The next morning when he woke he was alone in his room. Everything had been packed but one outfit, laid out on the chair. His pack and staff were sitting by the door. He wondered what was going on. Were they leaving today? Getting dressed he left for the dining hall. If they were leaving he was going to ensure he had a decent meal first.
Entering the dining hall he saw everyone seated at the table waiting for breakfast to arrive. Taking a seat he looked over at Petal, who only had eyes for Sycamorea. Eldrick thought Petal was smitten by the young dryad. Bogdán was bringing out a large pot to place on the table for the gathered diners.
"I'll be right back with yer bowls and some maple syrup for the oatmeal," turning he returned to the kitchen reemerging shortly with a pile of bowls and syrup. Placing the pile of bowls on the table he began dishing it out..
"I'll be sorry to see ye go. I understand ye need to get back on the road." Dishing out for himself he sat and began eating his own breakfast.
Everyone ate quickly. The road was going to be long again and they needed their energy. Eldrick was doing a headcount and noticed that two of the satyrs were no longer with their number.
"Glimhook, where did your boys go?"
"Oh, they went home. There was no need for them to stay. Alekos and I are more than enough to see you to the end of your journey here. With Chase to help we shouldn't have a problem, even if he does carry Sergei again."
Eldrick considering this, understood the desire to see family safe. Finishing his breakfast he rose and started gathering up the dishes.
"What ye think yer doing youngen? That be me job. Ye're a guest and guests don't work in me inn." Bogdán snatched the dishes away from Eldrick.
"Ye need to be gettin' ready, youngen." Giving Eldrick a gentle push towards his room.
Eldrick gathered his pack and staff, quickly returning to the front room. He arrived in time to see Sycamorea kissing Petal. He was glad he hadn't tried to sleep with her. The thought had sprung up for a short time, but when he thought about sleeping with a woman the only one who came to mind was Beth. He couldn't understand why. Oh no, he hadn't met with her again while he was at the house of healing. Hopefully, Amy would have explained. Now it was going to be at least a year before he made it back to Herigberg. She might not even be there. He should have at least sent a note.
"Okay, is everyone ready?" Sergei's gruff demeanour reminding them they were on a deadline. Eldrick quickly removed his pack to make sure he had the tea for Sergei. A hand on his shoulder caught his attention. Looking up from his pack he saw Glimhook.
"If you are looking for the tea I have it," patting his pack.
Eldrick nodding, returned his pack to his back. Picking up his staff, he walked out the front door. His heart started beating faster, his chest tightened, and his breath caught in his throat. Panic rose as he slowly left the front porch of the inn. As his feet hit the cobblestones he fought the urge to run. Not knowing which direction was the only thing that prevented him from fleeing the town.
"Uh, Petal, which way?" Eldrick asked, his voice shaky.
"We go south. Petal knows the way Petal will show you." Before Petal could finish talking Eldrick was already moving in the direction indicated.
Eldrick felt he couldn't get out of town fast enough. There were those who wanted to see him dead and he had no desire to run into them. Two encounters with them already were more than his nerves could take. If he had to face more he didn't kow what he would do. He could hear the clicks of hooves on the cobblestones behind him. He could tell it was the two satyrs and Chase. Not knowing where Petal was he kept walking. He would be running except he knew he couldn't wear himself out early in the day. He didn't know how long they would be travelling before they would stop. Petal, catching up, landed on his shoulder.
Eldrick glancing at Petal, noticed Sergei already on Chase's back. This told Eldrick how far gone Sergei truly was. The only other reason would be he was saving his energy for once they left the Faelands. Chase would no longer be with them. Right now that was all Eldrick wanted, to get out of here. The threat of being beaten or killed because he would rather be a woman was devastating. Wait... Did he just admit that to himself? He would rather be a woman? Yes, he did, but now was not the right time to accomplish that. He was going to need to research if it was even possible. Before he did anything he had to do about the Grand druid's decree. He didn't want to challenge for the position. The grand druid was powerful. Maybe he could discuss it with Sergei.
They continued walking for several hours before Petal called a halt to relax and have a midday meal. Eldrick felt like he was bait in a trap. Finishing his food quickly, he rose and began pacing. The others took their time eating.
"Eldrick, would you sit down."
"I am sorry sir, I just like if I stop moving something is going to get me."
"Use your senses boy. What did I teach you?"
"If feeling something is wrong, search for life."
Taking a calming breath he let his senses roam the surroundings. All he could sense was the plant life and his companions. Letting out a sigh he sank to the ground. With the renewed knowledge there was no one on his trail, he began to relax. When everyone had finished their lunch they got back on the move. They walked until the eastering sun sat on the horizon.
Petal called for a halt.
"What is it Petal?"
Eldrick once again had an uneasy feeling. Letting his senses roam he could not find the source of his unease. Instead of relaxing this time his panic levels rose.
"This is the end of the road. Petal said he would get you here, and here we are. Now we need to wait for the portal." Petal was calm and relaxed.
