Two days had passed. Kye and I packed as much as we could realistically fit into the wagon while also considering the weight. Lyn and Phinn are strong horses, but we can't let them pull too much weight. We have a few days trip at best, at least in Kye's opinion. We went on a few short hunting trips to gather some food supplies. Kye also taught me which berries were edible and which would make you sick... Or kill you.

The main concern I had was how we would manage to get the wagon onto the main road, or the trail would be a better way of putting it. But Kye already had a way, we wouldn't be pushing the wagon through that narrow trail in the forest to the „main“ road. There is a hidden older path just barely wide enough for the two horses and wagon to fit through. It was hidden behind some bushes which we had to cut... She told me she and Kellynstir had to cut those bushes every time they had to leave for an extended period of time, which wasn't all too often. Kellynstir passed away about two months ago and he went on a longer trip just before that, so those bushes had some time to grow.

After cutting through them we prepared the horses and the old wagon.

It was a warm and sunny day. The sky was clear. The trip shouldn't be all too difficult considering that summer was fast approaching. But I learned rather quickly that you can't let your guard down in these parts... Not for one moment.

----------------------------------------

„Is everything ready?“ I asked as I checked the interior of the wagon. „I grabbed some hay for the horses. I don't know if it will be enough.“ I said. Kye was just exiting the house.

„We're set“ She said as she came over to the wagon. She looked inside to the small pile of hay I stashed. „The horses eat through that in a day...“ She said, looking at me like I was an idiot... I really don't know much about animals. I simply shrugged. Kye only sighed in response.

„Don't forget your rifle.“ She added.

„I put it next to the books.“ I replied.

„Have it on hand at all times... You might be able to use magic, but I am not letting you use offensive magic just yet. You might kill the enemy but you sure as hell will kill yourself in the process.“ She said as she hopped onto the wagon. She put her hood up.

I couldn't argue with that... I really don't want to lose a limb.

I hopped onto the wagon alongside Kye. She smacked the reins and we were off.

The horses slowly approached the narrow passage. With careful steps they entered, there was barely enough space to navigate. Kye didn't seem concerned. The horses probably took this route a bunch of times and knew their way.

„We're going to take another more isolated route. It'll be slower, but it will be safer, hopefully. It is going to take a few hours before we are on the main road.“ Kye commented as we trudged on forward through the forest.

„We might evade other people but what about monsters?“ I asked since she said the route is isolated, isolated in the sense that not a lot of people know of it. But monsters, animals?

„That I cannot say. Monsters are a rare sight in these parts, but since the Ju Mo was present... Others are certain to have arrived alongside it. Keep your eyes peeled in any case.“ She said I shuddered slightly because of the sense of deja vu.

After about 10 or 15 minutes we reached the path she was talking about. We were completely surrounded by the forest. The dirt road was overgrown but it was a lot wider than the path we just came from. But the feeling of claustrophobia only weakened slightly... I still felt surrounded.

We continued down the road for quite a while. I didn't speak, I was lost in thought. Kye then asked me something.

„Wyatt, how are you feeling?“ She said turning her head toward me. I sat next to her transfixed at the passing ground.

„I'm fine, I guess. Just thinking.“ I replied.

„You're doing great...“ She said, turning her gaze back to the road. I looked up from the ground and my eyes landed on her. I gave her a questioning look, what did she mean? Giving me a glance she elaborated. „You're doing great, in that you are handling this situation very well. From what you've told me you lived a very different life up until recently. But you managed to acclimate quite quickly, which benefits us both. I am both surprised and grateful for that.“

„I just like to take the rational course of thought. Believe me, I may not show it but...“ I paused.

„But?“ Kye said.

„It's just that... It is not the first time my entire life was turned upside down.“ I said.

Kye didn't say a word for a few moments.

„Is it your parents?“ She asked.

„Yeah...“ I replied, biting my upper lip. „I would guess you know the gist. Being that you have been my grandfather's apprentice long before I was even born... Wouldn't be surprised if you'd known my parents.“ I said.

