Ace navigated us out of the forest and made us take a bit of a shortcut through a thick and bushy path, but with a flick of his hand, our path cleared. It was almost sundown when we reached Thalia. Upon our arrival, the guards quickly ran off and announced our return to the others. A few moments later as we approached the castle doors the king and queen came out and paused at the doorway. Obviously shocked and relieved of our arrival.

Dan helped me off of Cloud while I made sure to carry Custard with me. Stable boys came and took our horses while the rest of us...