And we have the first stage of the quest! This should be interesting...
CHAPTER NINETEEN: ALONE IN THE HOLLOWS
The journey had been slow. Every day that passed felt like a thousand years, and he wrote a letter to Arundelle every day, sending it by carrier bird till the ship got too far for the fire hawks to travel. He still wrote, knowing he would send them in the Hollows.
The few responses he got back were treasured and read till he knew every word by heart, and at night, when sleep was impossible, he would recite them to himself till finally his exhausted brain found rest.
His first stop was the Hollows, where he would then meet his guides who would help him on the rest of his journey.
When the three week journey was over (they had very good weather), and the green of the island came in sight, Artham had a strange feeling arise in his chest…a feeling that he would never be the same after this. If he survived.
When he got on the shore, he would be staying with the Helmers, which was the only comforting thing about this whole arrangement.
“Ah, my boy!” Wendolyn said, rushing forward and kissing him when he arrived at their home.
Artham smiled. Podo was in the background, and he shouted a hello from the kitchen. Nia appeared, bright and smiley, asked about Arundelle, and then slipped out.
“I need to start studying some poetry and fighting styles of the Hollows. I was hoping maybe you could help me?” Artham asked.
Wendolyn laughed as she made Artham a sandwich. “Well, with the poetry I should be of some help. But the fighting…I think Podo will be more helpful. But first, you need food. You’re nothing but skin and bone.”
Artham smiled wryly. “Well, with a little baby on the way and constant stress of my wife’s safety, I don’t eat a lot. My sleeping has improved though.”
“Well, that’s a relief. Eat this, and if you’re still hungry, I’ll make another one.”
“You’re gonna fatten me up before my quest even begins.”
“Impossible. You’d have to eat constantly for a week without moving to put on ten pounds!”
Podo laughed. “Ah, if only all of us were that lucky.”
Wendy smiled. “Have you seen the Keeper yet, Artham?”
“No. I’ll stop by after lunch.”
And that’s what he did. Our young Throne Warden walked to the Keep and was greeted by the Keeper.
“How are ya, my lad?” Horus asked, as he led Artham inside, where Rudric was.
“Good enough.”
“You know, I must admit, I am rather shocked that you chose to do this. I know Illia didn’t enjoy it.”
Artham froze. “I’m afraid you must be mistaken, Horus. My aunt specifically requested me to go on this journey.”
“Hmm. Maybe it was a good experience…or something.”
Or maybe…
No. Artham didn’t even finish the thought. There was no way Bonifer would send him on this quest to get rid of him…would he?
After a short visit, he left and wandered over to Biggin’s house. The young man was sitting outside on his porch.
“Oy, Warden. How are ya?”
“I’m doing well, Biggin, how about you?”
“Eh, same old, same old. Me and Jodi are courtin’ still.”
Artham smiled. “That’s good. You know I got married and have a baby on the way right?”
“Yes. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Artham said, sitting next to him.
“What are you gonna be doing while you’re here?”
“Studying till my guides get here. At least a couple of days.”
“What are you ta study?”
“Poetry. And fighting styles.”
“Good. Real good.”
Artham chuckled. Biggin was such an easy going person, and Artham appreciated that about him. Most of his other ‘friends’ were always shouting his praises, and that bothered him. But Biggin treated him like a real person. That was what made Artham like him so much.
“Wendolyn, it’s been a week! I’m beginning to think this…guide isn’t coming!” Artham said with exasperation in his voice.
Wendolyn calmly looked up from her knitting. “Well, darlin’, any number of things might have happened.”
“Like what?”
“Oh, there ship might have gotten stuck, or maybe they had some issues getting into the Watercraw.”
“That’s two things.”
Wendolyn smiled sadly at the young man. She placed her knitting aside, moved to sit next to him, and wrapped her arm around him.
“Oh, my dear boy. You’ve been through so much. And now, you’ve got a child on the way, and a wife. So much more responsibility. You feel the weight of the world, yes?”
Artham nodded.
“You know your never alone, don’t ya?”
“Of course. But does Ari know this?”
“Artham, she’s a Follower isn’t she?”
“No doubt of that. But I just pray the Maker holds her in His arms, because I can’t hold her in mine.”
His voice shook as he spoke, and now he stopped and wiped his eyes.
“When your guide gets here, because he will, I will go and stay with Arundelle until you return,” Wendolyn said comfortingly.
“Oh, would you?” Artham said, looking at her with relief.
“Yes, my dear.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything else wrong, my love?”
Artham hesitated. For a moment, he said nothing. But then he said, “I’m scared I won’t come back. I’m scared there will be a widow and orphan left in this world before my journey’s end.”
Wendolyn now looked concerned. “Oh, Artham, don’t talk like that!”
Podo interrupted. He came in from outside, looking a little upset. “Lad, your guide is here.”
Artham sucked in a breath. “Right. Let me get my bag.”
He went upstairs, leaving a troubled Wendolyn. “Podo, he doesn’t think he will come back.”
“What might have put that idea in his head?” Podo asked.
“I’ve not the slightest clue, love. I only know what he tells me.”
Nia came downstairs before Artham did, and he gave her a quick goodbye. Then Podo’s hand was shaken, and Wendolyn was kissed, though she felt the tremble in his lips, and saw the fear in his eyes. She wanted to spare him. But she couldn’t. Instead, she could bravely watch him leave and then burst into tears once the door closed.
Artham was now faced with his guide. An old man and his son. The son was about Artham’s age, and as Artham walked with them to the docks to head to Symia, he felt a friendship form. Their names were Darian (the older) and Donovan (the younger).
“You’ll love Symia,” Donovan said with a mischievous grin.
“Oh?”
“Yes. All them pirates do have tales to tell.”
Artham sighed. He was not overly fond of pirates. “Yay…let’s go.”
Oh boy...off to Symia!! Is it true that the pirates there have baby bomnubble pets?? Hope you enjoy! Let me know if anything seems weird or wonky!
I'm concerned about Emerald now!
😱 what are you thinking Artham!? Bonifer would never try to get rid of you
😒hmm yes he would
Pulls out weapons and starts looking for Bonifer