by Jo Fontana
"I'll go hunt us up something to cook,” Emory offered once they finished setting up camp.
Reyden flopped to the ground with a groan; the ride had obviously hurt him. He let Deverick tend to Bubbles. Reyden watched Deverick tie Bubbles to the tree.
"I think one more evening of just resting and then a good night’s sleep should help you. Get yourself comfortable and I'll start the fire,” Deverick told him.
Reyden got up and sat at the perimeter of camp. “I can take a watch tonight. No use in pampering me.”
"This isn’t pampering you; it's making sure you fully heal. Trust me, this won't be happening the entire trek," Deverick stated with finality.
"That's for sure; you get clean-up duty tomorrow night!” Illithor teased.
“I can do it tonight,” Reyden replied stubbornly.
Illithor walked over to Reyden and gave his rib a light poke. Reyden jumped, pushed the elf, and then yelled at Illithor to stop poking him.
Deverick dragged Reyden back by the fire. "Tomorrow the pain will be less. Just one more night."
Reyden glared at him. “If you say so, Father.”
Deverick shook his head and sat down in front of the fire. Reyden was glad that the other two finally let him be. He was quiet as he waited for Emory to return. Reyden felt there was no reason to be overly friendly with the others since he was doing his best to make this a short-lived alliance. He was impressed when Emory returned less than a quarter of an hour later dragging a boar into camp.
"Who's up for some roast boar today?"
"I want the ribs!" Reyden called out rudely.
Illithor laughed. “Well that’s appropriate.”
“Very amusing, elfling,” Reyden ribbed Illithor.
Illithor shot Reyden a dirty look. “I am not an elfling; that would be what we call the children in our village.”
Reyden pulled a face at the elf.
"Time to start roasting the boar," Deverick sung merrily as he tended the fire and ignored the bickering.
Reyden noticed that Emory seemed overly smug as he was preparing the boar for cooking. He wasn’t sure Emory had reason to be, because he didn’t think they’d have any leftovers because Deverick’s stomach had already been growling for the last hour or so. As the boar was roasting, Reyden handed over some of his seasoning herbs, and then fell asleep. Half an hour later, Reyden woke to hear the others debating whether to wake him for dinner. He opened an eye and proclaimed, "It's about time—I’m hungry. Feed me!"
Emory handed a plate of ribs to Reyden who started eating almost as fast as Deverick. They ate in silence and when they were finished, Illithor cleaned up. Reyden decided not to protest and promptly fell asleep.
In the middle of the night, Reyden felt someone nudging him and he jerked awake. Reyden was moments from verbally eviscerating Illithor for disturbing him, but before he could do so, Illithor whispered harshly, "Something’s out there!"
Reyden felt murderous as he pulled out an egg but stayed seated. He scanned the perimeter to see if he could make out what was there. He sensed someone watching them though he didn’t see anything. Suddenly a twig snapped, this time closer to camp. Still, nothing seemed to be amiss. Reyden sent a small orb of light towards the direction in which they had heard the snapping twig, but they still didn’t see anything. A moment later, Deverick let out a blood-curdling scream.
"What is it?" Reyden called out.
"All my bread is gone!" Deverick shrieked with horror.
At Deverick’s revelation, it looked like Illithor was stifling a laugh, Emory sighed, and it took all of Reyden’s willpower not to toss an egg at Deverick’s head. Before he was able to reprimand Deverick, Reyden heard a scratching on the bark of a nearby tree. He turned toward the sound and noticed a squirrel-like creature frozen halfway up a tree right behind him. The critter had human-like features and the look on its face was one of surprise. It dropped several loaves of bread as Reyden bellowed.
"Give him back his bread!"
"No! Finders Keepers!” the critter argued. It then jumped to the ground and grabbed the bread.
Reyden was shocked speechless for a moment.
Deverick cautiously approached the animal. "If you return the bread, I promise to share some with you.”
The critter seemed to consider it and warily asked, "Do you promise not to hurt me?"
