A rare gift

Kairios

The walk back seemed long, no one was talking and the silence had a chill to it. Thankfully by the time we got back to the horses, they weren't far from where we had left them. Blackfire was irritated with me at first but after some coaxing, he let me scratch his chin and ears. As soon as Scorch realized Aurelia was back, she almost jumped on her in excitement. Aurelia had tears in her eyes as she was reunited with her friend.

We were a group of four and only two horses, we would have to ride together. To break the tension, I offered Acantha to ride Blackfire while I walked. Aurelia helped Saira to climb on the back of Scorch, we were finally on our way. We had a long day of travel ahead of us to try and make up some time.

While we traveled Saira and Acantha chatted about books and history, I had little interest in the conversation so I decided to go hunting for a bit. It was nice to have some time to myself and the forest. I listened to the noises of the animals and the wind blowing through the trees.

I stayed close to the road so I could hear the women in case there was trouble. I had my bow and an arrow at the ready so when a fat rabbit scampered away in fear, it had no chance to get away. My shot was clean and the animal should have felt no pain. I tied it to my belt and continued on. It wasn't long before I realized I was being hunted as well.

I used my Elf hearing to get a better feel for what was tracking me. When I picked out four in sync paw prints, I relaxed a bit. The large beast was closing in, I readied another arrow while waiting for it to make its move. I could hear it when the beast decided to crouch before launching into a run to attack from behind.

I spun around at the perfect moment to fire my arrow right into it open mouth. It went clean through and the tip was visible on the top of its head. I rolled as its dead body collided with the ground that I was just standing on. Standing up I took in the sight of the large white and black tiger that was my prize. Such an animal was rarely seen in these lands and I was excited at the thought of the gift this would make for Aurelia.

The tiger was heavy but I was able to swing it around my shoulders, hanging onto its legs. When I got back to the road Acantha jumped down to allow me to put the tiger on Blackfire. He at first put on a show of annoyance at the smell of the hunter but soon calmed with some coaxing from Scorch. It seemed they became close as they were alone for a few days.

After some time, we made it to the next town that held some pre-arranged lodgings with a friend of Mistress Elnora's. She really did know a lot of people throughout the kingdom. The town was about the same size as mine and had a very busy market. There was a lake off to the one side of the town and the air smelled of fish.

It didn't take me long before I found a butcher and I had my tiger skinned and the meats cleaned off the bones. I hated to waste any life and wanted to make the most of the animal's offerings. With the meats ready to go the butcher said the fur would be better suited to pick up before leaving town. It needed time to dry before becoming Aurelia's gift.

On the far side was the home we would stay in. I knew Aurelia was looking forward to seeing the market more so I made sure we went that way. There were fruit stands mixed in with other stands selling jewelry or clothing. When we walked by a bakery, the smells had my stomach rumbling.

"Why don't you look at some of these stands I'm going into this Bakery."

I bought us some honey cakes; Aurelia loved them as much as I did. When I walked out, I saw them looking at some necklaces. Aurelia was holding a small and simple one, it had a golden chain with a rose as a pendant.

There would be a day I would be able to buy her beautiful things like that, for now we have to travel light. My plans with the fur had me feeling a little bit better about what I could give her. We continued down the streets towards our destination taking in as many sights as possible.

When coming up to the property I could see wood fences along the yard. The yard itself was covered in lush green grass and there were fruit trees all over the property. I could see a small garden in the back of the house and was next to a shed.

The house was small, being one level made of stone and wood with a straw roof. There were two windows in the front with a wood door between them. As we rode up the pathway the front door opened and an old man walked out.

"Who are you to come on my land without permission?" The old man squawked out.

"We have permission from a common friend. Mistress Elnora made plans for us to stay here, though we are late."

The old man moved out of the way as a younger one pushed his way through.

"We didn't think you would be coming; you were supposed to have been here two days ago."

"We have been side tracked, and as you can see, we have two more travel companions than was planned. Will they have room to stay as well?"

