Mythical Book #1

Chapter 11

'So, why hasn't Kalla asked about the purple-white fireball? Or much of anything for that matter?' Paige wonders as they have been walking in silence for a couple hours or so.

'Kid, I have so many questions to ask you, but I cannot due to a promise I made to not reveal anything until we meet the Grand Master.' Kalla probably has as many questions for Paige, as she does for her.

Paige notices some daisies growing alongside the road. She wanders over and picks one and places it on her ear, and then she decides to break the ice by asking, "Is the person we are supposed to meet in Koralis?"

"Supposed to be. Unless trouble showed up, then we have to rendezvous deeper in the country."

"Is this person going to answer my questions?"

"I hope so."

"I hope so, too," Paige says finding a violet velvet vine. She picks about a two-foot-long strand and uses it to tie her hair into a pony-tail. The leftover strand hangs over her shoulder. 'The scent is so enchanting; it's my favorite.'

Kalla is a few indals ahead of Paige but still in sight. Suddenly Kalla stops and spins around with a frustrated demeanor. She then smacks her staff on the ground and says a one-word spell. The stone on her staff glows a bright orange. She then starts walking aggressively toward Paige.

As Kalla stops under a large tree limb that's growing over the road, a faint outline image of a Fairy appears on the branch, sitting with its elbow on its knee and its chin on its fist.

"Hello," the image replies.

"State the reason for your presence," Kalla commands the outline of the Fairy.

"Now, is that any way to greet the one who saved you from those nasty Goblins?" replies the outline, as it stands up.

"So, you're the one who shot those Goblins! Thank You!" Paige says graciously.

"It was no problem, Your Highness," Bannick says, bowing his head respectfully. "If you two lovely ladies are heading to Koralis, I'd be more than happy to escort you. The road still has its perils until you get there."

"You are very kind, sir. First, may I ask your name?" Paige asks, feeling flattered yet a little leery about him since he is still just an outline of a person caused by Kalla's glowing crystal.

"Certainly, m'lady, I'm Bannick Orion, outlaw of the Fairy Folk, Master Thief, and professional escort of these woods," He bows proudly.

'Orion, that is an ancient name,' Kalla notes to herself.

"Ahh, an outlaw and a thief, two occupations not known for trustworthiness. No, sir, I do appreciate your kind offer, but we'll be fine on our own. I bid you good day," Paige says, and turns back towards Koralis.

Suddenly Kalla shouts, "Hey!" and there is a rustle of leaves just ahead of Paige.

"M'lady, I have saved your life and as part of the code of honor of thieves and outlaws, I must stay with you until you save my life," Bannick says, 'A load of donkey dung, but this girl has piqued my interest so much that I should stick around to see what could come of this situation. It could be filled with riches in the future.'

"Wait, what? That seems ridiculous and backwards," Paige responds with a chuckle. She stands for a bit to reconsider her decision.

Kalla walks up beside her and whispers in her ear, "Your Highness, he did save our lives, and even though he is a known criminal, he did not hide it from us. He at least seems to trust us, and, besides, we could use the extra protection until we get to Koralis. Then, if need be, we can part with him there."