Delmora: The Lost Quest

Knows Best

That night Morn woke to Bitters howls.

Bitters long note rang through his ears through the walls of Minarate. Morn looked over to Lance who was still sleeping. His thin covers were already on the floor he stood up and put on his boots. He walked to the door and down the long flights of stairs. A few elders watched him wary-eyed but said nothing as Morn passed them. Morn was halfway down the stairs when Bitters whaling was silenced. Morn walked fast, reaching bottom level and walking quickly to where Bitter was tied.

Edith squatted on the ground, her feet bare and her night dress covered with a long robe. Her back faced Morn and she held her hand out to Bitter who gladly accepted her attention. Edith stroked Bitters fur back.

"What's this?" Morn asked, his voice had morning husk to it.

Edith snapped up and whipped around, nearly stepping on Bitter who's tale wagged back and forth.

"you're dogs howling could have woke the dead" Edith complained. Her eyes were baggy and her hair stuck up from her head like she had been turning in her sleep "did you even remember to feed her?" Edith accused.

"What do you care?" Morn asked.

Edith paused and opened her mouth like she was going to say something then stopped.

"Whatever, it's you're dog" She walked away towards the tower. Bitter's tale paused mid wag an drooped until Morn ruffled her ears.

"Don't get attached Bitter, you know she'd skin you alive if you were the only meat around." Morn said.

Bitter's tongue lolled out of her mouth and Morn chuckled.

...

The next day Lance woke and began gathering his clothes. As beautiful as Midihan was he wanted it to be memory as fast as possible. He didn't need to wake the others, they were up at the same time gathering their things, replenishing their water skins and rinsing their skin from the dirt of the road that still clung to their skin. Edith was certain she would never get the sand out her hair. Simone checked all of his supplies, some of his plants were unsalvageable due to sand and wind damage. Yet in the gardens of Midihan the Elder's invited him to take the herbs he needed. He repaid them with his own knowledge. They eagerly wrote down his words. Tyler didn't have much of anything, and what he had was easily cleaned. He was bringing his things down the stairs when something above him caught his eye. It was Nyam and the Ranger. Tyler ducked into the shadows before they noticed him. He watched as Nyam moved his arms as he spoke to the hooded Ranger. The Ranger only leaned against a banister with his arms folded looking down at Nyam as he spoke. He made no effort of communication but Nyam was speaking to him excitedly. Nyam suddenly stopped as an Elder walked their way. The Ranger unfolded his arms and patted the boy on the head. Tyler couldn't tell what was spoken but a smile appeared for a moment on the boys face. It disappeared as the Elder scolded him and took him away. Tyler walked down the stairs quietly thinking.

What on earth was that about?

When they were all ready to leave the Elders were gathered with their camel, the opposite end from where they had come in. Tyler searched them for Nyam but he was not there.

Belbog stepped forward.

"We do not have much to give you but our prays and a few provisions for you're jounrey." he bowed slightly.

"You have given us all you could, and we thank you" Lance bowed low.

"We wish you luck and we will record you in our history" Belbog promised.

They moved aside and they walked out through the desert again. The mountains of sand were gone and it was more cracked earth. In the far distance they saw the outline of things more green. Tyler waved back at the Elders as they left Madihan. He took one last glimpse of the tower and saw Nyam looking stoic through the window, his head resting on his arms. Tyler saluted him. Nyam made no notion of response. Tyler shook his head at his own idiocy and wondered just how far Nyam's powers could extend.