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Monday, April 26, 2021

Hidden Kingdom: Chapter 22

 

Chapter 22

Since Topher felt pretty safe in the town, he only had two people on sentry duty at a time, allowing everyone to be well-rested come morning. The squad had arisen before the sun was high enough to cast any light. They were surprised to find some of the locals up and moving about already. All were friendly, and a couple even helped get the horses for them. They made quick work of packing up and getting ready. They were ready to go just before the sun was ready to crest in the east. Sara went to where the local doctor's office was and checked on the wounded. She noticed that their wounds had been dressed with the leaves of some plant she did not recognize. She asked her men how they felt, and they all said much better. When she asked about the leaves, they said they did not know what it was, but it seemed to numb the pain. She took special note of the leaves. As she was talking to her men, Unger walked in.

She looked at him and said, "Thank you again for agreeing to take the wounded back to Carriland."

Unger nodded and said, "It will be my honor to return 'de Karma. 'De people of Carriland have treated us well so it is good 'dat we can return 'dat."

Sara could tell by the look on his face that he was genuine.  She felt good leaving the wounded with these people. They would be taken care of. Seeing the care of the wounded reminded her of her husband. She feared for his life, hoping he was still alive and that she would find him to rescue him.

With a new sadness in her heart, she put on her best face and said good-bye to her men. She then was joined by Unger as she walked back to the squad. Wanting to get her mind off her Duke, she asked Unger about the country to the north.

"So, you said you did not know of a path to Emos that is to the north and west of here?"

Unger thought for a second and then said, "Not 'dat I know of, but 'den again, our people do not go into 'de Borah Mountains. But if anyone knows a way, it is 'de Woodsman. We may know 'dese woods better 'dan he, 'dere is no one in 'de land of Anon 'dat knows about 'de woods, mountains, and plains 'dan him. Some say 'dat he is as old as time and has traveled all over 'de land. Some even say he is an elf in disguise."

Sara smiled. This was more legend of the Woodsman. "Why do your people not go into the Borah Mountains?"

"We are Wood-folk, not Mountain-Folk. Besides, 'dere have been many a tales about monsters and creatures call Hathorns. But mostly people 'dat travel into 'dose mountains do not come back. Since it does not sound very safe and we are Wood-folk, we just don't go 'dere."

Sarawas not filled with a warm feeling about the path that their guide was taking them. Wanting more information on the Woodsman, she asked, "Why do your people look upon him so highly?"

Unger stopped and gave her a funny look. Everyone knew of the Woodsman and all the good Karma he has built up. He found it hard to believe that anyone in Anon could not know of him. Finally, he said, "'Dere isn't a clan 'dat doesn't have someone 'dat owes him a karma debt. He is a very good man and we know he is a friend to many people, not just 'de Wood-folk."

"So I am learning." They began walking again. She then decided to check his reaction. "Did you know he was a soldier in the Emos army in the last war?"

Unger seemed to think for a minute as if figuring something out. He then said, "'Dat was before I knew him so 'dat does not concern me. I only judge a person by 'de way 'dey treat me, not what others say or by what he did in 'de past."

She smiled. It seemed there was no shaking the image of the Woodsman as a legend. They had reached the squad.

Topher walked over to Unger and said, "Thank you for your hospitality and for the supplies. Here is the agreed upon payment." He handed the man a bag of money. Topher was surprised that the Wood-folk would want Carriland currency, but the Woodsman had explained that they use it to buy things from border towns. The Woodsman had been instrumental in getting the supplies requested, and an agreed upon price.

"You are welcome."

Topher then held out both hands, palms up and said, "May the tree grow strong in your blood." He had asked the Woodsman what the proper local way to say goodbye was and was told it was the same as a greeting.

Unger looked at Topher with a smile. He then held out his hands, palms up and replied, "May you be as prosperous as 'de leaves of its branches." Unger then pulled back both hand and then extended one out to Topher. He then said, "'Danks for 'de visit and I hope you have safe travels."

Topher smiled this time. He then reached out, shook the man's hand and said, "Thank you for your hospitality and may you live a blessed life." Topher was not sure how to respond but felt that just thank you was not enough. He decided to go with a traditional Benist blessing. This seemed to please Unger, and the two let go.

As Topher and Sara mounted their horses, she realized that a small crowd had appeared. Private Corval then walked up to Unger and said, "'Dank you for treating 'dese people like 'dey were part of my tree."

Unger placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes as he said, "Only a fool would cut off a branch before it buds. He would never know 'de beauty 'dat 'dose buds could have produced."

This pleased Corval as she smiled from ear to ear. Unger then held out his hands, palm up and said, "May 'de tree grow strong in your blood."

Corval returned the hand gesture and said, "May you be prosperous as 'de leaves of its branches." She then turned and walked over to her horse.

Sara could tell that something had changed in the young private. Where before there had been a timid young woman, there was now a very confident soldier. She sat taller in the saddle and now had a presence that spoke of self-confidence.

Topher then gave the order for them to head out. The Woodsman led the way as they headed North West towards the Borah Mountains.

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