Hesitantly they took each other hands. When the circle completed once again they felt a small jolt like they had before. But this time stronger. Wincing they involuntarily tightened their grips so as not to break contact.
Closing his eyes Roshan started breathing in deeply and exhaling slowly. This he repeated several times. "Now, relax and empty your minds. There is nothing and yet there is everything. Relax and breathe. Now let your minds drift and flow free. You... are... one. You are one with each other. You are one with the World. You... are... one. You are one with each other. You are one with the World. You... are... one."
With a strong shudder, and breathing heavily Roshan broke contact.
Tracy opened her eyes and glanced at Roshan. "Roshan are you all right? You look worn out."
Roshan smiled weakly and made a shooing motion with his hands. "I am fine. Just getting a bit long in the tooth for that much pulling."
Jack letting go of Phillip and Tracy's hands shook his head. "I do not know what happened or if anything really did happen. I don't feel any different. Do any of you guys?"
Both Phillip and Tracy shook their heads.
Chuckling Roshan spoke, "You do not feel it now, no. But you will. When you need it you will. Then in the time of your direst need you will be able to call on it. You will see much too soon I am afraid. But in the mean time it is late and I am tired. My guest room is just out the door to the left. All the necessities are in it. I hope you feel comfortable. Good night."
With that Rashnar stood, turned and went behind the piece of hanging cloth leaving the teens alone. With bemused expressions the teens not knowing what else to do got up and went out to check their room.
** Morning and Good Byes **
Once inside the room they saw that it was much like the rooms they had seen before. Mostly bare but functional and comfortable. They did note the fact that there were exactly three wash basins, three chairs, and three small cot type beds.
"One word, odd, weird, strange. That "gift" tonight was a bunch of hooey."
"Jack that was three words," Tracy said. "Besides I like him. Even if tonight's gift was a bust, the gifts he crafted us are pretty awesome."
"I liked him also but Jack is right. He is one strange dude. I mean how many times did he just jump up and go behind that curtain? Just poof!"
Walking over to one of the wash basins Jack called back over his shoulder, "I'm going to wash up then hit the rack. I am beat. To tired to even think over what all he talked about."
After washing up and turning around he saw that he may have been talking to himself. Incredibly Phillip and Tracy were already out like a light. Sighing Jack lay down and was asleep even as his head hit the rough pillow.
The knocking at the door came too soon. Hadn't they just lay down a few moments ago? Pulling themselves out of bed they stretched twisted and turned to iron out the kinks in their bodies from the night. Going to the door and opening it Jack found Roshan in the hall. Jack mused that Roshan had to go to the bathroom, was excited about something, or was in a hurry. He was just about hopping from one foot to the other and was rubbing his hands together. Jack could not help but smile.
"Rise and Shine, yes - yes Rise and shine, day light is already burning," Roshan chirped. "Please come upstairs to the outside once you are ready. Hurry - hurry please." With that Roshan turned and disappeared off down the hall.
A few moments later they emerged blinking at the already bright early morning sun. Roshan was standing proudly beside a fine looking chestnut colored horse. It was already laden with packs and pouches. Tracy noted a good supply of arrows exactly like the ones that she already possessed.
Roshan gently stroked the horse's muzzle and beckoned them to come closer. Tracy went and stood beside Roshan and stroked the horse's neck. The horse gave a small whicker of hello. When all had gathered around Roshan stated that he had a few things to say before they departed.
"This is Rush. He is my personal favorite. He is gentle but can be a valiant fighter when need be. Please take good care of him and he will serve you well. I have taken care to load him with any supplies that I could think that you will need. There is the pain salve along with a healing salve. Dried meats, fruit bread, blankets, water skins, and extra clothing. As you will be following the river you will not need the skins for now. Oh, there is also a dagger that I picked up from somewhere at some point in time. It will come in handy for many uses. I also threw in some extra tid bits just in case."
Roshan said all that while looking lovingly at Rush and still stroking his nose. He then turned and looked at the small band. He had a wistfully sad look on his face.
"Tracy my Dear, your bow is strong. It can be used for more than just shooting the arrows. Learn to use it also as a weapon itself. I bid you to start practicing with it in ways that you are not used to. Practice strikes, parries, and jabs. Also take time each day to hone your shooting skills."
Just then Rush bent his head down and nuzzled Tracy.
"I see that Rush has already taken to you. So, I charge you with his care. Tracy, there is more to you than you know. Go softly, go gently, but go like a Lioness."
Then turning to Phillip and putting his hand on his shoulder.
"Phillip, your waters run deep and your understanding of different ways will serve this group well. There well may be times when you will have to be the anchor. Trust yourself and trust your instincts."
Then in turn he looked at Jack.
"Ahhh, Jack. Things weigh upon you. You must learn to rise above all matters. You have the heart of a warrior, but your head is hot. I heed you to listen to the advice of Phillip and Tracy. A strong word of caution, you must learn to control your anger. If you do not do this in time it will cost you dearly. Put your heart and your mind together as one."
Then stepping back Roshan handed the tether rope over to Tracy and took them all in his eyes.