"We can make room please come in, names Marcan." He said turning to reenter the house.

When we followed him in, we walked right into a kitchen. There was a wooden table covered with different garden vegetables and bowls. To the one side was a large fire with a pot of something steaming inside it.it smelled like my mother's kitchen

"My wife and son will be home soon; you can stay here while I make a place ready for your horses. Our barn is very small but it will work for now."

When he left the room, the old man stayed behind and sat at the large table with us. Aurelia seemed to fascinated by the home, as her eyes lit up as they roamed the room taking in the sights of a simple home. Seeing how the people lived was new to her still.

"Thank you for allowing us to come into your home, my name is Acantha."

"Strange name, used to be a Queen named that, seems to me." He was scratching his beard looking up at nothing while he seemed to be thinking about such a coincidence.

"Yes, very strange. Has your family always lived here?" Acantha said to draw his attention.

Acantha and the old man talked while we waited for Marcan to return. It wasn't long into the family's history before a woman and a young man walked into the kitchen.

"Welcome, my husband is taking your horses to our barn. I'm Valina and my son, Massell. While I finish making dinner you lot can go and get yourself settled in for the night and cleaned up from your travels."

"Thank you very much." Aurelia said to Valina.

We were all staying in the small room with two beds in it. Under the window there was a small table with a metal bowl for washing and a large jug with water. Aurelia and I would share one bed, Acantha and Saira in the other.

"There's a nice stream out back, if you want to wash up." Massell said from the doorway.

We all grabbed something clean to wear and followed Massell to the stream. The three girls made their way up the stream from some privacy. I walked over to the water and Massell laid down in the grass, watching the clouds.

"When you leave tomorrow, I want to come with you. My father told me what you are doing and I want to help."

"How will you be able to help us?" My question was forward but I needed to make sure he would be able to help us or if he would hinder us.

"I know I don't look like much but I am strong, fast and I learn quickly. My grandfather was a great fighter and has taught me some things. I can be useful to you."

"Okay, you can show me later what you have learned." I didn’t know what else to say without Aurelia knowing.

The girls came back when they were finished, Aurelia was glowing. We all walked back to the house, dinner smells were flowing out of the windows. I told Aurelia about Massell wanting to come with us, she was excited to have our group grow and wanted to test him later instead of me.

Dinner was amazing and we all talked about current events in the capital, where we would go and new ideas of people who would be willing to support us. We also talked about Massell leaving home to journey with us. Valina was less than excited to see her son go, however Marcan and his grandfather had pride beaming in their eyes. We all finished dinner quickly and helped clean up. It was now time to see what Massell knew.

Aurelia grabbed her long sword and we all met in the backyard. Aurelia came to the center of the little circle we made to watch their practice. Massell crossed the yard with a sword in hand. He had a very serious look on his face and didn't meet any others eyes except Aurelia. She returned his serious gaze with one as equally serious.

Aurelia stepped forward to meet him.

"I can see you're ready, I warn you I won't hold back."

His answer was to lash out with his sword. It was a test strike and Aurelia blocked it with ease. They went on like this for a while, testing each other with strikes and blocks. By the end of their practice, they were both sweaty and breathing heavy. Massell was well trained by his grandfather and I believed he would make a great asset to our journey.

"We will be grateful to have you join us. You are very good and we would be happy to train you some more. Will you be ready to leave at sunrise?" Aurelia was asking him as they walked closer to me. She was happy, the smile on her face was genuine.

"I will make sure of it." He answered confidently.

"I'll make the horse ready for you, my son. Valina will gather some food for you to take. You will have to take grandfathers old gear and weapons until you are able to get some of your own."

"Thank you, Father, Mother." Massell's smile was ear to ear.

We all went back inside after we enjoyed the night air a while longer. Aurelia climbed into bed next to me and laid her head down on my chest.

"Unexpected things keep happening to us. I'm glad that this was an easy experience. We keep growing stronger every day, soon no one will be able to stand against us." She was right, and I was so proud of her.