The Mage's Familiar

07. Temple of Light

As evening fell, Olwen returned to the cottage with Nas at her side. She could still feel her mother's tears against her shoulders and hear her wavering words of encouragement, mingled with the congratulations of villagers who had already learned of her departure. Her parents were anguished to have her leave but also felt a strong sense of pride. They would be respected greatly in the village from this day onward as a family who had produced an imperial knight. As Olwen and Nas prepared the last of their belongings to begin their journey this realization soothed Olwen's heart. At least she could be confident that her family would be protected and compensated in her absence. Their social standing has risen and it was likely that her father would now be asked to serve on the local council. Though her future was frightening and uncertain, her parents and brother would be safe and cared for. It was a small comfort, but it eased her sadness nonetheless.

The same haughty captain of the guard returned to collect her as the sun dipped below the horizon, flanked on either side by guards in matching uniforms. Nas stood stalwartly at Olwen's side, his tall figure imposing and alert as he glowered down at the guards from the threshold of the cottage. They already suspected he would not be permitted to escort her and their suspicions were confirmed as the guard beckoned Olwen but not Nas himself.

"We must go, Healer Olwen," he commanded. "And none may accompany you." His look of superiority made Nas's blood boil, but he remained silent and steady.

"Very well," Olwen replied. "But I must insist on bringing my one companion. I will not leave without him."

The captain stiffened.

"This man?" he asked incredulously, looking Nas up and down.

"No, sir," Olwen replied. "My cat. This man will send it out to me." She waved Nas away and he stalked unhappily into the cottage, returning swiftly in his cat form. He leaped into her arms and gazed banefully at the guards.

"Very well," the captain scoffed, eager to begin their journey without more delay. "Though I cannot imagine the beast will be welcome in the castle. That is not my decision to make." He turned on his heel and extended his arm to her, but Olwen breezed past him and waited for his instructions.

He gave a hand signal to the assembled guards and they turned and marched down the road in formation. Olwen and the captain of the guard followed them at a brisk pace. As they passed through the village full of familiar sights and scents Olwen could feel nostalgia tugging at her. The well in the center of town was obscured by shadow but she could remember the sunny afternoons spent here with other village children, pulling up water in buckets to splash on their faces. The crumbled stone walls of the marketplace were familiar, the warm scent of baking bread in the corner bakery and the smiles of the villagers she passed all filled her memories with a painful longing. It wasn't until they left the village and the distant lights of houses had finally vanished into the darkness that she could breathe again. Nas was content and quiet in her arms. He had not spoken to her since they departed but seemed to be relaxed. He trusted his master and his own abilities. Though he worried for her he felt compelled to hide it. His worry would only add to her own doubts and unease. As the moon began to rise into the center of the sky the group at last reached a wider road and a waiting wagon pulled by a sturdy draft pony. Four horses flanked the wagon and the guards swiftly mounted.

"We ride from here," the captain said gruffly.

He motioned to the cart and Olwen hopped up into it and settled down with her bags beside her. With Nas in her lap she tried to get as comfortable as she could. The cart was empty aside from a few small bags and chests of supplies gathered for their journey and Olwen was able to stretch out her legs and cover herself with her cloak. She felt exhaustion creeping up on her and before long she fell into a restless sleep.