Chapter 73: Interlude XII – Haemish, Exploration Exhaustion

A week had passed and their daily foraging trips into the forest had yielded amazing results. Haemish couldn’t believe how much ground he could cover with help.

 

“Another great haul, lads!” Haemish whistled as they stored the various components in the cubbyholes in the lab.

 

Cry-All Mushrooms were a deadly poisonous mushroom that oozed a creamy substance that could incapacitate even that largest of beasts. It was deadly to humans in even the smallest doses. The roots in counterpoint were a cure to most deadly poisons.  They had managed to harvest a whole troop of mushrooms, almost fifty all told and the amount of sap collected had been in the litres. They really do ooze a lot Haemish reflected.

 

Panther Fur was a rarity as well, while they had not manage to encounter the predator on this trip it had left some tuffs of fur about here and there and the shiny fur and feathers could be fashioned into an incredibly sturdy bit of armour or very warm coat. Also the glossy texture had been known to elicit a pretty price in the market place from the right buyer. The difficulty of gathering was the main reason it was so valuable. I had to be collected while the Panther was still alive or else it would lose its sheen and collecting leftovers was a small prize for stalking in the hunter’s territory.

 

Ironite Ore, metals were a rarity in the forest and with there being so few mines in Darf rare overall in the country. Forced to trade with neighbouring nations for metals had pushed up the price of these precious materials. Consequently, when metal was found in Pleutr Forest, it was worth hanging on to. The purity was hard to determine and so the value would be hard to know…unless you happened to have a Blacksmith with you. Haemish had tossed the rock to Marteen and ask him to check what the Iron content was.

 

“Not much in here I’m afraid, Mr. Haemish, about two or three Darfals worth.” Not an exact answer but he would take what he could get, it was a reasonable amount. The currency in Darf was broken down in to Fractals and Darfals. 100 Fractals to a Darfal. Then it was 100 Darfals to a Frystal, but Haemish had only seen about 10 Frystals in his long lifetime, they were rare and most commoners would not see more than a few Darfals in their coffers in a lifetime. Not that they were poor, just that costs were counted in Fractal for common items. A loaf of bread or a bowl of broth would come in at a reasonable 5 or 10 Fractals.  Villagers and townsfolk would commonly exchange part fractals for transactions of smaller denominations where things were cheaper.

 

“Thank you Marteen, we will just keep it. You never know when it will come in handy!” Marteen tossed it back and Haemish stored it in his spatial pocket. “Onward, gentlemen!”

 

They had continued to forage and found a lot more but they were all more mundane things, of lesser value. It was still worthwhile to gather in Haemish’s estimation, as a way to refill his destroyed supplies. After a couple of week of foraging in the forest their supplies were running low, food and water were easily made and acquired from the forest. But other things like bandages from scraps and empty vials, jars and other containers that made collection possible were starting to run out. They would be able to get more from Flue but would need to make the trip there to get them. It annoyed Haemish to have to go back there, after years of living in the forest as he had being back made old habits surge to the fore. The aversion to human habitations and more crowded areas, even as small as Flue was.

 

It was not the same this time, having Taler, Marteen and Rion along for this ride had done much to normalise being around people but it still rankled a little. Now was not the time though. It was just a necessary evil of foraging. He had to go into the village from time to time in the past as well, just less often and certainly not every two weeks. He could not stop a sigh from escaping his lips.

 

Marteen and Rion were close enough to hear and both chuckled softly under their breath. Both had gained a greater understanding of the old man and found that while he might portray a façade of the grumpy old man, underneath it all he did find Alchemy an incredibly exciting pursuit, his contagious energy while out in the field was feverish and could not be ignored, both Rion and Marteen’s interest in Alchemy had grown as the days turned into weeks and they made new and interesting discoveries.

 

Taler was the most affected by it and Haemish had taken to him like a doting father, albeit not openly affectionate. A bond had already been forming between the two and now it was even more pronounced. Rion and Marteen had almost been side lined in favour of the slender man’s voracious appetite for what Haemish was teaching him.

