A Parting of Ways

The magic of the Kerith descended upon us almost the moment we entered the jungle.   Even the sound of the volcano’s eruption was silenced and ash and pumice ceased to fall.   Healing immediately commenced for Nardu as well.  Her ghostly pallor was lessening and her body was beginning to take on solid form.  But she was far from well.  Albion carried her as we hurried through the jungle towards the village.  Hopefully, Hetura, the Medicine Woman, would be able to minister to her.

We encountered Sarika on the trail who quickly explained that when she saw me head off to the cave to rescue Albion, she sought out the Mistress of the Volcano assuming, quite correctly, that we would need her help. 

“So the woman in the red gown– that was The Mistress?  Wow! “

“Yes, and she asked me to tell you that she was quite pleased with the brand of gin you offered to her.  It is her favorite.”

When we arrived at the village, the woman gathered around us, cheering and thanking us for ridding their realm of the Specters.    Nardu was quickly hustled off to Hetura’s hut while Albion and I were entertained.  A great feast was called and we dined on roast suckling pig, fruits and vegetables of all sorts, and a particularly potent beverage made from a local berry.   We were pummeled with questions about our adventure.  When I mentioned Sarika’s appeal to the Mistress, questioning looks fell over the villagers.  “Who is Sarika?” one asked.   I craned my neck to survey the group.  Sarika was nowhere to be seen. 

It was then I noticed how silent Albion had become.  He kept looking towards Hetura’s hut and periodically asked about Nardu.  My festive mood was suddently quelched and I felt a dull ache in the pit of my stomach.

The festivities lasted for three more days.  On the evening of the third day, I announced to my hostesses that I would be leaving the following morning.  I needed to continue my journey to the Mnemonsyne’s Stream.   Cries of disappointment were articulated but my hostesses understood.  The next morning I awoke to find all my gear re-packed with plenty of food and drink along with a brand new Kerithian walking staff.

As I thanked my hostesses, I asked if anyone had seen Albion that morning.  I was told that Nardu had fully awakened from her state and that Albion was with her.   I took a deep breath and headed toward Hetura’s hut.   I ran into Hetura coming through the door.  She smiled and motioned to my chest.

“It is getting greener,” she said.

“It doesn’t feel like it,” I replied.  She smiled and continued on her way.

I quietly pushed through the curtains.  Albion was sitting on the edge of the cot smiling at Nardu. 

“Excuse me…”

“Oh, Lori.  I’m so glad you’re here.  Nardu wanted to meet you…under better circumstances.”

Nardu was propped up on the cot.   She seemed so small and vulnerable.  Her platinum hair hung around a clear, bright face that was beaming.   “Lori, I am so glad to meet you…” She extended a delicate hand to me.

Great, I thought, a petite blonde.  This just keeps getting better and better.

“My pleasure.  I am glad you are recovering.”

“Albion tells me that if it wasn’t for you, we would not be here.  I would not be here……”

And she’s nice too.  Of course.

“Albion’s just being modest.  It was he who wouldn’t give up on you.  I’m here to let you know that I’m on my way now.  Places to go, people to meet, that sort of thing, you know.  Best of luck to you.”

I turned to leave. 

“Wait….” Albion stood and followed me out the door.  “Look, I’m sorry that I can’t go with you.”

“It’s okay…”

“No, I just want you to know that Nardu needs to be escorted back to Riversleigh.  She can’t do by herself……..”

“No need to explain.  I understand.”  I felt my face freeze into a false smile.

“You’ll be okay, kid”  Albion step over to me and kissed me on the forehead.  “You’re really going to be okay…”

“You too….. Bye.”   I quickly turned away. 

The women of Kerith lined the trail down to the boat dock.  They waved and sang songs.  I kept the plastered smile on my face the entire walk down.  I tossed my bags into the bottom of the boat with a little more force than necessary.   I shoved off, waving at the women, and then began paddling up stream.   As soon as I was out of sight of the dock.  I put down my paddle and buried my head in my hands.

“Stupid, stupid, STUPID!”  I muttered.  How could I be so stupid….. Besides, he’s just a figment of my imagination….or not…could he be real?…No, no, don’t even go there…he’s not a flesh-n-blood, he’s a Lemurian and it’s just not SANE to be in love with someone who is not real…..  No, this is the best thing. 

Suddenly, I heard a rustle and then a thump.  I looked up and sitting on the bow of the boat was a rainbowed colored quetzal.  She looked at me with a sparkling eye and then I knew. 

“Hey, Sarika, glad you could make it.”

The bird rustled her feathers.

“Let’s get a move on to Mnemosyne.”   I picked up my paddle and began to row.

The End

(Well, maybe not…. I have it on good authority that Nardu and Albion do not live happily ever after.  In fact, the serene and quiet life of Riversleigh did not sit well with our adventuring lad and he quickly got himself into trouble.  Sybil herself personally escorted him off the premises when he instigated that unfortunate moshing incident at the annual Riversleigh Poetry Slam.  I understand that he was last seen heading up the Kerith River. 

Oh, and don’t worry about Kerzik and Moxem.  They are back in the Real World presently on the phone with their respective ISP companies demanding to know why they no longer have internet access…..      

No, I don’t think it’s the end the story……….

L. Gloyd (c) 2008