Nymph & Stray

by Deathcall

Nymph & Stray follows the character of Norah Arendt, and it's chronologically placed after the last volume in Spice & Wolf. The story is set after the end of the novels, so if you haven't finished with them or have only watched the anime, you'll be facing some heavy spoilers.

3. Volume I - Chapter 2

Hello everyone, Deathcall here (kinda obvious I suppose).

First and foremost... SORRY to anyone who actually cared about this story and had to wait for a year (and a month) for a new chapter. I'm going to be completely honest with you here: The story is in my head, but I usually don't write unless I'm motivated and I wasn't until the beginning of February (2016). I feed on views and reviews and sadly (for me) those are few and far between. Don't get me wrong though, Nymph & Stray is my most successful story in so far (which is not saying much to be honest).

It took me roughly a month and a few days of writing a page (or less) a day to finish this chapter. Between work and re-reading everything like ten times (doesn't mean I don't screw up on my grammar though, as you'll probably see by yourselves if you keep reading) I usually progress very slowly... not GRR Martin or Miura slowly, but slowly nonetheless.

To compensate (to a small extent at least) for the delay on this release, I made this chapter extra long. Hopefully the quality hasn't suffered because of it.

Please, if you like what you are reading or even if you don't, leave behind your thoughts in either the review section or PMs. I'm not a professional and English isn't my main language so I assure you I'll take any piece of criticism you can offer and try to improve my skills based on it.

Last but not least, I'll use this opportunity to once more invite you to visit my User Profile where there are links to my Google Drive where you can read this story all together in a neatly (well, by my standards) put together PDF with a new (refurbished is more accurate) world map and a few other minor things that help improve your reading experience. Also, there are links to my other stories so feel free to check those out... they aren't all that bad I guess.

Alright, lets get on with the story then... Hope you enjoy it.

- JD

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Chapter II

Maybe because of the long day she had yesterday, or maybe because of the bath she took before going to bed, Norah sleeps through most of the early morning. Even after she wakes, her senses return to her one at a time.

The first thing she notices is how smooth the blanket on her bed is. She has never been picky about where she sleeps – given that the options were usually between hay and grass. After getting her own bed at Gustav's Church she wouldn't have fathomed the idea of having reason to complain; these bed clothes though… These she'd like to take back with her.

Back?

Her mind starts to clear up as she begins to piece together the events that led her to this foreign bed. She sits up, noticing she's wearing a white linen gown. Her eyes, still a bit blurry from sleep, examine the seam work. The white thread makes it look as if it were seamless. Whoever made this must have been really skilled. As she's looking at the stitches on the cuffs, she suddenly becomes aware of a bell ringing.

Although it's quite loud, she's somehow aware that it has been ringing for a while, she just didn't notice. In fact, it has probably been going for as long as she's been awake. She pulls her legs from under the covers and sets her feet on the ground. Norah rests her elbows on her knees and yawns as she wipes the sleep from her eyes, the cold from the stone floor seeping onto her soles.

"Ah…"

She said as she lazily took in her surroundings. The sister's chambers are shared, but large and well illuminated. All the windows look out into the Cathedral's walled garden, the scent of herbs and flowers drifts inside from an opened window and mixes with the aroma of wax candles and incense.

"That's right…"

At the foot of her bed, neatly folded over the wooden board, is her robe. She stretches towards it and pulls it over, her back creaks a few times as she does so. Norah takes a furtive look around the room before changing. She fetches her satchel from under the bed and diligently takes out everything she needs to get ready.

"If the bells are ringing… the funeral must be about to begin. I really must have overslept."

She said to herself while combing her hair – at least as much as her curls would allow it. Someone has left a bowl and a jug with water on the bed stand. She washes her face and hands and – with a final loud creak from her back – gets up from the bed. She carries the bowl back into the mess hall. While she's looking for a place to pour the water, sister Winny comes in.

"Good morning Norah, you were sleeping so soundly I wasn't sure the bell was going to wake you up or not."

The old nun said with a wry smile.

"Soun-? I'm really sorry, Sister. I must have been more tired than I thought."

She replied. Norah is pretty sure that she doesn't snore… or at least that she usually doesn't. Sister Winny strikes her as a slightly mischievous person though; she was probably teasing her.

"Oh, right… Lord Kerrick has been asking about you."

Her expression must have changed into something silly judging by how the elderly woman giggled. She took the bowl away from her and spoke as she walked away.

"Oh don't be surprised. Gossip travels faster than horses."

She said as she emptied the bowl into a drain on the far side of the room.

"And spreads like the plague…"

Norah continued. Father Nick used to say that.

"Bah! Only Nick would put such a grim outlook onto something so silly… But then again, he's quite right. You've got to admit though, a noble and a priestess? That's way juicier than the usual tittle-tattle we get."

She spoke as she dried the bowl with a piece of cloth and placed it on a shelf atop a pile of other bowls that look the same.

"We are jus-"

Norah began to say, but was quickly interrupted.

"He's nice to you. And yes, he might be a bit more handsome than your average boy, but you think of him as a friend and nothing more."

She said as she returned to her side, wiping her hands on her robes.

"Well… Yes."

Mumbled Norah, a bit taken aback by the nun's matter-of-fact tone.

"Be careful child, regrets are born from indecision."

Her tone was half reprimand half parental counsel.

"I… will."

She got all of that from a bit of gossip? She hasn't been a day in town…

"The devil knows more because he's old, than because he's the devil."

Winny said after a chuckle, completely unfazed about having mentioned the Devil in the house of God. Norah looks around nervously before she allows herself a very thin smile and a barely noticeable nod.

"I have to help Luke get ready. The townspeople are still gathering though, so there's some time. Lord Kerrick was asking for you after all… Just go to the other sisters when you are done, they'll tell you what to do."

The old nun fixed the sleeves on Norah's robe, smiled and walked away.

"Sis- Winny… you didn't tell Ter- Lord Kerrick that I was sleeping… right?"

Norah asked timidly.

"Of course I did. You don't expect me to lie in the house of God, do you?"

The old nun deftly delivered her reply without even turning around.

...

Falzhen is much bigger than Gustav, and has many more people. It's imposing Cathedral – well, by provincial standards – is packed so full that men are forced to stand in order to allow women and the elderly to sit. Only the area around the lectern and the choir are spared.

The late bishop has been laid to rest with his feet facing the congregation; though, in fact, there are people all around him – respectfully keeping their distance so others can reach the bier. As more come in, they pay their respects to the body and find a place to sit - or stand. A few offer a short prayer, lay some trinket next to the body or very respectfully kneel and touch his feet in mournful supplication. Not everyone approves of this, judging by how some people look at the supplicants, but nobody tries to stop them.

Norah looks up from the book of canticles she's been loaned at the large amount of people. She nervously fixes the kerchief on her head. Terry gifted it to her to replace the lost one. Apparently, after thoroughly searching the horses' satchels, he was unable to find it. Most likely it was blown away somewhere in the way to town. He scoured the market looking for a replacement. Her new handkerchief is black as well, but the embroidery is in gold and silver thread. A bit ostentatious for a simple priestess… not to mention half the town saw Terry give it to her.

"Here they come."

Sister Marielle was going through the hymns and canticles they'll be singing with her. She stopped and nodded in the direction of the crossing. A group of men and women are approaching the bier. She doesn't notice anything different about them but the Cathedral as a whole grows tense. People lower their voices. Some of the men standing on the aisle press against those behind them to stay clear of the new group. Norah can see the men-at-arms flanking the aisle are keeping a close watch on the newcomers.

"The paga- Ow!"

Marielle had tapped the sister in front of them on the head with the hymn book. The nun lowered her head subserviently and remained quiet.

"Are they northmen?"

Norah asked as she saw more of them enter the church. Unlike the others, they left the Cathedral after paying their respects.

"Most of them are. A few families came from other villages around Falzhen. All are non-believers though. Or as the Bishop liked to say… They keep their own faith."

Marielle answered. Her eyes suddenly harden and she begins to climb down the steps leading to the bier.

"Sister Anne, help Norah. I'm going to make sure things keep calm."

She said, giving Anne – the one she had tapped – only a quick glance.

Marielle quickly gets herself between the mourners and the bier. Her presence makes the silence grow even more noticeable, but the tension seems to ease down, if only a bit. Though it might look like she's just helping people find a place to sit, everyone gets the message: Don't cause trouble. Though she's much younger than Winny and smaller than Norah, she still commands a lot of respect. She's well on her way to becoming mother superior, maybe even an abbess.

"How do you perform rituals back at Gustav if it's just you there?"

Anne asked in a low voice. She is surely aware that even though Marielle is busy, she must be keeping an eye on both of them to make sure they are doing as Winny instructed.

It isn't truly that hard to handle the church. The congregation is much smaller, and for better or worse, people come mostly only for mass, except for Ms. Lithkin and the children. Class days are a bit harder, especially if she has other work to do, but for the most, days go by calmly. She gets plenty of opportunities to practice her sewing and spend time with Enek going around town and visiting people.

"I think pretty much everyone in town has heard of The Knight… People say that he's as big as a bull, that his fur is hard as chainmail and that his barks are so fierce they can drown out the largest bells."

Anne said the last part somewhat dismissively but the way she looks at Norah makes it clear she herself shares at least some of those beliefs.

"Well…"

Norah started. Anne closes in to her. A few of the other nuns around them - who have been surreptitiously listening in their conversation – turn their heads ever so slightly so as to hear her better.

"He's big for a border collie…"

Norah finished, a bit afraid to disappoint everyone's expectations.

"I think its better that way. I mean… It's way more amazing if he's just a normal dog. Don't you agree?"

Anne said ponderously.

While none of the other nuns say anything – they were eavesdropping after all - she can tell by her faces that they share Anne's thoughts. Norah nods and lets a smile creep onto her lips for a second, quickly returning to a solemn expression when she notices Marielle looking their way.

Apparently the last of the northmen have paid their respects already. None have stayed inside the Cathedral, but she can see a few have formed groups on the streets in front of the main gates. She'd like to think they rather be outside than stay in the cramped Cathedral but the truth is far from that.

