They found other camps, but it was mostly a lonely journey. At some point even the border patrols stopped. Babita said that the Blackmore Kingdom hadn't reached the Ondan yet on that stretch of river, hence there was less control. On the other shore was the no-man's land with bandits and outlaws they had passed on their way to Konigtown.
"Let's hope we don't get attacked again," Rohan commented. "Although there's four of us now... and I think we can defend ourselves pretty well!"
Babita consulted with Luca then said there weren't supposed to be big bands of outlaws this far from any civilized town. Besides, the Varians thought Appleyard forest was haunted. Whether it was the Genn's souls or real Genn hiding in the deep green was anyone's guess.
"We won't meet many people from now on," she warned. "Which is both good and bad. If something happens to us, nobody will know."
"Unless our Waiora friends report to our relatives," Keshav said. "But I think they're keeping an eye on us from the depths of the river..."
***
Two months after leaving his father's palace, Rohan felt reborn. New people, new faces, new language, but still someone familiar to talk to. Babita and Keshav treated him like a younger brother and he didn't mind. Not too much. He still wished he could get more from Keshav, but the scholar knew how to keep him at arm's length.
And then there was Luca. A few months younger than him, but obviously as happy as he was to be away from his family. Babita said Luca had a domineering father, thus Rohan felt an affinity with him even though he couldn't really communicate with him.
He thought Luca was cute, but probably not interested in him more than Keshav was. Rohan still hoped to find someone at the Amrendran court if Keshav proved too difficult to get, at least they'd speak the same language.
The landscapes of the northern lands weren't much different from Gajendra and he wondered if he should continue his trip to the south and visit the other southern kingdoms as well. Wanderlust was a powerful drug and he was now addicted to it!
And with the help of his traveling companions and Luca's eagerness to communicate, he was getting the hang of the northern language at last. After almost two months of hearing it, he could even tell that the western dialect was slightly different from the eastern one. But some words were the same, whether they came from Bran's or Luca's mouth.
Rohan was sure his great adventure would end well now. Hopefully the blond barbarians wouldn't attack them again and force him to use his sword, but if they did, he'd defend his traveling companions to the death if necessary.
He'd grown so fond of them he hoped they'd be together forever, the four of them, wandering throughout the continent, searching, exploring... Definitely much better than getting married to someone chosen by his father and being stuck in a golden cage to breed!
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
About a week into their journey from Moriana, they found the ruins of what must have been a wonderful town in the middle of the forest. The non-existent road seemed to end against a broken wall and going around it they went further inside the forest and found the clearing and the ruins.
Most buildings were crumbled and very few still had a roof. A couple of towers were still standing, but were broken, as if they'd lost a floor or two and the original roof. Ivy climbed the ruined walls and a wall facing the south even had grapevines on it, although it didn't look like anyone was using those grapes.
"Well, I guess we found Sunlight," Babita said as they camped among the broken walls. There were traces of other fires, as if other people had used the ruins as a base a long time ago. "What do the books say about it?"
Keshav took his notes and read by the light of their camp fire, since night had fallen on their discovery.
"The Magical Races had kingdoms before the Humans destroyed them. Not the Sila, who don't build anything permanent, but the Genn had kingdoms and capitals: Sunlight, the marble-and-crystal forest town, and Waterlock, the obsidian-and-granite lake-shore capital in a valley up north. Then there was Duckworth on another lake-shore in the east, shared with the Waiora."
"It doesn't say what Duckworth looked like?" Rohan asked.
"No, not in the manuscripts that I checked. But Sunlight was the jewel of Appleyard with its palace of marble and crystal and turrets with coned roofs. It was built at the heart of the forest on a hill and its towers were higher that the highest tree... centuries ago. The forest gave way to leave room for the white buildings that shone in the sun. No Human ever laid eyes on Sunlight – until they conquered and destroyed it."
"And they did a thorough job at that," Rohan muttered, looking around.
