the journey

The companions collapsed to the ground in exhaustion, ignoring the myriad of sharp rocks that littered the clearing, digging into their legs like teeth.

“We cannot rest long,” Elora said, handing Sicbur the water skin, having taken a sip.

The dwarf drank deeply, easing his parched throat a little, before passing it over to Shadowfox.

“It isn’t much further, we should be there before nightfall,” Shadowfox said, sealing the skin back up and throwing it to Elora. He ran a hand over his chin now dark with a days growth of beard, the only evidence of his human lineage, “I can’t wait to be rid of this,” he added with a smile.

“There is nothing wrong with a beard,” Sicbur said, running a hand proudly through his, “might do you some good to grow it, hide that ugly face of yours.”

“Is that why you have one?” Shadow replied, It was an old game of theirs, it helped take their mind off their aching limbs.

Elora smiled as the pair continued trading insults, she hadn’t meant for them to come with her but she was glad they had. “We need to get moving,” she said quietly after ten minutes had passed.

That’s when the rain started.

“Don’t look at me, I didn’t even think it,” Sicbur said defensively.

**** **** *****
The trio arrived at Stenen looking so bedraggled the guard came out of his warm hut.

“What’s your business here?” He demanded.

“We seek theCrimson Lake Inn,” Elora said.

“Follow South Street,” the guard said, standing aside without knowing quite why he hadn’t questioned them further.

“You rushed us here for an ale?” Sicbur asked, “not a complaint by the way,” he added.

“Not ale, my brother,” Elora said, “ he is in danger, this whole town is.”