At Ravinnigos, a willing company of Kabadri, who had been brought from Thémi Kabatigna by Pedrekkarpon, were at work building the first dwellings of the city of Tídris. Pedrekkarpon had drawn up his plans with the approval of Rauno and Mirutháli, who had now departed to their homes in the East and West, after giving their blessing to the future guardians of the city, Vidnî and Arbros, and promising to return for the crowning.
Vidnî and Arbros, who had never learnt their letters, were taking daily lessons with a learned Entelláya of the Féo Êlesti, whose name was Estenya. They began with reading and writing, and then went on to learn figures, and finally they were instructed in the virtues of plants, in the care of animals (about which Arbros had learnt much from the Thendâ), in the stars (of which Vidnî already had a good working knowledge), in the history of the Circles of time, and in the shape of Thrâyeldim. They also learnt how to use a sword. They were good pupils and learnt fast. So one day, after Estenya had tested them thoroughly in every branch of learning, she told them that they might have a whole month’s holiday.
Now Vidnî had learnt to ride, for Mëolande Tervi had sent a pony to her. The pony was a cousin of Borotíki’s, and her name was Lopatúvu. Arbros and Borotíki together had taught Vidnî the skills of horsemanship. So now Arbros and she could travel together wherever they wanted.
Arbros was greatly desirous to know more about the handling of ships and boats. He could not learn such skills at Ravinnigos, where no ships were then kept, and no mariners dwelt. He suggested:
‘We might ride to Yivanówa to see what craft are there now.’
‘Or even better, let us go to the Quays of Féwarim at the mouth of the great River of the West. Always there are many ships of the Fâwiengri there, for they have no land dwellings, but house upon their vessels.’
‘Is it not a great distance? And if they do not travel by land, are there any paths to that place?’
‘It is far, but not too far for Borotíki and Lopatúvu! And it is easy to reach, for the westward Giant’s Road has its end there. And we can visit the people of the West, and stay at Peréikotî, where I got my crown and sword!’
Next day the Children of Hope packed up a few belongings and, with two companions, Thilfri and Lansenet, set out upon their ponies for the West. Vidnî was again attired as a Fâwienya, but had the Blade of Ingos at her side and the harvest crown hanging at her back by a cord. And Arbros was clad as a Thendáka and carried the knife they had given him. He wore upon one finger of his right hand the wire ring of silver, awaiting the day of wedding and coronation. They rode north to Mar Ratholmen and camped there. They travelled west along the Giants’ Road, then turned aside into the lands of the West Folk. There they received a great welcome, especially at Peréikotî, and Vidnî showed Arbros the sacred hill of Glasni Glavanko. After a few days’ happy stay, they returned to the Giants’ Road and rode on towards the Quays of Féwarim.
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