 

The vast knowledge that Haemish possessed for the forest’s flora and fauna had left the three apprentices floored and glad to have been asked on the expedition. Just looking at a mundane item like the fronds of a tree and he would have a list of useful applications for the material, whether it was the soft fur like underside of the leaf (could be woven together to form a type of thatch but only by magic they were too short to do it manually) or the sap within (curing potions for health and trees if mixed with the right components) or the veins running along its length (again could be woven together into a light armour and could hold some minor magical enchantments depending on the tree species).

 

Maple for axe handles, Yew for bow and Oak for solid maces and batons and that was only weapons. Saying that the different types of woods available in Pleutr were impressive would not be doing it any justice. Not to mention the number of ferns and mushrooms and shrubs. They had encountered patches of marsh and bogs, quick sand (narrowly avoided thanks to some quick decisive movement on Rion’s part.

 

“Master Haemish, um…we are running low on vials and jars and things to store our collections from each trip. We will need to go into the village and buy some more or…” Taler’s voice faded away from Haemish’s stare, another sigh erupted from his lungs.

 

“Yes, yes. I know M’boy. Let’s get things together and head to the village. We will need to get back there. Flying…yes?” Haemish already knew what the man’s answer would be, he had taken to flying like a fish to water, or more accurately…a bird to flight? “How’s your air affinity, any improvement?”

 

“No, it hasn’t…” Taler’s eyes were downcast, as if he was slightly ashamed of something. His dragged his leather boot through the gravelly soil and his features darkened minutely. “Nothing perceptible anyway, I am not sure how long I need to keep at this.”

 

“Taler, lad, it is a slow process. And I know that it can be frustrating at times, but the most reliable way to increase your affinity is going to be from getting to plateaus in your Air Magic. Each plateau you reach adds a percentage to your affinity, at least that I what I am lead to believe, not sure how reliable that information is but it was told to me a long time ago and by someone far wiser than me. I wouldn’t know though….” At this Haemish’s mind went back to his first attempt to learn magic…

 

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Haemish, at fourteen years of age was a late blower to be sure, he stood in front of Maxi Yrait, a hard woman with a rough laugh.

 

“Well, come on boy, show me something! Are you deaf? Get on with it I haven’t got all day!” Yes, she was a very patient woman, Maxi Yrait. “Front and centre Grauff!”

 

Haemish timidly stepped forward, his knobbly knees shaking before the tyrant. Eyes downcast and hands wringing together with nervous energy, there was no resolve or determination here, only fear and anxiety. He wanted to get this embarrassment over with.

 

An evil smile spread over this predator’s face, ready to pounce on the weakest in the herd. “Arms out, let’s try Air, shall we?” Haemish went through the motions and moved his arms in windmill fashion, nothing happened, just as he knew it would. “Hmmm...lets’ not waste any more time on this, Earth, Fire, Water can you do any of it?”

 

Haemish screwed up his face in concentration; he just needed a single spark in any one element and then this beast of a woman would leave him alone. Terrified and unsure of what he was doing, he reached out to the elements, no clear instructions had been given. What was he supposed to do? His panic addled mind began to shut down on him. This would not be the end, it could not. He would be a mage like his father and his father before him. A long line of powerful Earth mages was in his blood, it was the pride and joy of the Grauff House that he too would become an Earth Mage and be the next rung in the family legacy. Ignoring Fire and Water Haemish focused completely on manifesting Earth. It was the element he should have the greatest affinity with. Never mind that he had not felt it before, some people were later bloomers than others and Haemish had been the oldest in his family thus far to manifest Earth powers.

 

The green energy slowly and quietly coalesced. A tiny trickle compared to what he had seen his father wielding. But even the barest minimum could grow and flourish if nurtured correctly, that was what his father had taught him of the ground they walked on. Just as the plants and trees could be cultivated to grow and blossom so could a practitioners power and affinity with the soil and ground they lived on. He had been taught it was the mightiest of the elements and true miracles could be born from growth and the earth.