„No, no... I never met your parents. I never crossed the Lydas. The only thing I can tell you is that I knew my Master had a child, a son... Your father. In the early days of my apprenticeship he was crossing the Lydas much more frequently. I always assumed he was visiting family... But you don't seem to remember him at all. You told me you never knew he existed.“

„I knew he existed... Of course he did, I just didn't know he was alive. That he was out there somewhere... And that he knew I existed. I never... I don't remember anyone visiting. The most vivid memory is the one I least want to remember.“ I said.

„Maybe that memory you want to forget so much is the one which will give you all the answers... I knew your grandfather, yes. But I never knew him. In the 30-odd years I was under his apprenticeship he barely spoke of himself or his past. When he did it was cryptic at best, very rarely a direct answer. Believe me when I tell you... I want to help you find answers, I gave you as much as I can in that regard. I would've loved to have known more, but I couldn't force an old man to reveal his secrets against his will. He was silent, and he had his reasons. Maybe, like you, he didn't want to recall certain memories... You two are similar in temperament and character. That doesn't mean I am right... I just had time to dwell on it.“ Kye explained.

„Maybe you're right. However much I would like to remember I think I just simply am not ready for some things. I was not ready for... All of this. But hey, here I am. Riding through the untamed forests of Aesir with an elf.“ I said.

„You said it like it's a bad thing...“ Kye looked at me, her red eyes insinuated that she was slightly offended.

„Well, no... I don't mind that you're an elf, don't worry. It's just that I had my preconceptions which were shattered thanks to you. You're the first full-blooded elf I've met. A partial elf, well... I learned that I've been looking at him every time I look into a mirror.“ I commented.

„Alright...“ She said.

„I'm sorry if I offended you in any way.“ I said, apologizing.

„No offense taken.“ She responded.

She most certainly did take it the wrong way...

----------------------------------------

After about an hour and a half of riding on the wagon through the narrow pass, in deafening silence, we finally reached the main road.

Along the way, I learned one important thing... Watch my tongue, Kye seems to be easily offended. I might be wrong, but I might've struck a nerve. Because the silent treatment is far worse than anything else... At least in my opinion.

Once we turned onto the „main road“ which is more or less another dirt road which has two lanes. And the forest around is not as thick.

We rode on for about half an hour down the road before we saw a sight which was... worrying.

As we made a soft left turn a line of wagons came into sight. There were people outside chatting and pointing toward the front of the convoy.

„Wyatt, put your hood up.“ Kye said, I did as she said.

„Why?“ I asked.

„They're Elves, but that doesn't mean they will kill you. But it's better for them to not know you're human.“ Kye explained. I agreed with her sentiment, better not kick the hornet's nest...

We brought our wagon to a halt with some room to spare between us and them. They saw us and pointed toward us. One of the Elves, a man, began approaching. He was unarmed and was dressed normally, with nothing to indicate he was a bandit or criminal. His hair was short but white. His eyes were a dark blue color...

„I'll tell them you are deaf if they want to speak with you. So act like it.“ Kye said in a whisper as she got off the wagon.

If they are going to speak Almagandan I don't even need to act...

Kye approached the other Elf and they began speaking.

I could hear the conversation... But I couldn't understand a word being spoken, of course. I could see the Elven man point to the front of the convoy which was just out of sight. The road bent slightly to the left, so it was hidden around the bend. From only that fact I could assume one of the wagons got stuck somehow.

The conversation lasted for a few minutes, I could see Kye asking him various questions. I could see the man was distressed when answering some of them. After another minute she pointed to me and said something. The man had a surprised expression on his face for a moment, before nodding.

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What the hell did she say?

After they finished the man stayed and waited while Kye returned to the wagon. She came up next to me.

She began speaking in Weserian out loud.

