章節 175: Meditation

"This will delay your return even longer, Ryutaro-Sensei," the young tamer affirmed, stretching his sore shoulders. The bruises on his arms were almost gone, and the burning sensation had noticeably diminished.

"I don't care, Yoichi. I am ready to face any decision of the Emperor. Whether I meditate in my humble abode or the dank cells of the imperial prisons, it makes no difference. No matter how much he wants to hurt me, my spirit is more solid and strong than any temporal punishment," Ryutaro replied, once again proving his innate wisdom.

"Come, help me tie the horses to that trunk," he added, dragging the reins of the horses carrying the carriage with him.

By the time the sun set beyond the horizon, bestowing the world to the moon and darkness, the makeshift camp of the four travellers was up and running. 

The horses had been quenched and fed. Their reins, including Taya's, had been tied to a sturdy trunk of an ancient oak tree that lined the path.