"A century ago some people hid here," Luca said, lying on his elbows by the fire. "They were mercenaries between Salamar and Moriana, but I think they hid here when they weren't working. You can tell from the remnants of camps we found around here."
"Which means the Genn villages can't be too far, right?" Keshav said, putting away his notebook. "We're bound to find at least one soon."
"There is no road left," Babita said. "We could easily get lost in the forest. We should stick to the Ondan, and then head further west when the forest ends."
"I think there's an opening somewhere." Luca sat and offered his hand to Keshav. "Can I see your map?"
Keshav gave it to him. He had no trouble understanding Luca, since Varian was even more similar to Gallian than Blackmoren, but speaking it was another matter. Luca studied it for a moment, then pointed.
"Yes, I think here we can head west. There should be an inn, the Fighting Star Tavern. And a small town over here." He pointed at another river.
Keshav sighed and folded the map. He'd really been hoping to find something worthy in the ruins. But obviously whatever had been here had been taken away. Who knew where the Genn dwelt now. He'd never find out anything more about them...
"We can look around some more tomorrow," Babita said, lying down. "Get some sleep, Keshav, we're in no hurry to leave, are we?"
"No." Keshav looked around in the darkness. The moon rays shed a faint light on the white walls. He doubted tomorrow they'd find anything new. "Good night."
He lay down on his blanket, using his travel bag as pillow. The stars glittered in the sky, blinking as if to tease him for his useless search.
There must be more than ruins left! Gods, help me to find the Genn!
***
One of the towers of Sunlight was still standing among the ruins. Its white height didn't reach the top of the trees, but it was tall enough to make the forest sounds feel far away, probably also because of the strong wind.
Keshav and Rohan had climbed to the top while Babita and Luca searched other crumbling buildings. As they moved around the battlements, Keshav discovered he had vertigo and couldn't get too close to the uneven border of the tower. At some points the wall had completely crumbled, so he had a fair view of what lay beyond without going close, in other places it was still tall enough to make him feel safe, but some points made him turn away and ask Rohan to tell him what he saw.
In spite of being overgrown with vegetation, the layout of the city was still visible from high up. Keshav sat on the floor of the tower and pulled out his notebook, trying to jot down a map. Rohan helped him fill the gaps of what he couldn't see and he came up with a star-shaped map of a town that had now vanished. He wondered if there was a specific reason for the shape, but he knew nothing of the Genn religion.
"I think they worship the Immortals," Rohan said, thoughtful, sitting next to him after being his eyes from above.
"Oh, makes sense." Keshav pondered, remembering Aagney's description of the Magical Races. "Do you think Ether might have the shape of a star? A five-pointed star or two triangles overlapping?"
"I don't think Ether has anything to do with stars, but you're the scholar." Rohan shrugged.
"You're right. And I don't think stars have points either, it's just our representation of them."
"They look like lights in the sky, smaller than the moon... do
you think they're like the moon?"
"I don't know." Keshav sighed. "I wonder if the Genn or the Fajrulo know."
He closed the notebook and put it away with the pencil in his belt-purse. Time to move on, there wasn't much else they could find among the ruins.
"Let's go back downstairs," he said, getting back on his feet and heading for the spiral staircase that had taken them up.
Rohan hesitated, then rushed after him.
"Keshav!" He grabbed his wrist and stopped him. "Are you very disappointed that we found nothing?" he asked, frowning in worry.
"I am disappointed, but I don't think we found nothing," Keshav replied, looking around and inhaling the forest scents. "Traveling is always enriching, especially to places you've never been before."
"I agree. I hope to learn this impossible language soon. And to keep traveling for years. But would you take me with you?"
"I don't think I'll be allowed to travel for much longer," Keshav said wistfully.
"Then we better take the most out of this trip, right?" Rohan smiled.
Keshav nodded, a little puzzled. He couldn't figure out where this was heading, but then Rohan took his head and pulled him closer to kiss him on the lips.
