The Quest (The Hidden Realm Book 5)
Page 40
“May their troubles be at an end at last,” thought Ascilius to himself, “for they are dear to me, like the younger brother and sister that I never had.”
Elerian opened his gray eyes then, causing Ascilius to harrumph loudly and cover his mouth with his right hand as if he had suddenly gotten something caught in his throat.
“Time to get up you laggards,” he said gruffly as Anthea, too, woke up and cast a fond look his way with her deep blue eyes. Stamping about and shouting a bit louder than was necessary, Ascilius roused the rest of the company while Elerian and Anthea prepared a last warm breakfast for their companions. Then, taking up their packs, Elerian and his companions left the valley, carrying with them the great store of majum, chestnuts, dried venison, and raisins that Ascilius had prepared with his magical arts while Elerian and Forian explored the valley.
When they emerged from the passageway out into the clearing before the cliff, Elerian covered them all with an illusion spell. Hopeful that the passage of a few more weeks would bring them in sight of the western sea where they could begin their journey home, he and his companions set out under a blue sky and bright sun for the pass over the Murus.