“You have my word as a forester," Deverick stated as he held his right hand up in an oath.
"What about the others?"
"We won't hurt you either," Reyden replied.
"Of course not,” Illithor agreed.
"None of us will harm you,” Emory promised.
The creature slowly approached Deverick, and then dropped the bread in front of him. Deverick squatted down, then ripped off a chunk of the bread, and held it out.
“I have some fruit too if you’d like,” Deverick offered.
The critter snatched up the bread. "Thank you! Not many people speak the truth to us. Yes, please, I would like some fruit too.”
Deverick gave the Squasc some yellow berries, an apple, and a peach in addition to the bread.
"Here you are little guy. So, do you have a name? My name is Deverick, and this is Illithor, Reyden, and Emory," he pointed to his companions as he named them.
"My name is hard for your kind to say. I am called Trouble, but I have no idea why,” it told Deverick.
"I would imagine the reason for that is you get yourself into trouble, or cause trouble on occasion?"
It looked confused and Reyden stifled a snort.
"Do you tend to be a bit mischievous?" Illithor asked.
"Maybe. It always has to do with food. I guess your kind is always hungry, because they never want to share it with me," Trouble reasoned.
“I don’t mind sharing my food. I have an idea. If you want to stick around with me for a while you can, and I'll make sure you get something to eat when we do. Then when we leave the forest you can stay, or you can come with us—your choice.”
"I'll think about it. I'm going to take a nap now," Trouble announced as he scampered up the tree and lay on a tree branch.
“Do you know what that thing was?” Reyden asked Deverick.
“I do. Squasc’s are scavengers. Not dangerous, more of an annoyance really. Not all of them can talk though. Trouble must be extremely intelligent for his kind.”
“I’ll say. He was able to talk you out of some food even after getting caught,” Reyden muttered as he rolled over, kicked off his shoes, and closed his eyes.
He heard a collective groan, a giggle, and a tiny voice cried out, “Pee Yew!”
In the morning, Reyden noticed that Trouble had disappeared. Illithor called out to him, but didn’t receive an answer. While the others milled around, Reyden decided to make breakfast so he reheated some of the boar meat for everyone.
Reyden called to Deverick, "If you come across some eggs, that wouldn't be a bad thing. I’m running a bit low."
"I'll keep my eyes out."
"Good. You don't want to be short a magic worker over something so stupid."
“Will any kind do?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Good. I should be able to gather some as we travel,” Deverick said as he began packing up.
Travel had become easier since Reyden let Deverick handle the horse. Reyden was content to sit back for the journey. As they traveled further through the grove, a sense of serenity surrounded Reyden. Deverick collected stray eggs for Reyden here and there along the way, slowing their progression somewhat, grinning goofily as he added eggs to his basket. It was hard for Reyden not to look pleased, but he kept his features neutral.
The peacefulness of the grove seemed to have relaxed Reyden. He noticed the others were relaxed too and was grateful for the silence. Reyden kept his eyes open for danger and secretly hoped to see Trouble again. He watched for signs of the strange little animal, but he was unable to find a trace of him. Reyden even went looking for T
rouble when they stopped for camp and walked far enough away from the others so that they couldn’t hear when he called out, but Trouble didn’t reply. Reyden slept poorly that night because he secretly wanted Trouble to travel with them.
The last day through the grove, Deverick slowed Bubbles and let the others catch up with them. "We’re almost out of the grove. The plains begin just over the hills from here. With any luck, we can avoid the tribes all together.”
"That would be best," Emory agreed. "Unless someone knows a member of one of the tribes?”
"I met a few once, but I try not to overstay my welcome when I do travel through the plains," Deverick replied.
“Knowing some of them will be a handy thing if we need it,” Illithor admitted.
“Let’s hope we don’t,” Reyden muttered sourly from behind Deverick.
Just before they left the safety of the trees, Deverick stopped them again. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention, there are places on the outskirts of the plains that we can travel in order to avoid running into many travelers. We’ll take the path north all the way through Tolosa and beyond. We just have to do our best to avoid the wild dogs and the jumping cacti.”
