Post 9

Chapter 2

Archia returned with them to Laddinley. She shouldn’t have been traveling, but she didn’t care anymore. Cassia let her ride the horse, opting to walk with Atropos and the rest of the Elfin Brotherhood. They walked slowly, having no need to hurry. It might as well have been a funeral march.

They walked until twilight. The Elves found a spacious cave. After searching
for a little bit, they handed Archia and Cassia a bundle of furs to sleep on.

“We have catches of supplies hidden everywhere.” Atropos explained, settling on his own furs. “You only need know where to look.”

Cassia couldn’t sleep. She needed to find her father. More importantly, she needed to get to the Armet, as quickly as possible. Her entire family was in danger. What of Thad and Padrig? Had they escaped with her father?

The road to Laddinley was effectively the opposite direction from the crossroads. It was the closest Elfin city to Keshia, which meant they would follow the road that Cassia had traveled to get to Millea.

She sat up, looking towards the mouth of the cave. Atropos was sitting there, staring up at the twinkling stars. Cassia stood up, careful not to disturb Archia, who had managed to find sleep, and found her way over the sleeping forms to the head elf.

“Can’t sleep?” She asked him. He shrugged.

“We always keep watch. It’s my turn.” His voice fit the setting. If she hadn’t known he was talking, Cassia might have taken it for the wind.

“We need to find the Armet.” Cassia said, looking out at the forest.

“We need to report back to your father. Then we can worry about the Armet.”

“It might be too late.”

“We might already be too late. And what of your sister?”

“She would be safe with your men.”

“You propose you go alone?”

“That’s how my father sent me.”

“The conditions are different now.” Cassia glared at Atropos, taking him in. He was no longer wearing the leather tunic, instead his wore a loose, white cotton shirt and leather breeches. His long blond hair was pulled back, his piercings glinting in the moonlight. He was well trained. Experienced in fighting, and leading. He would help her, out of respect for her father. If she asked him.

“Very well. What if you accompanied me?” He didn’t seem surprised. He bowed his head, thinking.

“If you insist on going, it is only right that I go with you.” He said. Quickly he stood, walking over to where he stored his gear. Quickly he strapped his leather armor on, shouldered his quiver and bow, and packed up the furs. Cassia made her way back to her pack and carefully put a sleeping Honey in her place.

Cassia looked for Atropos, who had awoken his second in command and was whispering orders to him while the others slept. Then he looked over at Cassia and met her eyes.

She carefully made her way to the mouth of the cave for the last time. Atropos met her there, as did the other elf.

“We will bring your sister to Laddinley, and to Master Graystone. Then our orders are to follow your trail until we meet you.” He said, standing at attention. Cassia nodded, and looked at Atropos.

“We should get moving, to make up the time we lost today.” He said. Cassia nodded. He nodded to the elf, who saluted him, then started walking in the direction of the path that they left to find shelter. The elf bowed to Cassia, then went back into the cave. Cassia turned to follow Atropos, wondering if she had made the wrong decision, and wishing she could go back to her father like Archia was lucky enough to do.

They traveled all night, making their way next to the path instead of on it. No travelers or soldiers came there way, all had taken a rest tonight. Cassia was fearful of Witches, but realized they had been traveling the other direction when she had seen them two days ago. They were long gone now. The pair passed Millea sometime as the sun was rising. It was a miserable place, now that Cassia thought about it. Who wanted to spend their whole life sailing or smelling the rotten fish odor that was far too abundant in the town?

“We should be at the crossroads before nightfall.” Atropos said, slowing his pace for the first time that night. Honey, who had been silent since she awoke as the passed the fishing town, yapped a bit until Cassia put her on the ground to
walk. “We can take a break for nourishment, if you so desire.” Atropos said, stopping to remove his pack. Cassia did so as well and sat in the shade of one of the few trees. The forest had ended before Millea, and the sun had beat down on the trio ever since.

All was uncomfortably silent. Even Honey was quiet as she rolled around in the dirt, trying to move around as much as possible before she had to be carried again.

“How did Cristo die?” Cassia asked. “Who do you think killed him.” The question made Atropos uncomfortable, and he was silent for moments more before answering.

“They were sword wounds. Likely some soldiers that follow the command of the Tempest Council.”

“Don’t soldiers have a code of honor?” She asked, drinking some water from a skin. “Not to kill a defenseless man?”

“Maybe he fought back.”

“Maybe they weren’t soldiers.”

“You asked my opinion, and I gave it.” Atropos snapped. Honey stopped rolling and looked at the quarrelling creatures. “You do not need to-“ He stopped and turned his head toward the path. In the distance a wagon could be seen, traveling faster than horses or wheels could carry it. Atropos hissed and picked up his pack again, and then pulled Cassia up by her arm.

“What’s-?”

“Gypsies.” He snarled, handing over her pack. Honey all but jumped into Cassia’s arms as the wagon approached. Atropos didn’t move. There was no where to hide, and they couldn’t outrun it.

The wagon rolled to a halt. It appeared abandoned. There were no horses or people or anything. The main window opened and an old lady peered out at them.

“Afternoon, travelers.” Her voice creaked with age, her skin wrinkling as she spoke. “Anything I can help you with?”

“No thank you.” Atropos said, his voice firm.

“A ride to the crossroads?” Her knowledge brought forth no surprise from the pair, it was the only place they could be going. Her brow furrowed, bringing forth more lines. “An elf and a human? Together? That is no normal sight.”

“These are not normal times.” Atropos responded.

“Indeed, young Brother.” She cackled, bringing forth a crystal ball. “Need you know your future?”

“I know all I need to.” He responded.

“There must be something I can do for you.” She said, waving her hand over the ball. It glowed dully, pulsing in her palm.

“No thank you.” Atropos said, beginning to walk away. Cassia followed, keeping the elf between her and the wagon.

“Your mission is for nothing!” The woman called after them, her laughing and cackling at what she saw. “You will return empty handed! More blood is coming, my friends! You have no idea!” Her laughter died as the wagon began to turn to smoke. In an instant, it was gone.

“Gypsies.” Atropos spat, shouldering his bow again.