Varl, Fandri and Telmane settled into riding at the rear of the company. The road followed the Bonglo River south through windswept moors with lush grasslands interspersed with groves of unkempt trees.
Fandri-La enjoying a rest from flying, sat on the chestnut mane of Varl’s gelding. Fandri noted she was in deep conversation with the squire. “You haven’t told us where we are going yet, squire. I didn’t expect the elves to travel south; there is nothing of note down this way, only deserted grasslands. Surely the elves must have a purpose for this long voyage.”
“Indeed they do.” Varl caressed the fairy‘s iridescent wings with a careful finger. “Your rainbow wings mesmerising me, little one. They change colour in the light and as you move. There is none who can match your beauty in the North Lands, my sweet lady.”
Fandri sighed. “You’re like a love-sick puppy, Varl. Now, tell me where we are going. Will it be long before we return to Southdale?”
Varl gave a small frown. “Ah, my apologies for the distraction. You may be surprised to discover that we do not plan to return to Southdale, Fandri. Grand Mage Nnarndam and the elves are on a mission to inspect the boundaries of the Elven Shield which envelops Reloria. This necessitates we visit each of the spell casters and the extreme ends of our lands; to ensure the force field’s coverage. Presently, we are on our way to Land’s End.”
Fandri smiled. “Ah, that’s alright. Land’s End is the end of Reloria, so you’ll have to come back up this way past Southdale. I left something behind that I’d like to collect before I see the world.
Varl sighed. “Actually my friend, we will not return this way on our journey. There will be a ship for us at Land’s End. We intend to sail out to determine the extent of the force field, before travelling up the east coast of Reloria. Next we make for the Eastern reefs, then travel landward across the north and home to the Diagro Plains. I had hoped you would come and visit my homeland.” The squire looked intently at Fandri to judge his reaction and noticed his brow was furrowed with worry and indecision. “Do you wish to leave us?”
“…and miss all your adventures? Never. I just wish I could have brought Emina along with me.” Fandri’s eyes looked distant and his cheeks glowed with happiness at the memory. “I know my feelings for her won’t change and with luck she will wait for me. After all, we are only fourteen years old and there is no way her father will let her come with me. I will return to her as soon as I can.”
He shook himself, as if to dismiss the longing for the girl he had left behind. “Come on Varl, we’re young and have a whole world to explore. Let’s shake this guardian and have some fun.” This last was said in a whisper and he winked at his frowning friend.
Telmane rode a tall stallion nearby and Varl would have wagered on his elven hearing to detect even the lowest whisper. The dark haired elf didn’t change expression as he looked all around in observant guardian style.