It was almost midday and the group was nearly ready for their trip to Stephanie's. Majic had just finished loading the last of their things onto the carriage.
"We're all set, Master!" Majic called out to Orphen.
Orphen nodded at Majic and continued his conversation with Hartia, "So we'll ride until we reach Hale. We'll stay the night at the Dragon Inn and we'll leave again at sunrise."
"Then we'll ride until we reach Eraelon."
"Then straight to Alenhatan," Orphen said, "But to get from Hale to Eraelon, there's only one fast way."
Hartia nodded, "Through Bandit City."
"We'll have to be careful once we get there. If we're not careful, it would be dangerous."
"But is it really necessary-"
"Yes, Hartia. It's really necessary to go through Bandit City. The sooner we get to Alenhatan, the sooner we can save Cleao. When we get the copies translated, we'll plan our next move."
Hartia considered all this. "Sounds like a good plan to me. But we should leave now if we want to reach Hale before dark."
Orphen turned to the others who were waiting patiently, "We're ready to go."
Cleao weighed both her options carefully in her mind. It was such a hard decision to make! She bit her lower lip in frustration. She sighed heavily, I can't choose between them. I love them both. I wish it would be a lot easier to choose…
"Have u made a decision yet, Miss?"
Cleao looked up at the shop attendant at the counter. She bit her lip again, "I can't decide between these dresses…" she held up a long silky black dress and a short black dress with a pattern of silver roses. "I think I'll just take both."
The shop attendant smiled at her, "A wonderful choice."
Cleao put her hand in her bag and through her power, she manifested the money that she needed to pay for the dresses. She hadn't tried this before and was relieved when she felt the money materialize in her hand. At least my powers are good for something, Cleao smiled and paid the lady. "Keep the change," she added before leaving.
Cleao had decided to go shopping to clear her mind of her worries; especially the strange dream that she had had the night before. But as hard as she tried, she could still hear one word echoing in her head, "choose". Cleao stood in the middle of the street outside the shop and frowned deeply, "What's that supposed to mean anyway?" she wondered aloud.
"What's what supposed to mean?"
Cleao turned and a faint smile touched her lips, "Don't worry, Jeremy."
Jeremy mumbled something to himself and glanced down at the bags that Cleao was carrying. "You went shopping," he stated as he raised a questioning eyebrow at her.
Cleo shrugged, "Needed a distraction."
"Why didn't you just call me then?"
Cleao laughed, "Or not."
"So I take it you got your money by materializing it?"
"Yeah," Cleao began to walk around with no destination.
"It isn't real money, you know. The magic will last an hour and then the money will disappear."
"Oh well, what can you do? It bought me my clothes and that's all that matters."
They smiled at each other and continued to walk in silence. Ever since they had slept under the stars, something in their relationship had changed. Although she still didn't trust him completely, she was starting to feel comfortable with him again. There was an 'ease' in their relationship. Cleao also noticed a change in Jeremy. She may learn to trust him yet.
"We've been riding for two hours straight. Can't we take a break, Master?" Majic asked from within the carriage. There was no reply. Majic groaned dejectedly and glanced at the sleeping Azalie opposite him. How could she sleep when the ride was so bumpy? Majic decided to try again, " My muscles are all tense, I can't feel my ass and I really need to stretch," he called out again.
"Hartia, take the reins," Orphen ordered and his head popped into the carriage. "If we stop, will you quit complaining?" Majic smiled and nodded. Orphen sighed, "But we're only stopping for a few minutes." Hartia handed the reins back to Orphen who steered them into a small clearing next to the road. Majic was the first one off the carriage and was already stretching by the time Hartia and Orphen joined him.
"It's good that we stopped. The horses need replenishing," Hartia gestured to their exhausted steeds.
Orphen looked incredulous, "Already?"
"Well the way that you're pushing the horses, I'm surprised that they even lasted this long. The ride has mostly been traveled at a gallop, and with the load they're pulling, their legs would have buckled beneath them within the next half hour."
Orphen grumbled, "Ok, ok. We'll rest up a bit. But as soon as the horses are ready, we're leaving again."
Majic gave one last stretch, "Well, if we're staying here a bit longer, can I take the horses down to the River of Life?" It was called the River of Life because legend tells of a water sprite that protected the river. Any who would fall in would always be returned to land.
Orphen considered Majic's suggestion. "Fine. Don't be too long. Hartia go with him."
Hartia was already one step ahead as he detached the horses from the carriage. He handed one to Majic and they both set off to the River of Life.
