Chapter 23

From the bandit camp Pherein and the Latrellans returned with Tress and her clansmen to her encampment. The Delorgan warrior struggled with every step to get there eventually needed to be placed onto and horse and supported. Yet with singular resolve he made it with no help. As promised, Tress' shaman stabilized him enough that they could travel on, but the party stayed for the night and by the end of the feast there was a grudging bond between the two groups. Saying goodbye, the next day Tress affectionately embraced Pherein and then kissed Professor Horsewood firmly on the lips much to the delight of all but the embarrassed academic. It was a full three hours before he was able to speak a coherent sentence.

Though they again travelled alone Pherein knew they were being shadowed by a party of the tribe of the Elk. He had to admit he had been wrong about the fiery but beautiful barbarian woman. She showed a depth of caring and feelings he did not know existed and also readily confessed they would not have survived without her help. He owed a debt to Tress Boarslayer. At first the thought he had been wrong about her but then realized through their conversations the woman had evolved, giving him hope as well for his own journey. No, if she could change so could he.

They crossed the border back into Latrellus later in the day and made their way to Castle Guardian and the town that sat in its shadows. Professor Horsewood employed a cleric to perform several healing spells over Pherein and by the time they had left he felt much better. He prayed they would not run into trouble on the road since he knew he could not fight as his ribs still needed mending and he showed signs of the brawl against the fear ogre. At night around the campfire the Latrellans hired as guards eagerly talked about the fight either with or without Pherein. As the islander listened to them recounting the tale, though it was already being embellished, he was struck anew at the ferocity of the fight and how impossible it had been he had won. It gave the thoughtful man a pause as he considered what had happened. Looking up into the stars he thanked Latrell for his intervention and for another chance to do it right. Once again, the proud Delorgan pledged to be better and make something of his time in this land.

They made Grantsbend on the eighth day after they had left and parted ways. Pherein was glad for the freedom from responsibility and with the gold and generous bonus Professor Horsewood gave him knew he would not have to work for some time. That was to his liking since he needed more healing and had much to consider.

Pherein walked into the Sorrowful Ranger and thought to travel through the tap room to his lodgings on the second floor and rest before he got something to eat but the barkeeper stopped him before he could get to the stairwell.

"Delorgan," the portly man called out, "got a message for ye. Came the day after ye left." He handed him a folded note with an unknown wax seal on it.

Rather than read it there, which it seemed the barkeep was hoping, Pherein took it up to his room. Hanging his gear and taking off his armor, the fighter sat down on his bed with a satisfied sigh after the long, hard trip and looked more closely at the letter. The cipher on the seal seemed to be a stylized 's' which caught his attention. Deftly he opened it and read what was within:

Greetings Delorgan! First off, I want to apologize for the rash

actions of my son. I can assure you that was not sanctioned

and he has been dealt with. I would encourage you to hold no

ill will towards a foolish boy.

Next, I want to share with you that if you are wanting to understand

the recent disappearances in this area, I would encourage you to

explore the hills between Sanctuary Forest and Father Pine Woods.

There you will find an armed party that can likely answer any

questions you might have. I would warn you though, do not go alone.

Bring some friends as they are not as hospitable as I am.

I trust this will assist you and also settles the score of the above

mentioned incident though I again extend my offer of employment.

Your servant, AS.

Amol Sul had solved what others could not, though it was not a surprise. The crime Lord had his hands in everything that went on. Though he was not involved in whatever was happening, the fact that he would not intervene in this situation was disappointing but not surprising. Still, Pherein was thankful even for this since it promised to help move this mystery forward. He knew the area and agreed with the advice to not go it alone. The fighter figured that Theme Winchell and Cony Farr could be engaged in this task since each had a keen sense of justice and both had spoken in passing about the disappearances in the community. But he also knew he was in no position for a fight right now. He needed to rest and heal more before that. A visit to the temple of Latrell for some more healing would be in order then he would be ready. He would give an update to the mayor and sheriff then prepare for what needed to be done. In the meantime, he had something to do. Suddenly hungry, the fighter ordered a meal.

