Between the Veil and Crown

Arvek 34

Every little thing was irritating. The noise in the dining area, the basic inquiries of the guards as they prepared to leave, the thought of the journey taking long, even the way his horse tossed its head. Every thing was irritating.

Worst of all was waiting for Rasinod. While Arvek and the guards were up at the crack of dawn so they could be on the road as soon as possible, Rasinod took his sweet old time waking up, eating breakfast, and getting his stupid little wagon all ready. When he had settled himself in the driver's seat, gathered up the reins, and looked at Arvek expectantly to start, it had already been a couple of hours since Arvek had been ready to go.

Arvek returned the expectant look with a long, hard glare. Time was becoming more and more of the essence, and here this old fool of a jerk was wasting time.

But ripping into him was as much of a waste of time as his slow morning routine. He could only settle with the glare before giving the signal to proceed. By way of revenge, and to get them back on track, Arvek had them go at a faster pace than the day previously. He ignored Rasinod's struggle in keeping up while also finding the best path for his wagon. If the royal healer wanted to take it easier, he should've been up sooner.

If Arvek didn't know any better, he would've assumed that Rasinod was trying to slow them down. Though, on this very irritable day, it was something he ready to believe of him.

Around noon, they reached the first inn and tavern on the road. Rasinod and even a couple of the guards began slowing, expecting that they would stop there, being the obvious place for a noonday meal.

However, Arvek was still running on spite and rode right by it. The guards shared confused and wary expressions before following suit. Rasinod came to a full stop and called to Arvek.

"We should stop here and get some rest. We may be exhausted by the time the next tavern comes around."

Arvek pulled his horse to a stop, partially turning so he could look at Rasinod. "Perhaps that is something you should have thought of when you were holding us up," he retorted. "This is not a vacation. This is not a leisurely stroll. The sooner we reach the Veil, the sooner we can start the search for Selim."

"I am an old man," Rasinod pleaded. "My old bones do not work like they used to. I need the extra time in the morning."

Arvek clenched his jaw, but did not respond. A few travelers were stopping to watch, believing they were going to get a drama packed argument. But there was no time for that. Rasinod could complain some other time.

Without answering Rasinod's plea, Arvek nudged his horse forward and continued down the path. He heard Rasinod calling for him to reconsider, but acted as though he could not hear him. Eventually Rasinod gave up his cause and followed.

Arvek did not call for a stop until into the afternoon, when he felt that they had caught up as much as they could considering their late start. He did warn the crew that he did not want to stay long- just enough to dismount and walk around, and finish a quick meal while the horses got their own food in. The guards obliged without complaint or hint of dissatisfaction.

Rasinod also did not complain. But he also did not comply. Instead of showing any expediency in the time of rest, he got off the wagon and made every indication that he was preparing for a longer rest. The first indication being him unhitching his horse.

"What do you think you're doing?" Arvek demanded to know, making his way over to him in only a few strides.

"I am making sure my horse gets proper rest," Rasinod said, blinking innocently. "We have been traveling for a while, and he will need a good meal."