"Your journey has now only just begun. Learn to work together, learn to work as one. That is the way. Just as in all things each of you has a part to play. Each of you must practice each day. Each of you also needs to meditate together. It will grow your bond and strengthen you. It will slow your progress, but it is important."
Then stepping away from them a bit more he sighed and gave a slight smile.
"Go now, and may The Light Within guide you well."
Just before they turned to go, Tracy ran to Roshan and hugged him and tenderly kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank You Roshan for what you have done for us. We will miss you."
Setting their backs to Roshan they and Rush started a new leg of their journey.
Chapter 7: Southerly Directions
** On the Road Again **
With Creele a distant dark speck and the Great Lake a tint of blue in the distance they broke for a light lunch. They had been making good time and were enjoying the sunshine with the songs of different birds in the air. The small river a constant comfort marking their way.
After lunch they took time out for practice. Phillip took Tracy's bow for a few moments to get used to its balance. Then he started demonstrating to Tracy how it could similarly be used like his staff. She learned quickly and was soon practicing mock blocks and strikes. He also showed Jack some techniques. In this way they would start each day's session. Then each of them would practice on their own for a bit and finish by sparring with each other. It was decided that one hour each day would be dedicated to this. Following practice would be time for meditating.
For meditation they kneeled and sat back on their heels; kneeling in a circle formation close enough to have their knees touching. A problem soon arose with Jack determining that it was a waste of time for him and rose to get in more sword practice. His line of thought was he was needed as a fighter, not a thinker. Both Tracy and Phillip tried to convince him that a balance was needed but he would have none of it. The meditation period was to take between half an hour to an hour.
With the first days sun starting to set th
ey went into a now familiar routine from before. Tracy would take care of Rush, unburdening him and currying him. Then she would tether him next to the water so he could drink and crop grass and grains as he needed. Jack and Phillip gathered the firewood needed for the night. Thankfully beside the small river there were plenty of trees so this was easily done. After a good fire was going it was time to relax and eat.
Darkness fell soon after dinner. Jack was sitting cross-legged staring into the fire and tossing twigs in. The frown on his face was evident that he was not happy about something. "We did not make much headway today at all. It is going to take us forever to get to Advon, much less Rhind."
With the firelight dancing in her jet-black hair Tracy looked over at Jack but said nothing. Phillip's dark eyes glinted in the firelight. "Dude, the practice and meditation is something we have to do. Roshan specifically instructed us to take the time everyday to practice and meditate. He did say it would slow us down, but he said it was important. Maybe if we walked faster it would help add some distance."
Dejectedly throwing another stick in the fire Jack sighed. "I guess so. Tomorrow we will walk a bit faster. I'll also try to join you and Tracy for meditation at least every few days."
Tracy then stood up and brushed herself off. "Well I am going to see to Rush. Then I am going to get some sleep. If we are going to be walking any faster I need it." Smiling she left the circle of firelight and headed toward the river and Rush.
"Jack, I'll take first watch and wake Tracy for second." That sound good to you?"
"Fine by me. I'm used to the early rising and I enjoy watching the sun come up." Stretching Jack rose and went to his blanket. With the soft sounds of the night he lay down and went to sleep.
Phillip walked quietly down to the river and there found Tracy petting Rush. "Trace, you need to get some sleep. I'm taking first watch and you will be second."
"I'm worried about Jack."
"He'll be fine, you'll see. He is just working through this. I mean to me it looks like everyone is expecting him to lead our group. That is a lot of responsibility. We'll just keep an eye on him and help him when he needs it. Now you go get some shut eye."
Turning she gave Phillip a smile that was not lost in the moonlight. "Good night Phillip."
Alone, Phillip looked at Rush and a hint of a smile touched his eyes. Reaching out he stroked Rush's nuzzle. "Hey, you need to get some sleep to." Snickering that he had talked to a horse Phillip softly returned to the fire.
** A Hint of Trouble **
On the third day late in the afternoon they came across an older gentleman heading north toward Creele. He had a good-sized pack on his pack. He called out to them in passing.
"You, young folk. If ye knew what was good for ye you would be turning round."
The group halted and a curious Jack asked, "Why?"
"Why? There be big trouble brewing to the south of Advon. I'm hearing tales of monsters flying and walking the land down near Rhind. Since I am a traveling man anyways, I figure now is a good time to pull up stakes and head away."
"So you have actually seen nothing? Just heard?"
"Thats right. But I am slow going, so I figure if I move now I will have time if it is true to be clear."
"How far to Advon?"
"If ye comin from Creele you'll be about halfway. But if ye know what's best, turn around. If not, then good luck and good day." With that the elderly man hitched up his burden and started toddling off.
Scratching his head Phillip watched him go for a moment till he felt he was out of earshot.
"This land sure does have more than its fair share of odd ducks. But what worries me is this is the second account that we have heard like this. Where there is smoke, there is fire."
Jack also watching after the man took in a deep breath. "Hey guys, what do you say to us not stopping the practice sessions, but cutting the time back some. I have the feeling that we need to pick the pace up a little faster."
Without even realizing it they all nodded in agreement, even Rush joined in by snorting and pawing at the ground.
