Something Immortal

19: Adventures at the Sage Lake Crossing Part One

Som counted the hours even when he slept. And given that this world has a rather strange time zone, the feat has proven to be more difficult. In Asturia, the total of days for each season was 476, and 7 days make up 1 week. The four seasons in this world were also significant, and the name of the months was also changed. According to the calendar of this world, the year was 4025, 17 Kaiya, Autumn Passing. Translating it to something that he could easily comprehend, that means the 17th of September 4025 in the autumn season.

He wasn't even certain if he did fall asleep. But before he could contemplate on that, he was already awake. Som hurriedly took a bath, did all the necessities, and changed his clothes. Today, they will be carrying extra sets of clothing plus a disguise. Saanvi told them that it was common for traveling merchants to visit hidden towns and places to sell their goods. The real challenge was the fact that each race had a way of keeping some of their territories concealed from others by using enchantments, but Saanvi knew a way to get around it.

As planned, Marko and Mica prepared the Nightmare steeds, and with the help of a friend somewhere downtown, they hid the beastly stallions in a barn until they arrived. This friend was also a Strigoi that settled in the Old-eldill to be their personal informant.

"Why do you guys look more nervous than me?" Som couldn't help but ask the Strigoi brothers when the four of them went downtown, pretending like they were just going for a stroll. Even Saanvi was intrigued by the sudden mood.

"You know, our father only allows us to use the Nightmares to ease our travel if we want to visit some places," Marko explained this thoroughly. "If he finds out that we used these horses to visit a hidden territory, we'll be grounded. For life!"

"Then better stop being restless and start growing some balls," Saanvi, as usual, had venom in her tone.

"But, wouldn't the Nightmares draw attention?" Som couldn't help but point out the obvious. He can only use enough charm to blur their faces. He was not that powerful yet to create an illusion to change animals into another kind.

"Don't worry about it," Mica answered the query as usual. "The Nightmares can change their forms to look like ordinary horses. We can command them to do so."

"However, you should know that these magnificent mounts are trained to protect us," Marko added before his brother could forget this important point. "If they felt even just a tiny bit of a threat, they will turn back to their original form. And then you will know why they are called Nightmares."

Som swallowed nervously, and the sweat on his forehead was instantly visible. "Are we going to use a cart? Or are we going to ride solo?"

"We're traveling merchants," Saanvi explained to him this time. "Marko and Mica will be on a cart, and we will ride solo."

"Huh?! Is it even safe for us to ride them? Strigoi are the only master they recognized!"

Neither one of them responded to that, and they continued to walk nonchalantly. Som was confused by their behavior but didn't want to act like a prima donna and followed docilely.

When they finally reached the barn, they spotted the other tall, slender, and pale-skinned Strigoi waiting casually for their arrival. There was no doubt that this was the one Marko paid well to keep the Nightmare steeds hidden without asking too many questions.

"Are they ready?" Marko approached this man, and they shook hands.

Som saw that Marko also slid a pouch filled, most likely with gold coins, into his open palm, making the gentleman's smile wider.

"When did I ever fail you, my lord?" the other person jested and had taken notice of Som and Saanvi's presence. He was visibly surprised, but nothing ever came out of his mouth. No protest. No questions. He was meek as a mouse.