"Bishop Ozenstein always advocated tolerance. He was well known for it. Tolerance isn't acceptance, however."

Marielle said. She had climbed back to the spot next to her after the last of them left.

"Is it always like this?"

Norah asked.

"Not like this… But yes. There are fools who think they are marching knights, and marching knights who forget they aren't in a March. And the odd simpleton who likes going around causing trouble because he thinks he knows best."

The scorn in her voice is almost palpable.

"Yes, we should all learn to temper our heart with tolerance."

Winny's voice came from behind them. The old nun had sneaked in behind them somehow and the tone in her voice said that she had heard their conversation. Marielle looks at her for a moment and her eyes become downcast.

"A little sparrow told me you have a beautiful voice Norah. I look forward to hearing you sing. Anne, go tell good Sir Olmund that Luke is ready to begin. The day grows hot, does it not? Make sure to also tell him to keep the gates open. Marielle, with me."

The old nun dispatched her orders like someone who's used to it and started moving.

Marielle followed close behind while Anne climbed down onto the aisle to find Sir Olmund, the knight in charge of the honor-guard and brother to the current Lord of the same family, one of the oldest in Falzhen. Terry had introduced her to the Olmunds earlier when they met.

Lord Aaron Olmund is old, though his youngest son can't be much older than Terry's brother. His wife is much younger than him, but it's likely that she won't be with child again. They have ten sons and daughters; the eldest is probably a bit older than Lawrence and already has a family of his own. Lord Olmund's brother, Sir Erwin, is almost of age with the Lord's wife, though the weathered look on his face makes him appear older – and meaner. In spite of this, he was extremely courteous when introduced to Norah; he actually acted like she thought a knight would. He has a few relatives of his own, which he introduced in turn. After so many introductions and curtsies Norah isn't sure she can remember half their names, or be sure that the names she remembers belong to the people she thinks. Luckily that won't be a problem once she returns to Gustav, but she made a mental note to ask Terry to make her a list.

Sir Erwin listens to Anne and gives her a silent nod. He turns and makes a sign towards his men and they start hitting the butt of their spears on the ground. The sound grows as more and more of his men join the others. After a few seconds the entire Cathedral is thrumming. Their display of martial discipline enthralls the congregation. Many of the children – and a few of the young men – look at the knight and his men with profound admiration.

To Norah, who got used to seeing these things during her years at Ruvinheigen, the impression is quite different. Back at the Holy City, both knights and men-at-arms would be wearing richly adorned armors, armaments enameled with precious stones, helmets crowned with beautiful feathers and all manners of impressive displays of wealth. Especially the capes; she loved to look at the capes: the intricate designs, brilliant colors, how they flew in the breeze coming from the sea… Compared to that, Sir Erwin's men look rather plain. With their half-helms on and the Holy March tabard on each of their chests, they all appear the same. Only Erwin himself stands out, and that's because he's wearing no helmet and a half-cape above his tabard, which signifies his position as commander.

Despite all of that, she admires how fierce they look. They are soldiers after all, their job is to fight, not look pretty. A ruby on the pommel of your sword doesn't make you stronger and steel stands blows better than gold… or so she has been told. Sir Erwin's men look battle hardened and the fact that their faces are shrouded under the shadows of their helms gives them a powerful – almost dreadful – aura. It makes her a bit worried that so many children look up to them with such wonder in their eyes though. Especially after the talk she had with Luke last night.

Once the only sound inside the Cathedral is that of the spears Sir Erwin raises his hand and all the soldiers stop at once; not a single thump more – except for those coming from the echoes. Their sudden stillness gives Norah an eerie feeling. It's as if they had all become statues. Before the effect wears off – and people start making noise again – Luke appears from the crossing escorted by Winny and Marielle. Time for the ceremony to begin; what was the first hymn again?

...

Funerals are usually long ceremonies, more so if the person in question is a Bishop. Luke followed the usual rites to the letter, sparing no verse or hymn. That alone took almost an hour. After that, he allowed people to come to the lectern and say their bits. The Olmund brothers, Terry and half a dozen other nobles took their turns. After them, a handful of wealthy merchants and a few common folk spoke as well. That took the better part of another two hours. While most speakers kept their words solemn, a few shared anecdotes and tales from their time with Joseph. The tavern keep, a man who had known the Bishop since childhood and one of the last to come to the lectern, even cracked a few jokes.

Despite having cried a few times – along with a good many people in the congregation – Norah felt calm, almost content. It still made her heart cringe when they took the bier to the catacombs below the Cathedral though. Luke, Sir Erwin, Terry and a few other townspeople helped carry Joseph Ozenstein to his final resting place. The entire congregation sang as they waited for men who had volunteer for the grim task to return. The bells rang once more as the entrance to the catacombs close. After that, Luke said a few words and gave everyone his blessing to leave.

Afternoon was well entered when they finally started on their way back to Gustav. Not without dodging several invitations first though. Lord Olmund almost forced them to stay for lunch, but luckily Terry said he had given his word to bring her back as soon as possible and Sir Erwin intervened on his behalf. Lady Olmund gifted Norah a perfumed shawl to match her new kerchief – and gave her a sly wink along with it. Luke and Sister Winny also insisted they could do with a day's rest, but quickly gave up when she politely refused. The first gave her a satchel full of quills and ink as well as good quality parchments, the latter a bag with scented soaps and expensive looking bath oils wrapped in cloth for safekeeping. They had more presents in mind but Norah quickly said she already had accepted too much.

"Careful now, Ehre likes running so you've got to make sure to keep her speed steady. Give her a gentle pull with the reins and she'll get the message."

Terry counseled her as she passed him. Norah does as instructed and they quickly come head to head again.

He had mentioned that she could ride back on her own but Norah hadn't truly considered it until the moment when he handed her the reins. With the entire Olmund family behind them – and more than a few other onlookers – she couldn't quite say that she rather just ride with him. Had he waited for that moment on purpose?

"Turn your knees inwards. You want to be hugging her with your legs. Just make sure you aren't pressing too hard."

He said as he moved his own legs to show her how.

She hadn't gone straight to riding. For a mile – almost as long as it took them to exit the outskirts of Falzhen – she had walked with Ehre's reins on hand while Terry gave her instructions. Half of it was the same she heard yesterday, but there were a lot of new things as well. His first and most important recommendation – which he repeated constantly – was to remain calm. Ehre is well trained and as long as she doesn't panic she will do all the work.

"Keep yourself balanced. Back straight; knees inward; heels down and toes up. Yes. That's good. See? It isn't hard."

He encouraged her.

"Y-Yes…"

Easy for him to say… he has been riding since childhood.

His instructions are easy; the problem is doing everything at the same time. She had – more or less – gotten used to riding yesterday… with Terry leading the horse. Now that she is in full control her mind gets boggled down between keeping her legs tight – but not too hard –, moving her upper body according with the gait – while not inadvertently signaling Ehre to go faster or slower –, keeping the reins relaxed – but making sure she doesn't stray from the path – and not falling off – and in case she does, making sure to do so in the way Terry had told her to.

"Ah! That's mean Terry!"

She protested. Terry had poked her on her ribs while she was trying to concentrate.

"Relax! You look like you are trying to do numbers in your head. Don't think so much. Only practice will help, so ease down and enjoy the ride."

She had an urge to ask him if he wanted to learn how to sew just so she could laugh at him when he pricks his fingers…

"Ah! You are thinking something mean!"

He accused her, though his smile says he isn't the least worried.

"No I wasn't…"

She said as she fixed the shawl around her shoulders. It isn't a lie… she just wanted to give him a bit of his own medicine. Not a lie… definitely not.

It takes a couple hours but she finally comes to a point where she feels comfortable riding Ehre. The movements come naturally, almost automatically, and she actually starts to really enjoy the experience. As she relaxes, so does her mount, which in turn makes riding her much easier.

"I was really surprised when I heard Joseph was in a March."

Norah said, while they were talking about everyone's speeches.

"Yes. That was… eight or nine years ago. The Call came from the coast and a few of the noble houses were coerced into joining lest they lose face. You know how they treat country lords back at the coast. Sir Erwin went for the Olmunds and my father for the Kerricks and Gustavs, being that my mother has no brothers. Bishop Ozenstein refused to stay behind - despite the fact that he was already an old man at the time – and participated as an advisor. They took a bit over two hundred men between the two of them if I don't remember wrong."

Terry spoke between pauses, half because he was trying to remember and half so he wouldn't bite his tongue off.

"I've heard little about that."

Norah answered. She has been in Gustav for almost seven years now, but nobody talks much – or at all – about the last March that came through town.

"Not many returned. And those who did – well… Dad fell ill almost as soon as he came back. He didn't talk much about the campaign in his sickbed. The few who survived both war and plague don't have much to say about it."

His voice trailed off at the end.

"I'm sorry… I made you remember something sad."

He must have asked around to find out about his father's exploits. Far as she knew, that campaign in particular didn't go very well for anyone. No small wonder the March got called off the next year. Still, Terry shrugs it off with a smile and a shake of his head.

"Don't worry. But it is curious; not even Sir Erwin will talk much about it. I asked him last night and he only gave me lip service. It must have been really bad…"

His voice was disinterested but his expression was purposively blank – he is trying to hide his true feelings. Is it simple curiosity that drives him… or something else?

"If there were to be another Call…"

Norah began to say, however the way he looked at her made it clear he was onto her. They stared at each other for a few moments until he sighed and faced forward again.

"I should have known Mr. Tellhoff would tell you. Well, it's not like it's a secret."

He shrugged off the last bit.

"You said that nobles were coerced to join The March."

She wasn't about to let him dodge the subject.

"Yes. I'd most likely have to join. But I'm not a knight, nor have I squired for anyone except my father; and that was too long ago to matter. My mother never wanted any of us to follow on his footsteps and father never fought her on the subject. Sir Erwin offered to knight me if it came to that but I refuse to soil my father's memory. If it comes to it, I'll let him lead our men."

