“They must have been a great people.” said Gewey. “Have you seen the ruins?”
“Some,” Dina replied. “Even in ruins, the buildings stand taller than any today.”
“I hope I get to see them one day,” he said.
“I’m sure you will,” she affirmed.
When sunset came, their energy finally ran out and they made camp. They finished off the meat and bread Felsafell had given them and lay down on the soft grass. Two straight days of walking, with only very short stops, made sleep come quickly.
Gewey awoke to a bitter cold. The fire had died, and he could see that Dina was shivering in her sleep. He reached over and shook her awake. Dina rubbed her eyes and stretched.
“A bit chilly this morning,” she yawned.
“Winter’s coming early this year,” Gewey remarked.
“It’s only a few hours until we reach Vine Run,” said Dina.
“There’s an inn there where we can rest for a bit.”
The thought of a warm fire and blankets energized Gewey. He got some flatbread from his pack and split it with Dina. Shivering, the two ate next to the remains of their fire.
As they approached the village, Gewey could immediately tell why it was called Vine Run. The surrounding hills had been cleared and turned into massive vineyards that stretched on for hundreds of yards in all directions. It had clearly been beautiful once, but now the vines were bare and withered. The ground was a dull gray, matching the cloudy sky.
The village itself also showed signs of decay. The multicolored brick houses were cracked and in dire need of repair. Several of the wooden structures had burned to the ground, and the streets were practically abandoned. Only a few people walked about, and they all stared at Gewey and Dina as they passed.
When they reached the inn, Gewey was thankful to be away from such a depressing sight. Happily, the inn’s common room turned out to be a complete contrast to the rest of the desolate town. It was packed with at least thirty people, and a fire roared in the hearth, filling the room with warmth and cheer. A flute could be heard from the far corner, and the crowd was singing merrily along. Gewey and Dina pushed their way to the counter, where a short, round woman with a pleasant smile stood swaying to the music.
“Greetings to you, sir,” she said. “Just arrived?”
“Yes we have,” said Dina, before Gewey could speak. “We need a room and a hot meal.”
“That’s grand!” the woman exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Always plenty of room here. As for the meal, you just missed the midday supper, but I can get you some bread and maybe a bit of lamb if those scoundrels in the back haven’t eaten it all.”
She reached to a shelf behind her and grabbed a large jug and two cups. “Maybe this will make it up to you,” she said. “The finest wine for a thousand miles. We make it right here, or at least, we did in the past. Vines aren’t what they used to be, you know. They’ll come back though, you just wait and see. In the mean time, we have plenty of spirits to go around.”
“Thank you,” said Gewey, taking the wine. “I’m looking for some friends who might have come through here.”
“If it’s friends you’re after, you’ll make plenty tonight,” said the bar matron. “Young Bartol Greenward turns eighteen today -half the town will be in and out of here. But don’t you worry - if it’s quiet you want, you won’t hear a peep from the back. Our walls are thick. But I hope you join us for while. It looks to be a grand party.”
“What about strangers?” Gewey asked. “Have any come through here in the past couple of days?”
The woman crinkled her nose in thought. “Can’t really tell,” she said. “Been out sick until this morning. Dreadful sick. Feeling better now though. Ready for the celebration.” An old man pushed his way behind the counter and whispered something into her ear.
“Yes I am, you old goat,” she said crossly. “I was just about to show them to their room, wasn’t I?” she asked, turning toward Gewey and Dina.
“Yes you were,” Gewey said, clearly amused by her reaction.
The bar matron turned back to the old man. “You see? Now go back to your wine and leave me be.”
The woman led Gewey and Dina through a door in the corner of the common room. Gewey scanned the crowd trying to catch sight of Lee, Millet, or Kaylia, but he didn’t see any of them.
“I forgot to ask,” said the woman. “How many rooms will you be needing?” Gewey froze, and could feel himself blushing.
“I…uh…” he stammered.
“Forgive my husband,” Dina said. “He sometimes forgets we’re no longer bound by our parents. One room will be fine.”