„These people are not mages. They can use magic but to a very limited extent. They are farmers from across the border. I told them you are a halfling so they won't be alarmed by someone who looks like a human. I told them you're a good mage and quite a handyman, and that you can fix one of their wagons.“ Kye said.

I looked back at the Elven man standing and waiting there, he was looking at me.

„Why can't you do it?“ I asked Kye.

„I can't fix a wagon wheel... Magic or no magic I can't help them. You probably can.“ She said.

„You should've asked me first... Gods, can't they just re-attach the wheel?“ I asked.

„It's broken in half.“ She said, crossing her arms.

„How do you imagine me fixing a wheel which is broken in half?“ I said.

„A mage educated in the most prestigious university west of the Lydas can't handle a broken wheel?“ She said staring at me with squinted eyes.

Is she trying to provoke me? Insult me? Use my pride against me? Is this revenge for accidentally offending her less than an hour ago? Is she that petty to put me in such a situation?

„That ain't working on me Kyiela...“ I said. Thinking rationally, she is being honest when she says she can't fix a wheel broken in two. Well, neither can I... But I can think of something, there must be something... „But I'll do it anyway“ I said. „I'll do it because if I don't do it we'll be stuck here for who knows how long behind this convoy.“

I jumped off the wagon.

Kye was still staring at me with that squint. But I could see her lips start to arch into a smile. She patted my shoulder.

„Then do your best.“ She said.

„Right...“ I replied.

Kye shouted something to the man, he nodded and gestured for us to follow him up the convoy.

As I arrived closer I got to see what was inside the last wagon in the convoy. In passing I glanced to see there were women and children inside.

Why are they going west? Was the immediate question I had in my mind. I'll ask Kye later...

I saw that almost all the wagons were filled with Elves... Men, women, and children, I think even saw some elderly people inside one of the other wagons. It looked like an entire smaller village just decided to uproot and leave. But why Aesir? Why closer to the Lydas?

Once we got the front I could see the extent of their luck. The wagon which was at the helm of the convoy had its wheel broken... Broken in half just as Kye said. There were a couple of Elves standing around it and arguing.

„Can you ask them if they have a reserve?“ I asked Kye.

„I think the answer is obvious...“ She replied.

Had they used up all the spares they had?

The Elf who talked to Kye started speaking something to the men who surrounded the wheel. They parted ways for me to pass and have a look. They eyed me with suspicion, and I think there was a hint of disgust in their look.

I felt... Unqualified for the job.

It was a wooden wheel that seemed to have broken in half due to the weight of the wagon itself. It held a few people and a bunch of supplies.

I crouched down and looked at the wheel.

I inspected the wheel, seeing it was well and truly destroyed. The edges, which once connected the two halves, were jagged and sharp. There were smaller bits of the wheel that also detached from the main structure when the wheel snapped.

„I don't know what to do...“ I said. Honestly, I didn't have any idea. If it were a metal wheel I could weld it together, maybe? But you can't weld wood, can you...

„Think, Wyatt...“ Kye replied.

I stood crouched next to that wheel staring at it like an idiot for a few minutes. Nothing. Even if I had glue or some kind of adhesive I doubt I could do much.

I heard Kye speak to the others around... Couldn't understand a word they were saying.

I thought for a moment how I needed to learn that damn language... Then it hit me.

Welding... Welding wood... Friction... Friction causes heat... Heat... Vibration = Friction. Friction can be caused by rotary or linear motion... Linear, left right...

„Wyatt if you really can't do anything we won't bother these people.“ Kye said.

I raised one finger in the air.

„I think I have it.“ I said.

„You do?“ She asked, she sounded... intrigued.

I stood up. Still looking at the wheel for a few moments before turning to Kye.

„Please ask them if they have two small pieces of wood. Rectangular would be perfect.“ I said to Kye, she looked at me confused but then proceeded to translate what I said to the Elves around. One of the men raised his hand and said something, then left to the back of the convoy. The other Elves looked at each other.

„He said he thinks he has something that you can use.“ Kye said.