It didn't seem like he was looking forward to either option.

"So… you wouldn't fight?"

Was she pushing the subject too much? It was clearly uncomfortable for Terry.

"Thank you for worrying, Norah."

He said after shaking his head.

"But you want to…"

Now she knows she's pushing it.

"I know its silly, believe me. Mother and my siblings need me at home. I'm the head of Houses Kerrick and Gustav. My life is devoted to them and to our city. Going away… pretending to be a Marching Knight, those are the dreams of a child. Still, the Kerricks have been knights in an unstopped line for hundreds of years. That's how grandfather managed to marry my dad to my mother. My forefather's legacy is knighthood. I'll be the first to break that tradition."

His tone was that of resignation. Terry must have confronted this matter before.

"I'm sure we'd all miss you if you left."

She said, hoping she had not ruined the mood for the rest of the trip.

"I'd miss you too."

He said after a well timed pause.

Though he's looking straight ahead she can spy a slight smile on his face. He must be alright if he's back to flirting; which makes her feel a bit dumb about blushing. Winny's words come back to her. She's right, no doubt about it. However, Norah can't help but to wonder: the old nun must have known that the young rarely listen to their elder's warnings. For better or worse, they must trip on their own rocks.

Despite having left Falzhen at a much later hour when compared to their departure from Gustav, Terry is confident that they'll make better time now that they are each riding their own horse. Even with Norah taking a few hours to get used to riding on her own, their pace is remarkably better. So much so that they quickly catch up with some of the carts they passed the day before. They exchange a few pleasantries with the merchants but only stop once the sun has almost set.

"The days are growing shorter. A couple more weeks and we might have our first snow of the year."

Commented Terry as he stared at the last rays of sunlight on the horizon.

"Can we continue today, or should we make camp?"

Norah said as she helped remove the cargo off Ehre.

"We should be okay to continue. It'll still be a full moon tonight and there are no signs of clouds. We should have enough light for the horses to be safe on the road."

He answered as he took the heaviest satchels from her hands.

"Thanks. What if it gets cloudy?"

She said as she looked at the sky. The stars are beginning to appear and there are no clouds in sight, but you never know with autumn weather.

"I rather not risk it. Raüber and Ehre are good horses but traveling at night is still dangerous for them. A loose rock; a bad step…"

Terry spoke as he took off the saddle from Ehre so she could go graze with her brother.

"How long do you think it'll take us to reach Gustav?"

She asked after they both sat down on a patch of grass flanked by the road on one side and several trees on the other.

"We'll have to wait for the moon to come up, that should take an hour or two. If we keep the same pace… I suppose we'll get to town in five or six more hours. Just hope the gate guards are awake, or we might have to sleep outside the walls."

He ended with a chuckle. The gates had been closed the first time she entered Gustav, and that time it wasn't truly that late.

"Should I make a fire?"

She asked as she stretched, her back welcomes the reprieve from the saddle.

"You won't find much firewood around here I'm afraid. I suppose you could break off a few branches from these trees though. Are you cold?"

He said as he took a look around the thicket.

"No, not really. It's an old habit I guess."

It has been a while since she spent a night camping. Not since coming to Gustav. The closest thing was with Ms. Boland and the others on her trip to Nyohhira, but that doesn't compare. Looking for firewood; cooking their food; cuddling by the fire with Enek until she fell asleep. She looks at Terry and can't help but remember what Ms. Lithkin told her. Norah feels herself blushing again.

"You spent a lot of time traveling before coming to Gustav?"

Terry asked.

He's tone is innocent but Norah knows that her past has been a matter of speculation for a good while. Nobody would ask her directly – not even Alice's husband who's known for his curiosity – but even her students had begun trying to guess. Her favorite version was the one that said she was an illegitimate nobleman's daughter who is being hidden away from a jealous wife. For all she knew, it could be true… well, at least partially. After all, how many orphans have surnames?

"Enek and I used to camp like this a lot. I wonder if he's okay."

She finished with a longing look in the way of Gustav. Did she overplay the part too much? Hopefully it'll help veer the conversation into safer grounds.

"Gustav is that way…"

Terry nonchalantly said as he pointed at a different direction.

"Wh- No it's not!"

She protested after a moment of hesitation.

Terry manages a serious expression for a few seconds – which momentarily makes her doubt herself again. Eventually, though, his façade breaks apart and he starts laughing. Is he paying her back for trying to guilt him into changing the subject?

"That's not very gentleman-like of you, Lord Kerrick."

She did her best to imitate Father Nick's lecturing tone.

"Forgive my transgression sister, 'twas never my intention to tease thee thusly. What penitence doth you require of me?"

Despite his serious speech, Terry can't help but to chuckle between sentences.

"Tease thee thusly? Pray for forgiveness! Te- Twenty times!"

She hastily ordered after almost breaking into a giggle.

"Twenty times? It's obvious you never made Nick truly angry…"

Terry answered after a feigned scoff.

She tries to stare him down defiantly – half a mind in increasing his penitence substantially – but ends up laughing instead. They both do for a few moments before composing themselves.

"Better we eat as soon as possible; you don't want to ride with a full belly. Then you should sleep for a while, otherwise I might have to tie you to the saddle after all."

Terry said after their laugh had died down.

"Or we could just ride together again…"

She did her best to say it as casually as she could, but it still came a bit awkward towards the end. It didn't matter though, even with the tenuous light, she could see she had had the desired effect.

"Y-Yes we could. I'll get the food from the satchels. Lord Olmund gave me a few bottles of mead; they are in that one over there if you'd like some."

He said as he quickly got up and walked towards their gear while pointing at a satchel that was separated from the rest.

Just like Terry said, the full moon appeared behind the hills an hour and some after the sun had set. The sky remained clear of clouds, allowing the light from both the moon and the stars to bathe the entire countryside. Everything around them is dyed in shades of grey; the only interruptions in this now monotone world are the shadows casted by the trees, bushes and themselves. Shadows which look darker than their day counterparts and seem to hungrily eat away the moonlight.

Norah had spent many nights looking at landscapes such as this with Enek. While it made looking after the sheep easier, it also exposed them to predators… and worse. Back when she first started sheepherding, the priest in charge of her flock had told her that there are more things to fear out in the open than just wolves. To this day, she isn't sure if he was actually warning her or trying to scare her away; probably both.

A breeze has risen from the east. As it got caught on the trees and bushes, the shadows swayed almost as if dancing. Norah looked at them with a mix of awe and fear. Some stretched even as far as the road, like fingers trying to reach out and grab them. She is too old now to believe in ghost, but then again she does know people who can turn into giant wolves, birds… and bunnies.

"Beautiful, yet scary… isn't it?"

Terry said while looking at her through the corner of his eyes.

"Nature – often is. Excuse me."

She answered, yawning half-way.

She had dozed off for a while after they dined but – as it often happens – awoke even more tired. Granted, the mead she had washed down the food with was putting some extra weight on her eyelids. They are still a few hours away from Gustav and though the horses are holding the pace demanded of them, Norah herself is fighting a losing battle against sleep and exhaustion.

The breeze plays in Norah's shawl, almost as if it were trying to pull it off. The perfume is still coming strong from it, mixing with the sweet smell of beeswax emanating from her clothes and the strong scent of her horse. She can even catch a whiff of soap and oil coming from her satchel. Ehre sneezes loudly, letting out a white mist that dowses Norah as they trot forward.

"B-Bless you…"

She said, as she wiped her face clean. Terry laughs but she's too tired to complain.

After another hour in the saddle, it becomes obvious that she can't go on by herself anymore. Ehre slows down from her trot into a walk, almost as if she was worried that Norah might fall from the saddle.

"I'm sorry Terry… I don't think I can ride anymore."

She said as Ehre drew to a halt.

"You did great Norah. I'm the one who is sorry. I never considered that you might get tired before the horses. Come on, let me help you down."

He said as he climbed down from Raüber and offered her a hand.

It takes them a few minutes to switch Terry's luggage onto Ehre. After they are done, he climbs up to the saddle and makes Norah climb behind him.

"You' will be more comfortable in this position. Rest yourself on my back and put your arms around my waist. I will make sure you do not fall."

Perhaps because he was conscious this was an embarrassing situation for her, he made sure to make his tone extremely polite.

"You are not going to tie me up?"

She asked half-jokingly in a drowsy tone as she laid herself against his back, it was warm and a bit moist but she didn't mind.

"I don't think we'd hear the end of it if someone saw us like that."

He said after a chuckle.

"And this is better?"

She answered as she put her arms around his waist.

"No… And yes."

He said and sighed.

With that, Terry signals Raüber and they start moving again. He ties Ehre's reins to their saddle and the mare follows obediently next to them. They fall into a trot, the movement making Norah jump around a bit. She presses against Terry and locks her hands together, trying not to hug him too tightly. After a while, her mind starts to wander and she finds herself dozing off. Terry keeps quiet, but she can hear him breathing through his back. His warmth is comforting, it reminds her of Enek. He smells quite different though. It doesn't really bother her; after while she doesn't notice it anymore.

They ride for a while, how long she can't really tell as she dozes off constantly. As they are making their way down a hill, Norah is roused by a grinding metallic sound and the horses neighing.

"Hm? What is it?"

She asked sleepily.

"That's… he must have kept walking."

Terry said; he spoke softly, his words resonating through her.

"What? Who?"

She asked as she lazily rubbed her eyes and looked around.

At first she didn't see anything on the road with them; then she noticed Terry was looking uphill. Before she could see what he was staring at, she notices one of the shadows being cast down the hill shrinking unnaturally. That, paired with the horses neighing again, makes her cry out in surprise.

"Easy now…"

Terry said; she wasn't sure if he was trying to calm her or the horses.

"What is- Ah…"

Norah was halfway through her question when she finally saw what Terry had seen.

Sitting on top of the hill, with his back towards some shrubbery and the full moon behind him is the man they saw on their trip to Falzhen. Moonlight filters through his fur half-cape, outlining it with great detail against the horizon. His shadow drops down the hill for a few feet. He looks their way for a moment, his face shrouded in darkness, but a few moments later he faces ahead again and pays them no more heed. Judging by his arm movements – which are projected onto the hill – he must be doing something.

