A Tale Chapter Four

Joat and Nuil walked through the forest in silence for awhile before Joat realized he didn't even know where they were going. Therefore, he did what seemed appropriate and asked, "Where are we going?"

"We're going to find the rest of my company of archers and ask the captain what we should do with you." Nuil replied.

"Oh." Joat said thoughtfully. "Why don't I just stay with you guys?"

Nuil looked at Joat in surprise, "Because we're fighting a war here. It's not some fun and games picnic on a weekend."

Joat looked at Nuil in annoyance but decided not to reply. Nuil was right. He would only be a drain to the archers' resources.

Finally, after an hour of walking Joat and Nuil arrived at a small clearing with trees overshadowing it. The light filtered through the tree leaves giving everything an ethereal green tint. Merely stepping into the clearing caused a sense of peace to wash over Joat, like a light spring rain on his face. Joat had arrived at the base of the elven archers.

As Joat looked around at the beauty of how the elves had adapted nature to suit their needs, Nuil went to the captain of the archers. What took place between the two elves is unknown but several theories have been ventured. The end result of the discussion was that Nuil left the archers company and accompanied Joat on his journey. All who saw the discussion say that it was a heated debate. However, that is all they agree on. Some people say Nuil was cast out of the company of archers as a punishment for bringing Joat to the base. Some say that Nuil resigned in order to help Joat further. Still others say that Nuil was ordered to go and wished to stay and fight. However, regardless of the reasons, Joat and Nuil left the glade with the intention of going and seeing a nearby healer who could perhaps offer them advice.

Nuil had gotten a new pack full of provisions and a new bow with arrows from the elves' armory before they left. He now walked a bit slower due to the added weight but it was a fair tradeoff considering he'd need that food before long.

Eventually the day lengthened. Joat and Nuil set up a small camp on the side of the road. Throughout the night, they took turns keeping watch and the night passed without incident.

As the new sun rose, the two travelers awoke and set upon their voyage again. They were going to visit the nearby hermitess who was said to have a magical gift of healing and prophesy. Finally about noontime, the two weary travelers arrived at a hut in the middle of a meadow.

Outside the hut sat an old crone with a withered face and stooped back. As Joat drew closer to her, he could see the milky gaze of her eyes which normally signaled cataracts. She was clearly blind. However, as Joat drew closer to her, she looked up directly at him.

"So death has come at last, has it?" she mumbled.

Surprised by her gravely voice, Joat was momentarily taken aback. "No mdm." he replied. "We just seek your guidance."

"Of course, of course." she replied. "None the less, you are the harbingers of my death. We must hurry before it comes. Give me the book."

Startled by her knowledge of the book, Joat instinctively reached for it to give it to her. Nuil, however, caught his eye and signaled not to show it just yet. Instead, Joat produced the cross he had taken from the battle in the house the day before.

"Please look at this first." Nuil said. "What can you tell us about it?"

Taking the sticks from Nuil impatiently, she ran her fingers over them. "They are two wooden sticks. Nothing more. Now give me the book."

Perplexed, Nuil persisted. "But they warded off skeletons. Ordinary sticks wouldn't do that."

"Of course not", the crone snapped back. "They weren't warded off by just the sticks. They were warded off by the boy's power. The sticks merely acted as a channel."

"What do you mean, the boy's power?"

The crone paused for a moment and looked at Nuil for the first time. Slowly a chuckle built within her, then a laugh spilled out through her mouth. Soon her head was tossed back in mirthful laughter. Slowly, she composed herself. "You fool." she said, "The boy is a mage!"

Written by Joat

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