„Excellent, now... Kye, you can vibrate things with magic right?“ I asked.

„Yes? Well, you said that much yourself. Heat is just vibration. I can make fire and light which have heat. So, yes.“ She explained.

„Yeah, I know that. But can you physically vibrate something.“ I asked, now elaborating.

„I guess, I never tried it. It is within the realm of possibility... What exactly are you thinking?“ She asked me, probably trying to gauge the safety of what I was about to do.

„I only read this in a paper, back in Weser, it was an experiment to weld two pieces of wood together via use of vibration. Vibration in one or two objects which are in contact results in friction. Friction causes heat, heat causes melting, and melting causes conjoining... And, I think you know where I am going with this.“ I explained. Kye opened her mouth and held it open for a moment while staring at me. Then she spoke.

„Okay... Just don't overdo it.“ She said.

„That's why I am testing if it will even work at all. And a bit of practice won't hurt...“ Just as I said it the Elf came running back with two pieces of wood. They weren't rectangles, but it didn't matter. The two wedges will do.

He handed me the wedges. I looked at them and I locked them together, scraping them together. I probably looked like an idiot doing it... But I was trying to ascertain how much vibration would be necessary to just lock the two together without losing too much material or deforming the overall shape of the final product... After a few seconds of internal deliberation, I decided to have a go at it.

I locked them together, unfortunately, they weren't symmetrical but it didn't matter.

I focused on the line connecting them. Then I realized that I would be creating heat at the point of contact... It would just catch fire. Nope.

I put one of the wedges onto the ground and locked them together on the ground. Getting to my knees I pushed the upper wedge with my hand into the wedge on the ground. I imagined the wedge going left and right ever so slightly. I felt the familiar warmth coming from all over my body and focusing on the palm of my hand. I felt slight movement.

I closed my eyes to visualize it a bit better. I imagined the wedge now going left and right quicker, then quicker, then even quicker. I started to feel the vibration of the wedge now. I had to use my other hand so the other wedge won't go flying off.

Then I felt heat... The sound of the vibration was audible. A distinct bzzzt sound.

After I felt a slight burn on my right hand, the one holding the other wedge in place, I let go.

My hands felt numb and tingly from the vibration, so I shook them. Then I looked at the two wedges.

I saw at the point of contact there was a visible black line going through, there were blackened bits that looked like sawdust still hanging in between the two wedges.

Then once I grabbed the upper wedge, I saw that they were conjoined.

„Damn, it actually worked!“ I exclaimed, knocking on the two wedges to see how tight they were together. To my glee, they were like one piece of wood!

I heard the Elves around me start commenting something in Almaganda, but I paid them no mind. I turned back to Kye.

„Okay, now that we know this works. Tell them to hold up the lower end of the wheel to the ground as hard as they can. I'll center the upper part.“ Kye nodded and began translating what I said.

After a few moments, a few of the Elves held the lower part of the wheel to the ground.

I grabbed the upper part. It was heavier than I'd anticipated but I still managed to somehow center it to the lower part. After a bit of wiggling the wheel was in place.

I looked at the wheel and was worried that the vibration would break it into even more pieces... I'll try to be a bit more careful with the wheel.

I went through the same thought process of imagining the upper part moving left and right ever so slightly. But this time I took my time, I wanted the speed to be steady. Just enough for it to connect together.

I felt the wheel vibrate, I held the upper wheel with both my hands. The vibration came to the point that it was quite uncomfortable to hold. I could see the two Elves holding the lower portion shared the same sentiment.

I looked at the line where the wheel originally broke. I saw it slowly start to char. Then I saw pieces of charred wood, akin to sawdust, start to come out. That moment I let go, I knew it should've stuck together then.

The two Elves still held onto the wheel. But to their surprise, once I let go the upper part of the upper wheel wasn't falling off.

I knocked on the wooden wheel a couple of times, and it sure as hell held together. For now at least. One drawback of what I did was the slight lack of material. The wheel wasn't as round as it was, it took on a bit of an oval-ish shape.

