Being alone in the little stinky room didn't help this time. She had to get out of it. It didn't matter if she had already paid for it and she'd lose the money, she couldn't spend the night in that rat-hole. She could either go back to the wagon and lie on the usual chest-bench, listening to the men's breathing or she could try to find a better room.
Except she didn't know the big metropolis and couldn't really ask to see the room. This one had looked okay when she had paid for it, but now she found she couldn't bear the thought of spending another moment in it.
She grabbed her bag and with tears running down her cheeks, she went downstairs and gave the key back, trying not to sob too hard in front of the innkeeper.
"I'm so sorry, it's the first time I've had such a bad panic attack, I will go sleeping at my friends' house, thank you, good-bye!"
She almost ran out of the inn. The sun was setting and she quickly found her way back to the wagon. Hinrik was already inside, probably sleeping after the magic he'd done. Raykim and Keneith were seated around a small fire, cooking something that made her want to retch.
The anguish was probably still there and her stomach was clenched into a tight knot.
"Are you all right?" Keneith asked, frowning in worry.
"Yes, I am now. That place sucked. I will lie down inside if you don't mind."
"I like sleeping on your roof," Raykim assured with a big grin. "Don't worry, sweet dreams."
"Do you want a herbal tea?" Keneith asked as she opened the wagon's door.
"No, thanks. Good night."
Hinrik was lying on the floor, asleep as she expected. She moved around him so as not to wake him and lay down again.
Finally her heart slowed down. The smell of the wagon was more familiar. Wood, spices and herbs coming from under her body, hidden in the chest. Hinrik didn't have any body smell, probably because he bathed every day – or at least every time he had a chance. And she was used to Keneith's scent.
Tiredness overcame her. Her eyes closed and she drifted off to sleep.
***
Hinrik awoke hungry. He hadn't eaten much the previous night because he'd been too tired from cleansing the river. Luckily Keneith, who was always the first up, had prepared a big breakfast. Apparently Bellinda hadn't eaten either and had given up her inn's room to come back to the wagon.
"I didn't hear you come in," Hinrik said, wolfing down a flat-bread.
"You were exhausted, you slept like a log," she replied, taking another piece of bread. She must be famished too.
"You both slept like logs," Keneith said, making Raykim chuckle. "You didn't even hear us coming in."
"You mean Raykim slept inside?" Hinrik asked, puzzled.
"Yes, I curled up in a corner. It looked unsafe to be outside, even lying on the roof of the wagon. This town has a bad feeling to it."
"I felt it too, that's why I had a panic attack," Bellinda said, thoughtful. "We should leave immediately."
"And we'll leave, as soon as you two fill your bellies," Keneith replied with a smile.
The wagon covered them from the houses around them, but not from the other shore of the river. Someone had spotted Raykim's wings and a small crowd was gathering opposite them.
And then Belfi came around the wagon and sat with them.
"Good morning!" he greeted cheerfully. "Good to see you again!"
"Belfi, how did you find us?" Bellinda asked, surprised.
"I was walking towards Maxwetria when some Waiora upriver told me a half-blood had cleaned this part of town." Belfi smiled fondly at Hinrik who blushed. "I knew it must be you. You have made progress since I last saw you."
"I'm still learning," Hinrik answered shyly.
"We were supposed to meet you here, but I'm not sure we can stay for much longer," Keneith said. "This is my cousin Raykim, and as you can see, he's been spotted, so we'd better get out of here as soon as possible."
Belfi nodded to Raykim who smiled back. "Belfi the Immortal Half-blood?"
"I am he. Nice to meet you, Raykim."
"You're known everywhere," Hinrik said admiringly.
"I've been around for almost four centuries, after all." Belfi winked. "I was coming here to warn the people they were headed to self-destruction with all the pollution in the river, but now you've cleaned it and they might survive for a little longer. Nobody will thank you, though."
"I did it because I felt it needed to be done for the creatures in the river," Hinrik replied.
