Creativity continued

Last week you read in shock as Ariel (the mermaid, yes, apparently she does exist) solicited my aid in defeating Scylla (the Greek one). This week I begin my journey to the golden city (so named by Ariel)...
Walking back up the beach towards my car (I don't actually have one, but it's nice to dream), I was immediately distracted from my goal by ummm... what? By what? By... a heavy beating. Turning back towards the water I saw an inordinately large eagle flying towards me. I screamed, thinking this would be an unpleasant (and possibly bloody) message from Scylla. In less than a second the creature was a metre away from me and speaking my name.
"Lucy," it said, "I come from Ariel."
I staggered, then regaining my poise I said crossly "I didn't think eagles were sea creatures. Or able to speak English!"
"Eagles aren't," it said. "I am a griffin."
"A griffin?! Oh this morning is going just great. Not to be petty or anything, but since you aren't supposed to exist, doesn't it kind of blow your cover to be seen by people?"
"Oh no. The people that see us are uniquely chosen for difficult tasks. And we remain invisible to everyone else."
"So I look like I'm talking to the air?"
The griffin nodded (sort of, I'm not sure if griffins can actually nod, but say it made a kind of affirmative head movement).
"So what you're saying is, I look like I'm completely crazy! Fantastic! I'm going to end this thing by getting committed!"
The griffin, ignoring my remarks, said "Come, we must hurry and begin the journey at once."
"Well that's not true at all," I said grouchily. "Ariel said the trip would take two hours and I had three days to do it. So I think I can probably relax about it for a day or so."
"No! You must not! When you reach the golden city it may take you several days to convince Eric's family of our need!"
"Oh," I said disappointedly. "Hey! How do I even know that you are from Ariel and not from Scylla?"
The sphinx looked offended (again, not sure if that's possible but let's just say it is). "Griffin are always on the side of truth and love," it said tersely.
"Fine, fine. I just have to get some things out of my car," I said.
"Yes, the tools Ariel has sent to aid you in your task. Let us get them at once."
I looked sideways at the Griffin. "Well, how about you wait here and I'll come back with them. I don't want to be seen talking to the air any more than I can help it."
"No, I must accompany you. I have been instructed not to leave you alone at any time."
"Fine," I muttered. "By the way, since we're going on this journey thing together - what's your name?"
"My name is Arnorld."
I choked. "Arnold?" Then between giggles I asked, "So are you a guy?"
Arnold's offended look had returned, but he said "I am a male griffin, yes."
"Well, Arnold, let's get going," I said, still lauging.
Tune in next week to find out what will be discovered in the car....