Valiant Valerie (the Ballad of Valerie of Mor Book 1)

Chapter Eight

When Valerie woke, it took her a few moments to remember where she was and why she was there. The sun was shining, her clothes were still damp, her stomach rumbled, but she remembered her task and smiled.

Another few days of walking and she would be over Mor's border into Veram, as long as her trajectory was correct. From memory, there was a small town just inside Veram with an inn. She guessed that would be a good place to stop and get her bearings, and perhaps get some information about her search and any surrounding fairs.

She did not think it wise to light a fire under the tree, she did not want to end up catching the whole tree on fire. That was a sure way for any potential pursuers to find her location. If she wanted to eat, it would be cold oats. She got out the bowl and measured some of the oats into it, mixing them with water from the skin. She stirred them together and set them to soak for a few moments, hoping cold porridge would not taste as unappealing as it sounded.

Thankfully, it didn't. In fact, for summer, it made quite a nice change from hot porridge.

After breakfast, she rinsed out her bowl and spoon. She lamented the use of her water, but could not bring herself to put the utensils in her pack dirty. She would find a stream soon, she was sure of it, and if the previous night's rain was any indication, the weather may be unseasonably wet for the next few days.

She crawled out from under the tree's branches, dragging her pack as she went, her scabbard tip dragging behind her. She straightened up and stretched her back. Sleeping against a tree was nowhere near as comfortable as sleeping in a bed, but she relished the change of atmosphere and the fresh air. The excitement of the task ahead kept her feeling light and happy, and ready for whatever came her way. She was more than happy to sleep under trees for as many days as it took for her to find the wizard and complete her quest.

There were clouds in the sky still, but they did not seem to threaten rain just yet. She pinpointed east and continued in that direction. A river separated Mor and Veram so when she found that, she would head as north as possible and eventually come to the town for which she was looking. There she would find a small inn where she could rest and replenish her supplies. She had grossly underestimated how much food she would need and calculated she would only have enough oats to last her another few days.

Valerie enjoyed her walk, she did not feel the need to rush, but she was aware of keeping a steady pace. The rains would only mask her trail for so long, and that did not take into account any magical aid her father and the Council might employ.

She could not be sure what the time was, but she had no doubt her disappearance would have been noticed by now. No doubt, her father would have debated with himself what to do about her note. Hopefully he had decided to let her go. According to the epic tales in the songs, guests did not take very long, so she would probably be back in a couple of weeks. By all accounts, once they were being looked for, wizards were quite easy to find and the quests they set, while difficult, were quick for the hero to overcome. Valerie smiled as she strode along. She fully believed that her quest would be just as easy and she would pass it spectacularly and arrive home to fanfare and the gratitude of the whole court. She would not have to marry anyone she did not want – especially that horrible Lord Wilmont – and she could take on a position of leadership in the Senior Corps.

The day passed quickly, with Valerie dreaming of the future; her finding the wizard, her quest, her return home.

She stopped for lunch soon after she figured it to be midday. She lit a small fire to cook up a mixture of flour, water and salt into a sort of flatbread type food. It was not, of course, the most delicious fare she had ever eaten, but it was warm and filling and she felt a sense of pride at putting her training to good use and taking care of herself. She had worried she had forgotten a flint – she could not remember putting one in – but she found one in a pocket of her bag after much rummaging which she assumed had been there since her last training trip.