[Xanth]

I was discussing with Solstice about how to get Aella's helion to the Acanthan portal in the 13 days the vanguard has to travel there. There's actually no way to do it on the ground because land-based animals take so long to travel cross-country, especially through the forest.

However, I figure that ankas probably have to transport livestock and such on a fairly regular basis, so it makes sense for them to have some sort of parachute-style cargo sling thing for extra transport capacity. (They can carry a grown elephant, after all.) In which case, the best way to get a ground mount to the portal in time for the plot's start is to either hook up with the vanguard so their ankas can carry it for you, or to have an anka of your very own/to rent.

Why exactly your character hooks up with the vanguard is another story.