“Absolutely. I’ll be there anytime you need me.”
She was about to ask why she hadn’t seen him since he’d brought Jerin, when his last words registered. He had always been there when she really needed him. She’d been safe here. And he stood before her now, offering encouragement. She smiled and nodded.
“Issah, do you think …?”
“He’s on his way.”
She’d never get used to his knowing her deepest thoughts.
Jerin’s eyes widened when he saw Issah. Smoothing his shirt nervously, he gave a low bow. “Good day, Sire.”
Alyra wondered at his strange behavior. Why the formality with Issah? Then, she’d never really understood Jerin. Turning to the woods, she watched the trees for Lotari.
Issah returned the bow. “I was hoping for a few words with you, son. Before you set off.”
Jerin’s face brightened into a smile. “Of course.”
“Good. Follow me.” He led Jerin toward the garden.
Marya stepped from the cottage with a large shoulder bag full of food. She nodded to Issah as he passed, then broke into a wide grin and waved. Alyra spun in the direction she was looking and spotted Lotari walking along the road from town, head down. Relief washed over her as she bound toward him, catching his left arm when she reached his side. The white bow was slung over his shoulder, along with a quiver of arrows. A knife and travel bag hung around his waist.
“I’m so glad you came. I was afraid I’d have to leave without seeing you.”
He didn’t look at her, but a small smile spread across his downcast face. “Well, it appears I’ll be accompanying you.”
She couldn’t contain her happiness. She threw her arms around him. “I’m so glad, Lot. I so wanted you to come, too.”
He patted her back but said nothing. Head still hung low, he stared at the white rocks, eyes distant.
“You don’t seem too happy about this, Lot. Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’ve made my decision. I’ll not change it.”
Jerin returned with Issah, his smile gone and replaced with a stony scowl. He glared at the centaur. Alyra let her arms drop, but stayed at his side until they came to a stop next to Marya.
Lotari didn’t acknowledge the boy either.
Marya held up the sack of provisions. “This should be enough to last a few days.”
“Lot is great at finding food.” Alyra wanted Jerin to realize what an asset the centaur would be.
“Then he can carry the provisions.”Jerin motioned toward the centaur.
Lotari finally looked him over from head to foot, then stared at the bag as if it had a stench. Alyra noticed the swollen bruise running along the right side of his face.
“I am no one’s pack animal. Carry it yourself.”
Jerin’s eyes widened at the bruises for a moment before returning to their former scowl.
“I’ll carry it.” Alyra hoped to keep peace between them.
Jerin, cheeks flushed, and he hung the bag over his own shoulder. “If he’s too good to help carry some of the load, he can fend for himself.”
“Do not concern yourself over my welfare, boy. I know how to find what I need without carrying a burden mile after mile.”
Marya shook her head and gave Alyra a look of pity.
Issah stepped between the warrior and the centaur. “Well, that’s settled. I’d like a word with all of you before you begin.” They gathered close to him, yet kept an arm’s length from each other.
“Each of you possesses something the others need, which is why I have set the three of you together. Your journey will go quicker, and more pleasant, once you all learn to respect and care for one another.” He went to each one, starting with Jerin, and clasped their faces in his hands as he whispered a blessing over them.
“Help will be there when needed. Listen to your hearts and trust the path.” He bowed once more before heading west on the path. To their amazement, a group of Logorians stepped out of the woods and joined him.
Marya hugged each of them holding Lotari a bit longer and then standing on the tips of her toes to plant several kisses on his bruised cheek. His earth-encrusted fingers dug into the back of her shawl. Alyra wondered if he wouldn’t break into tears over her shower of loving affection right there in front of everyone.
“I love you all, my dears. Until we meet again.” Marya blew kisses at them. Alyra quickly turned away, her chest constricting.
Lotari trotted several paces in the lead.
Jerin’s gaze kept flicking to Alyra for awhile before he finally asked, “Did you know about this?”