Jeremy had left Cleao alone once they had reached the Ruins of Kohan. He had told her that he had unfinished business to attend to. Cleao had looked curious, but had not said anything. Jeremy had teleported himself beyond the boundaries of Totokonta where there was nothing but rocks and dirt. It was the place where he first became one with Him after being attacked. It was the place where he came to full power. It was Bandit City, or at least it used to be. Once Jeremy was finished with it, there was nothing and no one left. The ruins of the city reminded him of the capabilities of his power and this comforted him.
Just like Cleao, he had his own 'special' place to go to when he wanted some thinking time. Jeremy stood atop a giant rock formation. As he looked around at the city that once was, his mind wandered until his focus was on Cleao.
She lives, a voice stated in his mind.
There is no rush, Jeremy replied.
Time is not your friend.
There is no rush, Jeremy reiterated.
The longer you prolong her death, the more you will suffer.
How do you know this?I have seen it.
The future?Your future.
Jeremy felt somewhat disturbed by these words.
No one controls my future but me.
You won't have a future if she lives.
Jeremy shook his head vigorously, I won't kill her… I can't.
You are me, you have no time to waste on petty human emotions. Focus on the task at hand. Our transformation is yet to be completed.
I think I love her…Love, a useless human emotion. It disgusts me.
Leave me to my thoughts.
You know I am right.
Leave.
There was a short pause.
Fool.
Jeremy breathed in sharply. Deep inside he was fighting against himself. Half of him wanted to follow his heart, but the other half was telling him that the transformation was his first priority. Yet through all his confusion, he knew that he would do what was necessary.
"Is Bandit City really that dangerous as Master makes it out to be?" Majic asked Hartia as they walked back to the carriage.
"Yes. In Bandit City, danger lurks around every corner," Hartia answered truthfully. "The sentries posted along the way are always alert. We will surely be seen."
Majic gulped, " If it's that dangerous, why are we passing through there?"
"It's the fastest way to Alenhatan."
"The fastest way to save Cleao."
Hartia nodded, "But don't worry so much about it ok? Orphen will take care of it."
"What will I take care of?" Orphen asked as soon as he landed in front of them.
"Bandit City," Hartia answered simply. "Why did you teleport all that way anyway?"
"You were taking too long so I thought I'd see what the hold up was. But it doesn't matter anymore. Let's just get back and keep moving. I want to reach Hale before sunset." Orphen led the way back to the carriage where Azalie was waiting for them patiently. She was sitting on the ground with her legs crossed and her eyes closed.
Azalie didn't even bother to open her ryes, " I woke up and everyone was gone. You were taking your time so I thought I'd meditate." After Azalie returned to human form, she would meditate as a way to deal with what had happened to her, but now it was just a habit to relax and pass time. Azalie opened her eyes and stood up, brushing herself off.
"Well, everyone's rested and good to go," Orphen said as he connected the horses back to the carriage.
"How long will it take to get to Hale?" Majic asked as he followed Azalie onboard the carriage.
"Another two hours or so," Orphen replied and handed the reins to Hartia.
"So if we ride at a steady pace, we'll be there before nightfall," Hartia added as he got the horses back on track.
"Then why were you rushing so much, Master?"
Before Orphen could answer, Azalie interrupted, "Because he's a worrywart." She grinned lightheartedly at her brother.
At first Orphen scowled, but soon found himself smiling back at Azalie. "I think it actually runs in the family." The group smiled and they continued their journey.
"Hale is so small," Majic observed as they rode through the streets of the tiny town. The town of Hale looked similar to other towns with cobblestone streets, a busy market and lots of people. The main difference was that the houses were miniscule compared to the ones in Totokonta, especially the Everlasting mansion. All the houses in Hale were close together with single wooden doors and a few windows here and there. "I think I'd feel claustrophobic if I had to live here," Majic added.
"Yeah," Orphen agreed, "But the people are nice enough."
"Quiet and nice," Azalie added just as they stopped in front of a small building. The sign hanging form the door read, Dragon Inn.
"Ok, we're here," Orphen said as he got off the carriage. The others followed suit. A stable boy, around Majic's age, came rushing out to greet them. He stooped in his tracks, eyes them quickly and smiled.
"Welcome to the Dragon Inn, I'm Omi- the stable boy. I'll tend to your horses."
"Hello there," Hartia smiled, "We'll just get our things and be out of your way."
Omi smiled and stood to the side as the group gathered their things. As the last of their belongings were collected, Hartia handed the reins to Omi, "Take care of them."