"He got up when he heard us coming; his shadow scared the horses."

Terry explained as he got the horses moving again.

"And me. Is that really him though? He really must have walked all day..."

She asked while looking at the man on the hill.

"It is. I heard him unsheathing his sword. He must have believed us to be bandits or something of the like."

Terry didn't look at the man while he spoke but she could feel his back was tense.

"Can't really blame him. Good people don't usually travel at these hours."

She dismissively said while she pressed against him and locked her hands again.

"Mhm… I guess you are right."

He agreed with her, but his tension remained for a good while after that.

Terry kept their speed at a trot, but she could feel him turning around from time to time to look behind them. Once the excitement from their encounter with the traveler faded, Norah's sleepiness returned with a vengeance. Not half an hour had passed before she was dozing off again. She was aware that they were close to town and wanted to remain awake, but she was so drowsy that nothing to talk about came to mind.

"-ear..."

She mumbled, drifting between dreams.

"Hm?"

She felt more than heard Terry's words.

"He reminds me… of the moon-hunting bear…"

She said, as sleep finally overtook her.

...

Morning comes once more. Norah can hear that the breeze which accompanied her yesterday has changed into a steady wind that whistles past her window. Light filters through the blinds in linear patterns that leave the room half lit half engulfed in darkness. Her desk is there – still piled with sewing things and parchments – along with the big trunk – some of the clothes she tried on before leaving are still strewn atop of it. She reaches her hand down, scanning the floor for a while until she finds Enek's bed. Norah palms her way through the mushy cushion but doesn't find anything. She lazily moves her head to look. Enek is not there, nor anywhere else in the room.

She sits on the bed and yawns. How long did she sleep? If the sun is shining through the window it must be past the first bell. She has vague memories of how she got here: Terry shouting; the town's gate opening; hooves on cobbled roads; Ms. Lithkin's voice and the familiar sound of the church doors. She looks at herself and notices someone has changed her into her sleeping clothes.

"Must have been Ms. Lithkin…"

She mutters to herself. It must have been… surely.

Norah opens the windows and blinds. The morning chill enters her room along with sounds from the city. Her potted plants are still on the sill, shaking on the wind. She carefully moves them inside one by one and puts them on the floor.

"That'll have to do for now…"

She said as she wiped her hands.

Since her clothes seem to have been taken away – and they are probably too dirty anyway – she goes to the wardrobe and picks up something to wear. After so much time spent in pants, she opts for one of her skirts, a matching shirt and a short-sleeved blouse. Just in case the wind picks up she takes a knitted scarf and winds it loosely around her neck. She slips into a pair of comfortable shoes and leaves her room.

"Good morning Norah, did you sleep well?"

Ms. Lithkin said as she came into the isle, she has a broom in her hands.

"Good morning Ms. Lithkin. Please, don't bother with that. You've already done enough. I'm sure you've got things to do back at the inn."

Norah said in a thankful tone.

"The girls can handle it, there's never much to do in the mornings."

She answered rather dismissively while she lazily swoop the floor.

Norah notices that the main door is open. The wind is blowing dust and fallen leaves right into the aisle. It makes sweeping the floor rather pointless… Has she been waiting for her to wake up all this time?

"Well, I'm going to go see Ms. Alice and pick up Enek. Thank you for your hard work."

She said as she started walking towards the entrance.

"D-Don't you want to eat something first? You must be hungry after your trip."

It was rare to hear Ms. Lithkin stutter. It made her feel a bit mean for teasing her. She must have been waiting all morning.

"Mhm… well I could eat something. Would you like to join me?"

She said as she turned around and smiled.

Ms. Lithkin had replenished the pantry with food from the inn. She insisted in preparing their breakfast herself. Her questions started rather innocently as she was making tea but quickly escalated to a full out interrogation. From how things had gone with Terry to how much the shawl Lady Olmund gave her could have cost.

"A pump that pours hot water? My… that'd save me a lot in firewood."

She said after chomping down on a sugar cookie.

"Well, you still have to heat the fireplace."

Norah answered after sipping her tea.

"You should ask the church to install one of those here. And let me borrow it, of course."

It was hard to tell if she was joking or not.

"You should see the bathhouse at Ruvinheigen. As big as the church, marble floors…"

Norah reminisced. However, she had to cut the details short as she had never actually been inside.

Despite the fact that there were split pools for men and women, she would have never been able to afford it – or be allowed inside anyway. Besides, the church had begun to shun the existence of those types of buildings due to their reputation.

"That must be nice… but surely full of prunes with rich husbands."

She finished with a snort and a chuckle.

"Ms. Lithkin!"

Norah protested, though she couldn't help but to giggle.

They make small talk until the tea goes cold and the cookies are gone. Ms. Lithkin's thirst for gossip is not easily quenched. By the time they are done with their breakfast Norah has pretty much given a detailed report of everything that happened to her since she left Gustav up to the moment when she woke up.

"That reminds me, I haven't washed your shawl yet. You might want to ask Alice about doing it properly. Oh, and the kerchief Terry gave you I just hung on the line."

The older woman said as she cleaned the cups and dishes.

"Thank you for taking care of my clothes."

Norah said apologetically.

"Oh it was no bother at all, besides… I had to make sure your honor was still intact."

The old woman made sure to put an edge on her last sentence.

"Wh-What do you mean by that?"

Norah answered frantically, not that she didn't know where she was going with it.

"Well, after seeing Lord Kerrick carrying you to bed on his arms…"

Ms. Lithkin finished with a mischievous grin.

"H-He did?"

Norah stuttered.

It was extremely embarrassing – she'll probably never hear the end of it – but Norah wanted to know the details of Terry's untimely display of chivalry. Although Ms. Lithkin did her best to embellish it, the truth of the matter was rather plain. He simply carried her from the horse to the bed and then brought her satchels. In fact, given her complexion, the sturdy inn-keep could have probably carried Norah to bed herself. Had she let Terry do it just so she could tease her? That was more than likely. Still, when compared to how she spent hours hugging him... it seemed pretty innocent.

After Ms. Lithkin has had her fill of ragging her, Norah thanks her for all the help and goes into the city. The wind plays with her skirt as she heads for the seamstress guild. She has to stop a few times to exchange pleasantries and news with acquaintances. She comes across Mr. Maus, who also happens to be on his way to see Alice about his son's upcoming wedding.

"I'm afraid not Mr. Maus, but we didn't talk to all the merchants we came across and many were camping when we passed them."

Norah said when he asked about the infamous shipment of silk he and Alice have been waiting for. She had completely forgotten about it. She regrets not asking at the Falzhen merchant guild, they could have known.

"I see. That's a shame. I'm hoping it gets here soon, Ms. Alice has told me it might take her a while to finish my daughter-in-law's gown, not to mention my son's clothes."

He said as he worriedly scratched his temple.

"Have faith in Ms. Alice, Mr. Maus. I'm sure she'll manage something even if the shipment doesn't arrive in time."

She encouraged him.

"Yes, yes – Of course. Should it come to that, I can always have one of my late wife's gowns adjusted. I think she wouldn't have minded and they are only feeding the moths now. My son could always marry in his uniform; I hear it's in fashion back at the coast."

He said enthusiastically.

The strong smell of tinctures assaults Norah's nose as they reach the entrance of the seamstress guild. Mr. Maus knocks on the door and reaches for the knob but before he can turn it a sudden scratching noise from the other side startles him and he backs away. He hangs his head in embarrassment. Norah gives him a kind smile.

"Age has not improved my nerve I'm afraid."

He sadly admitted as he opened the door.

Sora squeezes through the opening as soon as it's big enough for her to pass and runs outside. She barks and jumps on Norah a couple times; then she sniffs her feet and circles her a few times. After a bit, she sits on her hind legs and looks at her while panting and tilting her head. Norah pets her and steps inside the guild. Mr. Maus follows close behind while trying to keep his distance from Sora.

"Norah! Mr. Maus! I'm sorry for not coming to the door! I'm dyeing some fabrics on the backroom. I'll be right with you; Let me wash my hands."

Alice said, her head peeking from the doorframe behind the counter.

After a few moments she comes back while wiping her hands on her apron. Her fingertips are still a bit yellowish. Norah waits while Mr. Maus talks with her about wedding preparations. No news about the silk yet, but she offers to go check with Mr. Granger. She reassures him once more as he takes his leave with an overly polite farewell. Alice looks at him until he closes the door – Sora manages to sneak back in before he does – and sighs.

"You'd think the bride would be the one most worried about the dress…"

She said in a tired tone as she pet Sora's head.

"He does get overly anxious but… Ms. Velkoff lost her parents. She has nobody else to worry about her. She's fortunate to have such a caring father-in-law."

Norah said. She knows how Mr. Maus deals with his anxiety but it is not her place to talk about it. Despite his faults, she can sympathize with him.

"Mmmyes… I suppose you are right. So how was your trip? And where's Enek, I thought he'd be sticking to you like glue after you came back."

Alice said as she sat down and offered Norah a chair with her hand.

"Where? He is not with you?"

Norah answered, halfway through sitting.

"N-No… I picked him up the day you left and he stayed with us. He sneezed up a storm during the night too. The next day he and Sora came with me to see Amon. When I left neither of them was around so I supposed they were playing. A while after the last bell Sora came back, but she was alone. I thought he might have gone back to the church."

Alice apologetically explained after she stood again.

"No… I don't think so. He wasn't there when I woke up and Ms. Lithkin didn't mention seeing him at all. Could he still be at the guild?"

Norah was starting to get worried and it showed in her voice.

"He does like playing with Amon's cat. Come on, I'll go with you."

Alice said as she grabbed a coat from the counter.

