Catching Up: The Further Travels of Ziek pt. 2

Finally, coming to the Lake of Mist, they made contact with Caelfa, a Great Druid, who spoke to them cryptically but truthfully. She finally revealed the history of Collonia as she knew it. For her predecessor was none other than Tersia whose writings had other details to spare. Thus armed with some hidden history, Ziek and his adept decided to journey to Peakshadow to visit the archives there. For they surmised that a true copy of the book might exist in the High King's library.

In parting, Caelfa told Ziek that he might seek out the human priest named Shepherd Aljero. That priest being the shepherd of the Church of the Holy Defender in Haven. Father Aljero, Caelfa advised, knows a great deal more about what is required by the laws of men to prove one's kingship. She cryptically added that Shepherd Aljero is no stranger to nobility. This information came as some surprise to Ziek who knew Shepherd Aljero as a doddering hermit that his master Evard could not stand. The latter always called the former, "that Old Bearded Babbler."

The trip back to Haven can be had through Wanderhalt (about 12 days travel) or directly to Haven (about 10 days travel). The direct route is through wilderness all the way. The indirect trip is three days of wilderness followed by 9 days of safer road travel. Ziek opted for the indirect and "safer" route. Though it added a few days to the journey, Ziek was able to travel more comfortably and without fear of meeting any of the goblins that other travelers insisted were being sighted more and more often off the roads and in the wilds. He met and shared night fires with several strangers -- farmers to and from market, traveling actors between towns, many merchants with wagons of wares, and even a few pilgrims.

Ziek and his companion were still several days from Haven, when they were forced to seek shelter at Fieldstone Manor on account of the driving Fall rain. With a shudder they found themselves grateful that it wasn't snow... yet. The Duke Fieldstone himself was on the Noble Council ruling Collonia at the time, in the stead of a King. With Ziek as his guest, the baron was most interested in the wizard's travels. He recognized the distinctive Censure Hood of the robes. Duke Fieldstone was nosey to the point of obtrusiveness, and as a noble he thought himself entitled to every bit of information. But he was otherwise kindly and very generous with food and good wine.

He also had a niece named Holly that had been his ward since her parents were taken by the Fever and Ache. She and Ward, Ziek's adept, repeatedly exchanged glances throughout the evening. Which did not go unnoticed and earned a mild rebuke later -- in private, Ziek informed his adept that the life of an adventuring wizard is ill-suited for companionship. Ward sheepishly agreed.

Despite the Duke's best efforts at loosening his guest's tongue, Ziek was tight-lipped and instead regaled those assembled with stories from his exciting past. His stories dragged long and had many captive ears. One segued into another until the wizard suddenly excused himself and turned in for the night, with a much unsatisfied audience. After the wizard was gone, the Baron slowly realized he heard a lot of talk about nothing in particular.

The next morning’s breakfast was hot apple fritters and thick ale, with a bright yellow cheese made from the lord’s goat’s milk. After breakfast, Ziek took his leave of Fieldstone hospitality and was surprised to find one of the Duke’s men saddled up and ready to ride alongside of him.

The Duke smiled politely and said, “I trust you will not mind if Hadran rides along with you. He bears dispatches for Peakshadow and I am sure that sharing the road will keep all three of you safe from brigands.” Then, without waiting for an answer, he strode into his manor.

The next several days were spent on the road with the nights passed in fields late unto harvest. One particular evening found Ziek and company in an abandoned barn seeking respite from the cool night air. Like every night thus far, the man-at-arms Hadran, offered nothing in the way of conversation, but seemed to listen quite intently to everything Ziek and Ward said.

Later that evening, Ziek was wakened from a sound sleep by Ward who only pointed at their traveling companion. Hadran was framed in the door of the barn and backlit by the pale moonlight. He was standing with a sword clutched in one shaking hand, and staring out into the night. But there was something very different about him. His hair was longer, stringy and definitely gray. His posture, once straight and tall, was now stoop-shouldered and aged. It was as though something had added twenty years to the man's life.

“What is out there master,” cried Ward. “I am frightened.”

Ziek could not be sure. In measured tones, he reassured his adept and told him to calm himself. "Not everything in magic is exciting and benevolent. There's a much darker side, filled with disgusting and frightening things. You may live to learn that now."

The two men, wizard and apprentice, made for the loft with all due haste, hoping to escape notice of their "possessed" traveling companion. But, Hadran wheeled suddenly and flew at them with alarming speed and obvious malevolent intent. Ziek gained the loft just mere steps behind Ward and a few seconds ahead of what used to be Hadran. Then, by use of his magical arts, Ziek caused the hayloft to be set aflame. He directed the same magical fire at his pursuer, and then jumped out the window after his adept, who had already flown to safety. Once on the ground, the two sprint for safety as the barn leapt and blazed into the night sky. Hadran never mades it out of the inferno, but the horses dashed wildly from their tethers and escape mostly unscathed. There were now four mounts between two travelers -- the going should have gone quicker thence.

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