"Jumping cacti? Why do I have a feeling that could get painful?” Illithor sighed.
“It could be. If you get too close, the little sprouts of the cacti shake loose and can land up to ten feet away. Their spines are curved so once they’re in your skin, you can’t pull them out—you have to cut them out,” Deverick told the group nonchalantly.
Reyden looked uneasy after this tidbit of information and Illithor voiced Reyden’s apprehension.
“Fabulous.”
CHAPTER THREE
As soon as they were out of the grove, Reyden became more agitated. The seemingly endless field that stretched out before them was not what he considered plains. He poked Deverick in the back. “I thought we were going to enter the plains today!”
Deverick turned and scowled at Reyden. “We’re just barely outside of the grove. Anyway, we’re skirting around the plains. We’ll stop in Tolosa for supplies and to see if your friend Rafe has passed through there.”
“Is it possible he went straight through?” Reyden asked.
“He may have, but I think he would’ve stopped in Tolosa for supplies at least. When we reach town, we can poke around and try to find out,” Deverick reasoned.
“Then that’s the plan,” Illithor said then looked at Reyden and asked, “Agreed?”
“Fine,” Reyden replied impatiently. “Let’s go.”
After several hours of travel from the grove, the trees had long vanished and the rolling hills went on for as far as Reyden could see. There were long grasses that bent from the brisk winds that blew almost constantly and spots where the grasses grew so tall, that they hid the travelers, sometimes with the exception of Emory. Just before Reyden considered suggesting they stop for mid meal, a small town appeared on the horizon.
“Is that it?” Emory wondered aloud.
“No. That’s the other town he was telling us about,” snarked Reyden.
“Yup; not much to look at. This town has about two trees in it,” Deverick said, ignoring Reyden’s sarcasm. “Those’ll be the last trees we’ll see until we get to the Emerald River.”
"Feast your eyes elf," Reyden turned to Illithor and announced mockingly when he saw the two trees that Deverick mentioned. "This is the last time you’ll be seeing trees for a while."
Illithor appeared unfazed. “As long as I have my books, I’ll be fine, but thank you for your concern, Reyden.”
Reyden was peeved that he didn’t get a rise out of the elf. He’d have to try harder next time.
Reyden huffed when he saw the town’s only tavern. “The Muddy Mug! I don’t suppose we could escape mud butt if we ate there?”
Deverick answered, "From what I hear it's not as bad as it sounds. Let's go find out.”
Reyden frowned. “I’ll wipe myself with your bedding if you’re wrong," he threatened.
"It's the only place that serves food so we really don't have much of a choice," Emory mentioned evenly.
Illithor sighed. "You’d think someone would give them a little competition."
“Look around you, there’s not enough people to create competition,” Reyden snorted.
"Would you live here if you had a choice?" Emory asked.
Reyden shook his head with disgust. "You couldn't pay me to—they don't even have running water!"
“You’re the magic worker, just create it,” Deverick taunted Reyden.
Reyden snarled and was about to retort when someone coughed behind them. Reyden turned and saw an elderly couple patiently standing behind them. The old woman was looking expectantly at them.
“My old bones need to sit after the walk over here.”
Emory bowed and stepped aside. The others moved out of the way while the couple shuffled through the door. When the door opened, they heard a flute trilling in the background.
Illithor pushed open the door and announced, “I’m thirsty so I am willing to see what their wine is like.”
“I’m hungry. I’m going to take my chances on something to eat,” Deverick said as he followed Illithor inside.
Emory glanced at Reyden. “And you?”
