A Samurai Jack Fanfic
By Laura McDaniel
Leaving Gobaith
Early one morning, long before dawn broke, Rhan shook Jack awake. His eyes snapped open and her face startled him because of the way the light from the fire illuminated her wrinkles. "Jack, I am sorry to wake you like this, but it is time for you to start searching for Arvel."
Jack yawned and sat up attentively. Rhan had warned him that she would wake him up early. Bringing exiles back to the kingdom was a crime, so she was careful that her plan was executed in secret and had even made certain that the rest of Gobaith thought that Jack had left. Because of this, the bed that Jack had rested in for two days was separated from the others by a sturdy, paper screen.
"I mended your garments and laundered them as well," Heulwen said, gently setting his clothes on his lap.
"Aye, I even inspected them for you, and I must say she did a good job. I suppose my young apprentice is good at a few things." She chuckled softly and then sat at the end of Jack's bed, her old bones cracking slightly when she sat down.
While he dressed himself, Jack said, "I will do whatever I must to bring Arvel back here, but I would like to know if there are any particular places where I should look. I know not the geography of this region."
Heulwin replied, "My hope is that he sought refuge in Lloches Forest, which is northeast from Gobaith's rear gate. Directly outside the gates are the Planes of Unigedd, but that's the land the Carthwyr Tribe usually roams, even though they actually live east of the plane on Carthwyr Ridge."
"The Carthwyr Tribe?"
"Aye, nasty creatures!" Rhan answered. "They're nothing more than overgrown rats and you could probably defeat a single Carthwyr in battle, but the trouble is, they usually travel in hordes. But I wouldn't worry about them too much because they're thieves more than fighters due to the fact that they love to hoard valuables. Watch your sword, is all I can say."
"Actually, Rhan," Heulwen said, "I've heard that Aku has recently promised to add to the Carthwyrs' hoard, which means that Jack might be in danger."
Jack nodded somberly, "I would not find that hard to believe, and if that's the case, then I promise that I will keep careful watch for them and make it to Lloches Forest as quickly as possible. Is there anything else I need to know?"
"Not that I can think of," Rhan replied. "Oh! We've prepared you a small bag of provisions for you to take. Would you go get it, Heulwen?"
The young woman nodded and quietly retrieved a canvas bag with a long strap from the wall next to the fireplace. She gently looped it around one of his shoulders and then paused for a moment to look at him. "There! Now, I'll show you the way to the gate. Is that all right with you, Rhan?"
"Of course," Rhan replied, "you know that I don't like to leave the infirmary." She got up and hobbled over to Jack. Taking his hands in her own, quivering hands, she said, "Farewell, Samurai Jack, and best wishes on your search."
"Good bye, Rhan, and thank you for caring for me," Jack replied.
"All part of the job!"
Jack smiled softly, and then he and Heulwen walked out the infirmary door and onto the kingdom's cobblestone streets. Neither said a word, and the silence was somewhat awkward. It seemed to Jack that there was something Heulwen wanted to say, but he decided not to interrogate her about it because he felt that if it was something important, she'd probably tell him what it was. The sun was just beginning to rise, filling the sky with vibrant colors and allowing Jack to get a good look at the kingdom's houses. Most of them were little more than cottages. He was saddened to see that some of the houses near the front gate were burned to the ground and he wondered what happened to the people who used to live in those houses. Then, he wondered how many people were afraid to leave their homes because Clobyn was awake. His mission was no longer about filling his coin pouch but saving innocent lives.
When they reached the gate, Heulwyn spoke. "There are no guards at the gate because everybody's afraid of what Clobyn will do, even though he's yet to attack that side of the kingdom, so you should have no trouble leaving without being seen."
Jack nodded solemnly, but said nothing. He didn't move, either, because it still seemed to him that Heulwen was leaving something unsaid.
Heulwen seemed to pick up on what the inquisitive look in Jack's eyes and sighed deeply, before looking down. She quietly said, "Jack, there is one more thing I wish for you to do, though I am somewhat ashamed to ask it..."
It was exactly as Jack predicted. "What is it, Heulwen?" he asked.
Heulwen carefully removed the scarf she had tied in her hair and set it in Jack's hands. "Please, give this to Arvel when you find him and tell him that...I miss him greatly and that I lo-lo-lo..."
"Love him?"
"Yes," she said, blushing brightly. "I know it sounds silly since he'll be coming back with you, but I want him to know..."
"Don not worry," Jack softly said. He gently pat Heulwen on the back. "I do not think it is silly and I will gladly relay the message to him." He tucked the scarf in his bag. "Is there anything else you would like me to tell him?"
"There isn't much else to say. At least, not that can be said through a messenger!" She chuckled slightly.
"Very well, Heulwen," Jack said. "I shall be on my way."
