The night's passing on to early dawn had been uneventfull outside of the boldness of a single footpad's attempt of procuring an amount of economic transfer hours before. Perhaps a successful venture if attempted on another choice of prey. With Armand's convincing the robber's poor choice, the wretch was sent on, his was bearing a fine display of contusion as payment for his efforts.
On a rise of semi level means, the two riders took their brief moment of rest to ease the ache of muscles having been forced to endure the long night in flight. The valley below was a quintessence of Eden, layered in the guaze of early morning mists, viewed from the uneven plateau. The panorama, to the east, gave view to a gentle rise of lofty height and there, like a jewel in the embrace of golden light, lay their destination.
Leaning against the support of a local conifer, Armand paused in the consumption of day old loaf to observe,
" Je connais vos pensees...un heure."
Without turning from the view to the distance, the Surgeon answered as if thoughts were far away.
" Oui...an hour more, I believe. We will stop at the stream that runs near the base of this ridge and water the horses, than continue to the chateau."
Unconsciously, she reached within the coat's inner pocket to ensure the packet's security before turning to face her companion.
"Time and tide do us grave injustice by not halting their eternal progress in our favor. I dispise the idea of pressing on so soon after the rigors of the night, but... press on we must, mon ami."