Adelade - A new beginning

Chapter 11 - Monastery

As the crew walked from the town of Chao not much was said after the morning's excitement. Rathamin was happy he never had to kill the human but at the same time had a nagging suspicion that choice may yet bite him in the tail. He had been admiring the new weapon he had acquired when Speron echoed his thought.

"You might have been better off finishing him", she said thoughtfully.

"I've been wondering the same" Rathamin sighed. "But I have enough to think about without worrying about that guy".

Kreon chuckled from the back of the pack, "I wouldn't have left him alive to run me though some day in the future."

Rathamin wanted to change the subject, "Cal, what did Travis mean about not all your tourists have come back?" he questioned.

Cal Sighed, "It's not what you think, but not everyone i've taken to one of the sites return to the way were going, I believe that means they made their way home thorough one of the portals, but honestly I cant be sure", Cal explained.

The crew looked at one another slightly concerned, "ok, so what do we do now?" Emily asked.

Cal shrugged, "We should start at the monestary, The monks are well versed in the ancient ways and the trials of youths. They may be able to enlighten you on next steps.

Rathamin looked puzzled at Cal, "how far out of the way is this monastery?"

"Only a couple hours" Cal said.

Sperin looked at Cal "So there just happens to be a monastery right on the way to the mountains?"

"Yeah well, when you see as many tourists as they do the"...he paused as Speron eyed Cal up.

Speron hissed as she said "You know we keep hearing that there is hardly ever any tourists" she shot back, "funny how they'd be prepared for a group like ours?"

Cal shifted uncomfortably as he walked, "well some areas...

Speron grabbed Cal by the back of his shirt and said quietly in his ear, "we should talk" and jumping into the air with her powerful legs she flew up and out holding Cal.

"Speron!" Rathamin leapt up after them not really graceful as Speron had done but did manage airborne. Flying above the tree line he caught a glimpse of Speron, still carrying Cal into a hilly region. Rath tried to get more elevation and only half succeeded clipping a tree as he went by. He came around a grove of trees and found Speron with Cal upside down in one of the high trees.

"what are you hiding" Speron yelled as Rath grabbed at the tree clumsily.

"What are you talking about" Cal said, Im just trying to get you guys to the Resto Mountains".

"No", Speron yelled, "no, your leading us into some kind of trap!"

"I'm just a guide" Cal pleaded. Then he screamed as he slipped a bit. "Please, ok, ok I'll tell you just get me down!"

Speron adjusted Cal's leg and he slid more, he screamed and thrashed wildly. Rath Caught his arm and headed to the ground with him, Speron followed.

Rath shifted and grabbed Cal by the collar and lifted him up, "All right I suggest you start telling me what's going on".

Cal tried to speak even though he was winded, "The priests, at the Monastery, they pay me to bring the, the tourists to them?"

"Why?" hissed Rathamin, Speron put her hand on his shoulder.

"What do they want with us" Speron said angrily.

"I'm supposed to bring you there for rest, and they answer your questions and send you to your trials. your quests. they pay me to bring you to them, they see you as special". Cal panted.