„That should do it.“ I said. The Elves around me erupted into cheers, one of them, I think the driver of the wagon, took my hand and shook it, bowing deeply before me.

„Yeah... No problem.“ I said.

He was saying something but I couldn't understand.

„He's thanking you, and he says he has something for you.“ Kye translated. The man reached into his pocket and retrieved a small green amulet with some inscription and put it in my hand.

He again said something, but I couldn't understand.

„He says the amulet is for good luck during a journey.“ Kye translated.

„Thank you.“ I bowed slightly, as Kye taught me what was customary in Elven culture. I put the amulet around my neck.

„Well then... Shall we go back?“ I asked.

Kye shrugged. „I guess we did our job.“ She said, then turned to the other Elves, bowing down herself.

After another brief conversation with the other Elves, we returned to our wagon. They said they would continue forward in a few minutes.

Kye and I sat back down on our wagon, waiting for a few minutes before the convoy in front started moving again. We started moving ourselves

„We'll be right behind them for a few hours, then our paths will split. They will be going northwards and we will go toward the south.“ Kye said.

„Kye, you said they came from across the border. Why?“ I asked. Kye was silent for a few moments, thinking of a response I guess.

„They are running from something. They heard that further east there has been a huge uptick of monster activity, same with their home region but to a lesser extent... From what they say some monsters had never been documented before. Whole villages had been destroyed. The smaller kingdoms are using this chaos to grab more land... Minor wars and skirmishes between the kingdoms have also pushed some of them out.“ She explained. This was... Concerning.

„Why Aesir of all places?“ I asked, this time genuinely wondering why they would go near human territory.

„It is safer here. Elves are allowed to live here and it is under human protection.“ Kye said.

„The problem is that this protection is non-existent.“ I said, knowing that law and order in Aesir is barely present. Though I remember one thing that Owen told me, and what I've witnessed myself.

Before I could say anything Kye began speaking.

„Not completely. The closer you are to the Lydas, which is the real border, the less there are bandits and monsters. The interior might be lawless but closer to the banks of the Lydas the safer it is. As I've said Elves are allowed to settle here... But very few choose to do so. That is what concerns me most. A large number of Elves choosing Aesir to another Elven territory to escape from danger only tells me that something is happening across the border. And whatever it is it is seeping into Aesir.“ She explained.

„The first bit, I know. The closer you are to the Lydas the safer it is... But I've witnessed what our military is doing. They are sending more men and weapons to the Lydas. Owen told me as much, and I've seen new buildings are sprouting out like mushrooms on the other side. And I can guess soon enough this side will have an increased presence soon...“ I paused, thinking through the possibilities.

„Whatever it is, I believe that the wider public is unaware. I haven't heard any major news at least when I was back home. I can't comment now. I just know that they wouldn't send more men to the border for no reason.“ I explained.

Kye was silent for almost a minute as we trailed behind the convoy of the Elven refugees...

„I just hope there won't be another war.“ Kye said under her breath, but I heard her loud and clear. I could just nod at her statement.

It has been nearly 250 years since the last major war between the Humans and Elves. An uneasy peace cut short by the occasional skirmish. If one were to break out today... With our weapons against magic... The death toll would be catastrophic on both sides.

„Let's hope it doesn't come to that.“ I said.

----------------------------------------

We remained silent for the duration of the trip, watching the Elves to our front. After some time we finally parted ways on an intersection. They went to the right, north. We went left, south.

We waved each other goodbye.

As I watched them turn I forgot that they were Elves for a moment. They too were people. Just as confused and afraid as anyone else. I could only sigh as I turned my head to face the road in front of us.

There was still a way to go Kye said.

I am afraid. It scares me what will happen next. The prospect of conflict erupting at any moment made me anxious, not just for myself but for my friends back home.

And whatever is happening on the other side of the Elven border... I could just guess.

And hope it is temporary, whatever it is.