Fast Food Furries Book 1

Chapter 14a: The Whale

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Alarn

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The journey north was quiet and determined, although the woods appeared to stretch on and on. Inri seemed to not tire at all, but as the afternoon approached and the suns crept across the sky, the rest of us began to slow.

"Just a bit further, friends," Inri said. "Ahead is a small village where we can rest and sup."

"And have a warm bed to sleep in?" Elrin asked.

"Unfortunately not," Inri said. "We mustn't linger long in any known place. We will get supplies and set up camp in the woods."

Elrin groaned, but swallowed his reservations and kept walking. As promised, we soon saw buildings ahead through the gaps in the trees.

We entered the small village, which was mostly just a line of buildings along the street. A few people were hard at work outside, and they eyed us as we approached, but it was otherwise quiet and unassuming. A small stream coursed through the middle of town, under an old stone bridge and out toward the lake a few kilometres east. We kneeled on the rocks by the fresh water and cupped several handfuls into our mouths. The water was refreshingly cool. The spring likely originated higher on the western mountains, bringing the mountain chill with it to this little community.

"Inri," came a hushed voice.

"Dargar," said Inri, relief in his voice.

We looked up to see a weathered orc standing on the bridge. He was wearing what can only be considered dirty rags, and his wrinkled green face was covered in dirt. His tusks were dull, and one was cracked. "Come, come," he insisted.

We looked to Inri, who gave us a nod. We returned to the road and followed Dargar into one of the houses. It was small and in slight disrepair. He moved some assorted junk off the main table and motioned at the chairs. "Sit," he instructed, "I will fetch you drink." His voice was coarse and strong but friendly.

We all sat as he went into the store room.

"Father," said Naelo, "where are we?"

"We're in Dargar's house," explained Inri, unhelpfully.

Dargar returned with a few tankards and a bottle of wine. He poured us all a cup and sat down. "I know why you've come this way," he said. "The soldiers passed through earlier, asking about some snow elves. Count yourself lucky nobody thought to confront you."

"I thought this village was friendly," said Inri.

"Bah," Dargar said, standing and pacing. "Years ago, maybe. Times have changed."

"Children," Inri said to us, "this is Dargar, a very old friend and scholar. Dargar, this is my daughter Naelo, my apprentice Elrin, and his sister Alarn."

"Ex scholar," Dargar clarified. "All that thinking—it wears you out. Now I just tend to my farm. I am old and weary, but I am at peace."

"I am glad you found peace, my friend," said Inri.

Dargar nodded. "I sense your peace is a bit more advanced."

"We are going to join the rebellion."

"Right on," said Dargar with a smirk. "Does this pertain to that accursed festival of grace?"

Inri nodded. "The province cannot sustain itself after decades of imperial activity."

"I knew something was off," Dargar said with a sigh. "Mallux Tunar would never cede land that easily."