They start for the merchant's guild at a brisk pace, dodging people and carts. The noon bell is about to sound and the town is bristling with activity. People call out to them as they pass but they give quick excuses and keep going. Norah looks at Alice; her face is riddled with uneasiness. She apologizes repeatedly but tries to sound optimistic about finding Enek at the guild. Norah tries to dismiss her worries but they cling to her own mind like claws. Maybe he didn't like the smell of the tinctures at Alice's place? Maybe he went to the church but Ms. Lithkin had already left so he couldn't get in? Could he have spent the night with Kolkas? They do get along pretty well...

As they wade through the crowded market they are enveloped by the smell of all the food stalls, most of which are getting ready to receive the noon customers. Beef, lamb, broths and even fish from the nearby river are all being cooked in a myriad of different ways. Sora – having tagged along with them – darts from stall to stall looking for scraps. A few of the shop owners – who know who she belongs to – feed her morsels from what they are cooking.

"Sora! Come here!"

Alice called out rather sharply. Sora comes back with her tail hidden between her legs. She doesn't move away from them anymore.

"Alice…"

Norah said in a pleading tone.

"I know, I know… I'm sorry."

She said with a guilt ridden face. Sora looks up at her and she pets her head.

After they finally manage to leave the crowd behind, they reach the cobbled street that leads to the Merchant's Guild and the storehouses. Several carts are coming and going. A cacophony of hooves, wheels and shouts fill the air. Norah recognizes a few of the merchants from her trip to Falzhen. She looks at Alice, expecting her to be checking on their cargoes for her silk shipment, but her eyes are focused on the guild's building at the end of the street. Isn't she worrying too much? Or is Norah not worrying enough?

Neither Kolkas nor Enek are at the building's entrance. Sora sits by the steps that lead into the hall while her master and Norah go inside. Most of the tables are packed with men chatting and drinking. Several others are standing in line, waiting their turn to meet with Amon or some representative from the guild. The keep offers them a pair of stools by the counter and asks them to wait. Before the next man can go into the office, he peeks inside and says a few words. Amon comes out after a moment.

"Welcome back Norah. Alice, if this is about the silk…"

Amon's disposition to each of them was completely different. To Norah he was extremely courteous. Alice got a look similar to the one she gave Mr. Maus.

"It's not about that. Have you seen Enek?"

Alice hastily asked.

"Enek? I think Sten mentioned seeing him with Kolkas at the storerooms, but that was yesterday. I've been busy all morning and haven't talked to him again. Why?"

He said after thinking for a moment.

"Do you think he could still be with Kolkas?"

Norah asked, her tone clearly suggesting what answer she was expecting.

"Ah… I guess he could be. What's going on?"

Amon said, noticing both of them had troubled faces.

"I lost track of him yesterday after I came here and he hasn't shown up at the church or my house. Would you mind if we looked in the storerooms?"

Alice asked pleadingly.

"Please?"

Norah added in the same manner.

"O-Of course. If you wait a moment I can go with you."

Amon dropped his merchant persona, if only for a moment.

"Thank you Mr. Granger, but all these people are waiting for you. We've already taken too much of your time. I don't want to inconvenience them further."

Norah said after taking a look at the line of men waiting to be heard by Amon. None of them showed the least annoyance but she knew better than to take that at face value.

"Very well. Should you require anything else of me, don't hesitate to ask."

Amon's merchant tone had come back. His eyes, however, were sympathetic.

Alice and Norah leave the merchant's hall, not without raising a few whispers in their wake. Once outside again they head for the storerooms – Sora following close behind. The Rowen Guild bought most of the warehouses at very low prices from people that fled the plague. Perhaps not the most honorable business practice but it was a risky gamble. Should the town have succumbed to the plague – and at the moment many thought it would – their investment would have been wasted. Not to mention everyone who stayed behind would have most likely died.

Since there's not enough activity in Gustav to justify so much storage space, some of the buildings were sold-off, giving the guild a decent profit. The best ones they kept, some as warehouses and some they repurposed or left vacant, waiting for new opportunities. Norah and Alice don't have to walk far, as the biggest warehouse – and Kolkas' hunting ground –is right next to the guild. The gates are open so they walk right in. The yard is packed with carts and merchants loading or unloading their cargo. The foreman spies them coming in, says a few words to the merchant in front of him and walks towards them.

"Sister, Ms. Alice. What brings you to the quay?"

He said in a puzzled tone.

"Hello Mr. Martens, we are looking for Enek. Have you seen him around?"

Norah asked politely.

"Enek? No, not since yesterday I believe. This one and him were prowling inside with Amon's devil cat. They boys are still picking up dead rats."

He said as he looked at Sora and smiled.

"Are you sure you haven't seen him today, Sten?"

Alice insisted.

"Well I've been here at the yard most of the morning. Haven't gone inside much. Hey! Oliver! Have you seen Enek inside?!"

The foreman turned and yelled at one of the boys who is unloading a cart. He shakes his head and continues working.

"Could we look for him inside?"

Norah pleaded.

"Aye, don't see why not. Let me finish with this cart and I'll go fetch a lantern."

It takes a few minutes for Sten to finish dealing with the merchant. He checks his paperwork and loads the cart with several boxes, some of them marked with the emblem of the Retzel trading guild. They shake hands and the deck boys help turn the cart around and lead it outside. The foreman leaves the oldest boy in charge, fetches a lantern and leads the group – including Sora – inside.

"Watch yer' steps ladies, there's been lots of business lately and the boys haven't gotten 'round to tidying the place up yet."

Sten said as he stepped over a pile of sacks.

Alice helps Norah vault over them while Sora simply walks on top. For the next few feet she leaves white footprints on the worn wooden floor. Sten takes them on a tour around the warehouse. He wasn't lying about there being lots of business lately. There are sacks, barrels, bolts of cloth – no silk though –, crates, boxes, chests, jars, bottles, ingots and all manner of arms and armor: swords, spears, shields, helmets, shields; leathers, mails and even a few suits of plate. The Rowen guild wouldn't have all of those by mere coincidence; they must have heard something about the March.

"Might I've known ye' ladies be visiting today I'd have had the boys make the place a tad more presentable. Careful there sister, that board is loose."

Sten excused the lack of order while lowering the lantern so they could see the floor.

"You can't leave linen on the ground like that Sten, it'll stain."

Alice chastised him while squeezing through two columns of crates.

"Aye, aye… I'll get on that as soon as we make room in the special fabrics section."

Sten said mockingly.

"I don't think he's here… He would have come already if he heard us."

Norah said as she looked around them.

"Well, we have been making quite a ruck- Gah! Every time!"

Sten cried out as he raised the lantern and saw two brilliant eyes on top of some boxes. It was Kolkas, with a huge rat on his mouth.

"That cat is a devil I tell you. He does it on purpose. He has it in for me."

He protested as the cat dropped down – rat in mouth – and walked to them.

"No, no, no! Don't bring that thing here!"

Alice shied away from Kolkas and hid behind Sten.

"Kolkas, have you seen Enek?"

Norah asked as she kneeled, completely unaffected by the dead rat.

"I believe in miracles sister but I assure you… If that cat starts talking it'll be work of the Devil, not God."

Sten said as he scratched his chin.

Kolkas stops in front of Norah and drops the dead rat on the ground. Sora moves closer and sniffs it, letting out a faint bark after she's satisfied. The cat keeps a watchful eye on his bounty, his tail slowly sweeping the floor.

"What are you gloatin' at, cat? It's the small ones that are hard to catch."

Sten mocked him.

"Did… did he just frown at you?"

Alice asked while squinting at the cat.

"Kolkas… Have you seen Enek?"

Norah insisted.

The cat stares intensely at Norah for a second and starts walking, completely ignoring his catch. He moves slowly, dodging obstacles on the ground and only jumping when necessary. The group follows him closely, Sten mutters something but it's too low to hear. Alice welcomes the opportunity to leave the huge rat carcass behind. Sora keeps close to Kolkas, but never gets ahead of him or too close to his tail. They exit into the yard. Their guide stops and lazily looks around. One of the boys comes calling for Sten but he shushes him and hands over the lantern. After a moment Kolkas starts moving again, dragging along with him the entire group. They exit the yard and move back to the guild's main building. At the entrance Kolkas stops and looks at the door. When Norah reaches for the knob he lets out an irritated meow and looks at the foreman.

"Fine… I know better than trying to outstubborn a cat…"

Sten said grudgingly as he opened the door for them.

Kolkas slips between the foreman's legs and enters the hall. They follow in line, except for Sora who obediently waits outside. The tables are still crowded and the line to see Amon hasn't gotten any shorter. The entire group moves to the counter again. Kolkas jumps on a stool and then onto the counter itself. He sits there and scans the room.

"Well I see you found Amon's cat, what about our gallant knight?"

The keep said as he approached.

"Hel- …vens if I know."

Sten corrected himself after a quick glance at Norah.

"We know Enek is not here."

Alice commented as she crossed her arms and switched her weight to one foot.

Norah remains quiet, her gaze fixed on Kolkas. The cat looks around for a bit longer and then jumps off. He walks towards a table where two merchants are having a meal. They readily notice their group approaching and look at each other with puzzled expressions. After reaching their table, the cat jumps on it and sits, swishing his tail.

"Ah… hello?"

One of them said.

"Ah, you are the ones that brought that cask of honeyed peaches. Sorry about this, we happen to be following this cat 'ere."

Sten said as he pointed at Kolkas.

"Norah, I don't think this is getting us anywhere."

Alice said as she shook her head.

"Please excuse us – We are looking for my dog. He's a border collie with black and white fur. He's been missing since yesterday."

Norah asked after she bowed her head. These were out-of-town merchants and they wouldn't know Enek by name.

"Black and white fur you say? Wasn't there a dog like that at the yard while we were unloading our cargo, Horace?"

He said and looked at his friend.

"Yes, you are right. Actually, this cat was there too… And another dog now I think about it. A brown one. I sat next to them after I sprained my back unloading that barrel."

The man answered.

"Aye, I remember that."

Sten agreed.

"Excuse me, perhaps I'm mistaken but… Didn't we see each other on the road the day before yesterday? You were traveling with a man?"

The older one asked.

"Ah, yes. Forgive me please, I forgot. You asked us how long until town, didn't you?"

