Mythshaper

On our visit to Klearon, I experienced a few great things the city had to offer. We had a sitting with a true knight, the protector of the sacred tree, even if he was in his ill-fitting attire the entire time. I had glimpsed squires sparring inside the empty hippodrome, which was as impressive on the inside as it was outside. Unfortunately, there were no cavalry runs on this visit.

Then it was time to bid goodbye to Aunt and return home.

I enjoyed every moment of the last two days, all the new experiences, and finally seeing the wider world. Unfortunately, I did not have the same outlook for the journey home. No, it was not because I was reluctant to leave. Unlike how Aunt travelled back through the mystic waygate, glittering with a large spectrum of light, we had a far more boring journey home. Not to mention the commute was more tiring than it needed to be.

On top of that, the coachman asked for more leafs when he saw the sheer number of books we would be taking home, enough to account for an extra person’s travel.

So far, the carriage ride back to Karmel was as uneventful and boring as the first time. I had no choice but to immerse myself in one of the books I had kept with myself. Sadly, the uneven pathways kept jolting me out of my reading every other moment.

Once again, the carriage tumbled over an outstretched rock, causing me to jerk forward. The carriage was moderately large, comfortably seating eight people, including one escort. Three other carriages like ours trudged along, along with a couple carrying goods. Mum had bought a good load of leather, metals, and rare gems for her crafting, whereas Father was happy with a few fine tunics and formal clothing.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the coachmen put the horses into one last stretch before finally bringing them to a halt. They were no Asturian stallions, but they were still fine-bred horses, able to make the long journey in only a night.

Soon, darkness blanketed the surroundings, and the borrowed light of the moon was never bright enough to be of any help. We passed along the portable light constructs among ourselves, as the caravan master set up a fire to ward against the chill and gloominess.

The six carriages stood in an arch on the south of the path, shielding us and the fire from the biting wind. Night in this part of the realm stretched over fourteen hours before the sun blinked into existence.

“Arilyn, do not wander off on your own,” Mum’s voice echoed in my ears as I crept into the darkness. Knowing my dilemma, she sent Father after me. The two-metre-tall man stood guard as I relieved myself.

I was not the only one who had received nature’s call. Men and women, even the escorts, took turns tending to their needs. I turned to my father, who did not seem to have the same issue, only waiting for me.