The Dreaming Land

Chapter 21: Motive

Orius braced himself, bitting down on a piece of wood as Quintir popped his arm back into place. He tried to withhold a cry of pain, but it came out anyways. Quintir put the arm in a sling for the time being as to give it time to heal. Wiggling his fingers, he was at least happy he could move his arm again. Looking around at the mess all around them, Orius sighed. The frozen wall of ice glistened in the sunlight, a testament to Misha's growing abilities.

Though it had been his bolt that slew Reiner, it was her magic that saved them all. Misha wasn't taking the time to relish her victory, and was instead helping Nolan get the wagon back in working order while pining over the loss of one of his horses. The horse Reiner shot hadn't survived the crash, though with an arrow through the leg it would have needed to have put down anyways. It was a shame.

The three that had survived were a bit banged up, but seemed alright. Nolan refitted the reigns for three horses, and after a short rest, the group exited the canyon and continues down the open road. Misha had chosen once again to sit upfront with Nolan, and Quintir had leaned in to joining their conversation. Imara sat across from Orius, looking back down the road. They hadn't spoken a word to each other since he shot Reiner. He caught her looking at him a few times, out of the corner of his eye, but she just looked away when he turned to face her.

He wanted to ask her why she'd been so willing to sacrifice herself for their quest, but didn't know how. Did she truly feel her life wasn't worth more than having their dreams come true? No, he felt that couldn't be it. There was more to it, he was sure of it, but didn't know what it could be. Clearly she didn't want to talk either, though, she he decided to just let it be, tuning into the conversation at the head of the wagon.

"You know," Nolan laughed, "I've seen my share of magicians in my travels, but never one that could control ice. What's the deal with that?"

"A rare and special gift from Pehrun." Quintir smiled, answering for her.

"He saw something in me, I guess." Misha smiled, holding her measures close.

"Well I can see why!" Nolan smiled, "If it weren't for you, we would have all been carried off by those rapids long before reaching the end of the canyon. I'm lucky to have met you guys!"

"We were in it just as much as you," Quintir said, "I'm grateful we had the help of such strong horses. Shame about Gully, I'm sorry this incursion cost you one of your animals."

"Me too," Nolan sighed, "but don't worry about me. That was very exciting, and your friend took care of the archer that did her in, so I feel like we're even."

"I'm sorry about getting you involved, Nolan." Orius said, leaning in.

"The open road's a scary place." Nolan shrugged, "I'm always looking out for bandits and raiders looking to get in my way. I'm used to losing something ever now and then. Still, I do get the feeling that guy wasn't just a bandit. What's the story there?"

"I suppose after all this I do owe you an explanation." Orius sighed, "We're wanted men. I stole something very important from King Harrier the eighth, so he sent three manhunters after us. Two of them have been dealt with already, and I imagine we'll be seeing the third one again before we reach out destination."

"Thieves?Well, I'll be," Nolan chuckled, "I never thought I'd see the day that thieves were defending my wagon. Don't get me wrong, I can't thank you guys enough, I'm just surprised is all."

"We understand." Quintir nodded.

"So, I guess I feel like I should ask again." Nolan said, "Where is it you guys are headed?"