The Traveler: Part 1

Chapter 3

Shortly before their dingy touched the docks of Holmstein's Port, Ciri put her cloak on Iespeth and raised the hood so as to cover her ears.

"I'm not certain how the Skelligans feel about elves, but it's better if no one sees her ears."

Lambert, in a rare act of acquiescence, nodded in agreement. They both took turns pulling the hood over Iespeth's head every time it slipped off until she finally seemed to understand that she needed to keep it on and fixed it herself when it fell too low.

They spent the night in the Arinbjorn tavern after a long walk north from Holmstein's Port. Before they set off the next morning, Ciri bought a small bundle of salted fish and 2 loaves of laverbread for the rest of their journey. She wasn't particularly keen on either of the two Skelligan staples, but it would fulfill the trio's basic nutritional needs until they reached Kaer Trolde.

"I'd like to take a small shortcut to Fayrlund." Ciri exclaimed as soon as she lost sight of the last villager.

"If my memory serves me correctly, there is a rather pleasant stream in the middle of these woods. It would be nice to clean up a bit before we spend two weeks on a ship. If we just cut in here to the East...". Ciri trailed off and paused while examining Lambert's expression, expecting him to interject.

"What? I don't always disagree. Only when I think your idea is bullshit," Lambert said with a half-smirk.

Ciri rolled her eyes and led the way into the forest.

As they got past the initial thicket, the trees became less dense but were very large. Their intertwined branches and overlapping leaves made the forest floor very dark. Lambert contracted his eyes and bristled. He knew what kind of creatures frequently lived in old parts of forest untouched by humans.

"So, you've been here before, Ciri?" asked Lambert, somewhat concerned.

"Yep. The stream is just up ahead!" she exclaimed without a care and continued casually walking her own winding path through the trees.

The trees became larger and fewer. Most saplings would not have a chance of growing due to the sheer lack of light. He noticed a few crows in the trees watching the trio as they progressed deeper. He didn't like it one bit.

"At last!" Ciri said disappearing behind a large tree with Iespeth in tow.

As Lambert came round the tree he saw multiple stones shaped in a curious patterm. It obviously wasn't mere coincidence. He immediately drew his sword. Iespeth jumped as she heard the scrape of the steal on the scabard.

"Great. This is just great! You've marched us into a Leshen's lair." he said with an angry, low toned but piercing voice.

Ciri unbuckled the scabbards of her two swords and haphazardly laid them on the ground next to a large rock while smiling. She took a seat on the rock, crossed her right leg over her left and placed her elbows so as to support her upper body. She grinned at Lambert for a good while until he finally said, "For fuck's sake Ciri, take this seriously! You have no idea how dangerous these things are. They summon crows, wolves and even roots....yeah, frigging tree roots to attack you! Do you know what it's like getting attacked from every direction? Would you just stop acting like a know-it-all for once and draw your sword so we can get out of here alive!"

She stifled a laugh.

Lambert took a deep breath. "Unless of course there is something you know and wish to tell me".

"Oh, do continue, Lambert. How I love showing you how you've overreacted after one of your tantrums."

Lambert was flaring his nostrils and pursing his lips. Ciri thought she saw a hint of red in his face, but it was too dark to see properly.