 

“You are worthless, a worm underneath the boot of lesser people. You will never be a mage, never amount to anything in life and useless in the worst way, we can’t even be rid of you because of your precious father!” The words cut through his concentration like an energy blade of a master warrior through flesh…and something in Haemish snapped, it was the proverbial straw that broke him. Those words…they wormed their way into his nubile mind and took root there, the tendrils of fear and hate and self-loathing digging deep and taking up a cancerous residence. There was nothing that Haemish could do to grasp at that fading green power, his power slipping from his desperately grasping fingers. A groan of frustration escaped his lips against his will, he did not want this criminal, this….this…he could not think of the words as the green energy continued to fade, this being had taken his power from him. What he wouldn’t do to wipe that smug expression from this…things face.

 

Frustration, anger, fear and desperation warred within. Tears formed at the corners of his eyes as his heritage…his legacy was forcibly taken from him.

 

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Haemish’s eyes were wet, when had that happened? A quick shake to clear the vestiges of old haunting dreams and he was back on track. Roughly brushing at his eyes and face he turned away from the conciliatory expressions on the others’ faces. He did not want to have to deal with this.

 

“Come on! Off we go!” He curved his mouth in a facsimile of a smile but the rest fell in line quickly enough to suit him. Time to head to the village, when will this day end? He couldn’t suppress yet another sigh from deep within.

 

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Karlin lifted the mug to his lips, the soft apple flavour sweet on his tongue while the fizz tickled the roof of his mouth. A quiet smile formed on his lips the cool liquid the perfect complement to the hard day of labour that he had been about. The wooden mug had been whittled by Francine, he would recognise his daughter’s handiwork anywhere, but in this case he did not need to recognise it. She and Mira were good friends, less so now that she had gone off to Pravwell to “find her fortune” as she called it. I’ll never understand that girl. Why couldn’t she go to Brewyn, much more savoury place. She had always had a talent for carvings if not the passion. She would have done well there. But she was never one to take the easy road, or the safest one.

 

She hasn’t been back for a while but she was always one to handle herself with poise. I’m sure she is fine. If I could get away from the farm for a few days I might visit her.

 

“Mira dear, have you heard from Francine at all recently?” Karlin’s eyes never left the mug in his hands as it held all the answers he needed. Mira’s head popped out from the kitchen at the far end of the common room.

 

“Karlin, did you say something? Thought I heard you say my name…”

 

“Yes, I just wanted to ask if you had heard from Francine at all recently. She hasn’t been home for a few months, so…” Karlin winced at the grin that spread across her face. That smile said too much. A few of the other patrons glanced up from meals or mugs for the show they knew was about to start.

 

“Ohhh, really….hmmm, let me see…have I heard from her? I mean you must be very worried about her to be asking me about her…” She smiled as she walked over to Karlin’s table as his face went a slightly dark shade of red.

 

“Umm, well, nothing to bother with too much. It is just a simple question. I was just asking if you had heard from her. I have heard from her myself and so…” Karlin was at a loss, there was no need for this embarrassing display. And why was she talking so damn loud!

 

“No need to shout, I am sitting right here.” He took another sip, the drink tasted bitter on his tongue this time. He grimaced. “Anyway, leave off.” He grumbled.

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Mira laughed, “Only teasing Karlin, and I haven’t heard from her recently either.” And then a little louder. “But I’ll be sure to tell her that her dad is very worried about her safety!”

 

Karlin just grumbled is breath, “Thanks so much Mira!” making sure to enunciate each word clearly, “I’ll be on my way now.” The disgruntled man quick stood, drained his mug, no sense in letting good ale go to waste, and bustled out of the main entrance and into the village square.

 

The reds, yellows and golds washed over the village in the most breathtaking collage. Momentarily bringing one annoyed man out of his stupor and making him glance up at the source of the kaleidoscope…and blinked.

