Chapter 53: A Night In Valletal
Lucas, Iris, Hagan, Aiden, and Sezuni traveled southbound alongside the citizens of Secar through Hravart Desert and into the valleys of the Jhar Mountains. With the assistance of the few remaining Cobras, they protected the migrating group from monster attacks throughout their journey to Valletal. Earlier that morning, Lucas used his restored healing abilities to rehabilitate Aiden’s injured leg. While Lucas had suffered minor injuries during the ordeal with Kuraikaji, he decided against using his already limited conjuring supply on himself, knowing he would need to conserve his magic for the trek ahead. For that same reason, Sezuni rejected his aid in healing her arm.
It was nearly eleven hours before they completed their expedition, arriving in Valletal as night fell. The citizens of Secar were immensely thankful for the group’s assistance, and profusely showed their gratitude upon arriving in their better, safer home. Once Lucas had thoroughly explained the situation with Kuraikaji to the leaders of Valletal, they welcomed Secar’s people with open arms. As a reward for their bravery in freeing the town, Lucas and his companions were given free stays at Valletal’s inn for the night as well as horses to benefit them in their future travels. In addition, they were awarded a generous sum of gold.
With Kuraikaji out of the picture and the people of Secar safe within the town of Valletal, Lucas granted the few remaining Cobras their freedom. Still, he advised them to stay out of trouble. Some of the men chose to remain in Valletal and seek work there, while the remainder ventured off into the night, their destinations unknown.
Later on, Lucas and his companions discussed their future plans in front of the town’s inn. “After we get a good night’s sleep,” said Lucas, “we can start toward Cymbeline in the morning. It’s going to take a few days to get there, even with the horses, so we should probably restock the backpack first thing before setting out.”
“I’m glad you’ve been so successful thus far,” Sezuni interrupted, “but I will not be accompanying you further.”
“Why not?” Aiden remarked. “Ya too cool for us?”
She glared at him before looking back at Lucas. “I’ve already compromised having my identity revealed by cooperating in the migration. I can’t afford to risk being seen in a well-populated area such as Cymbeline.”
“Your identity?” Aiden queried. “So that’s why ya wear that whats-it on your face all the time? You musta done somethin’ pretty rotten to have to worry ‘bout that.”
Sezuni’s eyes cut into him. “I hardly owe any explanations to you. Keep in mind that while we can forgive our own past mistakes, the rest of the world is hesitant to offer such a courtesy. Consider if Lucas wasn’t as kind as he had been to you.” She glanced to the distance at a Knowm standing in front of a building down the road. “As for the rest of you, I suggest that you continue your discussion within the confines of the inn. It would be unfortunate if any Knowms were to overhear your plans.” She began walking away.
“You’re leaving already?!” Hagan blurted. “Come on, at least stay the night.” She turned back to them, prompting Hagan to grab his flask and shake it in her direction. “I still got a little whiskey!”
Sezuni’s lips formed a soft smile beneath her face’s concealment as she walked back toward the group. “That’s enticing. But I do not wish to spend more time than necessary in this city.”
“It’s been twenty years since all that stuff happened, right?” Hagan argued. “They probably forgot about it by now.”
“That’s doubtful,” Sezuni replied. “Regardless, I’ve already aided you far more than I originally intended. It’s time for me to resume my own business.”
“I suppose if you’re departing,” said Iris, “I would like to thank you once again for your generous support.”
“Me too,” Lucas added. “If it weren’t for you, we might have never made it out of Hravart Desert.”
“I did what I did for my own reasons,” Sezuni responded. “If you truly wish to thank me, don’t give up on your aspirations.” She briefly stopped talking before adding, “By the way, I’d like to make one simple request. If my daughter’s alignment conflicts with your plans, please spare her life.”
Lucas gave a nod. “You have my word.”
