Legends of Belariath

Salina Kyle

The Journey Home - Part Four

By morning's first light, I knew that the temple was safe, that the centaurs had moved on. Still worried, I preferred to journey at night. My companion found out more about himself each day. Though not as good as my sight, Xenex could see in the dark pretty good. I started teaching him everything Bruneor had taught me, as well as little things I saw the large satyr do. Gifts I felt sure the half-satyr had to one degree or another. Somewhere along the way, I found myself falling in love. His wit and humor made the days go easier then when I had been alone. We played games of riddles that kept getting harder yet funnier. Xenex proved to have a very good singing voice. He taught me songs from his village. I taught him ballads about the Lady, and some that Bruneor had made me promise never to let my teacher hear me sing. I taught my friend songs about wine, women, and warm nights under the full moon that were filled with great pleasure. Every once in a while, I would catch my traveling companion looking at me with a strange look in his eye. The moment I made eye contact Xenex would turn away. It left me feeling a little confused and unsure.

The city of Florath lay down the dirt road about another half-day according to Xenex. The provisions the temple had been able to give us had begun to run low. After some furious arguing, I agreed to travel in the light of day. He felt the sooner I got used to the human reaction I would cause the better. The first wagon to approach was a traveling show. Their wagon was painted blue, black, and gold. Purple curtains hung over one side. The two large white horses in gold trappings pulled the fancy rig. Xenex and I stepped to the side to let them pass but they decided to stop instead. A large green skinned man held the black leather reins. His face looked somewhat like that of a boar pig. He wore a black leather shirt and had on black leather breeches. His knee high black leather boots were trimmed in gold. A big toothy grin brought a chill down my spine. This was the first orc I’d ever seen. At that moment, a human man came around the side of the wagon. He wore black satin pants that billowed as he walked. His gold and black satin shirt had billowy sleeves. He even wore a black and gold cape about his lean shoulders. A turban of black satin wrapped tightly around his head. The man came over to look at me with the same care. A big, friendly smile spread over his tan face.

"Well, sir, I've seen a lot in my travels," he said with a strange accent. "I've been from one end of this great kingdom to the other. Yet, I've never seen a creature like this. I'd be willing to give you ten gold pieces for her." Stunned at what this man was saying I couldn't even begin to form a reply.

"I don't think-" Xenex tried, but the man cut him off.

"Okay. How about fifty gold pieces?" the stranger offered, "You won't get a better price anywhere, and I promise to take good care of her." I had taken all that I cared from him.

"It might be a little difficult for my friend here to sale me," I growled softly, "Since he doesn't own me, sir." The man's dark brown eyes grew wide with surprise. A big grin passed over Xenex’s face as we watched the man sputter for a reply.

"I-I-" he stammered for several moments.

"It might be a good idea for you to continue on your way," Xenex said, grinning in amusement. Giving me one more glance, the man hurried back into his wagon. We watched them pull away slowly.

"Can you believe his nerve?" I hissed still enraged. Xenex drew my eyes to his gentle face.

"I hate to say it, Shalla, but this is probably going to be the reaction of a lot of people," he said, "Humans are quick to assume, and slow to learn. Try to be patient." Grunting as a reply, I decided we would stop and rest for a short while giving the wagon time to get far ahead of us.

As we traveled, Xenex challenged me to name every bird that passed us. It didn't take long for him to realize Bruneor had been very thorough in training me. I found he had a similar teaching when he was younger. He had some knowledge of herb and holistic medicine that pleased me. As we traveled Xenex and I sang some of the bawdier songs I’d taught him. The more he sang them the less he would blush. During one such song, I waved him quiet with a jerk of my hand.

"What's-" he began.

"There's something going on a head of us," I hissed softly straining to hear.

"Centaurs?" he asked. His voice was a bit shriller when he got nervous.

"I'm not sure," I whispered, "Come on. Let’s check it out." Above his protest, we left the road to sneak foreword.

Around the large hill, we came upon an interesting scene. The show wagon smoldered with black smoke. Blood from the two horses pooled in the dirt road creating bright red mud. Three men in forest brown and green, wearing masks over their faces, held the fancy man to the side of the wagon. His orc driver was nowhere in sight. One of the bandits held a bloody dagger to the showman's throat.

"Where's the gold?" he growled with a strange accent. I felt sure I had heard that accent before, but I couldn't quite remember. Xenex caught my hand.