“That’s quite alright,” said the woman. “My old goat of a husband forgets we’re even married at all.” She unlocked the door and handed Dina the key. “You keep this, my love. Men can’t be trusted with anything. Now I must get back. The old goat will bring you some water for the basin. I’ll see your meal is brought in as well if you want.”
“Yes, thank you,” said Dina.
“Grand,” said the woman. “I’m Minnie, if you need anything. And my husband’s name…well, you can just call him old goat. He answers to that more than anything else.” With that, Minnie scurried off down the hall.
The room was simple but comfortable. The washbasin in the corner was large enough to stand in, and the small table and chairs were well made. But the thing that Gewey noticed most of all was the single bed.
“Husband?” he asked.
Dina smiled. “I suppose I could have said brother. But I was taken off guard, and we can’t afford two rooms.”
“You weren’t the only one taken off guard.”
“Don’t worry,” she said playfully. “Being my husband won’t be so bad.”
Gewey couldn’t meet her eyes for fear his embarrassment would show.
A little while later, Minnie’s husband brought their wash water. “I’ll bring your meal in half an hour,” he said sourly, before skulking out of the room.
“It’ll feel good to be clean,” said Dina. “I have fresh clothes for you in my pack.” She stood there staring at Gewey with eyebrows raised.
“What?” exclaimed Gewey.
“Turn around, if you don’t mind,” Dina instructed. “Unless you intend to watch me bathe.”
Gewey blushed for what felt like the hundredth time and turned to face the door. He felt his heart race as he heard Dina bathing behind him. By the time she was finished and dressed, he could hardly breathe.
“Your turn,” she said, drying her hair with a towel that had been placed on the bed. Gewey didn’t move.
“Come now,” she teased. “I’ll look away.” Gewey’s hands shook as he disrobed and began to wash.
“Very nice,” Dina said suggestively.
Gewey spun around, nearly knocking over the basin, but Dina was still facing the door.
“That’s not funny,” he fumed.
“I’m sorry,” Dina laughed. “I’ll be good. I promise.”
Gewey washed and dressed as fast as he could.
There was a knock at the door, and Minnie’s husband brought them their meal. It was far more than the bar matron had said there might be; clearly she’d gotten to the leftover lamb before anyone else.
As they ate, Gewey tried not to think about his earlier embarrassment, but he was still unable to look Dina in the eye.
“I think I’ll save the wine for the journey,” Dina said, holding up the jug Minnie had given them.
“Good idea.”
“I suppose we should see if your friends are anywhere about,” she said, finishing her last bite of lamb. Gewey nodded in agreement.
The common room was still bustling with partygoers. Several tables had been pushed aside and a dance contest had broken out in the center of the floor. It reminded Gewey of birthdays back home.
He scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of his companions, but he couldn’t see much through the crowd. He forced his way to the
far wall and stood on a chair. Without warning, he was lifted off his feet and thrown over a broad shoulder. Before he could do anything, he was being spun around. He struggled to free himself, but his assailant lifted him up and sat him down hard in a chair. It was Lee. Gewey saw Dina approaching from behind him with her knife drawn.
“Dina, stop!” Gewey cried. “I’ve found them.”
Dina put her knife back in her belt and covered it with her shirt.
“I see your taste in travel companions has improved,” said Lee, smiling widely.
“How did you find me?” Gewey asked.
“Luck, combined with a bit of skill,” Lee answered, laughing and slapping Gewey on the back. He turned to Dina. “So you’re the one who helped my young friend. Celandine, right?”
“Please, call me Dina,” she said. “And you’re Lee Starfinder.
Where are your companions?”
“I see you and your husband decided to join us,” said Minnie as she passed by with a tray of wine. “And found a friend I see!” She disappeared into the crowd.
“Husband?” Lee exclaimed, bursting into laughter. “You’ve been busy.”
“It’s not funny,” Gewey objected. “Anyway, where’s Kaylia and Millet?”
