by Jo Fontana
"Improve? More like irritate the other peoples of this world," Reyden snapped.
"Not everyone is so easily irritated—some actually enjoyed our influences."
"You know, Reyden, we’re not that different. Our ears are a little bit pointier and we can see better in the dark, but that’s because our ancestors lived in the dense forests for so long. We have the advantage of hearing and spotting predators sooner. I figured that’s why you wanted us to come with you,” Omaric stated in a way that made the others stop and stare at him.
Reyden looked puzzled for a moment at Omaric’s change in demeanor. It was almost as if he was talking to another person. "If I didn’t know any better, I’d think that Illithor is rubbing off on you. There are exceptions to every rule kid, and you're one of them."
“I like all kinds of people," Omaric answered. "If everyone was the same it would be boring.”
"That's a great way to think kid," agreed Morgan.
Reyden rolled his eyes at Morgan then asked Deverick, "How long until we reach the other side of the pass?"
"We should be there by midday," he answered.
“Good.”
"And how far to the city once we get through the pass?" Emory asked.
"We can expect to be there by nightfall," Gil replied.
"We might actually get to sleep in a bed tonight then," Morgan replied wistfully.
“As long as we get there before full dark. The city gates close at night. We may have to camp outside the city if we don’t arrive in time,” Gil said.
Illithor and Morgan groaned. Reyden smirked because he knew those two preferred their comforts so he deliberately lagged behind.
CHAPTER EIGHT
The forest outside Nava Asari was very thick and dense. Reyden stopped lagging once they entered the forest. He had trouble seeing in front of him as dusk approached; it reminded him of certain parts of the grove. He was grateful to be following Gil and grateful that the elves had heightened senses. Reyden was relieved when they reached the city gates just before sunset.
Once inside the city, Gil recommended The Wayward Wanderer Inn, as he’d stayed there before. The inn was a large, well-kept building that Reyden immediately liked. They waited at a table by the bar until Gil returned shortly after, boasting that he’d gotten them four rooms at a steep discount.
“Now that that’s settled, I’m turning in. Don’t wake me!” Reyden commanded, pointing to Omaric before leaving them to their own devices. The others had tried to cajole Reyden into eating something, but he wouldn’t hear of it. He was too bone tired and weary to want to eat or be around anyone.
Reyden was in a better mood during breakfast the next morning, especially when Glynn told the others that he was going to nose around and see if he could learn anything about Rafe. Reyden agreed and suggested they all meet back at the inn around lunchtime. Reyden watched with interest as Glynn held the door for a couple of women entering. He then bowed to them, and greeted them with a warm smile.
Reyden thought Glynn was a buffoon and doubted much would come of his nosing around. He had planned to wander off on his own so he wouldn’t have to fight his outward expressions of wonder towards the elven city.
Reyden was in awe as he entered the heart of the elven city. Nava Asari was the most beautiful city he had ever seen. There was so much greenery. Trees lined every cobblestoned street. Flowers and vines covered the shops and houses. Impromptu gardens filled most available spaces. Fruit trees were flowering, promising an abundant harvest. One could walk along the streets and pick a snack anytime the trees bared fruit. This was a place where no one went hungry. This was a place where nothing bad ever happened. Reyden stood facing a random garden and wept for the life that he could have had.
Once he regained his composure, Reyden strolled around the main market place for a while before sitting under a tree where he watched citizens going about their daily routines. Reyden was envious of them. He took his time returning to the inn. He desperately didn’t want to leave, but he had no choice.
Reyden was surprised to see that Glynn was back at the inn before him. Glynn waved Reyden over. "I hope we’ll be ready to leave when the rest of us get here. I found out that Rafe’s traveling the outskirts of the city, which means we may be able to catch him in the forest if we leave right away.”
"It's a good thing I had the foresight to pick up supplies and some eggs for Reyden," Illithor announced as he and Emory walked up to them.
“Everyone should be here soon,” Emory assured Glynn.
