The Stone Keeper's Quest- Elrich

CHAPTER THREE

Elrich leaned against an old oak tree that had two trunks twisted together like lovers. He gasped for air, feeling his heart pounding in his chest. He had been running for hours, and he was not sure how much longer he could keep it up. He looked around, hoping to find a safe place to hide. He saw a gap in the foliage and decided to take his chances.

He pushed himself off the tree and ran towards it. He tore through the greenery, ignoring the scratches and stings of the leaves and branches. He emerged onto a dusty road that ran along a fence of maize. Elrich followed the road until he reached a rusty gate that hung half-open.

He squeezed through it and entered a farmyard. There was a barn nearby, where an old man and a young man were working. They looked like father and son, with the same broad shoulders and long tan faces. The old man was raking hay, while the young man was loading it onto a cart. They did not notice Elrich until he was almost upon them.

"Who are you?" the old man asked, dropping his rake and taking off his gloves. His hands were veined and gnarled, like the roots of an ancient tree. His eyes were hooded and weary, but they still had a spark of curiosity. He tried to straighten his back, but age had bent him too much.

The old man smiled and offered his hand to Elrich. "Forgive me, I've been rude. I'm Mike, but everyone calls me Old Mike. It's a pleasure to meet you." He gestured to the small farmhouse behind him.

Elrich shook his hand cautiously. "Elrich," he said, panting. He glanced at the horse and the cart that stood near the fence. They looked old and worn, but they were better than nothing.

"Elrich Caulfield," he added, meeting the old man's gaze.

"This is my son Steve. He helps me with the farm work. He's a good lad, aren't you, Steve?" Old Mike said. Steve nodded, but did not speak. He looked at Elrich with suspicion and shifted his weight from one foot to the other.

"I need a horse and a cart," Elrich said.

Old Mike frowned. "We don't have any to spare," he said. He scratched his beard and squinted at Elrich.

Elrich reached under his shirt and pulled out a leather pouch that hung from his neck. He unfastened it and poured out thirteen gold pieces onto his palm.

"This should be enough to buy a new one," he said, handing the coins to Old Mike, his eyes widened as he took the gold. He looked at Elrich incredulously.

"Are you mad?" he asked. "That's more than this old nag and this rickety cart are worth." He felt the weight of the coins in his hand.

"I don't care. I just need a ride. Or two," Elrich said, forcing a smile.

Old Mike shook his head. "Where did you get all this gold?" he asked. He could not help but wonder if Elrich had stolen it or killed someone for it.

"I'm a gambler," Elrich said. He tried to sound casual, but his voice was tense.

"You must be a lucky one," Old Mike said. He did not believe him, but he decided not to argue.

"Some days more than others," Elrich said. Old Mike studied him for a moment. He noticed the tear in his shirt and the dirt on his face.

"Are you running from something?" he asked. He sensed that Elrich was hiding something.

"No, no. I just had a little accident on the road. Nothing serious," Elrich lied. Old Mike did not look convinced, but he did not press further.

"Well, suit yourself. You can have the horse and the cart. But you should clean yourself up a bit. You won't impress any ladies looking like that," he said. Steve snorted and made a sound like a snake hissing.