The rains began the next morning and continued for three days. It was heavy rain. The kind that
penetrated even the deep forest. But unlike feeling rain like big constant
drops, the upper leaves would deposit showers that drenched periodically if you
stood in just the wrong spot. Marcson tried to explain to Ethory how to walk
just right between the trees to not get as wet... But it was no use. After
hours of instruction no matter how closely Eth followed Marcson and no matter
how he tried to heed his advice a downpour would cover his head what seemed
like every three to five steps.
Sheera turned and laughed after a particularly heavy dump.
“How do you expect to make it across land with us when you can’t even stay dry?”
“Well I suppose I’ll just have to learn to travel wet.”
Ethory said shaking his arms and wiping is face and hair with his hands. “What
doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right?”
“Wise man. Truly spoken.” Marcson encouraged. Who was
getting a bit discouraged that Ethory couldn’t stay dry even after his
extensive lessons.
“I mean I can’t be perfect at everything right?” Asked Ethory with a laughed.
“Or perfect at anything.” Sheera cut.
“Hey now, you haven’t eaten my cooking, or seen me hunt. I’d
say I’m fair at both.”
“I must agree my lady. Ethory makes a mean stew.” Marcson said.
“Yet to be eaten, too true. But I don’t think you men would know a
good meal from a bad one.”
“Fair enough my lady. Fair enough.” Conceded Marcson.
Ethory thought her too proud. “Can you cook?” He asked her. “I
don’t think you’ve made a single meal in three days.”
Sheera was caught off guard. “A Trivedell has no need to
cook. Magic of the north makes my food when I am there.”
“Isn’t much use down here with us regular folk is it?”
Ethory prodded. "We have to cook for you..."
“Speaking of food. I am rather hungry. Should we stop and
make a tent and some sustenance before dark?” Marcson cut in.
“No. There is a clearing up ahead and I think we should push
up the next incline and then rest.” Sheera suggested.
“But wouldn’t it make sense to set up camp within the trees
where at least we have a little cover?” Asked Ethory.
“Do you feel dry here?” asked Sheera.
Ethory seceded and both men followed her lead up the next
hill. It took nearly thirty minutes to reach the crest and they were very
hungry and tired once they reached it. One thing Ethory could say about their
female companion was she certainly had more endurance than any woman or man he
had ever come across. He accounted it to her ancestry. In the next hour dinner
was made and a shelter as well. The three sat huddled together under their scant
shanty and heard the rain tapping on the cloth. Ethory watched as the drops
rolled off the edge of the fabric and disturbed the short grasses beneath. The
wood lay behind them and an immense field lay before them with no end in sight
to their long journy.
“How many days do we have left before we see the others?”
asked Ethory.
“At this pace, ridiculously longer than it would’ve taken on
my own.” Sheera replied. “I would’ve been there days ago.”
“Aren’t you special?” Mocked Ethory, who was done with
Sheera’s pride. “Now you can tell me what you think or you can leave me
guessing. But I really don’t understand why you wouldn’t just tell me when you
think we’re getting there.”
“It should be about one more day.” Interjected Marcson, “Don’t
you think Sheera?”
“Yes, or half day at my pace.” Sheera said.
“Lets try it my pace shall we? I might travel through
tonight. I’m sick of all this walking. I want a roof and a soft bed.” Ethory
said.
“Do you think the castle will house you?” Sheera laughed.
“I don’t mean to question your ladyship.” Said Marcson, “But
that’s just what he will do. My father and mother are the king and queen of
Berloge and have been on good terms with the king of Natchare for many years.
We will all be welcomed into the courts.”
“A prince have we?” Asked Sheera.
“You never told me you were a prince.” Ethory said.
“You never asked.” Replied Marcson.
“You are of the Kensworths’ then… I should’ve known.”
Replied Sheera shaking her head as if her chide herself. “You’re Marcson the
second. The son who has been on a quest to find his brothers’ killer for years
now… You left your father, mother and sister years ago.”
“I didn’t know you had a sister…” Ethory began to feel
Marcson had hidden a great deal from him. “Yes. Princess Melodi, the lovely. She
is my older sister…. Sorry I did not tell you Ethory. I like for men to know me
as a man before they know my bloodline. I don’t like my crown to proceed me.”
Ethory could respect that and he nodded.
“Oh such a sweet prince. The ladies swoon over thee I’m sure.”
Sheera laughed.
Marcson just shook his head and laughed. But Ethory wondered
if there was someone back home. Why wouldn’t there be? Marcson wasn’t only a
great guy (not to mention a talented man) he was royalty too. Wasn’t he what
every woman wanted? Ethory felt
very ill. Once Amber knew who Marcson really was, she’d never give him a second
glance. But he didn’t dwell on her long.
Wasn’t his mission to find his father? (How impossible it
seemed). Why was he going to the capital in the first place? Maybe he should
try going on his own for a while.
“I think I’m ready to go.” Ethory said. “I can head west and
get to where were going right?” A huge leaf dumped gallons on his head that
very moment and he paused pursing his lips with frustration. Sheera and Marcson
could not help but laugh. Ethory wiped his eyes and left them. But he heard
Marcson’s voice behind him. “Yes that’s right Ethory. We will catch up.”
But Ethory hoped they wouldn’t. He wanted a moments peace.
He hadn’t had a minute alone since he got to this world. His own world felt
strangely distant and he wondered if he would ever drive a car or eat a cheese
burger again. Would he ever really be home? Ever find his father? Ethory knew
he was becoming discouraged and he didn’t care. He let the dark thoughts
overtake his mind and he fell into a despondently thoughtful and determinedly quick
stride.