She shrugged, measuring the best way to answer. “Yes, and no.” She spoke in a quiet voice, despite knowing Lot would still hear them with his keen ears. “I overheard Issah’s conversation with him last night, after I left you. Nothing had been decided. Issah asked him to come. I don’t understand his reasons.” She stared pointedly at the large boy. “But I’m glad. He’s good, Jerin. He’ll be a big help. You’ll see if you give him a chance.”
Jerin’s angry glare at the centaur’s back and the slight shaking of his head told her he didn’t believe her. Perhaps Marya was right, he would have to learn by experience. Hopefully, he would learn soon.
For the remainder of the day, they walked in silence, single file. Lotari stayed in the lead, eventually keeping to a gait they could keep up with. Alyra followed, lost in her thoughts, a mixture of longing, hope, and fear. Jerin brooded at the rear. The path lay wide open with pastureland on each side. Every once in awhile, they spotted a herd of sheep or cattle and even came across a couple of houses. The scenery was beautiful and made her feel peaceful as if there were no danger, no evil Dark Lord, and no war going on. At least there were some places untouched by his destructive hand.
Was all of this part of King Shaydon’s lands? She quickened her pace to catch up with Lotari. “Do the towns and homes on the white path serve Shaydon’s Kingdom?”
Lotari brows creased as he continued to focus on the road ahead. “The Dark One’s servants cannot stand to touch the white rocks that cover the King’s Highway. How many times must I repeat this?” He finally looked down at her with a smirk. “You did read the book on kingdom peoples I gave you, correct?”
She ducked her head, now walking beside him. She could hear Jerin’s heavy footsteps right behind and she knew he’d quickened his pace as well.
“If you had, then you’d know that those who take up residence along the Highway have a responsibility to care for and help travelers. Such as Marya and the peoples of Many Waters did. Those who help to establish Kingdom cities are called Planters.”
“So that means all the towns we pass will be safe, right?”
“Not necessarily.” Thankfully, Lotari didn’t seem to be in the mood to press her about the book.
“But you said—”
“What you must understand is that many settlements begin devoted to the Kingdom’s way. Unfortunately over time, newcomers will move in, and sometimes Kingdom ways get pushed aside. If a town isn’t careful, they forget what they originally stood for. Alburnium ways are strange to those who’ve never visited Aloblase and experienced it firsthand.”
“Mayor Tember said Many Rivers is nothing compared to living in Aloblase.” Jerin’s steps drew closer. “The city and people he described sounded like a dream, Aly.
“I can’t imagine anyone from Yarholm freely giving shoes and traveling clothes to a complete stranger. They’d sell and might even offer a decent deal on a good day, but never give away all they had.”
She laughed. “The townsfolk were amazing. I hope I can go back someday.”
A pained expression pinched Lotari’s forehead.
Jerin chuckled. “They were so happy and content. I could settle down in a town like that, too.”
“Could you?” Lotari’s brows rose in question. “Their life is not as easy you’d think. To live in total abandon of yourself. To give freely to others. To stand firm against advers
ity.”
Jerin scowled as irritation flashed across his face.
Alyra, trying to understand and trying to keep a quarrel from erupting, asked, “So some of the towns we pass will be Kingdom towns and some won’t. How will we know which are safe?”
Lotari sighed deeply. “Basically, if the path goes right into the heart of the town and you see much activity at the meeting hall, then you’ve found a Kingdom town, no doubt. But if the path skirts around the town, but not directly though, then we should keep our guard up. Most likely, over time, the people have slowly moved away from the path and its influence. You’ll know the kind of area we are in by the condition of the King’s Highway… It’s the same with a town.”
“You mean whether the people serve King Shaydon or the Dark Lord?”
Lotari nodded.
Jerin now walked on the opposite side of Alyra. “Or neither. Yarholm wouldn’t necessarily be considered a Kingdom town, but we certainly didn’t serve the Dark Lord.”
“Doesn’t seem you were against him.” Lotari finally looking at the boy for the first time since they had left the healing house.