When the last of them arrived, Reyden stood up. "Time to go. We might be able to catch up to Rafe in the forest."
They were out the door and on their horses quickly. Reyden anxiously led the group. They met no resistance as they raced through the city to the eastern gates.
"You need to head more Southeast," Gil shouted to Reyden.
Reyden fell in behind Gil. "You lead the way."
"Yes boss," Gil responded sarcastically.
Reyden grinned.
There was no sign of other travelers as they rode at breakneck speeds through the forest. Reyden was actually lagging again, this time not on purpose, and called out for the others to stop.
Glynn jumped off Emory’s horse and approached Reyden. "I thought for sure we could catch up to them. He supposedly hadn't left much sooner than we did."
Reyden, who was about to verbally bludgeon Glynn, stopped abruptly and made a gesture for everyone to quiet, “Who’s crying?” he snapped.
Deverick looked puzzled a moment. "It sounds like giant turtle babies. Let me take a look.”
Deverick scurried up a tree and looked around. He came back a few minutes later with a murderous look on his face.
"Well?" Reyden demanded.
"It's an illegal turtle ring. They're stealing baby turtles, most likely raise and sell for the underground races," Deverick snarled. "I counted eight grown turtles, multiple babies, and at least twelve men.”
"I see," Reyden whispered as he gathered his basket of eggs.
Reyden stealthily proceeded to the area where the other men had the turtles. Deverick was right on his heels and the others followed behind them. Reyden watched the poachers for a minute so he could determine who was in charge. Deverick pointed out to him the two he believed to be running the ring. Reyden nodded then took out two eggs. His eyes darkened as he held the eggs out in front of him, one in each hand and he began to tremble as the eggs crumbled. The two men instantaneously disappeared. He ignored the rest of the offenders as he approached the area where the men had been and picked up the two eggs that were lying on the ground.
“Do I use them for spells or do I hatch them?” he asked his companions loudly.
“Interesting question,” Illithor replied.
"Spells," answered an angry Deverick. "Something painful would be perfect."
The other criminals, seeing what had happened to their bosses, attempted to flee. Reyden stood there and watched while his companions captured the rest. Glynn popped out from behind a bush and knocked two of the men out. Deverick closed his eyes appearing to be deep in concentration. An elk rushed past him and charged the remaining eight men, herding them next to the ones that were unconscious. Gil drew his swords making sure they didn’t move. Emory approached the captives.
“In the name of the law, I take you into custody for poaching and to receive judgement in Nava Asari,” Emory proclaimed.
“We don’t have time to take them back,” Reyden growled. He took out several eggs and approached the captives. Suddenly, there were a few more than half a dozen eggs on the ground where the poachers once stood. Reyden pulled out a small, ragged sack, and placed them in it. He handed the sack to Emory who appeared flabbergasted and then turned to the others to repeat his earlier question. “So, do I use these two for spells or do I hatch them? I may want to use them for something," Reyden said as he held the eggs up to more closely inspect them.
"You don't want to sink to their level, Rey
den. You're above that. Let them hatch and deal with what life hands them as whatever they become,” Morgan suggested.
“What would they hatch as?" Gil inquired.
“Turtles. Female ones—and when they have their own hatchlings they can see what it is like to have them stolen away," Deverick sneered bitterly.
"That will be sufficient punishment," added Emory.
“So be it, Postulate,” Reyden replied.
Reyden put the eggs on the ground in front of him. Then he took another two eggs out of his basket, gestured towards the ones on the ground, and they began to hatch. His friends watched with fascination as two tiny turtles chipped their way out of the shells. While the others were watching, Deverick went to free the baby turtles.
“Now I can turn people into eggs,” Reyden announced with an evil grin.
Illithor looked amazed. “Imagine what you will be able to do when we get your proper focus back.”
"I would be able to hatch them as themselves," Reyden proclaimed.
"What would be the fun in that?" asked Omaric.