"And they are very thankful indeed. Humans... much less. This city is doomed if they don't start having better sanitation and a sewer system."
"There is a dark aura here," Bellinda said, thoughtful. "I had a panic attack last night. I tried to sleep at an inn and had to run away."
"Yes, it's that bad." Belfi nodded, thoughtful. "Why don't we get out of this town so I can tell you all what happened in the east during these months?"
***
Bellinda was glad to see Belfi. With all the panic and bad vibes, she had forgotten they were supposed to meet him. Although they had said in six months time and it had been only four and a half months.
Belfi sat with her at the front of the wagon while Keneith levitated to the roof and sat with his feet dangling between Bellinda and Belfi with Raykim crouched behind him. Hinrik had Shytur and the draft horse soon pulled the wagon outside the walls of Maxwetria on the other shore of the river and headed south, towards Kelvia.
"So, how was the trip to the north?" Belfi asked.
Bellinda and Keneith took turns to tell him of Hinrik's victories and his acceptance of his magical blood, the meeting with Talullah, Starblazer and then Raykim. Keneith's cousin seemed excited by the presence of the Immortal Half-blood, but he remained quiet, much like Hinrik.
"And what happened in the east?" Bellinda asked at last. "Did you manage to make your pilgrimage to the destroyed capital of Rayheart?"
"Yes, I went there after Salamar fell to the Blackmore king," Belfi answered, looking at Hinrik. "I had told Conon I wasn't really the right person to help him keep his throne, but sometimes one's name means more than the actual truth. I guess they'll stop calling me Kingmaker now." He grinned.
Hinrik didn't look upset. He must have realized his true calling had nothing to do with Salamar and its king or its army. Good. He must be completely healed, then. He didn't have nightmares anymore and using water magic had cleansed even his soul. Bellinda was very happy for Hinrik's recovery.
"So both the Blackmore and the Varians reached the Ondan somehow," Keneith said, thoughtful.
"Yes, the Varians have Moriana, the Blackmore have Salamar. Raddanmor also fell to the Blackmore king along with Rothilnelm and everything in between. The Varians are pressing the Gallians against Amrendra, I'm afraid soon that will be another kingdom gone. And when the Varians will have access to the coast, the Blackmore will do the same. They will either expand towards Ilitan or towards... Maxwetria. I told you that city is doomed anyway. If it doesn't fall to the plague, it will fall to the Blackmore."
"So it's really time to leave the northern kingdoms," Keneith said. "We will go south through Kelvia."
"It might take years," Belfi said. "The Gallians are putting up as much resistance as the northern tribes and the Genn aren't really helping the Varians in their conquest. But one day they might, and then who knows what will happen. Maybe a Varian empire will cover Varia centuries from now."
"I'm long-lived, but not that long-lived." Keneith chuckled. "I doubt I'll ever see it!"
"Hopefully none of us will see it." Belfi smiled. "It will mean years of war, centuries maybe. The southern kingdoms are quieter at the moment. You should probably go there if you want to live in peace."
"I think I need to go back to Appleyard," Bellinda said. "And Hinrik should see his Waiora family."
Hinrik nodded, staring into space. If he was even ready to talk to his father, he was really healed.
"Then we will drop you near the Ondan's source and head south,
what do you say, little cousin?"
"I will miss them," Raykim said. "Is Belfi coming south with us?"
"This wagon is becoming too small," Bellinda grumbled. Especially since she was the only woman.
"Don't worry, Bel, I will get off soon, I have other places to go and other people to see." Belfi elbowed her with an impish smile. "You go back home safe and sound. Joyrise misses you I'm sure."
"He's the one who's been wandering for fifteen to twenty years before settling with my mother and starting a family!" She sighed. "I hoped I had gotten some of his nomadic blood, but obviously I prefer to stay at home!"
"At least you have a home," Hinrik said softly, staring straight ahead.
"Would you like to go back to Salamar?" Belfi asked him.
Hinrik looked at them. "No." He smiled briefly. "I'll find home, eventually."