 

Right there in the direct path of the sun were four winged silhouettes. The wings were not moving but Gryphons did not need to flap constantly with the wingspan they boasted. And that meant that of the four riders one would be his son. Karlin was content to enjoy the sunset as he waited for the four travellers to land.

 

“Nice to see you lot again!” Karlin yelled, happy to have a reason to move on from the conversation inside. And the scrutiny of certain inn owners, Karlin thought.

 

“Dad! How are you doing, what have you been up to these last couple of weeks? Not awaiting my valiant return surely!” Marteen was the first to call out to him with a laugh.

 

“Not at all son, not at all. Not that I’m not happy to see you of course! Just busy preparing the fields for the planting in a few months; you know how the winds can wreak havoc on the top soil.”

 

“Hmmm, I remember that one year when you had told me to dig up the soil to make sure the heavier wetter soil is on top and so the winds carry less of it away…”

 

“Yup, and you forgot and what happened? Anyway it wasn’t a huge loss but I couldn’t very well let you get away with shirking your duties could I?” Karlin let out a guffaw.

 

“I had a raw backside for a week, for a minor inconvenience?” Marteen grumbled in mock outrage, then spoiled it with a grin. Karlin smiled back at the memory, he really did hop about for almost a week after that.

 

“I maintain that you deserved that! Anyway, if you have worked harder on your Skills and careers class, you might have gotten to where you are faster!” Karlin grinned again. He was incredibly proud of Marteen achievements and it was plain for anyone present, proud of all his children.

 

“I’m inclined to agree wiv ya, old man! This Marteen is a bit of a slacker…” Rion nodded to Marteen who promptly shouldered him out of the way.

 

“Off you go, with you blatant lies!” Taler was giggling off to the side at the antics of the rest.

 

“What are you sniggering about Taler?” Marteen roared, “and why are you ganging up on me with my father of all people?!” In a huff, Marteen walked into the inn that his father had just exited. “I need a drink! The lot of you can get lost for all I care!”

 

Marteen’s storming off caused the rest to burst out laughing and then after a few seconds they heard Marteen yelling for a drink. Karlin and Haemish exchanged a glance at this ruckus and sniggered again. If Marteen thought he was going to get a drink with that attitude he would be sorely mistaken! Any minute now he is going to be walking or running out, tail between his legs.

 

Sure enough, not even a minute had passed before Marteen came shuffling out of the inn with Mira’s shouts behind him. Red-faced with annoyance and embarrassment he met the gazes of each of the other men and then just sat down, right there in the dirt. Mira was even younger than her was and he wasn’t a child either.

 

Realising that they had not tied their mounts, Marteen got up and set about collecting his bored looking Gryphon. The rest quickly followed suit and soon four Gryphon were tied to the line and drinking surreptitiously from the water trough in front of them. A few minutes of easy ribbing of the disgruntled man as they went about the task and then they all made their way into the inn, the McCray’s trailing the group.

 

Just before Haemish entered the inn he happened to glance up and see what looked like two or three things in order of size lying on the roof, they could have been birds but Haemish did not have long enough to see for sure before his was bumped into the inn by Marteen and his father.

 

Mira greeted Marteen with a glare and a mocking grin for Karlin; they returned her expressions with a sheepish grin and sullen stare respectively.

 

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“Karlin, good to see you again! We have had quite the rousing couple of weeks, replenished all of my mundane stores of chemicals and flora and fauna parts, much quicker than I would have been able to alone. Your son played no small part in that.” Haemish said once they were seated.

 

“Master Haemish, I think it is safe to say that Taler did much of the foraging and finding alongside yourself while Rion was keeping all of us safe…I didn’t play such an essential role.” Marteen said blushing slightly, from Marteen perspective the conversation had completely turned around and he was struggling to keep up.

 

“Marteen, no need to be so humble, you certainly weren’t in the forest were you!” Rion barked a laugh.