Later in the day Jack spotted a patch of Danga plants, which gave him an idea. Halting the group he went and got one of the blankets from off of Rush. Then holding it out in front of himself he opened it up and slowly approached the plants. Sure enough as he got close he started hearing soft snicks as thorns started hitting the blanket. Pushing slightly closer it sounded like hundreds of tiny rain drops. When he noticed a wetness bleeding through the blanket he dropped back to safety and laid it on the ground.
"Tracy, can you get all your arrows, including the ones that Rush has got. Then divide them in half. We are going to tip half your arrows in the Danga poison. The un-poisoned ones will be carried by Rush for hunting food if needed."
Tracy bit her lower lip and scowled. "Jack, I really do not feel comfortable poisoning my arrows. They could get mixed up or worse."
Irritably Jack shot back, "Well at least let me do the ones in your quiver. We will mark them with waxberries so we can tell the difference.
Sighing Tracy dropped her quiver by Jack who methodically started rubbing the arrowheads on the wet part of the blanket. Then with that done he set the arrows aside to dry and carefully lifted the blanket and carried it to the river to soak the poison out.
Phillip noted that the sun was starting to go down so he went ahead and started collecting firewood for the night. He had the same concerns that Tracy had, but had held his tongue. He hoped that it would not come back to haunt him.
Unseen by any of them the Krone shook their heads with disapproval. "They must learn to be as one soon or all is lost."
** Foreboding **
Traveling the next two days went with nothing happening. The skies remaining clear with the off color blue. The birds chirped and sung. The insects buzzed. All seemed to be right with the world. Also on a good note Jack had started joining Phillip and Tracy in meditation for longer periods of time. When all three were in the circle and breathing slowed they could almost feel each other's heart beat. A new development occurred. Each started catching glimpses of things inside. Two common things they shared was a vision of hazy smoke and one of Tracy's arrows frozen in flight with a red haze surrounding it. Beside that, each saw their own visions. They tried to discuss them but since they did not know the meanings of what they saw it was useless. The one thing they did know was what they were seeing around them was a lie. All was not right with the world. They were heading toward trouble with a capital T.
** Advon **
They could see that Advon had once been a joyful happy town. The river was much wider here allowing for larger boats. They stood empty at the deserted docks. Very few people walked about in the market area and most home's doors were shut. The people that they did see were always looking about as if scared of something. There was no calling out from the few places that seemed to be open. The townspeople spoke in hushed whispers and would shy away at their approach.
Reaching a small building that was by the docks Jack knocked on the door. It was opened immediately by a burly man who quickly pulled them inside and shut the door behind them.
Snorting and a bit miffed at the handling by the man, Jack asked, "What is going on here?"
"Bad things are happening. The people of Advon that are left are scared. It started about a week ago. People, good friends, disappearing in the night. Nobody knows what is going on. Just that when you wake up in the morning more are missing. You have arrived just in time because those of us left are leaving this very day for Creele."
Surprised Jack asked, "You have been waiting for us? How did you know we were coming?"
"The Krone was here a few weeks back and paid for your passage. But things have changed. No one is going to ferry you. You will have to do it yourselves. Just take the ferryboat at the very end of the dock. Use the poles and the current. It is easy once you get the hang of it. Once out of the shallows you just drift. To get back to shore use the paddles. Now
please I must go."
With that last word he picked up a parcel that had been laid beside the door and went hurriedly out. The teens followed him and looked after him. They saw a group of about a dozen people gather on the road with a few carts. Very quickly the carts were loaded and the horses pulling them switched to get them moving. The man that had spoken to them suddenly stopped and stomped his foot on the dusty road in frustration. He came running back to them.
"I almost forgot to tell you. You will also find some provisions for your trip back in the building you were just in. Just grab what you think you will need."
Jack opened his mouth to say something but the man had already turned and ran back to the small group.
Stunned by the quickness of the event the teens stood in the road and watched as the small group headed north. They listened to the creaking of the carts and the horse's muted footfalls, but all too soon an eerie silence hung about them.
"Geesh, I got goose bumps." breathed Tracy as she vigorously started rubbing the backs of her arms.
"Wanna look around?" Jack asked. He was met by two incredulous looks that sprang into both Phillip's and Tracy's faces. "I take that as a No."
"What we need to do is first look over that ferry boat to see if it really is up to the job. We need to also check the supplies left for us. I mean we still have some of our own, but more would not hurt." Phillip put in.
Jack looked up at the suns position. "We also need to decide if we leave now or we stay the night."
"I vote we leave as soon as possible. This ghost town gives me the creeps." stated Tracy.
"I'm there with Trace." came from a nodding Phillip.
"All righty then, lets go check out our ride."
They left Rush tethered by the front of the building, and then they walked out onto the dock. Their feet made hollow knocking sounds as they walked along. Reaching the ferryboat Jack walked across a wide plank and scouted it out. It was a good size that would hold all of them including Rush with ease. Flat bottomed for stability with a level deck that had a small square room that sat in the middle. Behind the small room there was a hatch that when opened revealed a small empty storage area. The oars and paddles were along the sides. Jack nodded with satisfaction. Looking up he saw a worried expression on Tracy's face.