"That means, Omaric, that if any one of you annoys me, I can turn you into an egg and carry you in my pocket.”
“Oh Glynn, you’re in trouble!” Omaric crowed.
Reyden cackled again. "You never know, Illithor may be the first."
“Just don't put me in a back pocket. I doubt I would survive the first explosion of gas,” Illithor quipped.
The entire group roared with laughter.
When they quieted Reyden sung with mirth, “I’ll reserve the back pocket for Glynn!”
The group laughed again as Glynn frowned.
“He doesn’t mean it,” Morgan whispered to Glynn, Reyden noted with glee that Glynn didn’t look convinced. He may have found a way to keep Glynn in line now and that made him smile.
After Deverick freed the babies, he approached the adult turtles. A short while later, he called the others over. “They’ll help us cross the river.”
Reyden smiled. “It seems you’re useful for something after all.”
Deverick made a rude gesture at Reyden, who laughed.
"We should hurry up and cross so we can make camp soon, dusk’s approaching," Gil noted.
The journey across the river on the turtles was less problematic than Reyden thought it would be. The turtles were able to carry the group and their horses with ease. He noted that they were almost as fast in the water as they were on land. Reyden wondered how it was that these turtles were faster than the turtles of the past. He would ask Deverick about it after they settled.
They set up camp a few miles south of where they landed. Reyden ordered the others to keep an ear out for any approaching travelers, but was sure that they were well behind Rafe now.
They all grumbled and Reyden smiled as he leaned against a fallen tree and closed his eyes until he remembered that he wanted to ask Deverick about the turtles. He got up and sat next to Deverick
“Were the turtles always big?”
“No. They used to be the size of a groundhog. The story goes that after they discovered the mountain pass, the elves desperately needed to trade. They weren’t happy with the slowness of horses so the elven king set up a reward for a faster animal transport. One of the great animal breeders at the time had pet turtles. It’s said that he did the impossible and bred the turtles into what we know today.”
Reyden huffed. “That sounds like a fairy story.”
Illithor slammed the book he was reading shut and looked surprisingly upset. “It is. We don’t know how they came to be, but we do know they’re not magical. Deverick, it’s extremely irresponsible to tell tales that you have no evidence for.”
“Relax Illithor, I was just telling Reyden the story as I heard it. I didn’t say that it was fact.”
Illithor quieted and reopened the book he was reading.
“If they’re not magical, how did he breed them so quickly?” Reyden asked.
“We have no idea. We don’t know what he actually bred them with,” Deverick said.
“Interesting,” Reyden muttered.
Emory interrupted Reyden’s thoughts when he returned from his hunting excursion carrying a couple of wild hens and some eggs. When Reyden realized that Emory found some eggs, he opened his basket and waited.
Emory slid the eggs into his basket. "You're welcome."
“Think of it as my fair due for keeping information from me,” Reyden taunted and put his basket away.
“Well, now you know all I do about Rafe,” Emory said as he gave the hens to Deverick to prepare for dinner.
“Anyone else know anything about Rafe that I should know?” Reyden asked, eyeing Glynn.
"He seems to know ways around places that others don't. That's what makes him so good at what he does," Glynn said.
“Anything else, elf?”
“That’s about it. I’ll find out more when we get to Acridona.”
"You’re sure Nonju is where he would be planning to sell it?" Illithor asked.
"Yes. I can always acquire it from whoever buys it if we don't get the egg before it’s sold," Glynn assured them.
Emory frowned. "I hope it doesn’t come to that.”.
"Just as long as you don't turn me in for it, then all will be well," Glynn needled the Postulate.
"I won’t. However, if I catch you honing your skills where you shouldn't be, you’ll be back in jail.”
Reyden nudged Emory. "If you put him in jail, I’ll just have to bust him out again, Postulate. I. Want. My. Egg."
"As long as I'm not forced to arrest anyone, you won’t have to break anyone out," Emory replied.
Reyden rolled his eyes and sat down next to Illithor.
