

Ford looked up at Arias, confused.

He had never heard of a country named 'Laplan'. The only countries he knows about, are Crowlan, Rowan, and Payerway.

"Arias... What's wrong?"

Arias: "Laplan... That's the home of King William. One of my greatest enemies. With Rayn here, I fear he might be trying to gather information on us..."

As soon as Ford heard that, he ordered Vulgart to stop.

"Don't let him on"

Vulgart: "As you wish, sir."

With that, Rayn was rejected access onto the carriage.

Instead of snapping, Rayn just smiled and said-

Rayn: "Alright"

That marked the end of the conversation, as Rayn just walked into the distance. Everyone was confused, but shrugged it off and continued the journey to Rowan.

There were only 7 days left in the trip.

__________________________