The Believer

Chapter Fifteen: Gold

In their next day of travel, the four finally cleared Ronin pass, and the air became fresh and warm, tinted with the scent of something sweet and clayish. All were relieved to be free of the mountains, in the final leg of their journey.

Now that they were officially in Lorea, Wilky began to worry. She knew Thea and Casey would probably leave her alone in Lieronin, and then it would be up to Wilky to wait for Destin's arrival, which could take any number of days, weeks, or even months.

On the one hand, the idea of leaving her new friends behind forever was devastating. After over a week of travel together, she'd really grown attached to them. Casey, with his whimsical, quirky nature, Helewis, stern and questioning, and even Thea, who had originally been dull and moody, but who had gradually warmed up to having Wilky along on the journey.

But even after all they had been through, Wilky was very much aware that these people were her guides, not her forever friends. Another wizard or witch could teach Wilky magic just as well as Casey. Destin had promised to meet Wilky in Lorea, and it was up to Wilky to be here waiting for him. The gold ring she still wore on her finger was a constant reminder of her bond to Destin Cantari, her future husband. She couldn't just abandon him to join her new friends- who weren't even primarily her friends, as she had to keep reminding herself.

They soon reached Lieronin, a town that reminded Wilky of spider web, in how the buildings were spread far apart, with roads whose primary function was connecting said buildings. It was green in every shade of the word, in the form of flower boxes in every window, trees lining the narrow roads, and thick vines clinging to the grey bricks of houses and shops. The people were brightly colored and well dressed, with children clinging to arms and hugging legs, and young men and women strolling casually together for the purpose of having a nice chat, or catching up on local gossip.

"It's because they're right by Ronin Pass," Casey explained to Wilky. "Most of the trade Lorea does with Kown, Tawnin, and the other countries is based around here, and Lieronin clearly benefits from it."

As evening dragged its dimming orange dusk across the land, and the liquid yellow sun dissolved into the darkening horizon, the four companions booked a room at an Inn for the night, then, leaving Tempest and Ditto in the stables, headed to The Fair Burrow Tavern, a lively little establishment that squatted on one side of the main town square, its entrance shaded by slender filligren trees, but nonetheless the center of attention for anyone looking for a good beer and a good time.

Already, the tavern was brimming with young people, talking and laughing around stained wooden tables, the pink glow of alcohol bright in their cheeks. Casey led them over to a table, then ordered dinner for each of them.

"Don't worry," he said. "It's on the house. Celebration of our arrival in Lorea. Only one more day of travelling before we reach Ezrimond, capital of Lorea!"

"When all this is over, I'm gonna miss you guys," Wilky sighed.

"How sweet." Thea droned.

"Even me?" Helewis teased, tipping his chair onto its back legs.

"Nobody will miss you," Casey said, grinning. "I suppose we'll have to find somewhere to turn you in for our reward, won't we?"

Helewis's chair landed back on all fours with a thump. "Reward? What the sackan are you talking about, Caster?"

"I hear your capture goes for quite a lot here in Lorea. You're a dangerous criminal."

Helewis rolled his eyes, trying to look calm, but sensing that Casey could see right through to the chaos in his mind. "I'm not that dangerous, I just-" then he saw the look on Casey's face.