"I say its karma," my friend said, "Let’s get out of here." The half-satyr started to pull on me but I snatched my hand free. His beautiful emerald eyes widened in disbelief and shock.

"We can't leave him like this," I growled, softly, as I took my rod in hand, "We’ve got to help him."

"Why?" Xenex said aghast, "That man wanted to buy you as a freak to show for money. He didn't give a damn about whether or not you were a person, and you want to save him?" A soft smile passed over my wolfin face.

"I have to help him, Xenex," I said, readying myself, "I'm a child-"

"-Of the Lady of Light," he sighed with resignation, "That means you have to be a silver knight and help any shmuck that comes along. Okay. - I'm going with you." That surprised me a little.

"Are you sure? Can you fight?" I asked.

"I'd be a lot happier if I had a sword, but I can fight hand to hand."

"Okay," I said, holding out the rod, "Place your hand on the rod for a moment. Lady of Light I ask your might. Protect us in our just fight." A halo of silver energy surrounded both of us. My friend looked a little impressed but we had no more time. Side by side, we looked at where the bandits had started torturing the showman. Looking to Xenex, I nodded, and he returned in kind. The glowing rod of silver white wood went up into the air.

"Lady of Light protect me!" I shouted as we dove out of hiding. The bandits' heads came up with a shocked snap. We must have offered them a really strange a sight. With their mouths hanging open, all four men stared frozen in place. My staff went after the knife holder while Xenex kicked another in the stomach. Coming out of his surprise, the knife wielder managed to duck before my blow could land. He flipped away from me to get into a better position. My attention concentrated on my opponent hoping Xenex had better luck against his.

"What are you?" he hissed making a slash at my chest.

"I'm a Lady's child," I said with a dodge from his blade. "Will you surrender?"

"Right," he growled, "I'm not going to surrender to a demon wolf. I'm not that stupid." We danced around each other for several minutes. Shouts came from behind me but I didn't dare take notice. With amazing agility, the bandit flipped close to me slashing my tunic.

"That's a brand new tunic," I growled, "I've just started to like wearing them." I feinted at his head then put the staff between his legs. Using all my strength, I brought the staff up to his crouch and kept going. It sent the man flying into the air. His scream pleased me for some reason helping to release some of the rage I carried. Spinning around I made to face the other men only to find that Xenex and the showman had taken care of them. Slowly, I crossed over to where my friend stood with the man who had wanted to buy me. The orc had several bleeding wounds.

"Let me," I said, reaching out a hand. The healing chant of light wounds stopped the flow easily. My eyes went to the man.

"You've saved my life and that of my dear friend," he said then held out his dirty, blood-covered hand, "My name is Basal. What can I do to repay you?"

"Promise you won't try to buy me again?" I asked, grinning a little. His face turned a nice cherry red.

"I promise," he said. Xenex looked down the road as worry creased his forehead.

"We'd better get going," he said, in grim tone, "It’s not safe for us to stay here. Not after what those men saw." The orc came over and took my wrist in his hand. My hand closed over his wrist.

"I'm in your debt," Tag said. "If you need help let me know." Suddenly, my facial fur rippled.

"I'm just glad no one was seriously hurt," I said, turning to Xenex. "I can't go into the city. We'll have to approach a farm or something. There aren't any Lady's temples in this direction. -”

"Excuse me," Basal said, "Are you guys being hunted?"

"I am," I said, sighing.

"Why not travel with us?" the showman said, looking me over, "I think we can fit you in the back."

"But we're going to the Land of Valiudum," I said, "Its still several weeks away." Basal shrugged.

"We've got no engagements right now," he said.

"I've heard there are many towns and cities in Valiudum," Tag said, "I'll bet we'll find lots of work."

"So?" the showman asked, "Ever traveled with a stage magician?"

"It can be very entertaining," the orc said lifting his thick shaggy eyebrows. My eyes went to Xenex in cautious question. The half-satyr looked at me with a shrug of indifference.

"It’s your call," he said. My questioning eyes went to the burned rig.

"Don't worry," Basal said flourishing his cape, "The Great Basal always has a good plan for hiding."

"He's had to do it enough times," Tag said in a dry voice. Basal's face turned red again. With another glance at my companion, I nodded my agreement to the strange offer of shelter.

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