Finally.... Linham, part 3

Got some time to write......

The journey out of the capital city was easy enough; scarcely anybody paid much attention to the band. One person did take note however; he was a slimy individual with red hair and a skinny frame. He wore clothing that seemed to indicate that he was from Beinesse but he definitely did not have the same “grace” that Reisling carried. As he watched the group exit the city, it crossed his mind that his job here was complete. Several times he thought he’d be spotted; that uncle was far more suspicious than he had heard. “Best to be cautious with this one,” he said to himself quietly. The elf and the dark-skinned lady seemed more entranced with the young duke, and not as wary as maybe they should have been. A pleasant conversation, at least from the appearances, was ongoing between the two women and the young duke. The man resolved to keep a close distance, but since he was unsure where the group was headed, he had to keep his presence secret. The group was headed out of town, so the man simply followed them in the shadows and gloom of the approaching afternoon.

“So if you cannot read my mind, then what good are a gypsy’s powers?” That comment from Absolom drew a dirty glance from Narom, but he did not interject.

“Absolom, a gypsy’s powers are individualized. Some of us are able to sense motives and intents, while others rely upon other talents.” Ellyianna smiled, but inwardly she was troubled by the young duke’s brashness.

“Oh, I see. What exactly are your powers then?”

“Absolom!” Narom was now glaring at the boy.

“No, it’s ok. I’d like to answer that question.” Ellyianna maneuvered her horse closer to the duke’s animal. “My powers seem to revolve around my grandmother’s cards. I can use the cards to tell the future, see the past and sometimes gain understanding of events.”

“I see. May I see the cards?” Absolom was looking intently at Ellyianna. He’d heard stories about fortune-telling witches and now being in the presence of one, he was determined to find out the truth - if Narom would allow it.

“I generally do not get my cards out when I am traveling. Perhaps this could wait until we have stopped for the night?”

Absolom started to sigh, then realized that she was right. Getting the cards out while on horseback could prove to be cumbersome. “Yes, that would be fine.”

“Excellent!” Karl had navigated his horse over as well, and now seemed interested in what was going on. “I really would like to understand how a deck of cards can help one reach enlightenment!” 

Absolom turned slightly in his saddle. “Enlightenment? What is that?”

“Nobody has instructed you in the fine art of enlightenment?” Karl could barely contain his excitement - virgin ears and a mind to work on!

“Karl!” Leave it to Eric to spoil the fun. 

“Yes brother?”

“Now is not the time. Perhaps when we have finished our tasks, then you may speak with the future duke about your beliefs. Until then, leave the young man alone.”

Karl looked heartbroken. 

“Karl, yes that is a wise course of action.  We really should be paying closer attention to what is around us.” This was the first time the elf had spoken aloud, and Absolom was entranced by her melodic voice. He had heard the rumors about elves and the voices they had. It was said that just listening to them could be calming. Apparently Karl thought so as well because he resumed his searching about to survey the lands for hints of trouble.

“Young Absolom, there will be time soon that we can sit and discuss these important questions. But now, I feel uneasy and we really should focus more on our travels.” The elf smiled as she said this.

“May I ask you a question?” Absolom ignored the look of disdain Narom was giving him.

“A quick one, yes.”

“What is your name?”

“My common name is Jessica. You may call me that.”

“You have another name?”

“Yes, I have an elven name. I do not believe it to be pronounceable by humans.”

“May I know it?”

“Later. For now, you may call me Jessica.”

The group had made steady progress along the Emperor’s road to the north. Dark clouds had threatened several times to drench the travelers but thus far, the journey had been dry. A cold wind blew in from the east. Narom thought to himself that this felt eerily familiar - like he’d been here before. Perhaps it was just the company he kept. He’d not seen or talked with an elf for many years - not since the last war had he even seen one.  

As dusk fell, Narom noticed that there was a small camping area off the road. These areas were specially built for travelers and contained a fire pit and roasting skewer apparatus. It was the perfect place to stop for the night. 

“I believe we should stop.” Narom stopped his horse and climbed down.

“This area is not defensible - at the least, it will be difficult to set proper defenses.” Erik looked around sourly.

“Brother, we’ll be fine!” Karl jumped down off of his horse. For most of the journey thus far, Karl had been content to walk in front of the horse. Obviously his feet were tired.

“Yes, this should be fine. We’ll stay here tonight. We leave at dawn.” Narom walked his horse over to the small stand used to tether the horses.  “Let me tend to the horses. The rest of you should set about making our camp as comfortable as possible.”

“I will start dinner then.” Ellyianna went about making one of her signature stews using only the travel rations and what little vegetables she had. Soon, a small fire was built and a wonderful smell was emanating from the stew pot. 

“That smells wonderful!” Karl could hardly contain his glee. A wonderful meal with exquisite company - people who were not enlightened. He had work to do.

Indeed, dinner was good. Ellyianna demonstrated that she had learned great cooking skills from her mother. Everyone was well fed and satiated. Even Narom actually smiled a little at some of Karl’s explanations of what enlightenment really was.

“Enlightenment comes from within. It’s not a power or trait. It just is.”

“But Karl, if a person desires to become enlightened, how do they do this? If it isn’t a skill or trait that can be trained, how does one go about getting it?” Elliyanna seemed mystified by Karl’s explanations of enlightenment.

“You don’t ‘get it.’ It’s a power from within. My master told me that not everyone has the power. Some refuse to listen to the quiet words being spoken to them. Some refuse to act on those wise words. Others act, but not in the way that the words spoke. Enlightenment is something that starts with your soul.”

“What you’re basically saying then is that some people have it, some don’t.” Leave it to Narom to break the conversation down in a way that silenced it. “We really should clean up the dinner stuff and set our watch schedule for tonight.”
“I agree. I shall take first watch.” Erik stood, stretched and went over to where he had placed his belongings. “Karl, would you assist me?”

“Of course brother!” Karl nearly leapt over to where Erik as standing, and for the next moments, assisted his brother in getting his full plate armor on. 

“That’s really nice armor,” said Absolom. 

“It’s part of my family’s heritage. It has served me well this far.” Erik tugged at the last glove and reached down to pick up his helm. 

“Brother if it is ok, I will go meditate and then sleep. Wake me for the next watch.”

Erik nodded, and Karl trundled off a short way from the group. Meditation required silence, and Karl knew that would probably not happen around the fire.

“Who has third watch then?” Erik looked around.

“I do.” Jessica grabbed her cloak and pulled it a little tighter around her neck and shoulders. “I shall finish my reverie and be prepared.” 

“Guess that means I sleep through the night.” Absolom laid down on the ground, and covered himself up. Soon he as asleep.

Narom waited a few moments, and then looked at Ellyianna. “Since it seems you have the proper training for cooking, breakfast will be your task in the morning. See to it that you sleep well. Men traveling require a proper meal. Good night.” With that, he laid down and soon he too was fast asleep.

Ellyianna considered retorting to the obvious machoism that Narom was displaying, but decided against it. Soon, she too was asleep.

Erik looked out into the night, and listened.