After collecting several days of supplies and placing the book in newly made chest, the party sets out on their appointed task.   Tremaux looks no less vexed than before but is determined to carry out his duty and return to the more proximate service of his king.   Each party member is given a horse from the King’s stable and one pack mule.   Tremaux rides his own fine stallion.   Most of the supplies, a few of the larger weapons and the chest are loaded on the mule as the party sets out along the muddy road East toward Lyon.

By the end of the second day, they notice that the pack mule is not eating and is acting temperamental.   The suspect this is the influence of book.   They relieve the animal of the chest’s burden by attaching it to a polearm slung between two of their own horses.  Thus suspended, the malignant influence of chest’s contents has minor effect on their own steeds and the pack mule’s disposition much allayed. 

More to come....