Jerin stopped. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Touching Lotari’s arm, Alyra silently pleaded with the centaur not to get into an argument, but Jerin added fuel by saying, “If we weren’t so busy fighting off you interfering creatures all the time and cleaning up the messes you left behind, perhaps we’d have more opportunity to work for the Kingdom.”
“You dare lump me together with your problems?” Lotari stepped closer to Jerin, despite Alyra’s attempt to keep them apart.
Jabbing his thumb into Lotari’s chest, he yelled, “All of you creatures are the same in my book.”
“Haven’t ventured far from your horse and plow, have you farmer boy?”
Alyra got sandwiched between them. Their sweat filled her nostrils and she decided she’d had enough of the stubborn, prideful boys. She elbowed Lotari then Jerin, catching both in the gut.
“Enough!” She jumped out of their way. “I’ve heard enough from both of you! Never have I seen such arrogant nonsense in all my years serving Lord Darnel! Wouldn’t he be pleased to see you two right now.”
She straightened her pack and then jerked the food sack from Jerin’s shoulder. He and the centaur simply stood frozen with stupefied expressions on their faces.
“We’re supposed to be trying to get along! That’s what Issah said before we left. At least, that’s what I heard!”
They cringed as her voice rose to an earsplitting level.
“I’m tired and I’m hungry.” She softened her tone. “I’m going to set up camp.” Alyra pointed toward a sprawling oak, which looked like a nice sheltered area alongside the path. “You two better work out whatever problems you have with each other. And don’t even think about coming over until it’s all settled, or I’ll… I’ll....”
Lotari’s mouth turned up in a smirk. “What, dear?”
“I don’t know, but I’ll think of something. I always do.”
Chapter 25
Alyra stormed over to the oak, throwing her gear down in a huff. Low-hanging limbs spread out like welcoming arms, creating a convenient sitting area. Dried sticks and twigs littered the ground and made for a good fire. From her pack she took out the small pot and from the food sack she picked a few vegetables for a simple soup.
Angry shouts carried on the wind from time to time. Jerin said centaurs were about as trustworthy as trolls. Lotari responded that Jerin had never met his clan and had no right to judge them. Jerin said he didn’t need to meet them, he could tell by Lotari’s face how they were. Lotari grew quiet for a moment.
“Well, you’re everything Wyndham hates in a human. Arrogant, narrow-minded, and self-centered!”
Alyra fed more wood into the fire. Please let them work this out. Oh please!
Darkness crept over the land as their arguments raged on. After filling up on the soup, she set the remainder aside and then pulled out her book of the King’s letters. Marya had read from her copy each morning while Alyra washed dishes. She would miss their discussions over the daily readings. Lotari would sometimes join them, as well, and she had found his knowledge of the book astounding. By the firelight, Alyra opened the small black book but couldn’t focus on the words.
She glanced up, realizing the shouting had stopped.
Jerin’s voice had grown calm. “What happened when you told them you were leaving?”
They had moved closer to the camp, yet remained on the path, two silhouettes against the violet and orange sky.
“This.” Lotari pointed at his face. “When Wyndham realized I would not relent, he banished me from the clan. Then he threatened anyone who tried to speak to me or offer aid, saying they’d find themselves in the same situation. So I went to town for the supplies I’d need.”
She watched them over the top of the book. Her heart broke for the centaur and she determined that from now on, she’d be his family.
Jerin shook his head, keeping his eyes fixed on the ground. “You can never go back? Why? Why did you do that?”
“Issah requested. I knew the cost, and so did he.” Lotari stomped his hoof. “I don’t care, really.” Then he shook his head, with hands held up. “Not true. I do care. I’ll miss my family… but… I’ve always wanted to travel and see the Kingdom. Perhaps find other centaurs. Maybe….” He faltered a moment, tail swishing. “Maybe I can do something more useful for King Shaydon, something to help stop that black-hearted Dark Lord.”
Jerin nodded. “Well, we agree on that.”
For a few moments, they both grew quiet as they stared toward the setting sun.
“Are you and the prince good friends?” Jerin sounded wistful.
