The night was long, dark, and cold. It took all my focus to stay vigilant. Graud still took in breath. I could hear him. Solenne also slumbered next to me. She had given up much power to try and heal our behemoth friend. I understood now how and why she aged. It would be my goal to nurse back to health in the days to come.
Morning began to lighten the sky. I needed to leave camp and hunt. Food would give my friends strength, but I despaired leaving them defenseless for even a second. It had to be done. To the forest I went. Fate and luck were with me, and I was successful very quickly. Once I returned to camp, I prepared for the morning meal. Nothing fancy mind you. Just roasted meat and coffee. Plenty of coffee. We would all need it.
The scents of coffee and food began to fill the crisp morning air. Graud stirred and groaned mightily. I had to help him sit up. A major undertaking mind you. I held out coffee to him and he happily accepted. I believe he will live. Next, I turned my attention to Solenne, holding the coffee under her nose. Her response was much like Graud. We shared coffee as breakfast cooked over the fire. We had survived an awful attack. We were alive. Some hurt and exhausted, but we lived.
The results of the fight meant that we were going nowhere soon. My days were spent taking care of these two. This meant hunting, fishing, and gathering edibles. The hunting and fishing I could do. Solenne gave me instruction on the edibles. She was very weak from the fight and healing Graud. Graud improved daily, but his wound was significant. He would try to move and help. It caused him much discomfort. I would firmly tell him to sit and worry about getting better. It was amusing to me that he would meekly do as I ask. This told me he was indeed weak and hurting still.
Solenne began to strengthen after a few days of food and rest. And of course, coffee. Her youth began to reappear. Graud would walk about the campsite to help. It was obvious his chest and arm needed more time. But he did what he could. Feeding us all was a full-time job.
Two weeks of resting took place before we tried to travel. Graud's scar was still bright pink and red. Movement caused him some discomfort. But he insisted we try. Solenne had also gained strength. The last few days had her out in the forest helping to find food. She still had a few wrinkles, and her hair was salt and pepper now. Solenne was stronger. They made the effort and not long after midday, we had to stop. This wasn't a bad thing. The area we had been in was depleted somewhat. Now that we had moved, game was more plentiful, and Solenne had an easy time finding roots. We set up camp to give them both rest.
Graud demanded that I let him help gather wood. He promised to use just his good arm. I am glad to see them both improving.
The mountain was proving to be challenging these days. My compatriots' weakened conditions meant short trips and long rests. The trees were still plentiful, but I knew the higher we went, they would become scarcer. Staying warm at night would be a problem. Solenne and I both had heavier, thicker clothing to don. Cloaks and blankets as well. Graud, I didn't know about. Gratefully, I had a goodly amount of coffee. It had become a very special treat for us in the mornings and evening before bedding down. Graud grew stronger each day. Solenne's healing had done well for him. Solenne also grew stronger, (and younger) as the days passed.
I am fascinated by her magic. Yet, she is not maleficent in any way. She seems only to want and do well. Her physical sacrifice to heal Graud speaks volumes to me. There was one evening it became frigid at night. I had bundled myself very well against the night. The fire burned but was not enough.
Solenne whispered in my ear.
"Archer, I am cold. May I sleep against you? Just to share warmth?"
I made no answer but to open my cloak and blankets to her. Solenne lay against me and now we had her cloak and blankets to add to our own. Her head was on my shoulder and chest. The scent of jasmine filled my senses. It made my head spin. Just before I dozed to sleep,
Solenne asked. "What is your first name Archer?"
Without opening my eyes, I said.
"Michael."
Her reply.
"Thank you for sharing, Michael."
We slept.
There is a specialness in having a woman sleep next to you. It is not something I have enjoyed often. The predawn sun on the mountain. The feel of Solenne next to me. A feeling of contentment. I lay still in order not to disturb the moment.
"I'm awake." she said softly.
Neither of us moved, but continued as we were. Warm and comfortable. The day would begin soon enough. Breakfast to find, coffee to brew and then the upward journey would continue. Graud would roll over to look at the two of us. He snorted and gave us his version of a smile. Then he tries to stoke the fire. Time to get going I suppose.
Breakfast was hunted, cooked, and eaten. We packed and cleaned our campsite. I looked up at the mountain. We still had a long and steep way to go. All things were ready.
Once we began, Graud said.
"We go this way. It will be easier."
Rather than journey upwards, the travel was across the mountain. I imagine Graud knew a better route. Or perhaps he knew of some unforeseen danger. I don't know the answers. I trust Graud. And the walking level was simpler.
Most of the day was spent walking across the mountain. Graud's pace quickened as the day wore on. He seemed driven by something that he had not shared. There were times when I asked him to slow. Solenne and I were almost running to stay with him. We could not support this pace for long.
We stopped for a noon time break. I needed it. Solenne even more so. We sat to drink water and chew on some dried meat. I was grateful for the break. Graud seemed to fidget and was restless. So eager to be on the trail once more. Solenne was obviously winded. She required rest.
Finally, Graud said.
"We go now?"
I tried to explain to him the pace was hard. Almost impossible for Solenne. Graud wore a puzzled face as he processed the information. He stood suddenly and in a few large steps, went to Solenne. He scooped her up in a swift move.
Graud's gaze turned towards me and he spoke.
"You keep up Archer. We almost there."
With that he turned into long powerful strides. Solenne's long dark hair blown in the swiftness of his movements. Now know this. I am accustomed to hard travel and moving quickly when needed. I was forced to run almost at full speed to stay with Graud.
Graud would look over his shoulder now and again to be certain I was still there. Solenne also looked to me with a certain degree of amusement on her face. I became aware that Solenne was laughing at my discomfort and having to run so. The middle of the afternoon and Graud was now running. Gradually he pulled away. It was all I could do to keep him in sight. Occasionally I would see Solenne looking over Graud's shoulder to see that I was still there. It would seem her laughter had turned to concern.
My breath was now coming in large gulps and my lungs burned in the thin mountain air. My legs were wobbly with exertion. At last, I could go no more. I stopped and bent at the waist to suck in all the air I could manage. Sweat poured from my body despite the cool air. It took a lot of time before I could breathe normally. I was spent.
I decided I would sit until I recovered. If Graud was worried, he would come back for me. The afternoon progressed. No Graud. Wearily, I stood and went ahead at my own slow pace. The path was easy to follow. There was a particularly thick stand of trees. I rounded a corner and there sat Solenne. Comfortably perched on a rock. She wore the slightest of smiles.