"Omaric, why don't you play us some music before we turn in?" Illithor asked in an attempt to end the discussion before it turned into another argument.
Omaric pulled out his flute. "Sure."
Reyden didn’t want to hear music so he walked over to pester Deverick. "Aren't you done with dinner yet?"
"If you want raw chicken then yes, or I can finish cooking it so no one gets sick," Deverick replied sarcastically.
Reyden sat down and handed herbs to him. “Fine. Take some herbs so it isn’t bland.”
He sat in silence waiting for dinner to be ready.
While they ate, a rustling noise came from Deverick's pack. A moment later, Trouble popped out. “May I have some dinner too?”
Deverick held out some food to Trouble. "Sure."
Trouble devoured the vegetables Deverick fed him.
“How long were you hiding in there?” Morgan asked.
"Since we were in the elf city," Trouble replied.
"I'm surprised you braved the city," Deverick stated with amazement. "Were you asleep that whole time?"
"It was comfy in there and you left food for me," Trouble admitted sheepishly.
Deverick chuckled. "Feel free to nap in there all you want little friend.”
“I plan on it.” Trouble said as he burrowed back into Deverick’s pack.
Reyden shook his head and muttered, “Bottomless pit, just like Deverick.”
The night passed quietly and in the morning, Reyden badgered his companions into moving quicker so they could reach the next town by evening.
"Reyden, we know what's at stake here," Illithor told him. "You don't need to push, we are hurrying."
"When we finally get Rafe he isn't going to know what hit him," added Glynn.
“Good!”
The others expressed their agreement as they climbed up on their horses. They rode straight through the next day because they sensed Rafe was not far ahead of them. They reached the plains that would lead to Tergaron at dusk.
"There's not a lot of cover out in these fields," Reyden noted with displeasure.
“No, there isn’t. Fortunately, there is a small town a few minutes from here where we can stop," Gil said.
"Thank the fates!" Illithor exclaimed.
"Miss sleepin
g on a real bed do you Illithor?" quipped Deverick.
"I know I do," piped up Morgan.
Tergaron was very small and not much to look at. There were a handful of farms, a blacksmith, a general store, a boarding house, and an unfinished building.
Gil pointed to a large round building in the middle of the town. “Oh look. They’re actually building a communications hub. There must be other magic workers here.”
“Communication hub? I’ll have to look into those once we find my egg,” Reyden replied.
Morgan trotted his horse past the others. "I’m crossing my fingers that there’ll be enough rooms for us.”
Illithor raised his hands and crossed his fingers as well. "Maybe the fates will see fit to let us have a nice comfortable night."
Omaric looked wistful. "That would be nice."
“You’re all soft,” Reyden joked, but the others didn’t take the bait.
When they arrived at the boarding house, Glynn jumped off his horse, handed the reins to Deverick, and ran inside. He came back outside as everyone finished tying up their mounts and proclaimed, "We're in luck! All four rooms are available.”
“Yes!” exclaimed Illithor and Morgan in unison.
The inside confirmed Reyden’s suspicions about the place. It was dark and the long tables that were set up next to the huge fireplace looked dingy. He didn’t think staying here would be any better than sleeping outside. “Is everyone sure we want to waste dumars sleeping here?”
Illithor and Morgan looked like they were about to have a fit, but Omaric interjected before an argument could break out. “It helps to have intermittent nights of full sleep so we can stay on task.”
Reyden hesitated before speaking. “You have a good point. I wouldn’t have expected that kind of logic from you.”
He glanced at Illithor and noticed the shock on his face; his expression was mirrored by the others. Reyden made note of it and watched Omaric closely but Omaric didn’t say anything else.
A portly man behind the counter announced, "Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes."
A short while later, a tall, skinny man came out from a back room carrying a huge pot of soup. He scooped everyone a bowlful and retreated to the back room only to come out again with several trays filled with food. He set them in the middle of the table, and then left again.