Bellinda smiled. For a moment she wished she could lean forward, grab his head and kiss him on the lips. Her cheeks were on fire as she stared at the draft horse and the reins in her hands.
"I think you can have him," Belfi whispered in her ear. "He is healed. He will open his heart to you."
"I don't think I'm ready, Belfi," she muttered nervously. She had a lump in her throat.
Keneith gently kicked her shoulder and she looked up at him.
"What?" she mouthed, frowning.
"Get him," he mouthed back. "Go for it."
She stuck out her tongue at him and shook her head. Not ready. Not yet. Although maybe... No. Not yet.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Belfi got off before night came and Keneith resumed his seat at the front of the wagon, next to Bellinda, while Raykim remained on the roof. When his muscles ached from the saddle, Hinrik considered moving there with Keneith's cousin, but that usually meant it was time to stop and let both bipeds and animals rest.
After crossing another river that formed a border with the lands of the Kelvans, they entered the forest that would be a shortcut to reach Kelvia. Having had enough of coasts, they decided that another forest with animals they could hunt and feed on would be better for all. They wouldn't meet too many people and Raykim wouldn't have to hide inside the wagon.
Five months after leaving Salamar they reached Kelvia, capital of the Kelvan Kingdom. The city was built around the castle of the king. Eight strong, square towers dominated the skyline of the massive castle and were connected by strengthened, thick walls made of golden stone. Stylish windows were scattered generously across the walls in a seemingly random pattern, along with huge crenelations for archers.
A moderate gate with massive metal doors and a moat guarded the inhabitants of the castle that could easily house everybody in case of siege. Various large houses were scattered outside the castle gates, and surprisingly the rich were comfortable with living outside the gates as well.
This castle was relatively new, but so far it had stood its ground with ease and it would likely do so for ages to come. Another river brushed the houses on the southern side and there was good sanitation all over the area. The water was kept clean both in the town's wells and at the castle.
Kelvia was built on gentle hills and surrounded mostly by vineyards. The forest was half a day's ride from it, and the king often organized big hunts with his nobles and courtiers.
Keneith wasn't noble, of course. His father had been a blacksmith and his stepmother a dressmaker. He hadn't considered that even though time seemed still for him, Lura and Darhon were only Human. Both had passed away, since they were Humans, but the house still belonged to Keneith's elder stepsister, Kelikana, and her family.
Keneith had left Kelvia after the birth of his second stepsister, Loriana, when he was sixteen. Kelikana had been barely three, so they didn't really recognize each other. Keneith knocked on the door and asked for Darhon and Lura, and Kelikana told him they'd been dead for almost fifteen years.
She was over forty herself and a grandmother, it was her son who now ran the house and the blacksmith's shop attached to it. Her eyes were failing her and her hands had arthritis, therefore she couldn't make clothes anymore. She told Keneith that Loriana had continued in their mother's footsteps, therefore if he needed a dressmaker, he should visit her instead.
Which he did, if only to give his cousin the promised new clothes. Although his stepsisters had never really met his mother, they knew he was different from everybody else. Loriana's brown eyes widened at the sight of Raykim, but she agreed to make him something to cover the human body. Her daughter would help her to make new clothes for the winged being.
They camped in the outskirts of the city again, by the river shore, so Hinrik could have his daily baths and the horses all the water and grass they'd need. Unlike Keneith, who was very businesslike with his stepsisters, Hinrik was happy to meet their grandchildren.
Kelikana had two lovely boys who seemed to like him immensely, especially when he toyed with water in front of their awed eyes. On Loriana's side there was a girl and then twins, boy and girl, and they also liked to watch Hinrik or Keneith play with their favorite element – away from adults' eyes.
"You're great with children," Bellinda said one night. She looked impressed. "Do you want your own family?"
"I don't know," Hinrik admitted with a shrug. "My priorities have changed a lot during the past five months and keep changing every day."
They both sat on the river shore under the stars. Keneith and Raykim had gone to Loriana's to get Raykim's new clothes. Unfortunately Keneith's cousin could only get safely into town after sunset.