Alyra sat up. Prince? Who was he talking about?
“Yes, he and Marya are very dear to me.” Lotari’s shadowed face turned toward where she’d made camp.
The book shot up so he wouldn’t think she was listening, though what else would she be doing? At least she didn’t have to be so obvious.
Lotari added, nodding his head in her direction. “So is she. I want to make sure that child safely reaches Aloblase. I don’t want that thief to get his hands on her again. I don’t believe he’ll be so merciful to her now she’s remembering the truth.”
His words caused a lump in her chest.
“Besides, I’ve always wanted to experience the city myself. So are you hungry?” Their steps crunched over the dried grass as they neared her little camp. “Looks like she cooked something for us.”
Alyra extended her arms, palms out. “Wait! Are you two finished with your dumb arguments?”
The two stared at each other for a few long moments. Finally Jerin nodded. “I’m sorry, centaur. I’ll respect Prince Issah’s decision and be more respectful.”
Lotari gave a curt nod. “I apologize as well, human. I will avoid harsh words with you in the future.”
Jerin’s statement about Issah hit her like a rock smacked on the side of her head. “Prince ... Issah? Prince? As in ruler of—”
“Alburnium.” Lot finished.
Jerin chewed his top lip, keeping his grin in check.
“You mean—” She stared at Jerin incredulously. “I told the ruler of this land to ‘get lost’ the first time I meet him?”
He sat back on his haunches, brows knit in concentration as if trying to remember. “The traveler at the bitter water pond, Oh yeah, I forgot about him.”
“His name was Issah. He told Lot to come after me when I ran into the woods.”
“Then yes, sounds like you told the Prince of Alburnium to... uh... get lost.” He took a bowl and handed one to the centaur before serving them both some soup. “So, what do we have here?” He stirred the contents. “Think this is safe? She could have slipped in a little something to pay us back for our behavior.”
Alyra stared mutely at them.
Lotari laughed so hard, he neighed. “I’m positive we venture at
our own risk.”
“You would both deserve it if I did.” She rolled over, turning her back to them. “Rotten boys. Just make sure you clean out my pot when you’re done.”
Relief rushed through her, along with disbelief over learning Issah’s true identity. At least he didn’t have her beheaded or something for all her rudeness. And at least Lot and Jerin were finally talking politely to each other. Perhaps they were not exactly friends, but tonight was a start. She snuggled beneath her blanket, glad they were near her again. Glad Issah was a kindhearted ruler and nothing at all like Darnel. She’d never think of them as being alike ever again.
Lotari played his pipes for a while, and the soft music sent a peaceful calmness over the camp.
* * * *
“Where did he go now?” Jerin demanded as they packed camp the next morning. “We’re stuck cleaning up while he’s off frolicking through the woods.”
Alyra shrugged as she kicked dirt over the hot coals of their fire. “We only need to gather our stuff. He’s taken his. Maybe he decided to go hunt. Stop worrying.”
Jerin stomped out the remaining flames with his large boot. “Not worried. Annoyed. They’re so unpredictable. I mean he seems nice enough.” He slung the provision bag over his shoulder. “I’m trying to give him a chance, but if he can’t prove to be trustworthy, then.…”
“Let’s get going.” Alyra also wondered where Lotari had gone, but trying to figure centaur ways was senseless.
Marya often said they were wild creatures and would come and go as they pleased. Jerin would eventually get used to Lotari’s wanderings. Just like, hopefully, she’d get used to Jerin’s snoring.
“Waiting around for him will only hold us up.”
“You really think we’ll lose him? The woods are his home and we’ll be on the path. Besides, he has a keen sense of hearing and smell. And it’s been how long since you had a bath? He’ll catch up.”
He glowered at her. “Am I the only one who’s bothered by this?”
“Guess so.” She shouldered her pack and started along the pathway. “When I was traveling by myself, Lotari always knew right where to find me. He’d pop into camp while I was sleeping, leave food, tend my fire, then disappear without so much as a ‘howdy.’”
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