"That's my job," Omi replied and led the carriage away. Hartia followed the others inside and the door closed behind him.
As expected, Jeremy found Cleao by the shore of the lake wearing her new silky dress.
"I was wondering where you had gone," Cleao said softly.
"I was… around," Jeremy answered and stood beside her. They watched as the sun hid behind the hills. Soon, the moon would be shining over them.
Cleao looked at him sharply. "Right," she replied flatly. He was hiding something and she could tell.
"So… I thought you were leaving Totokonta."
"I thought so too," Cleao became distracted.
"Are you staying?" Jeremy asked, hoping she would say no. If she leaves, I might not have to do anything.
"I don't know. I haven't decided. I still have to… choose."
"Choose? Interesting choice of words," Jeremy said, remembering what he had been told by Him.
"I'm an interesting person."
"That you are," Jeremy smiled.
"I want to be alone," Cleao said softly. There was no reply. When she turned to face Jeremy, he was gone. Cleao made her way into the water, she was soaked from the waist down. Cleao looked at her reflection in the water. Cleao knew she had to choose sooner or later, but she wanted to delay as long as possible. She still couldn't choose. Would she go back to Orphen and risk getting hurt again or would she go to Jeremy where she would face something new, only to look back at Orphen and wonder what could have been?
Cleao could feel it rising now. It was coming. All her built up confusion, stress and frustration was rising within her. It was all going to come pouring out. It was coming. She did all she could to try to stop it. It was here. Cleao's eyes darkened, till they were pitch black and her mouth opened. A scream escaped her lips. She let it all out. She looked up at the sky. It had turned red with the late of day. She shivered in the cold breeze and she listened to her scream resonate throughout the hills.
"I hope that you enjoy your stay here at the Dragon Inn. If you need anything, just let me know," Bras said politely as he handed the keys to their rooms.
"Thank you very much," Hartia replied just as politely.
"We'll be out of your way at sunrise," Orphen said and retrieved the key to the room he would be sharing with his apprentice.
"Oh, please don't feel the need to rush yourselves. Stay as long as you wish."
"Thank you," Hartia repeated on behalf of the group.
Bras smiled at them kindly as they headed upstairs to their rooms. They all gathered in Orphen's room.
"After dinner we'll get some rest. We have a long day tomorrow and we'll need lots of energy, especially once we get to Bandit City," Orphen told them. "Bandit City should only be around 5 hours out of Hale, as far as I can remember."
"I still don't get the big deal with this whole 'Bandit City' thing. Can't you just blast the thieves?" Majic asked.
"There's too many of them, we'd be overrun. Otherwise, that's exactly what we would do," Orphen replied while looking out the window. There wasn't much of a view, just houses and a few trees.
"Their sentries have eyes like hawks and they all have cat-like reflexes," Azalie said as she combed a slender hand through her violet tresses. "Hmm… I need a bath," she whispered to herself and looked distastefully at the dirt she had removed from her hair.
"Eraelon is 4 hours of steady riding away from Alenhatan, right?" Hartia asked for confirmation.
"It should be. So, if all goes well, we'll be at Stephanie's tonight," Orphen said. Majic looked worried. "Don't worry so much, Majic. Everything will go well."
Azalie sighed, "Worrying is pointless and it doesn't get you anywhere. So instead of sitting here looking all sad and gloomy, let's go back downstairs, get some dinner and then get some rest." She stood up and made her way to the door," And a bath would do you all some good too," she stated with her nose scrunched up in aversion. Majic blushed in embarrassment.
"Hey!" Hartia exclaimed indignantly. Orphen smiled.
"Their food wasn't too bad. At least it's better than the food Cleao would serve us," Majic said as he got ready for bed. He had just finished dressing after his shower and he was ready to sleep.
"Yeah, if Cleao could actually be bothered cooking. She's so lazy!" Orphen agreed. Majic laughed, but stopped instantly when he remembered the last time he had seen Cleao. Her and her hollow eyes.
"She'll be ok, Majic," Orphen told him when he noticed the change of mood in their conversation. "Before you know it, we'll be back on the road listening to her whine and complain. She'll be calling me a half-baked sorcerer, a mediocre magician, a horrible cook, a party-pooper and idiot and a whole bunch of other things. Then I'd call her a spoiled brat, an annoying twit, a waste of space, a know-it-all, excess baggage-"
"Master?" Majic interrupted.
"Yeah?"
"You're babbling."
"My point, Majic, is that everything will go back to normal. Now go to sleep."
"Right, Master."
That night, sleep came to them a lot easier than the past few nights.