The Silken Key

Chapter 26

Four days later

The rainbow of scents and sounds of Tollensport, which had seemed so foreign and exotic before they'd left, seemed positively familiar and comforting as Detlef and the others walked off the deck of the Cabbageleaf. If the people walking by turned their heads, it was probably only due to the unusual variety of races which were coming down the gangplank.

All the rescued prisoners from Tertullian's tower were there, chatting excitedly about where they would go next. Tariq came down behind Detlef, having insisted on coming along to make sure they all got back safely. Rudiger was the last to come into view, swinging down from the rigging like a monkey through the trees.

"Funny isn't it," Maddy said, putting a hand on a signpost to help steady himself as he found his land-legs. "Nobody here has the slightest clue about the catastrophe that was unfolding across the sea."

Tariq snorted dismissively. "There's always a catastrophe brewing somewhere in the world. No man could ever rest easy if he spent his life dwelling on each one."

"I'm sure you're right," Detlef walked out onto the boardwalk and looked down at the bustling seafront market. "I'm sure it also means it won't be long before someone else who needs help makes themselves known."

"Not getting itchy feet already, are you boy?" Mr Fallowfield walked up to Detlef. "Surely you've earned yourself a short rest. Or a long rest, for that matter."

Tabitha was close at his side. She still had not smiled once and Detlef wondered if it was just something she'd forgotten how to do. Nevertheless, there was a light in her eyes that told Detlef she was happy.

"I think we can probably find time for a swift drink in The Whiskered Squid," Detlef said. "What do you say, guys? Will you come back to Alresbay town awhile? We've all earned a rest."

"Why not," Tariq nodded. "I suppose it would be rude not to set foot on your shores without tasting some of your dirty brown Wivensbrent ale."

"Excellent," Detlef laughed. "What about you, Rudiger? You fancy grabbing your lute and getting up on another tavern table for our entertainment?"

The gnome pulled the knot tighter on the tether of the ship. "I will decline, friend. My heart is with the sea and it is to the sea I must return."

"Oh, fair enough," Detlef said, trying to hide his disappointment. "Well then let me say what a pleasure it has been. I hope our paths cross again."

"Aye," Rudiger smiled weakly. "I hope that too."

Mr Fallowfield walked past Detlef and took a deep breath of the salty Alresbay air. "We will travel with you since we're going your way," he said. "But we've much to do."

"Where are you going to go?" Rudiger asked with an urgent interest.

"Back to the old village," Fallowfield replied. "We're going to start again and rebuild."

"Oh..." Rudiger began rubbing his hands together nervously for some reason.

"I'm very glad to hear it," said Detlef, turning to Tabitha. "Then you will have a home to return to after all. No more thinking that you have nothing, right?"

"Indeed," Tabitha said. "My life will find another purpose, and this time, it will be the one I choose for myself."

Detlef grinned so widely he felt his ears lift. "I suppose that counts for us both, you and I."

"Yes," Tabitha nodded. "I suppose it does."

"Well," Tariq huffed, taking a few steps towards the main street. "Time is marching on. You promised me a drink and seem insistent on marching us to another town to get it."