Chapter 2
Research had not prepared her for the harsh reality of traveling. Blisters covered every inch of her feet and her shoulders sagged under the weight of her pack. Hermione had packed too much, wanting to prepare for every eventuality. The five books were overkill – she had them memorized before she stepped foot out of the castle – and her heart broke when she left them behind. But, it was necessary. She still had seven days until she reached the border of Elran and she could not afford any delay.
This was the hardest thing that she had done. The first night, it had taken her hours of using a flint before the brush caught fire. Hermione had been shivering and half asleep and the sudden flame had startled her. The second night, she discovered that the tree she had chosen to sleep under did not provide adequate cover from the heavy rain. The next day was spent in soaked clothes and boots that did nothing for her poor, wounded feet. No sickness had come from it thankfully. Several times a day, the temptation to return home was great. Life on the road was more difficult than she had dreamed.
But, this was the most exhilarating thing she had done. Never before had Hermione been alone for this long and the independence was freeing. Her confidence grew with each passing minute; her challenges were worth the price of freedom. Once she was accustomed to making camp, she started to feel like she belonged roaming the countryside. If her fighting skills were not abysmal, she could have been a knight. Although, women were not allowed to be in the King's military.
She took a sip from her waterskin and her heart sank when she realized the danger she was in. Her water was running out sooner than anticipated.
The days had been hot and the trees shielded her from the wind. Hermione found a tree trunk and sat down. She needed to make a plan. Peering into the flask, she realized that she had enough water for today and maybe tonight if she was careful. Logically, she knew she should be worried. But every challenge so far had been overcome and there was hope that this would reach the same end.
But, this day proved to be hotter than any day she had faced since her escape. Within hours, her tunic was soaked, the wool irritating her skin. Her mouth was dry, her tongue heavy in her mouth and the urge to drink water grew with each lethargic step. Hermione carried on in this state for another hour before she broke. The trees had become hazy and she knew she would pass out if she did not drink. And if the map was to be believed, she would come across a spring soon.
She convinced herself that she would take a small sip. But as soon as the water touched her lips, the temptation was too great and she drained her waterskin. The euphoria that followed lasted seconds before she realized the gravity of her actions. The self-hate twisted inside her like a snake. The lack of water had messed with her mind and she wished she had brought another waterskin of water instead of the books.
Hermione tried to convince herself that it had been worth it. Her thoughts were clearer and the water had cooled her. There was nothing more she could do, the water was gone. She forced herself onwards. For half a second, she considered turning around and returning home. Her parents would be pleased with her return and there would be food, water, and a bed to sleep in. She imagined having a bath drawn and the ecstasy of warm water.
Even if she did decide to turn around, she would not come across a water source for days. Hermione would have refilled her flask otherwise. If she continued forward, there was a town on the edge of Elran's kingdom. There was certain to be water there and she had enough silver to stay at the inn. Huffing, she started walking towards the town.
Her stubbornness would be the end of her.
A new determination pushed her on. Each time her resolve weakened, she pictured the warmth of the inn and the comfort of a bed. The smell of a freshly cooked meal and a jug of water crept into her dreams and her stomach roared with hunger upon waking.
At the end of the second day without water, she did not think she could endure. The dry mouth returned with a vengeance, her blisters bled, but then the smell of moist earth hit her. It did not take her long to find the stream, all other plans were abandoned. Fingers trembling as she searched her pack for her flask, she grabbed it and started filling it. The waterskin was an inch away from her mouth when a voice startled her.
"I hope you are not planning on drinking that."