“Kaylia’s in her room,” Lee replied. “And Millet should be here by tomorrow. But I don’t think we should talk here.”
Lee led them to the room where Kaylia was staying. She smiled brightly when Gewey entered, but the smile vanished when Dina followed behind. She regarded the other woman with open suspicion.
“I see we have yet another traveler,” Kaylia noted. “I take it she’s the one we saw at Salmitaya’s camp?”
“You saw us escape?” Gewey asked, surprised.
“I think we need to slow down,” said Lee. He proceeded to tell Gewey and Dina the events of the past few days.
“I would have given anything to hear Sister Maybell cast out that witch,” Dina said once Lee had finished. “She was right not to return to Kaltinor, though. Salmitaya would have killed her.”
“Since we arrived, we’ve just been waiting,” Lee continued. “Kaylia hasn’t enjoyed it too much. I don’t think she’s ever stayed at an inn - too many humans for her taste.”
Kaylia looked at Dina. “You don’t seem surprised to discover that I’m an elf,” she said coolly. “I assume Gewey told you. It makes me wonder what else he’s told you.”
“There have been many surprises in the last few days,” Dina replied. “One more doesn’t shock me.”
“I told her nothing,” Gewey asserted. “Give me a little credit.”
“From the look of things, you have a story to tell as well,” Lee said.
“Yes,” Kaylia agreed, still eying Dina warily. “So it seems, and I would love hear it.”
Dina told her story up until the rescue of Gewey, at which point Gewey took over. Lee and Kaylia listened intently to every detail. When Gewey got to the part about Felsafell, Lee and
Kaylia both sat up straight, paying even closer attention. Gewey left out the details of what the old man had told him while sitting together on the porch, preferring to save that for a more private conversation with Lee. When he was finished, Lee got up, laughing.
“My boy,” he said. “You have had some adventure. Worthy of one of my tales.”
Kaylia wasn’t amused. Her eyes turned back to Dina. “I take it you intend to accompany us?”
“I intend to do what I set out to do,” Dina responded. “Nothing has changed. I will deliver Gewey to the temple as I was instructed.”
Abruptly, Lee’s tone became serious. “You may go where you wish,” he said. “But I have no intention of delivering Gewey into the hands of anyone unless I have a very good reason to do so. And so far, you’ve been rather vague as to who sent you.”
Dina lowered her head and took a deep breath. “I was sent by the High Lady of Valshara. I am a novice in the Order of Amon Dähl.”
Lee eyes widened. “That’s quite a claim. Do you intend to back it up?”
Dina reached inside her shirt and pulled out a thin silver chain with a small white medallion hanging on its end. Engraved on the medallion was a man in a hooded robe holding a dagger in one hand and a ring of laurels in the other.
“That could be a fake,” Lee said.
“The image could be faked,” Dina acknowledged, “but not the metal.”
Lee reached out and took the medallion in his hand. It was hot to the touch and burned his fingers, causing him to quickly withdraw in pain.
Dina smiled and held the medallion firmly in her hand. “Each of us is bonded to the Order by this symbol. No one can touch it unless they have received the blessing of Amon Dähl.”
Lee stared in wonder. “I thought your order was destroyed.”
“We haven’t survived for two thousand years because we’re fools,” Dina boasted. “The Beast of Angrääl tried to destroy us and many died, but we were able to escape with the Order intact.”
“How many are left?” Lee asked.
“Not many,” she answered sadly. “But we have never been dependant on numbers. When we get to Althetas, I’ll contact the
Order and they’ll take us to the temple. Once we get there, Gewey should be safe.”
“Althetas is four weeks on horseback,” said Kaylia. “Twice that, as we travel now. We should leave immediately and send Millet and Maybell somewhere safe.”
“I’m not abandoning them,” Lee shouted, his temper flaring.
“They’re known to our enemies, and I’ll not leave their safety to chance.”
Dina looked displeased. “You don’t understand,” she said. “Gewey must go with me, and me alone. I cannot bring anyone else.”