“Then I presume it’s time I made my departure,” Sezuni replied. “Be certain to visit Aalok Bonham before proceeding with your quest. After witnessing your struggle against Kuraikaji, I’m now absolutely confident that you are indeed destined to change Aria for the better.” She walked away. “I’m truly honored to have crossed your path.” After mounting her new horse, the group watched as Sezuni rode out of Valletal.
There was a brief pause before Hagan spoke up. “Well, there she goes. As suddenly as she showed up.”
“She has a daughter?!” Aiden blurted out, completely confused by the previous conversation.
Iris turned to him. “It’s a bit too much to explain right now.”
Aiden shook his head, “Whatever. It ain’t that important.”
“What about you, Aiden?” Lucas asked.
Aiden’s eyes darted. “Uh, what about me?”
“Are you going with us, or staying here?” Lucas elaborated.
Hagan crossed his arms as Aiden, surprised by the question, answered, “Ya know, I never really thought about it. Guess I’ll sleep on it and let ya know in the morning.”
“Sleep sounds pretty good right about now,” Hagan commented, walking toward the inn’s door. “I think I’ll grab a bite, finish off my flask, and hit the hay. We can talk more about what’s next in the morning.”
“Ya gonna share that whiskey?” Aiden suggested.
Hagan glanced back at him. “I only share with ladies.” He walked inside.
“Speakin’ of ladies,” Aiden remarked, “I think I’ll head over to the pub and see what I can find. Gotta test out the new eye patch.” He looked at Iris, wiggling his eyebrows. “Dead sexy, ain’t it?”
“I’ll refrain from annihilating your confidence,” she answered. Aiden shrugged before happily scampering down the road. “He’s quite a character,” Iris commented.
Lucas chuckled. “Yeah, really.” He looked up at the sky and marveled at the moon. “So what’s Aalok Bonham like?”
“He’s rather irascible,” she answered. “You should probably forget his first name and simply refer to him as Master Bonham from this moment forth.”
“Oh, that’s right,” said Lucas, remembering what she had told him the other day.
Iris’s eyes widened as she came to a realization. “It has just occurred to me that advanced Light magic allows one to read the thoughts of others.”
Lucas looked at her. “Whoa, that’s something else.”
“Indeed. The ability should aid us tremendously in deducing the location of both disk fragments.”
Lucas raised his eyebrows. “Oh, yeah? That’s great news! I just hope I become skilled enough to use advanced magic.”
“Don’t burden yourself with the thought,” she replied. “I was quite impressed with your expeditious progress while I was tutoring you. Just remember what I told you then: all you have to do is apply yourself.”
The pair had been gazing at the moon for a few moments, when Lucas looked at her. Initially, he’d turned his head because he had something to say. But suddenly, the words were gone. He watched as she continued to stare at the moon, her long silver hair flowing softly in the warm breeze.
Unexpectedly, she looked back at him, and was apparently a bit surprised by his gaze. “Are you okay?” she asked, slightly cocking her head to the side.
He quickly returned his attention to the moon. “Yeah. I zoned out for a second. I’m pretty tired.”
“As am I,” she replied. “The last few days have certainly been rigorous, to say the least.” Lucas nodded in agreement, continuing to focus on the moon. She lightly rubbed her arm, joining him in examining the beautiful night sky. Following a short silence, she spoke again. “It seems that you’ll at last be reunited with your grandfather shortly.” She looked at him. “How do you feel?”
“Anxious,” Lucas responded, glancing at her briefly. “I hope he’s alright. If the letter I wrote never made it, he’s probably pretty worried about me too.”
“I’m positive he’ll take great pride in your accomplishments since you’ve been away,” she answered. “I anticipate meeting him.” They quietly admired the heavens for a few more minutes. Iris yawned. “I believe I’m going to retire to my room. Good night, Lucas.”
“Good night,” he replied, watching as she walked toward the inn’s door.
She grabbed the knob before looking back at him. “It would be advisable to rest yourself as well. We have a considerable amount of traveling ahead of us before reaching Cymbeline.”
“I’ll be in shortly,” Lucas responded. With a soft smile, she gave a nod before proceeding into the inn.