Of Sand and Brine

"Are we to stride into the Hills of Howling like great crusaders bearing banners of the Illuinati, Knight of Furyondy and the King's standard, signaling all to stand clear of the tornado this is Mirq'et and his illustrious companion Lorin the foolish," Lorid stated, trying to jolt Mirq'et from his concentration.

Gazing at the map in front of me I only vaguely hear Lorin mumbling. Using Enye's flute and Callendor to keep the map pages from curling upon them selves, I keep trying to formulate a strategy to enter the hills and find the caverns, frustration getting the better of me.

Looking at my face under the silly hat that Thrommell had given me and trying to read my expression, "You realize that the Howling are located here," Lorin tapping the map with his finger. He noticed that my gaze was considerably a good distance away from that location.

"Unless you know of a certain Waygate that can take us here, directly to the Soul Caverns...why do you constantly look upon Ket and that speck of sand called Malebul? If your not spending all your time looking at maps, creating magical regiments or plotting the eventual dismissal of every fiend on Oerth, your dwelling on Jallarzi too much."

Unconsciously my hand moved to the flute, just brushing up against it, I could immediately smell the brine and refuse.

Without thinking I move the weights off the map and begin to roll the ancient map to put away.

In his flippant way, "Ah we finally have a plan, do you wish to share or shall I just guess," Lorin said with his trademark half smile.

"I depart for Ket at first light upon Ash, alone." I said matter of fact.

"But my lord, who will carry your supplies and keep you out of trouble? I really must insist upon my companionship and Ket is known for their tenacious prostitutes, who will keep you safe from their charms, but me of course," Lorin stated mischievously.

"My friend, I really must insist, a small detour, but there is a matter I must attend to first. Upon Ash, a mere week and I shall be back to begin our final preparations." giving Lorin a look that brooked no compromise.

He gave a look and a smile so mischievous that for a second he looked like Thrommell, a look that implied he had no intention of following my instructions, maybe because he was his first cousin. “As you say my lord,” bowing in his most flamboyant way, sweeping his hat off his head, he made his departure from my room to join no doubt in the festivities of the Inn of the Welcome Wench.

It would take me several hours to prepare for my journey and I convinced my self to leave earlier, presunrise so that Lorin could not follow me.

--

The common room was empty by the time I headed down stairs, all was quiet save for the occasional worker cleaning up. Lorin most likely drunk in some strange woman’s bed, perfect I thought, now is my time. With all my gear packed up I headed to the out skirts of town on foot as to not arouse anyone.

Walking to the druids circle just north of the Rufus’s and Burnes castle, I fill my lungs with the smell of the grove for the last time and get to summoning Ash. Jaroo Ashstaff and I long ago became great friends and blessed me with permission to use this holy site of the Old Faith any time I wished.

Setting the obsidian steed figurine on the grass about to speak the summoning command, I hear the soft padding of horses hooves hit the grass. Feather, Lorin’s half Pegasus, half unicorn landed softly. Not needing to turn around I said, “I asked you to stay behind Lorin, this is not for you, this is a personal matter.”

“Bah, everything we do is a personal matter, what is different now? Trying to leave me behind, you should be ashamed. No doubt we will find adventure wherever you take me. Lead on, hound of Belvor!” Bellowed Lorin.

Without another word, knowing it will do no good, I complete the summons, “Lissenen ar' maska'lalaith tenna' lye omentuva”, and before I could finish the stallion miniature was replaced with a black destrier of flaming mane and hooves. I mount Ash, force him to obey my command and next I realize we both are speeding to Ket high above ground.