Norah recalled. It was the first time they did this road so they weren't familiar with it.

"Yes, that was us."

The man said with a nod.

"Have you seen the black and white dog around town since then?"

Alice said; a hint of hope in her voice.

"I'm sorry, but no. Horace isn't feeling well so we haven't gone into town yet."

The older one said and looked at his partner.

"My back still hurts from yesterday. If I don't remember wrong though, your dog was already gone by the time we made our way back to the guild house."

He said and looked at his partner for confirmation; he nodded in agreement.

"Aye, far as I remember, Enek and Sora had left by the time we were done talking. The cat stayed behind though, I spied him on the rafters not long after that."

Sten concurred.

"I'm sorry we can't be of more help, miss."

Horace apologized.

"No, please. It's me who is sorry for bothering you. Thank you for your time."

Norah bowed her head and moved away from the table. Everyone – including Kolkas – gathers up by the counter again.

"Well, that was a waste of time."

Sten said, giving Kolkas a sharp look. The cat ignores him.

"We know they were here until noon, and we know Sora returned after the last bell. I think it's safe to assume they were together until she came back home. We just have to go around town and ask. Everyone knows Enek, someone will recall seeing him."

Alice said, trying to sound matter-of-factly.

"You ladies go 'round asking. I'll go back to the quay and have the boys search in the other storerooms. I'll send someone if he turns up."

Sten added.

"Alright, I'll go ask around the market and get Joam while I'm there. He might have seen him or heard something. Norah, why don't you go back to the Church? Enek might have come back there and we are here worrying about nothing."

Alice said with a smile, though her tone was more wishful thinking than optimism.

"Ah… yes. I'll head back. Thank you all for your trouble."

Norah is thoughtfully looking at Kolkas as he licks his paws. It takes her a few seconds to acknowledge she has been addressed.

"Hang in there. He can't be far; the city is walled after all."

Alice said as she squeezed her shoulder and went on her way.

"Mhm, she's right 'bout that. Hey, Purse, pack me something to eat will ya'? I have a feeling I'll be skipping lunch."

Sten agreed as he turned towards the keep.

"Mr. Martens, do you recall what you talked about with Mr. Horace yesterday?"

Norah spoke from deep in thought while still looking at Kolkas.

"Huh? Er… Not much really."

Sten said as he looked at their table again.

"Can you remember anything specific?"

Norah said after finally taking her eyes from Kolkas and setting them on Sten.

"Well… not much. They're pretty new to the trade so I was surprised they chose to come all the way out 'ere. Horace said that they had trouble with the hills because their brake broke on their second day out of Falzhen. He asked me where he could fix it and then we talked 'bout the market. Ah, he also mentioned some weird fella' with a bad eye. Horace said he passed them when they were figuring out the problem with the brake but then they passed him on the next day. John – that's the older one – was scared he was going to rob 'em but nothing happened. The new guys are always quick to strike the colors. Can't blame them though; peaches aren't worth a man's skin. This cup fer' me? Don't mind if I do."

Sten finished as he turned back towards the counter and grabbed an abandoned cup. He taps the rim with his finger and looks at the keep.

"No spirits for you, sailor."

The keep said in a mocking tone as he handed him a package bound in leather. Sten clicks his tongue and grabs the food.

"Taps' early today I guess. Right! Let's get to work. I'll send one of the boys to the church if we find him or hear something. Don't worry sister, Alice is right. He can't be far, 'less he can go through walls."

Sten said as he got up. He gives Norah a toothy yellowish smile and walks away.

"Don't worry Ms. Norah. Enek is a smart dog. He'll turn up sooner than later."

The keep sounded convinced. Her worries were not easily dismissed though.

"Thank you Pur– Mr. Carlton. I better go back now. Give my regards to Mr. Granger."

Norah said as she got up from her stool.

Kolkas jumps down from the counter and leaves the hall with her. As she reaches the bottom of the steps, she stops and looks around. The only one within earshot is Kolkas, who is sitting on his tail staring at her. They look at each other for a few moments before the cat moves away in the direction of the warehouse.

"You are stubborn."

Norah protested as she began heading back to the church.

She has had the suspicion that Kolkas is more than what he seems for a long time, though she hasn't been able to confirm it. If he is in fact like Ms. Holo, he must have his reasons to remain hidden in that form. If he's not, he's truly one really smart – and stubborn – cat. Not unlike Enek in fact.

Wait. Enek is smart. If he heard Horance and Sten talk while they were at the warehouse… they mentioned the traveler with the sword and said that they were afraid he might rob them. Did Enek think she could be in danger? Is she over thinking this too much? Maybe Alice is right and he's waiting at the church and she's worrying about nothing. Besides, how would he get through the walls?

No, that's silly. If he wanted to go outside he'd simply…

"Use the gate…"

She said as she looked in its direction.

...

"Enek! – Enek!"

Norah yelled, first to one side of the road, then to the other.

She has been walking for an hour now. In that time, she came across only one merchant and he hadn't seen Enek. If he left yesterday after noon… how far could he have gotten? Could they have passed each other? No, that's not likely. Even if she was asleep at the time, he would have recognized her right away. If he kept walking all day then they would have crossed paths. If they didn't then it means he stopped somewhere. Where, though… and why? She doesn't really want to think about the latter. By now he'd be going almost two days without food, and water is not readily available on the road.

Her hunch had taken her to the gates, though by the time she reached them she was almost ready to dismiss the possibility. She hadn't been overthinking after all… The first guard she asked said that he saw Enek and Sora by the gate yesterday. They stayed there for a while, but he was busy doing an inspection. By the time he thought about them again, they were gone. The next few guards hadn't seen anything, but then she got to one who had been on wall duty the day before. He had seen a few dogs come and go. According to him, it wasn't that rare. Most farmers have dogs and they sometimes wander around the walls. He did remember one that seemed to be following the road to Falzhen, but by the time he noticed him he was too far. It was hard to tell if it was Enek or not. She could learn nothing else from the other guards but the timing did fit. Despite the guards' advice, she decided to follow her hunch.

How far until she's satisfied? What if she turns back and she was right after all? What then? Enek is old. Can he survive out in the open by himself? She clutches the waterskin one of the guards gave her and keeps going forward.

One more hour passes before she meets with another merchant. By now, the wind has died down. The entire field around her is still, almost like a painting. The only things moving are her and the wagon slowly making its way down a hill. The merchant stops by Norah even before she calls out to him and introduces himself. His cart is full and his horse tired, he wants to know how long until town. She tells him, using the opportunity to inquire about Enek. He hasn't seen anything either.

She shields her eyes from the sun as she crowns a hill. The road stretches all the way to the horizon, yet she can see nobody on it. Behind her, the last merchant she talked to is shrinking in the distance. Should she have gone to Terry? He could have brought horses, maybe even one of his tracking dogs. She sighs. She should have thought about that before leaving though, now it's too late. Norah starts thinking about turning back again. Would that be for the best? No. She has to keep going. If Enek is back in town then its fine but if he's out here...

She takes a sip from the waterskin and replaces the stopper. Her breakfast with Ms. Lithkin had been generous but by now she is starting to feel peckish. How long has she been walking? Three, four hours? That means it'll take her as long to get back. She truly has become spoiled. This much and she is already tired and thinking about food? A few years back she'd walk halfway to Lamtra and back and eat only a few strips of jerky. Barefooted too! She's no stranger to hunger and exhaustion, yet… it was always easier when Enek was by her side. Her time at Falzhen had been the farthest they've been from each other since they met but she knew they'd be back together soon. Now, however, the uncertainty is enough to make tears well on the corner of her eyes.

Even though she can see pretty far on every direction, she keeps calling out for Enek as she advances. There's no sign of him around, but yelling his name somehow makes her feel better, mentally at least. Her right shin is burning and her left calf has begun to cramp, forcing her to slow down for a while and eventually rest herself while leaning on a large boulder by the road. As she's massaging her legs, a third cart appears on the horizon. With a wince, she starts walking again.

The cart is quite large but only has one horse to pull it. The entire thing creaks as it moves. When it comes to a stop, she can see that the breast collar has dug onto the horses' skin. She can't see the cargo because it has been covered with a tarp but it must be heavy. The merchant himself is a middle aged man with bags under his eyes. He clumsily hides something under his coat, most likely a dagger or some kind of sap judging by the bulge it makes.

"Not seen… but I could have sworn I heard one yelp."

The man said with a wandering tone as he turned to look at the road behind him.

"R-Really? How long ago was it?"

Norah eagerly asked.

"I looked all around me at the time and only saw a cloud of dust rising from a hill. Please don't get your hop- R-right by the road, not an hour ago."

His words got caught in his throat as he turned around and looked at her eyes, after a second he gave her a straight answer.

Norah thanks him and starts running, throwing the pain from her legs to the back of her mind. She looks at her surroundings. It was dark and she was half asleep but she's quite sure this is close to the place where they saw the man with the fur cape. She should have come across him by now though. Had he reached town before she left? Perhaps, but his looks are quite distinctive; one of the guards she talked to would have mentioned seeing him. Unless he wasn't heading to Gustav at all; maybe one of the farms near town? It is possible. However, if he made camp on that hill and stayed there all day then there's a good chance he might have seen him. Also, if Enek truly left Gustav in order to protect her from that man then there's also a chance he's keeping an eye on him, thinking I'm still on my way back. Why didn't he see them yesterday though? That she can't figure out… Approaching an armed man in a desolate road isn't the wisest thing to do, but her hunch has taken her this far. She decides to risk it.

It takes her nearly half an hour of running to reach sight of the hill with the big shrubbery on top. She's not short of breath, she is completely out. Her muscles are screaming for a respite from the punishment and her willpower is at the point of breaking. She allows herself to drop onto a fast walk and tries to recover her breath. Sweat washes down all over her. She undoes her scarf and uses it to wipe her face; the rest of her body will have to wait until she gets back to Gustav. She takes long breaths but her heart keeps beating so hard it's as if it wanted to punch its way out.

