Chapter 23: A fork in the road

Nathaniel: 

Zachary did clean the water, but he also had news for us. Apparently, a group of slavers passed through these lands not too long ago.

They were headed towards the hills. I don't like the sound of that. The plains and the hills have all kinds of animals in them, that can eat the defenseless slaves. Now, we are before a dilemma. Do we keep using the river, to get to Corum, or do we take the same path as the slavers? 

"If they stumble on the Giant Spider nest, they will all be eaten," Givontair says. 

"They have a head start. I don't know how fast they walk, but it can't be all that quickly, if we are so close to them," I counter. Givontair hums then. 

"We can't bring Erik deeper into these lands," Givontair argues. It is truly not safe, for Erik to come to the lands outside the forest.

 Yes, there is megafauna in the forest as well, but it is not so bold, as to attack a dragon. The animals in the plains and the hills are used to dragons, and do their best to jump them, when the shifters are in their human form. 

"We don't have a choice," I say. Givontair glares at me. 

"The boy is my responsibility," this argument might have gone on for longer, if Zachary hadn't cleared his throat.

"Is Erik your son?" The wizard asks. We both shake our heads. "Your ward, then? I can look after him, while you two go and hunt the slavers." 

The offer is tempting, but I can't help but wonder if Zachary can protect Erik. He looks to be a bookish type. Without even a staff to his name. 

"My house has the best wards there are," Zachary boosts. I blink at him. 

"Yes, but what of the times when Erik needs to get outside your house?" I ask. Zachary grins.  

"I have warded the entire area outside the house. Nothing short of a dragon will be able to force its way inside," that calms me down a little, but not Givontair. 

"A dragon can break through your wards?" He asks, brows furrowed.  

"I don't see how this will be a problem," Zachary asks. "I mean, have you even seen a dragon go someplace that stinks of rotten eggs out of their own free will?"

"Many of my brethren travel," Givontair counters. 

"Taking Erik with us during the hunt for the traders is a mistake. Let us leave him with Zachary," it is not like I won't miss the boy. Yet, there could be mages among the slavers. Ones that will have no remorse about hurling a fireball at a child. 

"Look, you already overpaid me for something that was my responsibility," Zachary says. "I don't mind babysitting for a couple of weeks." 

"You better take good care of the boy," Givontair's voice has a threatening quality to it. I wonder if he is this protective of children in general, or if Erik is simply special.

"I will take care of him as if he is my own son," Zachary assures us. After eating some of the stew, all three of us head back to the river fork. Gorax has his own fire going, with a pot hanging over the flames. When Erik sees us, he rushes to us. 

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"Did you get the wizard to help?" The boy asks. Then, he sees Zachary. "Wait, I know you! You always come to the caravan to get more glass vials." 

"Your glassmakers are artists. My potions have never been this fancy," Zachary boosts. Erik smiles at him, and then points at the fire. 

"Would you like a bite to eat? Gorax made enough for an entire army," Zachary chuckles at the boy's offer. 

"I just ate. How would you like to stay with me for a couple of weeks?" I can see that Erik looks betrayed at that. His eyes begin to water. 

"I need to find my mother," the boy sniffs. Soon, Givontair is hugging him. The dragon shifter pats him on the back, to calm him down. 

"We have a lead as to where your mother might be. The place we are going to, is too dangerous for you. Zachary has agreed to take you in, while we search for your mother," Givontair says in a soothing voice.  

"But you will come back, right?" Erik asks. I go, and join the hug. 

"With your mother, and the rest of the people from the caravan," I promise the boy. "You will get to watch a wizard at work, meanwhile. Doesn't that sound exciting?" 

"I suppose it does," Erik says, as he turns towards Zachary. 

"Do you have books on healing and necromancy?" The boy asks. Zachary blinks at him. 

"I have many tomes in my library, among them what you ask for, but don't you know that a necromancer can't be healers? Your mana will be too acidic," Erik doesn't wilt at that. He just narrows his eyes. 

"Only because no one tried hard enough to make such healing work," Erik protests. Zachary shrugs. 

"I suppose, I can let you kill a couple of fish, so you can see that what I just said is the truth," Zachary then comes to us, and offers his hand to Erik. "The name is Zachary. A runesmith, with the knowledge of enough elemental magic, to create different runes. And you must be the Erik I heard so much about." 

"I am. You are looking at a future healer/necromancer wizard," Erik puffs up his chest at that. I can't help but chuckle. Zachary also lets out a chuckle. 

"So, you want to be just like these two?" He asks. Erik nods energetically. "Then I must help you, no matter what." 

Zachary offers his hand to Erik, who just stares at it. 

"Come on, let me lead you to your new home for the next month, or so," Zachary says. Erik looks at Givontair then. The dragon shifter nods. 

"Remember, don't cause trouble! I better not hear that you tried to use necromantic mana without supervision," Givontair nudges Erik towards Zachary, and I let go of the boy. Just because I am worried, I summon a wraith, and have it attach itself to Erik's shadow. To remain out of sight, and only manifest itself if he is in mortal danger. 

 

 

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