Keshav stiffened. It wasn't his first kiss, but at the same time he wasn't used to being intimate with anyone, man or woman. Even his family was quite "cold" in that department.
Rohan's lips tasted his, then the prince pulled away, serious now. He probably had felt his resistance.
Neither seemed to know what to say. Rohan broke eye-contact first and turned towards the staircase, noticing Luca standing there with a look of curiosity on his face. Blushing, the prince ran down the stairs, passing by Luca who followed him with his stare before looking at Keshav again.
"He likes men?" Luca asked. He didn't sound upset.
Keshav nodded, still breathless.
"Oh. And you?"
"No. I don't know," he muttered, averting his eyes. "Let's go."
He headed for the staircase and noticed Luca was smiling.
Good. You take care of Rohan and leave me alone!
***
Babita saw Rohan emerge from the tower alone and frowning.
"Where's Keshav? And Luca?"
"Up there," Rohan muttered without looking at her and heading for the camp.
"Wait." She grabbed his arm. "Are you all right?"
"Yeah." He shook his arm free. "You try and get him!"
"What? Who?"
"Keshav."
"Oh. I don't think he's interested. In anyone."
Rohan grunted and resumed walking while Keshav and Luca emerged from the tower. She raised her eyebrows at Keshav who shrugged.
"There's nothing here, time to pack and continue," he said, avoiding her stare.
"Fine." She put her hands on her hips and watched him head for the camp after Rohan. Luca stopped next to her.
"Rohan has a crush on Keshav?" he asked.
"Apparently... did you see what happened?"
Luca smiled. "Rohan kissed Keshav, then ran away. Obviously not the expected reaction from your scholar friend... Why didn't you tell me Rohan likes men?"
She glared at Luca.
"We didn't really discuss such private matters before," she said. "Why? Is that the reason why you're not married and looked forward to getting away from your father's clutches?"
Luca chuckled. "Sort of. I actually like sex in all its forms and enjoy the company of both men and women, hence I see no reason to be faithful to just one," he replied with an impish smile.
Babita rolled her eyes. "Great," she muttered. "Let's pack, Luca. Would you like me to let Rohan know of your peculiar tastes?"
"I'd be grateful," Luca said with a half bow that was more mocking than thankful. "And I want to learn your language, so I can talk to him. He seems a most interesting person!"
Babita shook her head and sighed. But then, maybe Luca and Rohan were meant for each other.
They joined Rohan and Keshav and finished packing. The sun was still high and Luca had found a path that headed west from one of the outer buildings.
"We should get back on track and find the Fighting Star soon," he said. "We can relax a couple of nights there and then resume our exploration of the forest. I find it fascinating, don't you?"
And he glanced at Rohan, waiting for Babita to translate for the prince.
"Yes, we might as well go back to Amrendra this way," Keshav said. "We're too far into our trip to go back the other way. I'm sure we'll find a way to Amrendra even through the thickest forest."
Babita nodded, thoughtful. She was used to traveling with a majority of men and none of her traveling companions was really interfering with her life, so why not. Some nights she missed Advik. He would have loved the adventure. But if he were still alive, they probably wouldn't change their routine to go on an adventure.
Some nights she wondered if she wasn't better off on her own. If she could keep going even without male companions. But she doubted people would trade with a single woman. Eventually she'd have to remarry or settle somewhere with someone.
Maybe Keshav had a brother. Or maybe he'd open up to a relationship eventually. The dreamy scholar seemed to be living in another world, but maybe eventually he'd come back to the real world. Or maybe she'd meet someone else.
In the meantime she grabbed her travel bag and followed her companions on the path through the forest.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
They reached the Fighting Star Tavern ten days after leaving Moriana. It was large, grungy but tolerable, built at a crossroad where the forest became less thick. It had stables on one side and baths on the other side, in a low building near a stream, divided into two rooms, a bigger one for men and a smaller one for women.