The following day, Pherein had gone to see the mayor and sheriff to share what he had discovered. He kept Amon Sul's name out of it as well as the location of the suspected camp. He wanted to be sure the information was accurate, plus a militia company or squad from the Town Guard would be heard miles away and they would likely slip away into the densely forested area. He felt this was their only shot and so it had to be done with discretion. No, it could only be a small party. The fighter had then talked to Theme Winchell and Cony Farr, and both were eager to help, wanting no payment for their assistance. Again, Pherein was struck that there was still character and those with noble hearts left in the world. He had become cynical and jaded in his time in Latrellus but yet there was still much good in the hearts of man. That gave him pause for thought and so he decided to go to a place away from the crowds to think. There was one more big piece, and he was starting to feel uncertain about it.

Most of the leaves were off the trees in the park reflecting how late it was in the season in the northern country. Despite it being a sunny, dry day, a deep chill filled the air foreshadowing the coming winter. The cool air reflected Pherein's heart as he sat in the same spot that earlier in the season Lauren's warning had likely saved his life from the assassin hired by Vance Sul. His father, crime lord Amon Sul, had banished the boy from Grantsbend for the unsanctioned event. Rumor had it the unrepentant young man was now living in comfort in Remus City, the same place she now lived. Pherein thought back and could not help but smile despite the fact he had not heard from her since she had left with her parents. The graduate student had withdrawn from school and returned with her parents. There had been something between them, a strong and growing bond, a fledgling romance each had seemed eager to explore, a love that was poking its head out like a flower in spring.

And now she was gone.

Pherein sighed heavily and not from the pain in his ribs. He absently rubbed the white scar on his forehead and his ice blue eyes narrowed in thought. She was gone and they would not get a chance to explore their feelings for each other. The disappointment weighed heavy on the man not used to deep feelings of this nature, yet it was not complete since another was still around. Lily had asked him to choose and while he had not done so his silence in response had been the answer she did not seem to want to hear but had accepted. She had made the decision for him and had walked out of his life. At the time he seemed relieved that the choice had been made for him but in truth there had been no choice made. With the dark-haired beauty gone he could now think without distraction about Lily. The petite blond-haired woman was beautiful in her own right and had a playful spirit that made Pherein smile. He smiled at the thoughts of her daughter Lily who had captured his heart. He realized he had strong feelings for her and not just because of her precocious daughter. But that option seemed lost to him. Despair filled his heart as a gust of chilly air hit him. He looked down at a pile of dead leaves that swirled around, and he began to die inside anew. He had had two in his life that were dear to him and now he had nothing.

Then a new thought entered in, as if the small voice that had whispered the clarion call in his ear as he lay defeated in that forest in Umgar, spoke anew. He was making an assumption about Lily. The proud woman had a voice and could speak for herself. Yet it was the reality of that which frightened the warrior. He was unsure he could take a definitive statement of rejection. Then a thought struck him, again as if prompted from beyond. He had faced the ogre Grok and survived, he could face this woman, share his thoughts and feelings, and leave the rest in the hands of the divine. There was much that was unknown in this opinion but there was also a hope as well. He knew what he needed to do.

Lauren Ivanov sat at her lacquered desk and sighed, again she had little to do in her father's business despite her title and senior role. Earlier she had ridden her new horse and wore another new outfit, all presents from her father. She did love the horse, it was one of the finest in the capital city. That brought her pleasure, yet it also made her think anew about what had prompted it. The carriage ride back from Grantsbend had been uncomfortable. Her father did not speak, content she was leaving. Her mother tried to make small talk to no success as their headstrong daughter pledged to never speak to them again for taking her away from the life she was building. The passionate woman had rubbed the scar from her wound saving Pherein's life often and it reminded her of the Delorgan and his strong touch. Lauren vowed she would never forget and would return as soon as she could.

But the scar faded and so did her resolve.

Back in Remus City Lauren found despite her best intentions it was hard to sustain an anger against her parents and their genuine joy at having their only daughter home. And so, sooner than should have happened based on her initial passion, the woman's heart began to change. Yes, she missed Pherein and the rush of excitement being around him. Her work for her father left her much free time so she had reacquainted with past friends and would often visit the Mausoleum of Heroes just outside the city. A number of men had shown particular interest in her and while not as exciting as the Delorgan she had to confess she enjoyed the attention. The intelligent woman adjusted her glasses and thought anew that while she continued to protest that she had no choice in her return to the capital or in her working for her father she in fact did but had not wanted to face the cost of saying no.