How could everyone be relaxed when everything seemed wrong? There was something wrong, he could feel it like spiders crawling on his skin. Not being able to sense anything only made it worse. There had to be some way to calm his panic. Sergei was climbing down off of Chase's back when he was assaulted by yet another racking cough. Eldrick rushing to his master's side to lend a hand, pulled a handkerchief. Shoving it into Sergei's hand as he moved to cover his mouth.
"Thanks," he wheezed as he withdrew his hand. "I can't go on much longer. From what... I know... we have about... six hours of walking from here... before we make the... conclave." Struggling to breathe he sat down hard on the ground.
Eldrick wondered to himself if this was the reason for his unease. He knew his master was not going to make it much longer and there was no way he would join the ranks of the Eldritch since there were few who even knew who he was. Now with everyone seeming to relax in the meantime while they waited for the portal, Eldrick decided to get some sleep.
He felt a hoof in his side causing him to open his eyes. There was Glimhook, a platter of food in his hands. Looking over at Sergei he noticed that he too was eating and had a cup of tea sitting to the side of him. Seeing his master had been taken care of, Eldrick ate. He was about to get up and start collecting the dishes when Glimhook's son placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I am Alekos, I know we haven't spoken during this journey, but father said it would be best if I kept quiet. I will tend to the dishes tonight so you and Master Sergei can rest until the portal opens." Taking the dishes from Eldrick's hands he turned to gather more.
"Wait Alekos, why did your father think it best for you to remain quiet? I don't understand, do I offend him or something?"
Alekos, turning back walked over and knelt beside Eldrick. "My father didn't know what kind of person you were. He thought it best if we didn't get too familiar, we are only doing the court's bidding. Father does not care much for humans. Near our home they're cutting the forest back more every year to increase their fields, and search for gems," he looked over his shoulder.
"They do not understand that gems are not found in the forests, our people are losing ever more living space as they expand." He looked like he was about to cry.
"I take it your home is one that is being threatened."
Alekos dropped his eyes to the ground as he nodded.
"I am not sure what I can do, but I swear I will do what I can. People should live in harmony with the land, not destroy forests to expand without any thought of the wildlife in the forest. I have an idea but first I need to survive the trials ahead," scratching his head he looked over at Glimhook, who was glaring at him. Raising his hand, he gestured for Glimhook to come over. Before Glimhook could open his mouth to speak Eldrick did.
"Glimhook, how close is your home to being threatened?"
Glimhook's jaw hit the ground, he pulled his hand back as if to strike. Eldrick sat there his eyes going cold, as he watched the satyr. Glimhook paled, dropping his arm back to his side.
"What has he been saying? I told him not to speak during this journey."
"Don't be hard on Alekos. He told me you told him not to talk to me. That was when he came to stop me from gathering the dishes. I asked him why." Eldrick watched Glimhook's eyes turn to the ground.
"He told me about what is happening where you live. I think it is wrong. I know of a farmstead up in the mountains east of Herigberg that has plenty of space around it. You and your family would be welcome there. I know for a fact the locals do not clear the land around it and what they take they replace. The farmstead itself is going to be empty for about a year or so. The locals are taking care of the livestock and the fields are fallow after the harvest. What do you think?"
Glimhook's eyes widened as he picked his jaw off the ground. "How do you know the owner would be willing to have us in the area?"
"Because the owner has just said so." Sergei beamed at Eldrick, clapping a hand on Alekos' shoulder and one on Glimhook's.
"Sorry Eldrick, I couldn't help eavesdropping. I completely agree with my young apprentice in this endeavour. It is my family farmstead and yes you are more than welcome there. I told the villagers of my extended absence and asked them to tend to the fields and the stock. I will write you a note to post in the barn when you get there." Coughing he had to pause.
Eldrick was about to get up when he waved him off.
"I am ok, it was a mild attack. Now as I was saying Glimhook come with me and we will talk." Draping an arm around the satyr's shoulders Sergei led him off.
"You didn't have to do that," Alekos leaned in to whisper. "I doubt father will accept. He is never willing to accept handouts. We are a proud people, we earn what we get."
"Oh if I know my master, your father is going to be very happy with the arrangements. He makes sure everyone who contributes shares in the bounty. There are four small fields and they are rotated every year with one left fallow. And loads of untamed wilderness. He owns the whole mountain."
Alekos' eyes widened at that. "He...he owns the WHOLE mountain? How can someone own a whole mountain?"
"His ancestor did something for the king in Herigmark and the king gifted the mountain to him and his family. Sergei isn't going to last much longer. He has willed it to someone who would have no issue with you being there. His family has recently died, root and branch. I think he is looking forward to the end. He is too old to raise more children. I see the years weighing on him," Eldrick wiped his eyes.
"Alekos, come let them rest, we have work to do." Eldrick could hear the change in the attitude of the grim satyr. It seemed as if his spirits had been lifted. He had what appeared to be two pieces of paper in his hand.
Eldrick fell asleep with a smile on his face for the first time in weeks.
