I have been reading some wonderful stories here, and I want to thank all the talented authors who put their hours of creativity into all these wonderful works. Do not let anybody daunt you or bring you down with that dreaded one star vote or anonymous rude comment. I love you all. Keep on writing.
Once again I have combined two chapters as one was really short. Enjoy.
Then there were Three
Kario a man shunned by his own kind, and also that of the mortals he encountered here of upper earth, found solace in his newest friend. Certainly not one in any form he would have imagined.
Yet the energetic and gentle black hound led him to both water and nightly shelter, lay on his frigid extremities like a heated blanket as he slept, and brought him food. The rest Kario was capable of, clumsily skinning the lean rabbits who too were starving for good forage, and conjuring a fire to roast them by. He shared what little he had with his canine savior, and trusted his newfound friend to lead him on his way.
Days passed in this fashion. Kario on crippled feet would hobble as far as he could, oddly it seemed to him his canine companion had some empathy for his condition and always seemed to procure a decent place to rest and a welcome meal before he felt he could continue no more.
She led him east, always east. He did dimly wonder through the haze of cold and pain what it was she was leading him toward? Though mostly Kario was now consumed by his ordeal, and in the evenings he collapsed into the dreamless sleep of the dead.
It had been yet another of those tortured days on uncooperative feet. Kario had to admit even with the company of his furred helper he was beginning to lose hope. Step by painful step, he had even fashioned a sturdy walking stick from one of the unfortunate and twisted scrub trees to aid his passage across uneven sands. He found he leant on it heavily today, and his progress forward no more than a snail's pace.
She had circled and returned to him in that unbridled energetic lope of hers. Her wet muzzle poked at his thigh and rubbed against his free hand. She whimpered and then barked, got down on her front paws low in the sand and barked once more. Kario looked up, but all he could see was the next dune rising before him. He was tiring alarmingly swiftly today. It was not even mid morning and he was well ready to lay down to sleep.
At the hound's incessant urging he slowly crested the dune. The tired fugitive had to blink twice to be doubly sure he was seeing what lay ahead. A town, a real town!
Galvanized by the habitation before him Kario forgot all caution and proceeded as swiftly as his battered feet could carry him. Using the last of his energy to reach his hard won goal. The black dog hung back by his side, perhaps aware it could be in jeopardy here if it appeared unowned. They entered the village together where Kario finally collapsed near the central well.
Jhary and Aurianne had been relaxing by the comfort of yet another enamored host's fire. Life of late had been sweet and kind. Though there was much that had gone unsaid between the duo, and the undercurrents in both of their thoughts had been elsewhere these last few days.
Aurianne now she had re-provisioned was anxious to return north and to try one more time to assist her clansman, or at the very worst reassure herself Darius was beyond her help. Though she knew her companion would wish no part in going north, nor the associated risks it held. This troubled her greatly, so she was loath to mention the idea.
Jhary Brannon had been beset with similar thoughts. Though his mission was even more complex. The man of stories had decided it was ungallant of him to not at least try to help a friend who had saved his life many times over. Yes, he told such wonderful stories but maybe, just maybe it was time to live up to the outrageous tales he preached?
He needed to venture south, far south to within fifty miles of the dreaded ground zero, Adelaide. He had a fair idea of where his friend had possibly been sold, a place called the Bridge seemed likely. However how could he even begin to broach this desire he had knowing that Aurianne and Aran were sworn enemies? So Jhary fretted in silence waiting for a weak moment that he might even begin to suggest this to the strong willed woman.
The bard was twisting the lone gold band about on his ring finger when he heard the cries of the villagers. Both he and Aurianne rose from the warm hearth and hurried to determine the source of the unrest. A tight knot of the citizenry were already collected about the prone man who lay by the well. The village elder was stooped over examining the fallen man closely.
Jhary and Aurianne jostled through the milling crowd. Aurianne suddenly catching sight of a familiar friend. "Beauty!" Aurianne exclaimed loudly. The wolflike dog paused a moment, looked about somewhat furtively and darted into her arms. "How did you find me!" She cooed. Hugging the shaggy hound to her breast clearly overjoyed.
Jhary took a step back from the impromptu reunion, it seemed his lovely traveling companion had quite a penchant for animal friends. Aurianne on the other hand was elated to see her wonderful dog again, after all she owed her very life to this faithful hound, who had so bravely assisted in her narrow escape all those months ago.
Jhary did not know if he was elated or worried to see the raven haired Illusionist again. He hardly looked dangerous, and was certainly in poor shape, rag bound feet cracked with frostbite. However the bard was already thinking on the future and he was banking on this stranger being of substantial use to the team.
"We know this man." Jhary decided at once to speak up. He may as well commit and sow the seeds of his ideas for later, for good or ill.
*****
They had lain him in a cot that was hastily prepared before the fire, but not too closely as injuries from the cold must be dealt with sensitively. The village elder tended his wounds, at once locating the ornate weapon on his person. The bejeweled dagger incited both awe and suspicion from the villagers, however being mostly simple folk Jhary had little issue promptly taking possession of it. He and Aurianne both agreed they would know this strange man and his motives better before empowering him.
*****
In the following days the strange raven haired, coffee skinned man recovered his health and his wits. He introduced himself as Kario, and though very polite and thankful to all about him did not reveal much more. It was very obvious he was looking for his weapon, though the exotic man did not openly speak of its disappearance.
Perhaps Jhary surmised Kario had given it up for lost sometime during his painful march? The bard hoped so anyways, his goal was not to antagonize, but merely be assured of this man's morals. Until he was doubly satisfied that dagger would stay firmly hidden in the folds of his coat.
So the days passed. Jhary entertained by the communal fire each evening while Aurianne and Beauty sat beside him. Children laughed, women gave him the loving eye. Men sat quietly and smiled. It was a good and peaceful time. Kario seemed to join in somewhat also, though Jhary always acutely aware of the feelings of others, a necessity in his trade, sensed the strange man restless and dissatisfied.
Kario had kept his own private council. There was little to be gained in sharing his personal thoughts with others. Though he had been spared from the maw of the wasteland, he was very unsure of his future. He didn't quite belong among men, and he was not accepted by his mother's beautiful and omnipotent people either. It was for the young man a difficult cross to bear.
Later after the communal fire had died to coals, and Jhary had stowed his twelve string guitar safely in its case, the trio retreated to the stone and iron abode. The family who lived there and had so selflessly offered the visitors shelter, had retired to the adjoining room to sleep. Pleasant good nights were exchanged, giggling children were bedded down, and silence descended on the small village.
Beauty lay stretched across the door portal, pointed muzzle resting on her paws, occasionally emitting a drawn out sigh which seemed almost comical. It was as though she were taking up a guard post, protecting her humans from the hazardous world beyond.
Kario looked across at the shaggy black creature and smiled wanly. Without her appearance he shuddered to imagine what may have been. Surely his bones would have rested in the sands, forgotten and alone by now.
