The Dragon Stone

Chapter 15

                 The only visible sign of the town in the dark were lights in a few of the windows, otherwise it was engulfed in darkness. They were just a few minutes from the first light of the new day. The wind was lightly pushing them to the harbor. They continued to do circles outside the harbor until they had enough light to bring their ship alongside one of the piers.

Kaston was looking from the bow of the ship towards the harbor. Kalin could not remember ever seeing him sleep. No matter how late she stayed up, he was awake nor how early she awoke he was awake as well. "Do you ever sleep?" Kalin said walking up behind Kaston.

"Only when I need it." He said with a slight smile, while looking over at her as she joins him.

"Can we talk about what you said a few days ago on the path?" Kalin said.

"Of course we can discuss anything you would like." He responded.

"You mentioned you loved me?" she asked

"I did and I do." He said plainly.

"You mean like a friend loves another friend?" She looks at him.

"Well, of course. We are friends aren't we?" He said while still staring out at the harbor as the sun comes up behind them.

"Oh, that is what I thought."

"I also love you as though you are my ..."

"Kalin! Kaston! Come here please!" Dorian yelled from the bridge of the ship.

Dorian, Orist and Pyria were all standing over a map when Kalin and Kaston stepped on the bridge. "It would appear there is a way to get out of Icoon without leaving through the main roads out of the city." Dorian said to Kalin and Kaston.

"Well let's hear it." Kalin said to the group.

"The main road from Icoon to the Red Keep is here," Orist pointed to the west gate leading out of the city on the map. "But there is a road down here at the south of the city which lead to Riverbend, back before Riverbend was wiped out during the Wars."

"This would add about two days to our journey but would most likely be a safer way to travel."

"Well, I guess we should take that road then," Kalin said.

"The only problem is that the road really does not exist anymore, it is pretty much just a forest and we could easily get lost." Dorian said. "We will need to hire a guide to help us thru the forest."

"Hmm, that sounds dangerous to me." Kalin said while frowning.

"That is the problem, we can never really trust anyone who would be willing to take us into that forest." Pyria said.

"I see." Kalin said.

"I could help you with getting thru the forest. I was born and raised in Icoon and my family often traveled to Riverbend, back when there was a Riverbend." Mr. August said. He had been standing next to the Helmsman.

"Really? You would be willing to do that for us?" Dorian asked.

"Of course I would. I believe your quest is just and would like to help in any way I can." He responded.