She's almost there, a couple hundred meters more and she can rest. There's a sparse dust cloud suspended around the hilltop. The merchant did mention something like that. There's no wind though, where is all that dust coming from? As she gets closer she can spot a man on his back in the middle of the cloud. Is it him? Dirt flies to one side, then to the other. This repeats several times as she gets closer.

Is he… digging a hole? She starts walking as fast as her tired muscles will allow.

"No…"

She said as she stopped on her tracks.

By the time she reached the foot of the hill the man had finished what he was doing and moved beyond her sight. As she began the climb, he re-emerged from the side of the dust cloud; a black and white dog on his arms. It was him. It was Enek.

"No… please… no…"

Norah said as she dropped to her knees, tears already cascading down her cheeks.

The man moves back into the middle of the dust cloud and puts Enek down. It's hard to tell from the angle she's at but he must have put him into the hole. Why? How? The last of her willpower drains away. Her body drops forward and she barely manages to break the fall by using her arms.

"Enek…"

Norah closes her eyes. She can feel her warm tears dropping on the back of her hands.

Her shock leaves her fixed in place. In the back of her mind, guilt is starting to work. Everything she did to cause this; everything she could have done to prevent it; all neatly arranged and ready to tear apart at her heart. She knew Enek didn't have much time left. One of the reasons she accepted staying at Gustav in the first place – even though it meant giving up on her dream – was that she thought Enek might live longer. And he did, however, he had already lasted way longer than most dogs. The moment was near and she was trying to get ready for it but... of all the times she had tortured herself thinking about how it'd happen, nothing like this had crossed her mind.

She can hear the man moving. Is he going to start covering up the grave? Norah feels she has to see Enek one more time. She knows she owes him at least that much. What will happen to her when she does? Will her mind be able to take it? Will her heart? Is this even a good place to lay Enek to rest? Could she take him back to town and ask if she can bury him at the graveyard? He was a knight, he earned that right. Can she carry him all the way back to town though? The idea of carrying Enek's dead body on her arms makes her feel faint. She'd most likely pass out before she even gets over the hill. What is she going to do?

As she's wrestling with her thoughts, a familiar sound comes from the hilltop. A low, drawn-out metallic noise. She has heard it before not long ago; actually, it was yesterday, when she was with Terry. It's the sound it makes when leaving the scabbard. The sound of that man's…

"DON'T!"

Norah screamed with all the might she could muster.

She frantically makes her way to the top. The man stands there, sword in hand. He had slowly turned to look at her when she screamed. It's hard to tell if he's surprised or confused, but she doesn't care. She's only thinking about getting to Enek as fast as she can. Her worn legs push her forward despite the muscles screaming promises of torture for later. Her hands clutch tightly, pulling her up so hard that she leaves behind a cascade of pebbles, dirt and tufts of yellowish grass. The man moves from her path.

"Enek!"

She yelled as she dropped more than kneeled next to the hole.

The boulders that have been pressing down on her heart disappear as she confirms that he's there and that he's alive. She can see one of his eyes open and focus on her. His legs move a little, but he must not have enough strength to get up. She gently raises him up from the hole and hugs him against her chest. His heart beats – slowly but surely – against hers. She sobs as a new wave of tears washes down her face.

"God is kind."

She murmurs after she has calmed down.

The man lets out a grumbling sigh. She suddenly becomes very aware of his presence. It's the traveler from yesterday, no doubt about it. His fur half-cape is lying on the ground – covered in copious amount of dirt – next to his camp. A small fire, the bow-drill, a bag, a knife and some other things; she can smell roasted meat.

"This must be yours."

He said as he handed her a piece of cloth.

"This… my kerchief?"

She said as she took it. It was the one she had lost while on her way to Falzhen.

"It was caught on a branch. This one must have followed your scent on it. Here, maybe now he'll eat."

He explained and gave her a skinned rabbit. It's a bit charred here and there but it still looks pretty good. It looks fresh; he must have cooked it recently.

"Ah, thank you."

She said as she grabbed it, one arm still hugging Enek.

The man turns away and starts picking up his camp. She puts Enek down – his head resting on her lap – and tries feeding him one of the rabbit's legs. It takes a few moments but he finally starts nibbling it. His appetite comes back after a few bites and he takes the entire thing into his mouth. Norah caresses his head as he crunches down the bones. He goes through the second leg even faster, drool and bits of meat dropping down onto her skirt. She unties the waterskin from her belt and looks around. There's nothing to pour into.

"Cup your hands."

The man said as he noticed her intentions. He kneels next to her and grabs the waterskin, filling Norah's hands to the top. Before much of it can drip between her fingers, Enek has already lapped it all. The man tops off her hands again and gets up.

"Thank you."

She said as Enek kept drinking. The man shakes his head as he wipes the dirt away from his cape and dons it.

"What will you do?"

He said after he was finished picking up his things. The question takes Norah by surprise. There was an edge to his voice too...

"We are going home."

She decidedly said after a moment.

"He can't walk. He'll die."

The edge on his voice was razor sharp now.

"Then I'll carry him."

She promptly answered, not that she was sure that she could in fact do it.

In all honesty, her body is starting to remind her about all the effort she put it through today. Still, there's something in his voice that bugs her. Is he looking down on her? His expression is hard to read with that scruffy beard. Like Mr. Horace had said back at Gustav, one of his eyes has gone bad. The pupil is covered in grayish scar tissue. In spite of that – or perhaps because of that – his stare is a bit unsettling.

"You could wait for one of those merchants to pass by. They wouldn't mind a girl and her dog hitching a ride."

He said after a scoff.

First he looks down at her and now he's making fun of her too? What's wrong with him? It's hard to believe this is the same man who gave her food and helped her with the waterskin. If he's trying to tease her then it hardly seems like a good time. She looks at him through narrowed eyes for a moment but then composes herself; not wanting to let the man see her annoyance.

"He is not just a dog. He is Sir Enek, Knight of the Holy Church, raised by the late Bishop Joseph Ozenstein himself. May he rest in peace."

She doesn't remember a single time she had gloated about Enek. It actually feels a bit awkward to do so. If he came through Falzhen he probably heard the stories though, it might be enough to throw him out of balance.

There's the beginning of a smile on his face at first but it quickly goes away. He looks at her and then at Enek with his good eye. His expression switches from incredulous to amazement to… something else. It lasts only a moment. What was it? He quickly washed away whatever emotion had taken over him. He stares at her for a moment longer and then takes a knee and bows his head.

"My na-"

He began to speak but slipped. He had kneeled right by the edge of the hole he dug for Enek. The dirt gave away under his weight and he fell right into it.

A cloud of dust rises from the hole. Norah smiles – out of balance indeed – and is about to let out a giggle but stops when she sees the man rising himself. His face is serious. With the sun behind him, most of his body is wreathed in shadows, giving him a menacing appearance. The sword's pommel glints in the sunlight. He scoffs again.

"I dug my own grave."

He said in a mocking tone, though Norah could hear a bit of self-loathing in it too. He moves forward – clearing the hole – and kneels again, once more bowing his head.

"My name is Bärhagen, squire to Sir Rohnweil, a knight of The March."

Is he making fun of her again? His voice was dead serious though. She's not sure how to respond. Before she can think of something he speaks again.

"Well, that's not really true. Just call me Baru."

He said in a dismissive tone as he rose. He turns away and looks down at the road.

She stares at his back as he scans the horizon. Was he joking? Although he is too old, for a moment she could see it; he being a squire. He tried to make light of it but he was really serious when he said it. No, he wasn't joking. There's a story behind what he said, but it doesn't seem to be one he wants delve in. She picks Enek up again and stands – not without a bit of effort.

"My name is Norah Arendt. Thank you for your help, Mr. Baru."

She said as she stepped closer to him.

"Let's go then, Lady Arendt."

He said as he turned around and put his arms under Enek.

"La-? What do you mean?"

She said as he looked at him.

"I'll play the part of the horse."

He said as he scooped Enek up.

"But…"

She began to say but cut herself short as he started walking downhill.

"Easy there sire. You don't want to worry your lady, right?"

Baru said as Enek struggled a bit. He calms down and nests his head over his shoulder, half of it buried in the cape's fur, his eyes fixed on her.

"I'm really in your debt Mr. Baru."

She said as she caught up with him.

"Just Baru; and I've yet to see a horse collect on a debt."

He solemnly stated.

Norah has a hard time following him while going down hill but once they are on the road it gets much easier. He walks rather slowly for his height, which makes her think that he's probably doing so in her benefit. Enek turns to face her as she takes place on Baru's left. He looks a bit better already, but Baru was right. He wouldn't have been able to make it to Gustav by himself. Still, his words were kind of harsh to say the least.

There's something odd about him. His outside appearance is the same – unkempt to put it politely – but his personality is not what she would have expected. The long unruly hair and the messy beard are misleading. He truly can't be much older than Terry, maybe around Lawrence's age? His eyes though. How does one get a scar like that? She can see the pupil moving behind the scar so he might have some eyesight on it. His right arm is still bandaged from the elbow up to and including the hand. The linens are now stained with dirt – most likely from digging that hole. He doesn't seem to be in any pain though, judging by how he's effortlessly carrying Enek.

"Old wound. The sun makes it sting so I keep it covered."

He said while showing her his elbow. She can see patches of burnt skin through gaps in the bandage.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare."

She apologized. Now she's the one being rude…

"Not like there's much else to look at."

He said as he shrugged, Enek's head rising with his shoulders.

What about me? No, that's something Ms. Holo would say... perhaps she'd venture it with Terry, but not him. Just thinking about saying it makes her blush a bit. She pretends to wipe the sweat from her face in order to hide it. She's still trying to grasp just what kind of man he is. Baru seems nice enough – he tried helping Enek after all – but bad people can like dogs too, so that's not a sure thing. If she were to go by what little they've talked, he comes out harsh – maybe even a little rude – but strangely willing to help others. If he's truly a squire then maybe its duty that drives him, If he's not… As much as the church would like people to believe that helping others simply out of good will should be a matter of fact, she knows it rarely happens. Perhaps not something a priestess should think, but Father Nick would definitely agree with her.

