Goldspell: Rare Earth Book One

Goldspell: Rare Earth Book One- Chapter 18

Chapter 18- Journey to the Royal Sect

"Seeing how we must go south at first to reach the Royal Sect, I don't assume it will be a problem if we go home to ask our father if he would like to come this time, right? I'm sure he would be happy to assist with any diplomatic matters you may have to discuss concerning the war possibilities," Vanessa said the next morning, after the group informed Jasal of the intended plans. She was wearing a hooded cloak again to keep the direct sunlight from reaching her eyes and skin. This way, she could travel without worrying about growing weak or hurt during the day. "We may be vicious when hunting, but we aren't ones for full-fledged war." 

"That's fine," Opren replied. "I asked Emerald if she and her sisters would think it's a good idea to let her parents know also. It is a decently long journey and away from this sect of the kingdom so it would be understandable if they were concerned about where we ended up traveling." 

"It feels strange going on a journey far away after all my times of criticizing or worrying about Emerald on her adventures," Sapphire said, looking at the clear sky. "I have a feeling I may actually enjoy it, though I do hope danger isn't frequent." 

"Well, with Rufius, Barbosa, Raz'e and I to protect you, I'm sure it will all be fine," Opren said. Sapphire giggled. 

"Boy, you know I don't need protecting, but I do appreciate the good intentions," she said. 

As Ruubi, Emerald, Polaris, Barbosa and Rufius joined, they only needed to wait for Lilith. Vanessa explained she was finishing a hunt, as usual when she was not locatable, and she would catch up to them if they began toward Rondaine Manor without her. After an hour of travel, this proved to be accurate as Lilith quietly and suddenly met up with the group. She had saved some meat from a deer so Opren could make jerky. 

"I'm surprised you saved any as often as you seem to like to feed," Opren said after thanking her. Lilith laughed. 

"As I have said, I can be polite, even generous, when I want to be. I just tend to be vicious when hungry and maybe I enjoy pain... just a little," she said with a facetious expression and tone. 

"Enjoying the receiving of pain is a possible fetish, miss Lilith. What you do at times, on the other hand, is sadistic in nature," Polaris input. 

"Although, unlike barbarians who do similar practices, we still seem sexy when we eat the innards of a man because we are so good at it and are beautiful," Vanessa came into the chat, changing her pace to end up behind the others and in line with Opren from her spot as the current leader. 

"I'm all one for brutality in a fight, but that is just a bit disturbing to attempt to think of together," Rufius said over his shoulder. 

After the first few days of travel, the twins had reported their father missing upon visiting Rondaine manor, but they managed to retrieve some fitted armor for themselves so they wouldn't ruin their nicer clothing while traveling, and the elves had informed their parents of their journey. Selios requested for Rufius to write every week while away and gave him a falcon to send letters, while the king and queen provided a good deal of money so the friends wouldn't run out at any point during their travels. As they all passed through two more towns, the vampires questioned about Lord Rondaine, but he was apparently unseen for the recent week. While this made the group curious, even the twins shrugged it off, knowing the powerful noble vampire could manage anywhere he may have gone with little to no help. Even still, Opren instructed Raz'e to seek him for the next few weeks, moving the bags on her to Emerald's mare. 

As all preparation in the the sect where everyone lived was complete, it was time to begin directly toward the Royal Sect. Opren lead the group, as usual, and allowed Rufius and Barbosa to assist in the thicker and more puzzling forest areas. Some time over two days into the main journey and they came to a large house completely standing alone for the next several miles, as far as anyone could tell.