Locmire's Quest: Book One A Tales from Calencia Novel

by Brian Hutchinson

  Chapter 12

  Departure

  The group rose bright and early with the sun. Everyone seemed to be doing well, considering the events of the previous night. River seemed to be her old self, but she still had no recollection of what happened to her the night before. Thaddeus, as well as Lot, had gotten up just before dawn. They both had their horses saddled and gear secured into place. Caleb was helping Locmire saddle his horse. Everyone, except for Caleb, had their own mount. When the time came to leave, Caleb would take the shape of whatever animal he deemed most appropriate.

  Everyone was ready to depart, well, almost everyone. Red, however, was still fast asleep. At one point he seemed to be dead, until a thunderous snore came erupting from deep within him, letting everyone know he was well. His slumber did not last long. Locmire stood over him with his staff in hand. He pointed his staff at the sleepy Pirate, and a wave of water flew from its end, drenching Red.

  Red was up in a flash screaming, “Abandon ship! We be sinkin! Abandon ship!”

  Everyone laughed uncontrollably. They closed up camp and traveled back to the intersection where an important decision awaited them.

  “From here we must part ways for a short time,” said Locmire.

  “What? No! We can't!” exclaimed River.

  “Why would we be wantin to go an do sumpin as foolish as dat? Dey be strenff in numbers,” said Red.

  “We have much work to do and so little time. This will be the quickest way to recruit the rest of our group,” replied Locmire.

  “Agreed,” Lot said as he took a drink of water from his flask. “But first we must know where we are going, and who will be traveling together.”

  “Is it not obvious,” Thaddeus said in a belittling manner. “One group will be going to Lasticall and Dead Marsh, another to Morgorath and Mt. Pizenchaffe.”

  “Why would any of us go to Pizenchaffe?” asked River.

  “To find our new companion, of course,” replied Lot.

  “A Dainty?” River stated in a questioning manner. “I had come to believe that they no longer existed.”

  “Just because something is not seen, does not mean that it doesn't exist,” replied the King.

  “Correct, Thaddeus. You are mostly accurate on our destination and purpose, but one group will travel only to Lasticall. The other will go to Morgorath and Pizenchaffe, and then we will regroup near Dead Marsh,” said Locmire.

  “I shall go to Lasticall. I am on good terms with the Sestian of Lasticall, Azonis Ferrini. He will listen to what I have to say,” said Thaddeus.

  “I wish to travel to Pizenchaffe. It has been years since I have entered underneath the mountain,” said Lot.

  “You have been inside of Mt. Pizenchaffe?” asked River.

  “There are not many places on Calencia that I have not conducted business,” replied the Thief with a grin.

  River's eyes grew with excitement.

  “You mean stolen from. Do you not?” Thaddeus asked.

  “Yes, brother. That is exactly what I meant,” Lot said sarcastically.

  “Very well, Thaddeus. You will lead one group to Lasticall. You are to have Azonis Ferrini and Rasmere Elmidas, a Forest Engenium, join our cause. Lot and I will lead the other group to Pizenchaffe and Morgorath. Red will travel with us. River and Caleb, you will go with Thaddeus,” Locmire said as he rode over next to Lot.

  “I want to go to Pizenchaffe with you and Lot,” demanded River.

  “I do not think that is a good idea, River. Thaddeus and Caleb may need the presence of a spell caster on their journey. You will go with them,” said Locmire firmly.

  River nodded her head, silenced her protests, and rode over next to Thaddeus.

  “When and where will we meet?” asked Caleb.

  “Take this,” said Locmire.

  He gave Thaddeus a few small blue stones. Their edges were very smooth and cold to the touch.

  “What is it?” asked Thaddeus.

  “They are portation stones. I have some as well. As long as you hold a stone and your party is nearby, it will transport you and your companions to whatever location you set your mind on, as long as there is another stone there.”

  “It can transport us to another location? How long does it take to get us from one point to another?” asked Caleb.

  “You will arrive at your destination instantaneously. I have already placed a stone near Galdarath. I will place another at Pizenchaffe, as well as Morgorath. When you depart from Lasticall leave one behind there also. Once you leave Lasticall set up camp near Dead Marsh and wait for our return. I am not for certain, but I believe that you will finish your task long before us,” said Locmire.

  “Understood,” said Thaddeus.

  “Keep in mind that this is not the most pleasant way to travel, but it is bearable,” said Locmire.

  Thaddeus nodded and said, “I would not suspect such magic would be pleasant.”

  “Well, it is time for us to part ways. I wish you luck. Be cautious, for I fear there will be many dangers in your path,” said the Wizard.

  “You do the same,” replied Thaddeus.

  The group said their brief goodbyes and then split up. Thaddeus, River, and Caleb headed south to Lasticall. Locmire, Lot, and Red headed west to Pizenchaffe.