Toil

Shierra sipped the dewberry juice from the waterskin that Reis gave her. Watching Reis work made her thirsty. She looked on as Reis shoveled dirt tirelessly. His fine linen shirt was drenched with sweat, as he dug deeper into the ground.

Around him, the townsfolk were doing the same. Men breaking their backs digging up graves for those who fell. Each one of them bear the same dark, solemn look. Some openly wept as they dug up graves meant to lay their wives, sons, daughters, or friend to rest in the cemetery located in a shady meadow outside of town. Their small town now has gotten much smaller, and many had packed their horse carts with what’s left of their possessions. They intended to leave as soon as the funeral was over. The thirteen dead brutes found in the square, and some more in the goblin’s house, were piled onto a mule cart and dumped unceremoniously in the woods. The brutes did not carry much coins nor personal possession, and the townsfolk dared not take the dragonhide armor. Thus, the bodies were left pretty much intact, to rot in the woods or feasted by carrion.

As she watched the mass funeral took place, Shierra let her mind wander. A deep guilt has been consuming her, as Shierra believed that many of these innocent townsfolk died unnecessarily because of her. Deciding to trust Reis, Shierra had told him her accounts when the attack took place. She told him of her encounter with the dark elf Morohtar, and their abrupt meeting with the goblin Kraeven. Shierra decided that she will share more of her stories when the funeral is done. In the meantime, Reis told her to keep to herself, not to reveal her identity.

That night, a small campfire was lit in a clearing in the woods, near the cemetery. What’s left of the townsfolk that had stayed sat closely together. Families huddled in silence. There was no merriment, just a broody silence as they wonder of their future. Tents were erected as temporary shelter by those whose homes were torched, since they dared not to venture into the town anymore.

Shierra wrapped the cloak around her tightly. She kept the hood up to conceal her elven features. Reis was talking to Frederick, whose supply store was torched as well. Later, Reis returned and sat next to her. Under the shelter of a tree, they rested, watching the dancing flicker of the orange campfire flames.

Shierra had so many questions that needed answering. She was desperate to know why have some people she had never met before knew her, and knew her father, and why the band of men have went on a ruthless campaign to find her. Looking at Reis, she saw him staring aimlessly at the night sky. He was clutching something in his hand. Shierra wanted to know more about him. Her mind was riddled with too many questions that begged for answers. But, as for now, she made herself comfortable and soon, drifted to sleep.

Shierra woke up to a chilly morning, and smelled breakfast cooking from the campfire. Looking around, she found Reis tending to a handsome black horse. She stood up and went to him.

“That’s a fine steed.” She told him. The horse seemingly understanding, waggled its head at her.

“But with great mischief to boot.” Reis added. He was checking the leather straps of the saddle and was making sure the saddlebags were secure. Once he is done, he sat under a tree and beckoned Shierra to join him. She sat next to him as Reis unwrapped some food from a waxed paper. They ate strips of beef that was freshly fried at the campstove, some bread, and fruits. Food was always something that brings joy to Shierra, and she happily nibbled her meal to the last morsel.

“There is stream that way if you wish to freshen up.” Reis told her, pointing North with hand. “Don’t take too long, though. I want to head up to Nadaran.”

“The city of magi? I was heading there too!” Shierra excitedly said.

Reis nodded. “I figured as much. If you wish, you could ride with me. I have questions for you.” He added.

Shierra smiled and headed towards the streams. She was glad to have a new companion with this strange man. Perhaps, he will be open to answer her questions.