Reyden grunted, pushed past Emory, and entered the tavern just in time to hear Deverick’s stomach rumbling loudly. The furnishings were just as disappointing as the outside of the building; the tables were scattered, dented, and scratched. The chairs appeared rickety and Reyden doubted that they would be able to hold his weight, let alone Emory’s. He headed directly to a table where he could sit with his back to the wall and keep an eye on the entrance. Emory eased himself onto a chair next to Reyden, noticeably unsure of their stability as well. The chair creaked in protest of its burden, but stayed intact. Deverick and Illithor sat once they saw that the chair wasn’t going to collapse under Emory. A barmaid hurriedly approached to take their orders. Reyden ordered boiled eggs, bread, and beer.
“I’ll take a head cold with a side order of clogged sinuses,” quipped Deverick after he heard Reyden order.
Reyden gave him a nasty look as the others sniggered until Deverick gave his order. He had ordered so much food, the rest of his companions gaped at him.
“He’ll be paying for his own food,” Reyden snapped.
“Obviously,” Deverick sniffed with slight irritation.
Reyden reached into his pocket, and then sighed, looking completely disappointed as he realized he left all but one egg out on the horse.
Deverick glared at Reyden with suspicion. “What did you just do?”
“Nothing, unfortunately. I’m not wasting the only egg I have with me to torture you.”
Illithor looked amused. “Do not despair. I’m sure you’ll be tormenting him soon enough.”
"It's amazing how the idea of our suffering makes him so happy," Emory noted.
"I think it’s his way of connecting with us. Right Egghead?" Deverick taunted.
Emory was attempting not to laugh as Illithor choked on his wine. Reyden cackled and his mood improved at the thought.
“I’ll take that as a yes,” Deverick assumed.
Reyden knew they didn't grasp that he refused to waste much effort on them at all unless it involved getting rid of the bunch of them. Finding sincere friends was harder than Reyden originally believed it would be. His thoughts strayed to Master Levik again. If only he had stayed on longer, but Reyden had decided to leave the safety of the library and experience the world. He deeply regretted that decision now.
Reyden focused his attention on the musician. He was an interesting looking elven kid with shocking red hair and warm brown eyes. He wore the gaudiest outfit Reyden had ever seen. He donned a bright green shirt, blue pants, brown boots and a yellow hat with a purple feather fastened to one side. The old woman, whom they had encountered earlier, requested a song while handing him a few dumars.
Illithor followed Reyden’s g
aze. “Now that is an elfling, Reyden,” he explained.
Reyden paused, and internally debated whether to get involved. He really didn’t want another person tagging along, but the kid looked so lost that his conscience wouldn’t let him look the other way. He had to intervene. “For fates sake!” Reyden declared. “He looks too young to be alone. He can’t even dress himself! If I stare at the hat long enough, I’ll go blind.”
“I wonder what he’s doing out here by himself?” Illithor mused.
Reyden shrugged. “I don’t know, but we should take him with us.”
“He might not want to come and if he says no, we can’t bully him into it,” Deverick pointed out.
"No, but we might be able to trick him into joining us if we ask," Reyden told the others.
"True, we can always say it would be nice to have music as we travel,” Illithor suggested.
"He looks young enough, he’ll probably believe that," Emory added.
"Or we can always promise to feed him like we did this one over here," Reyden stated, pointing at Deverick.
“Hey! At least I can provide most of my own food,” Deverick sniffed.
"That's all well and good because you're a bottomless pit. Tell me, do you happen to have a hollow leg?" Reyden inquired sarcastically as he tapped his leg.
Reyden suddenly noticed the quiet that engulfed the tavern. The kid had stopped playing and made eye contact with him before clearing his throat. "Do you mind? Some people actually want to hear me play!”
“Our apologies, these two enjoy bickering,” Illithor pacified the elfling, who nodded, and then resumed playing.
Deverick turned on Reyden. "See what you did Reyden? You got us in trouble."
Reyden took out a few dumars and placed them on the table. “Calm down. I’ll pay him to play a song.”
"You're as much to blame bottomless pit," Emory pointed out. "I believe Reyden has that right. You eat more than I do and I'm twice your size—perhaps more."
Reyden grinned almost self-righteously after Emory mentioned Deverick’s eating habits.