In the end, pragmatism won out over passion. She would miss Pherein, he would always have a place in her heart, but it was perhaps better for all that it remain merely a pleasant memory that would make her smile mysteriously. Yes, it would be her little secret and something others would find intriguing at the parties she was starting to frequent. No, this was for the best.

A firm knock on the wooden door in the late morning at the simple cottage in Grantsbend Farms startled Lily out of her contemplation. The peasant woman was not expecting anyone so anything unexpected put her on edge. She put the clothes she was mending for her son down and went to see who was there.

Lily opened the door, surprised to see who was there. "Pherein, what are you doing here?"

The sensitive woman flew into a storm of emotions. Though an ex-slave Lily had a deep pride so his unwillingness to decisively choose her rather than the other had stung her deeply, so she had broken off their relationship. Yet another part of her regretted the decision and had chided herself since for not fighting harder for one she could see herself completely with. And now he stood in her door, an awkward look on his handsome face.

"Pherein! I knew you would come back. I just knew it!" Molly exploded, throwing herself into the Delorgan, who chuckled in delight despite the pain in his ribs. "I told you mama he would come back!"

Lily could not help but smile at the scene and then despite her anger at the man noticed him grimace in pain at her daughter's hug as well as the discoloration on his cheek and eye that partially swollen closed. "You've been hurt!" she cried out involuntarily.

"Just the remnants of a recent excursion," the Delorgan answered awkwardly, wanting to deflect attention from his injured state.

"Can he come for dinner?" Molly asked her mother. Than to Pherein declared, "You can stay to eat, right? I have so much to tell you."

The fighter looked awkwardly at Lily who returned the look, neither wanting to disappoint the excited girl but also unsure what, if anything, the future held for them.

"Molly, I…," Lily stammered.

Pherein knelt to the level of the excited little girl. "Molly, it is so good to see you again and I thank you for the invitation, but I need to speak to your mother." He turned to Lily, "That is, if you will speak with me."

"Of course," the woman responded, still uncertain. "Molly, look after your bother and grandma. We will be just outside."

Lily led the islander a short distance away, out of ear shot of the small cottage. "Why are you here, Pherein?" she asked again, having collected her thoughts.

Pherein measured her mood and could see she was a cauldron of emotions. "The last time we spoke, it was awkward. I wanted to talk more…to explore what had gone on, but we did not have that chance."

"Yes, because you chose Lauren and not me. And now she is gone. So now you are back," Lily declared, anger starting to rise. "I told you I am not one to have my heart played with and that has not changed. So, perhaps you should just leave and not cause any more upset or false expectations. None of us can take that, especially Molly."

She was right.

Pherein looked at the angry woman and resignation grew. Why was he doing this? He had other options. Yet he had felt something, something that had frightened him, and he had allowed her to assume what was perhaps not there. He could see she was conflicted, that her eyes did not match with her words, but he was torn as well. Fear of hurt filled him as much as it did likely her. He wished he were back in the ring with Grok. And she and Molly did not deserve to be treated with confusion. Perhaps it was best if he left. Then he remembered the celestial message he had received and the pledge he had made. No, he needed to speak and leave the rest in the hands of the divine.

"Yes, it's true that Lauren is gone and it's true I had feelings for her."

Lily turned to walk away and Pherein grabbed her. "Wait until you hear what I have to say then you can choose. But I also have strong feelings for you, that has not changed. When you came that night and asked me to choose, I was conflicted and took the easy way out. I would rather face a tribe of giants than this and so I allowed you to think what you wanted. I would like to see what might happen between us, but I know I may have hurt you beyond redemption though my weakness. So, I will honor whatever you think is best for you. Just know that I care about you and your family deeply and I have a feeling for you in particular I've not experienced. I also know I am underserving based on the way I've acted. I just want you to know. But you're right, I've caused enough pain and I think I should go."

The dejected Delorgan turned and started walking back towards the road to Grantsbend.

"Pherein, wait," Lily called out.