laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

Knowing she couldn't allow him to leave them without some explanation, Kailee teleported near Lericanin's campsite. Hoping she wasn't intruding on his private thoughts or wishes, she hesitantly approached through the trees, darkening with the approach of evening. The campfire lit the small clearing as his horse nervously stomped the ground and backed, prompting the large knight to rise and draw his hammer. Slowly turning, their eyes met as she stepped to the edge of the treeline.

"Hello," she greeted.

His tense face relaxed as he lowered the magical weapon and sat back down as she approached. "Hello," he returned quietly.

Claiming a spot on the fallen tree beside him, she watched the firelight blaze. "The group wanted me to tell you they missed you and hope for the best."

Arms across his lap, he quietly watched the burning wood crack and pop, echoing in the darkness.

"Where are you headed," she inquired.

"Dirge."

Surprised, she eyed him and wondered why anyone would wish to return to the arctic. "Why?"

"Find some answers."

"That land is dangerous for one person. You know that."

He didn't seem to hear her warnings, his eyes fixed to the ground before him. "Tell them not to worry. Either way, I'll be fine."

Nodding, she felt his emptiness and it hurt her. Rising, she turned to walk back to the forest, stopped and softly came up behind him and lowered her scarf. Taking his face into her hands gently, she kissed him on the cheek and backed. "You take care of yourself."

He sighed and half turned. "You too."

She moved to leave, then stopped. "I know a short cut."

"What do you mean?"

"I can get you as far north as Tampere, where the Crystal Palace was. You can be at Elbeuf in a few days."

He spun to eye her. "Alright."

* * *

After showing him the gate that her father had established from the Black Mountains, she returned to the tighter confines of the narrow yard bordered by Jarvis' home and stables, Kailee stepped out of thin air which burned in a dissipating and swirling fire that rose into the sky and vanished. Stepping to Allaster as they sat nearby in the grass and on the steps, she leaned over.

"I need his armor and hammer."

"You found him," Allaster perked up as the others quietened.

"Yes. He's on his way to Dirge and he's going to need his gear."

All eyed her in amazement. "Why on earth would he return there," Sceva asked in disbelief.

"He stated that he wanted to find some answers," she shrugged as Allaster rose and went back into the house.

"To what," Selyria asked.

"I'm not sure but, I think it has to do with us and our purpose."

"He was pretty adamant that he didn't want to be a pawn any more," Kevin spat, still angry.

"I've never felt that way," Arthur interjected. "It's been an honor to serve with this group for the cause of justice."

"I don't share his enthusiasm," Alandria stated. "But, it has been an experience to say the least. We've learned more in these four years than I ever would have on my own." Statements that sponsored a warmth in Kailee as she smiled at her student.

"It's going to take him a long time to get there," Adgertesse' added. "That's no short trek."

Reminders of their own journey north sobered Kailee as she knew traveling alone, irregardless of his training or experience, would not be a safe one. As she pondered the situation, Allaster emerged from the rear door with the large sack and handed it to her.

"Make sure he knows he still has a home here," Allaster reminded.

"He knows," Shouldering the pack, she scanned the others. "I'll be back shortly."

* * *

Soon finding him again north of the town, she negotiated the rocky terrain at the foothillls of the Tortosa Range which nearly engulfed the Kuzomen kingdom of Basse-Sambre. Through the pine and hardwoods, she carried the pack and noticed him turn as his mount again nervously pranced from the approaching demon.

She set the gear down. "You're going to need this. I don't want you traveling any more without it, especially once you reach the arctic."

He looked to the gear as his eyes misted. "Thanks."

Kailee nodded, knowing this awkward moment was not what she had in mind. "Be careful."

Quietly, he dismounted as she turned and disappeared into the woods. Listening to the myriad of thoughts, she suddenly stopped as she could hear him crying. Breaking her own heart, she stopped and turned to listen as tears streamed down her cheeks:

"Where do I begin? This life I have considered forfeit for so long yearns for so much more. The pain I have felt and witnessed all these years have weighed heavily on me. I feel as though I am overflowing in pain. My actions of late have been selfish and without thought. These past few days have allowed me perspective realizing that my place is in your hands. If this is not to be, then I have no one to blame but myself. I ask that you watch over the group and see them delivered in good health."

Kailee sniffed as she felt the presence of his champion emerge, the air filled with energy and she hoped that she inspired him. Lifted him out of his sorrow and helped set him on his feet again for her latest changes had allowed her to feel emotions deeper than she ever had before, sharing what her friends felt and this moment made her sob uncontrollably. Wiping her face, she soon tried to compose herself, looking around for anyone eavesdropping in the thickly wooded forest.
Soon, she could hear him approaching and stepped out. "Going my way," she grinned, trying to smile away the past few moments.

He nodded, surprised at her presence. "I need to get back to them."

"I happen to know a shortcut."