 

“Alright lads, settle down. We have important matters to discuss. Karlin my good man, have you heard anymore about this mysterious creature you encountered? Perhaps by the river when you go? I am really at a loss here as we have not found anything new. While everything we are finding is useful and helping to stock up my supplies once more it is not going to get us….” Haemish realised that he had been rambling and worse still, he was going to give away something that was to be kept hidden for the moment.

 

He hardly knew these men, yes he had been in the field with them for the past two week and more but it was not enough to trust them with imperial secrets. Haemish suppressed the urge to sigh again and cursed his inability to interact socially, it was the reason he avoided crowds and did not get too familiar with people.

 

Rion and Marteen both gave him suspicious glances but then went back to conversing between themselves. Taler, as usual, was fiddling with something or other they had found in the field and ignoring everyone and everything around him. Karlin just looked at Haemish urging him to continue.

 

“Ah…well, you see we are looking for more of the rare items that I used to have in my lab. I have the common ones and the truth is I was sent by the crown, and not on my mission. I am not supposed to talk about the royal backing as it is an area of some contention in the court at Brewyn.” Well done Haemish, using politics as the reason for your ambiguity, maybe you have a handle on this whole social interaction thing after all!

 

“Hmm, okay that’s fair, well your secret is safe with me, Haemish never fear. I assume that you three know this already?” Karlin motion to the other three with a hand, Rion and Marteen nodded. Taler continued to do something under the table.

 

Haemish was surprised that Marteen went along with his rouse, they all knew there was no court unrest or that this was not a secret mission from the crown. They worked for the crown after all and that was not a secret either.

 

Suppressing another overwhelming need to sigh with relief Haemish continued, “Yes, please keep it quiet. We have a lot to be about and we don’t need this getting out of hand. In any case, you were going to tell us what you had seen and hear? Anything out of the ordinary would be excellent”

 

“Sorry to disappoint Haemish but not a sight or sound of the thing again, maybe it’s moved on; maybe it was figment of my imagination? Either way, didn’t seem like it was local or I would have seen it before. Might be from the sea, or somewhere else.”

 

Haemish grunted, “Never mind, it was too good to be true perhaps. Still if you do see anything let us know we may do a little hunting in the surrounding area as well, no point in just sticking to the forest right? We have probably done what we could there for a little while. We will need to go deeper if we are to find more.”

 

Haemish’ mind whirled. What was the best possible solution? They could go to the river and check the banks and bed to see if there was anything there to be found. Now that Haemish had replenished his lab supplies, this was becoming a very high priority. It was the only unusual thing that they had heard of in the area, no hide or hair of anything that Haemish had not seen before.

 

Except for this, the more he thought about it, the more he was convinced that this unusual sighting was fate and he was meant to find it. As if it was destined or pre-ordained or any of the other drivel that the priests of four temples spouted. Haemish wasn’t usually the religious sort but with nothing else to go on this was the best he could come up with. They had done what they could in the forest for now. It was time to get more specific with their search.

 

Rion as a soldier and protector had some excellent tracking Skills that he had honed and strengthened. Not only in terms of level but like a true master he had also learned of the Skills’ limitations and how to use it properly and effectively in the field. That was sometimes more important than levelling it up and gaining experience points. That was the reason that high level individuals that got to that stage from training rooms were sometimes weaker than their street-smart counterparts.

 

Okay, so I have a plan now, next is to execute the plan. “Alright gents, I think we take a break from our visits to the forest for a bit and forage around and about the village, the river and the any other places Karlin thinks is worth visiting.” Haemish said it with a conviction he had not felt in some time. This whole searching for a cure for the incurable had him all over the lace in his head. Sometimes it was hard to think straight. He firmly believed there was no such thing as an unsolvable mystery; you just had to work hard enough at it. But this cure and solution had eluded him for almost a decade.

 

He would never admit it to anyone else but in his head he could be a little honest. He would be happy to see the back of this damn curse. But for it to be behind him he had to solve the problem first. He would be damned if he let this one stop him as no other ever had, his reputation was on the line for this one.

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