“My friends go with me or I don’t go at all,” Gewey stated with resolve. “That means all of them, and I don’t care if it takes us a year to get there.”
“Very well,” Dina said after a long moment. “You don’t leave me with much choice.”
“It’s settled then,” Gewey declared. “We leave as soon as Millet and Maybell arrive.” He touched Lee on the shoulder and whispered, “I need to speak to you in private.”
Lee nodded his head in agreement. “The boy and I must talk alone,” he said to the others. “Dina, I think your husband may feel more comfortable staying in my room tonight.”
Kaylia raised an eyebrow at Gewey, a slight smile on her face. “You told people you are married?”
“It was Dina’s idea,” Gewey muttered, feeling every bit as uncomfortable as he sounded.
Dina wore an amused grin. “It seemed like the thing to do at the time.”
“Well then,” Kaylia said. “We wouldn’t want people wondering why a husband and wife who came together didn’t stay together.”
“Good point,” Lee added, barely able to contain his amusement. “I’m sorry, Gewey. The life of a married man can be tough.”
“This is not funny,” Gewey growled.
“It’s not meant to be,” Lee replied. “Kaylia’s right, though. If you said you’re married, you have to keep up the ruse, at least until we’ve left here. Don’t worry, I have an extra blanket in my pack - assuming you’ll be sleeping on the floor, that is.”
Dina sauntered over to Gewey and slipped her arm around him.
“Yes, he will,” she teased.
Gewey turned bright red and pulled away from Dina. “That’s enough,” he protested, trying not to stutter. “Lee, I need to speak to you now.” He grabbed Lee’s arm and pulled him from the room.
Lee took Gewey to his room and locked the door.
“That was not funny,” Gewey hissed.
“It’s just one night,” Lee chuckled. “You’ve survived being kidnapped by agents of the Dark Knight; I’m sure you can survive one night alone in a room with a beautiful woman.”
“You mean to make me go through with this?” Gewey asked, incredulously.
“Amusing or not, Kaylia makes a good point. We don’t want to rais
e unwanted questions. Better for you to leave with people thinking that a young couple was just passing through. But that’s not what you wanted to talk to me about, is it?”
“No, it isn’t,” Gewey said. He proceeded to tell Lee about the details of their encounter with Felsafell, and what the old man had told him on the porch.
“He is a strange one,” Lee remarked.
“You’ve met him?”
“Many years ago,” Lee answered. “I had heard of a crazy old hermit who lived in the Spirit Hills. It was said that he could speak to the spirits and that they told him the future, so I sought him out. I must have wandered those hills for five days before I found him. Well, to be honest, he actually found me.”
“What did he tell you?”
“To get out of his hills and never come back,” Lee remembered. “Of course, he didn’t say it like that, but the message was the same. I approached him, but he vanished before I could get close. I tried to find him, but I ended up lost for days. He did leave behind some roast pork and bread for me though.”
Gewey laughed. “He gave us the same. But what do you make of his words to me?”
“I don’t know,” Lee admitted, frowning. “I need to think on it for a while.” He then slapped Gewey on the back, forcing a smile. “You shouldn’t worry about it for now. There’s a few hours before bed, so why don’t we join the others in the common room for a little entertainment?”
Gewey’s eyes brightened. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“You should invite your wife to join us,” Lee quipped. “I’m sure she wouldn’t want her dear husband unattended.”
Gewey scowled. “I’ll see if Kaylia will come too.”
“Good luck,” said Lee. “I don’t think merry-making with a room full of humans is her cup of tea.”
As Lee predicted, Kaylia refused to join them, but Dina was more than happy to keep an eye on Gewey. They listened to the music and even joined in the dancing. Dina pulled Gewey onto the floor during one of more energetic tunes. Unfortunately for him, knowing how to dance was not one of the skills that came along with being a god. It was all he could do to keep from stepping on Dina’s feet, and he nearly fell over twice.
“One of your lessons is going to have to be how to dance with a woman,” Lee announced, doubling over with laughter.
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