"I found him lying among my things after I returned from hunting."

Baru said after they had walked in silence for a while.

"You left your belongings at that hill?"

She asked as she looked up at him and – incidentally – at Enek as well.

"Not like anyone is going to want anything I'm carrying. Besides, it's only merchants on the road and they won't go around climbing any hills. Well, merchants and the odd couple riding double."

He explained and gave her a sidelong look.

"He is a friend. Lord Terry Ron Gustav Kerrick, head of the City Council. We were asked to attend Bishop Ozenstein's funeral."

She calmly answered as she looked forward again. One more person teasing her about Terry isn't going to make her fret.

"Oh? It seems Lady Arendt has friends in high places."

He said in an obviously faked impressed tone.

She could see through the corner of her eyes that he was talking to Enek and not her. Did it come out as if she was bragging or is he just making fun of her again? It doesn't matter; she can play that game too.

"Sir Enek, I must protest. It's a knight's duty to provide for his horse's food, shelter… and grooming."

She said in an equally faked offended tone. It was her turn to give him a sidelong look.

Baru scoffs and passes a hand through his beard. He keeps walking in silence for a while. So long that Norah starts to wonder if she actually offended him. Before she decides to apologize he speaks again.

"This palfrey has seen better days."

He said after a sigh.

"Nothing a pair of shears and a razor can't fix."

She said with a smile. Gracious in defeat, not a bad quality for a squire.

"He wouldn't eat."

His tone became serious. He sighs again and continues.

"Even after I lit a fire and cooked that rabbit in front of him he wouldn't have a single bite. I let him rest yet on the next morning he wasn't moving at all. I searched his body but he had no wounds, nor did he look ill. I talked to him; I waited. After a while it became obvious. It wasn't hunger or exhaustion, nor wounds or illness. He was just old… It would have been a clean death."

He picked his words carefully. There was a hint of reproach on his tone but it seemed tinted with regret rather than maliciousness.

"I... don't blame you."

She said after considering it for a moment.

He was right, at least from his point of view. For someone who didn't know Enek or her, what he did – and almost did – was very noble. Most people wouldn't even give a dying dog a second glance, much less bury them. Still, she can't think of a worse way they could have met. It's true that she doesn't blame him, but she won't concede on the fact that perhaps it would have been better if she hadn't stopped him. She knows it's selfish, foolish… maybe even cruel in the long run, but she won't accept it. Enek is old, but just two days ago they were living their lives normally. There is still time. Maybe it's not much, but she won't give it up.

She looks at Enek. His eyes are still fixed on her. Is she doing it again? Putting her wishes ahead of his? Is she forcing him to suffer just so she can avoid facing the inevitable for a little while longer? She shakes her head and looks ahead again. That's not the right question. Is he forcing himself? Baru said it: He had pretty much given up… until she appeared. He was ready to let go, until he saw her. Suddenly she can feel something wet on her cheek. Baru has positioned Enek so that he can lick her.

"Forgive my horse, milady. He nickers most annoyingly."

He said while trying to impersonate Enek. Not really the voice she had imagined for him but it still brings a smile to her face.

"You aren't playing fair…"

She said as she pressed her cheek onto Enek's and scratched under his chin.

"That's for knights, Lady Arendt. I'm just a squire."

He said as he rested Enek against his chest again.

"Norah is fine; and I thought you were just a horse."

She reminded him.

"Yes, I suppose being both horse and squire would be too ridiculous."

He said with a shrug.

She can't help but to giggle.

They keep walking, though mostly in silence. The sun is beginning to set by now and a gentle breeze has begun to blow from the west. At their slow pace it'll take a few more hours to return to Gustav. Her legs twitch at the thought. The lack of conversation isn't helping take her mind off her tiredness, but Baru doesn't seem to be the type to make small talk. Besides, she remembers how he dodged talking about himself back at the hill. Going by his accent, it's likely he's from the area around Ruvinheigen as well. It's not something she would have noticed a few years back but after coming to Gustav other people kept mentioning how she talked differently, so now she can tell. Other than that, there aren't many new things she has learned. He's tall; as she had noticed back when she saw him for the first time, but their height difference is even more obvious now that he's walking next to her. The cape he wears makes him appear bulky, but in truth his body seems slim, almost gaunt. He doesn't show any signs of being tired, although at a moment she can see his eyes staring blankly at the horizon in front of them. Is this what Terry meant when he said they were unfocused? It's as if he had gone into some kind of stupor.

As they are about to pass the top of a hill, they can hear a horse neighing. That brings him back from whatever trance he was in and his eyes regain their sharpness.

"Merchants…"

He said as he shook his head.

The road follows the slope of the hill and then climbs up a second one. Right at the base of the one further from them, a wagon has gotten stuck on the ditch right off the road. The merchant is trying to push it free with help from his horse, but it's obvious the weight is too much for them. It's the last merchant she saw, the one with the creaking cart. He must have gotten stuck a while ago if they managed to catch up with him.

She has the urge to run up to the man – not that she'd be of much help even if she wasn't dead tired – but Baru keeps the same pace. They slowly make their way downhill, giving him enough time to see them coming. The merchant stops trying to free his cart and climbs back onto the road.

"Ah, miss. It's good that at least one of us has been lucky today."

The merchant said in a defeated tone.

"Are you okay Mr.? What happened?"

She said after noticing he had a few bruises.

"I'm fine. My horse's harness snapped loose while we were climbing the hill and set the cart loose. By the time I reacted I was going so fast that pulling the break did little good. I've been trying to push her free but she's well and stuck."

He said as he looked down at his cart.

"That's a pretty big cart for just one horse."

Baru said, he masked his tone pretty well but his eyes were full of reproach.

"Ah, well… yes. It's my first trip to Gustav you see, I didn't expect the road to be this hilly. I suppose old Jim could use a partner."

The merchant said rather nervously after noticing Baru's stare.

"Ah! – Mr. Merchant, is that silk?"

Norah said after taking a peek at his cargo. The merchant had emptied the cart on top of the tarp he used to cover it. She could see the much awaited bolts of silk nested on top of some crates.

"Those? Yes, those were given to me by the guild. They aren't technically mine so I'm being extra careful with them. I'm really lucky they didn't get damaged on the crash. There's no way I'd make any profit if I had to pay for those."

He answered while looking at them.

"My friend ordered those! Ms. Alice Winters from the city's Seamstress Guild. She's going to be really happy that they finally arrived!"

Norah said excitedly.

"Well, almost arrived…"

The merchant said after a disheartened chuckle.

"Let's do it then."

Baru said after a sigh and passed Enek to her.

The merchant – who had most likely been hoping he'd get some help – thanks him profusely but Baru just nods and tells him to deal with the harness. He slides down onto the ditch and walks around the cart, looking at the wheels. The ones on the back are buried a few inches into the ground. Both the sides of the box and the bottom have scrapped against the uneven terrain, it's really a wonder how the entire thing didn't break apart. He pushes and pulls, but to no avail. After a grumble, he throws his cape and sword into the box and starts digging out the wheels with his hands. Norah didn't think it possible but by the time he's done his clothes look even worse. He might as well be wearing caked dirt. Still, after checking his work he has a satisfied look on his face. The merchant gets ready to hook the horse but Baru signals him to stop and disappears below the cart. After a moment, they can hear a grunt and the back of the box lifts into the air, it moves a few feet to the right and drops again. This repeats a few times until the cart is perpendicular to the road.

"Tie one end of Jim's reins to his harness and throw me the other end."

Baru said as he rose from under the box.

The merchant does as instructed. Baru ties the loose end of the reins onto the shaft assembly. He then walks to the back of the box and pushes down on it with all his weight. The entire front of the cart lifts in the air; he pushes it forward – his feet digging onto the loose dirt behind him – and the front wheels land on the ditch's slope.

"Alright! Pull!"

He yelled, while preventing the cart from sliding down.

The merchant signals his horse and the reins tense. Baru's grunts mix with Jim's neighs as the cart slowly climbs the ditch. Lucky for them the slope isn't very steep otherwise they would have been in trouble when the front wheels broke the top. After a minute of struggling, the cart rolls safely onto the road.

"Not bad for an old timer."

Baru said as he patted the horse.

He helps the merchant load the cargo back into the box and they cover it once more with the tarp. After half an hour of work the only evidence that anything had happened are a few scratches on the cart and Baru's clothes.

"I'm really thankful. Allow me to pay you for your help."

The merchant said as he reached for one of his bags.

"Nothing for me, old man; but Miss Norah and her dog could use a ride to town."

Baru said as he donned his cape again and fixed his sword on his back.

"Of course. It'll be my pleasure. Please hop on miss. My name is Alan, by the way. And you already know Jim. Are you hungry, perhaps?"

Alan said with a smile.

There's plenty of room on the cart for the three of them but Baru said he'd rather walk. Norah gets the feeling he has a poor opinion of Mr. Alan. Their going is pretty slow, more so than when they were walking, but her body is extremely thankful for the opportunity to rest. She keeps Enek tucked between her arms. Alan did suggest that they both might be more comfortable if she laid him next to her, but she politely refused. The merchant is glad to have someone to talk to and keeps Norah entertained with news from the coast. Baru, however, spends most of his time either walking next to Jim or helping him push the cart uphill when necessary. A few hours after nightfall they can spot Gustav's walls.

"Sister? Open the gates! Call Lord Kerrick!"

Came a voice from atop the wall, a few seconds later the gates creak and start to open.

"You gave us quite a scare sister, Lord Kerrick was already organizing a search party to go find you. Ah, Sir Enek, it's good to have you back too."

The gate captain said as they rolled inside.

"I'm really sorry for the troubles we caused."

Norah said as she bowed her head – incidentally making Enek bow his as well.

"Not at all. Who are these – gentlemen with you?"

The captain paused after noticing Baru was armed.

"Mr. Alan, a merchant from the coast and… Mr. Baru, a traveler."

She said as he looked at each in turn.

Baru gives her an almost unnoticeable nod.