Bellinda and Hinrik had let the camp fire die out as they watched the moon's reflection in the water. Hinrik thought the voice of the river was very comforting. Wherever he decided to live, there needed to be running water close by. Lakes or ponds weren't the same thing.
"Do you think you'll fall in love again?" she asked after a moment.
"Was it love?" he wondered. "I mean, it was definitely an unrequited crush, the one I had for Verena. But I was young and lonely and..."
"And you hated yourself and it probably showed," she said with a smile. "You're much more likable now that you have some confidence. And very sweet. As soon as you find a place to call home, you'll have dozens of girls falling at your feet and begging you to marry them!"
He smiled but shook his head. He doubted it. He wasn't that popular yet. And he wasn't sure he wanted a family either. He was getting used to the company, but still...
"How about you?" he asked her. "Do you think that after this trip you'll find someone to spend your life with?"
"I don't think I'll ever find anyone. I've had a couple of calls and just let them go." She shrugged.
"Including Keneith?"
"Including Ken. He moved to Havenstock to be with me and things started falling apart soon after the move. We were both too busy in town. While in Appleyard, in the much smaller Genn communities, things had looked so easy, so... eternal! I guess we're not made to be together forever, none of us, I mean."
"I don't know about that," he said, frowning in concentration. "My mother didn't want to stay with my father. Keneith's mother abandoned him and his father. I'm not sure I know anyone with a functional family besides you. So I don't really have a role model to look at."
She nodded, thoughtful. "You should probably spend some time with the Waiora side of your family. It's Humans who are obsessed with weddings and closed families. The Magical Races are very open and usually children are raised by the whole community."
"Unless they're different," Hinrik said. "Like Raykim who was chased from the Nest where he was born. I guess that's the same everywhere."
"It depends on the mixed blood. Genn and Sila cohabit peacefully. The Fajrulo are loners, so getting along with their half-bloods is harder. The Waiora get along fine with the Genn too."
Hinrik sighed. It was all very complicated. He lay down on the grass and crossed his fingers under his head, staring up at the sky. The Sila belonged to Air, to the winds and the sky and... could they
reach the stars? Probably not.
"What do you think there is beyond our world and our sun?" he asked.
She lay down next to him and stared at the night sky for a moment. "I don't know," she admitted. "The Immortals never told us what's out there."
"Have you actually seen or felt those Immortals?" he asked, curious. He had heard about them enough by now. Air, Water, Ether, Earth and Fire were immaterial, shades of lights of different colors who took on a body only to speak and interact with Humans.
"No," she answered. "I don't think that even Belfi ever saw them. They like to watch and usually don't interfere, unless you call upon them."
"I will have to learn to pray to Water," he mused. "I was mostly an atheist up to now. I never believed in any of the gods that others worshiped."
"Me neither." She chuckled. "Most gods and goddesses worshiped by Humans don't exist. And if they do, they might be Fajrulo in disguise. And I'm not worshiping a dragon, that's for sure!"
Hinrik smiled. "And have you ever seen a Fajrulo in his or her true form?"
"Not yet. I doubt Keneith or Raykim have either. And they were sired by a Fajrulo..."
***
Bellinda liked talking to Hinrik. He was still quite shy and didn't speak much, but when prodded, he did talk. Much like her. Too many things in common. And she often thought the woman who would get to his heart was darn lucky.
He asked if she'd met winged children of Air – she did, she even had a couple of Sila friends. She mentioned Winged Elsa and Winged Monia, her best Genn friend Goldmoon – without saying that Goldmoon's brother, Silversun, had been her first boyfriend – and then Wioleta, the Waiora who lived in the river that ran near Havenstock.
And then louder splashes came from the river and two Waiora joined them on the shore, under the stars.
"Since you're talking about us, we thought we might as well show ourselves," they said.
"I'm Emewor and this is Werika," the male said. "We know Wioleta, Woram and Dynine, even though we never really met them."
Quests Volume One Page 11