Belford's Heart

Chapter 12: Guidance

Belford and Evelyn sat atop their horses at the Southern corner of Gafferton. Suzie remained at Grifford's side, scratching his neck and kissing his beak repeatedly. Belford was happy to see that Grifford had charmed another person so much. Evelyn watched along with him, though the brightness of her smile was dimmed since they left Vathan's tower.

Bernard and Bernie approached them along with Juniper with satchels the size of their bodies. Vathan approached them from behind, his hood removed from his head to show his severed horns in the light of day. The stubs protruding from his head were cleanly cut, and though his smile remained that of broken glass, his eyes did not exude the same malice as his brethren. There were so many more questions they had for him. He was perhaps the only man in all of Avalonia, if not the world, who could provide the answers they seek. What he had given them would have to be enough.

Bernie and Bernard fastened the satchels to Grimbo and Thunderfoot's saddles. Once fastened, they stood in line with Suzie as she bid Grifford a final farewell. "I am going to miss you, my sweet Grifford." She turned to find Belford's eyes. "You will bring him back to me one day, won't you?"

"We have so many to visit on our way back home," Belford said with a smile. "Would you like to return here one day, buddy?" Grifford huffed three times with excitement, nuzzling his beak into Suzie's chest. Everyone shared a laugh, and Belford said, "That appears to be an answer to your question."

"Bernie and I have prepared you portions for the next week or so," Bernard said to a scowling Bernie. "Well, Bernie and Juniper prepared them. I simply carried one to you, I suppose."

"When I am able to do so, and when I have time," Belford said. "I will repay this kindness. Thanks could never be enough."

"Sure it can!" Bernie said. "However if you find anything shiny, I am sure Juniper would love to see it one day."

"I will wear these braids until they fall on their own, Junie," Evelyn said. "Thank you for your help this morning."

"Please do be careful," Juniper said. "I worked very hard on those!"

Vathan looked upon them for a few silent moments, approaching slowly until he stood just before Grimbo and Thunderfoot. He patted each of their heads gently before meeting eyes with Evelyn. "Do remember what we spoke of. Be sure to keep your use of rebirth only in times of absolute necessity. Without it, my kin will have a much harder time finding you on your travels." Evelyn nodded in agreement as he turned to Belford. "And you, my dear Belford. Hold on to that page as if your lives depend on it. When time finds you, look upon it to find your path forward. I am sorry that we could not speak further."

"You said they would be coming. Will this bring these people into danger?" Evelyn said.

"They are my kin," Vathan said. "Misguided as they are, they remain in service of rebirth whether they wish to admit it or not. We will be fine. You must lead on to bring this gift back to the world."

"And this page," Belford said. "This will guide us?"

Vathan nodded. "As much as I could guide you in our limited time together. Go. Be safe on the road and find camp only when the moons fly overhead. I will handle them when they come."

Everyone spoke their own farewell to them, and Suzie embraced Grimbo and Thunderfoot once more. Bernard and Bernie smiled cheerfully as they waved them on, and Evelyn made sure to meet eyes with Juniper before they set off once again. It was such a shame, Evelyn thought, that they could not enjoy the cozy room she had prepared for them. Once more she met the golden-yellow eyes of Vathan. He looked upon her with an expression that instilled a hope for their journey. Other than Belford, she was not sure anyone had looked at her in this way since Maligwa delivered her to the world again.