Food and drinks were expensive, but room pricing was fair and almost all rooms were vacant. They had both small and medium rooms, so Keshav and Babita took a small room each, while Luca and Rohan decided to share a medium one.
Before the evening meal, they all took advantage of the baths. Tomorrow they'd wash their clothes, but for now they just washed their bodies and hair, and the men shaved in the common pool, wearing the southern clothes in the case of Rohan, Keshav and Babita, and spare clothes for Luca who stared admiringly at Rohan's "princely" looks.
The food quality was poor, but the variety was above average. Rohan and Luca shared a joint of roast-beef with baked potatoes, while Babita and Keshav had trout with cabbage cut in small slices and raisins with a sauce that contained oil, vinegar and something else they couldn't identify.
The main room was very crowded by now and it was impossible to talk. It was a dangerous-looking crowd, but only a quarter of the dark corners were occupied and almost none of the patrons were armed. The danger could come from drunk people making trouble, like the minor brawl that erupted near the main door.
Both Rohan and Luca observed the very tall adventurer whom the bartender was clearly afraid of until Keshav asked them what they found so interesting about him, at which they realized they'd been staring at the same person.
Rohan blushed – the adventurer wasn't particularly handsome – and Luca shrugged.
"I think I know him from Moriana, but he probably doesn't remember me, so..."
"Maybe Rohan would like to be introduced to him?" Babita suggested, amused.
"No, no!" Rohan shook his head. "I was just curious because the innkeeper seems to be afraid of him, so I was wondering if it's just because he looks mean or because he has done something specific to be kept at arm's length."
"When he came to drink at the Wandering Skull he often boasted of his adventures. He's a treasure hunter..." Luca stopped to ponder and turned to look at Keshav. "Do you want me to ask him if he knows anything of Genn towns?"
"If you think he has any information, why not?" Keshav answered with a shrug.
Luca finished his roast-beef and excused himself. He went to talk to the tall man, but soon came back shaking his
head.
"We all know the Genn are long gone," he said, sitting down again. "The last one was probably seen in Havenstock half a century or so ago. We might find his descendants, but I'm not sure you want to go through Havenstock at this point."
Keshav pulled out his map and looked at it. Luca pointed at Havenstock and Keshav sighed. It might be interesting to visit the Varian capital, but it wasn't really on their way. And in spite of Luca's presence, they could still get in trouble with the locals.
"I guess we'll have to keep going through the forest," he muttered, staring at the map. "Hopefully the Waiora will show themselves when we reach the next river and point us the right way..."
"This road does lead to that river," Luca said. "And then we can either cross it, although I'm not sure where the ferry is, or just keep going towards Havenstock until we find a way to pass it."
"Sounds like a plan." Keshav folded the map. "I guess I'll go to my room now."
The other three agreed that the main room was too noisy. They went upstairs and waved each other good night. Keshav sat on his cot for a couple of hours, taking notes, comparing maps and pondering the next move.
***
The next morning he was the first to go downstairs, as usual. Soon Babita joined him, but there was no trace of the two younger men. Rohan and Luca didn't show up until lunch time. By then Keshav and Babita had washed their clothes and made plans for the rest of the journey without them.
Rohan looked slightly flushed as he sat next to Luca who declared himself to be famished.
"Didn't you oversleep again, your highness?" Keshav asked, amused.
"Who says we slept until now?" Rohan retorted.
Keshav smiled. "I'm glad to hear that you found ways to entertain yourself," he said. "I think last time was when we reached that inn on the Blackmore Kingdom's border."
The amber eyes glared at him.
"Glad you're on non-verbal communication," Babita said. "I'd be embarrassed to be an interpreter for you."
"You could help us learn each other's language," Rohan replied.
"And who is going to wash your clothes?" she retorted.
Rohan groaned, remembering that part. He was probably tired of doing everything himself, but he didn't bring any servant on the trip to do the work for him.
Quests Volume Two Page 22
