Darsidian Myths, A Promise Heard

Chapter 29

Jayden stared absently into the fire Rufus had conjured inside his tent. For two days Jayden had been traveling with the lunvarin army. They took little breaks, resting only for the smallest of moments. At the rate they were moving it wouldn't be long before they left Borderland forest behind them.

He was sitting on the ground that night in a tent that had been set up for him. Several blankets and pillows lay haphazardly on the ground. His new residence wasn't much, but he was pleased to have a few blankets than nothing at all.

Outside of the tent he could hear Rufus and Lauren talking as they guarded the entrance. Meanwhile Bastian was somewhere in the camp organizing and managing the army.

Jayden admired Bastian for being able to control two hundred lunvarin so well. For the past two days the champion managed the army with ease. Under his command there was never a moment of confusion.

During their two day expedition Jayden was happy to know he wasn't slowing the army down. Before they set out from Haven he was afraid he would be a burden to his companions. He felt this way because of his previous travels with Bardir. Back then Jayden struggled to keep up with his lunvarin guide. No matter how hard he tried the lunvarin was always ahead of him and Gareth. But now things were different. As they moved through Borderland Jayden was able to keep up with everyone, albeit barely. If it wasn't for the strength he obtained from Vesper he was certain he would be exhausted by now.

"Lauren, Rufus," he called out.

The tent flap opened as his two guards walked inside.

"Yes?" asked Lauren. "Do you need something?"

"I know I've asked this several times," began Jayden, "but is Bardir really all right? He's been asleep for so long, it just seems so...unnatural."

Rufus waved a dismissive hand. "Don't worry yourself. I'm sure he's all right. I wouldn't be surprised if he woke up while we're gone."

"I hope you're right," said Jayden. "How long do you think it'll take us to reach Valador?"

"If things go smoothly...I'd guess a week," answered Lauren. "But that will only happen if we don't run into any problems."

Jayden shook his head in disbelief. "A week? I find that hard to believe."

"You'll believe it once we arrive at Valador," reassured Rufus.

Jayden remembered when his father went to Vark with the villagers to trade. He recalled his father telling him it would take a week to reach the village closest to Borderland. From there they would stay seven days before taking another week to return home.

What astounded Jayden about this knowledge was the fact the lunvarin wanted to reach Valador, a town located in the middle of Vark, in a week, when it took that long just to reach the closest village to Borderland. If the lunvarin intended to cross that much ground they would have to move much faster than they were now, and that was something Jayden was unsure he could do.

"Like I said," reminded Lauren. "That will only happen if we don't run into any problems. Problems like unwary travelers, Elincia's forces or whatnot."

The tent flap once again opened as Bastian walked inside. Slung over his shoulder was a pack that looked heavy from the way he was carrying it. He walked over to Jayden and dropped the bundle to the ground. The bag made a heavy, metallic thud upon landing.

"What's this?" asked Jayden as he eyed the pack curiously.

"Armor," answered Bastian. "Since this journey will be dangerous I thought you would need it. With such short notice I was only able to grab a few things before we left Haven. Meet me outside after you put everything on." The champion lifted the tent flap and returned outside.