Chapter 26: Country Roads, Take Me Home
After searching all through Iselia forest, Kratos came upon a small house. There was a dwarf outside, tending to the gardens; the rain had stopped a couple hours previously. Hearing Kratos' footsteps, the dwarf looked up.
"Can I help ya with som'thin'?" he asked.
"Have you seen my son?" Kratos asked hopefully.
"What's he look like?"
"He's about three years old with brown hair and brown eyes."
"Sorry, I haven't. Ya look terrible, no offense. Why don't ya come inside and warm yerself?" the dwarf asked walking over to Kratos.
"That' s very kind of you…" Kratos started. "But I have no idea who you are."
"Name's Dirk." The dwarf extended his hand in greeting.
"And I am Kratos Aurion." The angel shook hands with the dwarf, who again invited him in to warm up. So Kratos went inside and they sat and talked by the fire.
"So, where ya from?" Dirk asked.
"Close to Iselia."
"Oh. So what are ya doing in the forest?"
"I'm looking for my son, as I've said before." Kratos stood. "I really need to find him. You've been very kind and I thank you for your hospitality."
"Yer very welcome." Dirk opened the door for Kratos. "I hope ya find yer son." So Kratos left the little house and made his way out of the forest.
Shortly after Kratos left, Dirk heard a sound outside. It sounded a lot like a whine. He opened the door and saw a large gray-and-green dog and a small boy. He allowed the dog to bring the boy in and lay down by the fire.
"Ya must be cold and hungry." Dirk said to the boy, who nodded. "What's yer name, kid?"
"My name is Lloyd, and I'm lost." Lloyd answered.
"Well, yer not lost anymore. Ya can live here if ya like." The dwarf brought Lloyd some food and a warm blanket.
"Thank you, sir." Lloyd smiled.
"Ya can call me Dirk, kid." Dirk said.
"All right." Lloyd agreed.
With no luck finding Lloyd, Kratos decided that all was lost and headed back to Derris Kharlan.
Poor Kratos...all alone...