A carriage stopped by a large tree near a crossroad. The driver got off and began feeding the horse. The vehicle's door opened and a young man about twenty years of age alighted from it. Free from the confines of the narrow carriage, he stretched his body and took in a deep breath. A relaxed look replaced the worn expression on his face as he inhaled the fresh air.

"You sure are enjoying yourself." A voice came from below him and he took several steps back in surprise.

A body covered by dried leaves got up lethargically. Taking a good look at the person who had disturbed his sleep, he patted himself down. As the orange leaves fell to the ground, it revealed a similarly aged young man.

"Why are you so shocked after stepping on a sleeping man? You sure are a weird one."

The lethargic man's words bought the carriage riding youth back to his senses. "I am sorry. I am quite exhausted and failed to notice you. But why are you sleeping in the middle of nowhere?"

"A weary traveler cares not for where he rests, the sky is his roof and the earth his bed." After finishing his sentence, he put on a serious expression. "Speaking of which, fellow traveler, I am incredibly thirsty. Could you spare me some water?"

"Certainly." Though he felt uneasy because of the quirky behavior, he offered to help anyways. "My name is Lewis. How should I address you?"

"You can call me Elijah. Anyways mister Lewis, where are you headed?"

"I am going to Red hill. What about you mister Elijah?"

"Oh just Elijah is fine. Since you gave me water, you are a benefactor of mine. If you want, even El is fine. Looks like our destination is the same. Do you mind if I join you? I am not familiar with these parts and have been looking for the right way for the past three days."

Lewis looked at the shabby man and reluctantly agreed. He gestured at the carriage and continued, "It may be cramped but do make yourself comfortable."

"I appreciate your offer, but I can just follow behind you." Elijah declined politely and whistled at the forest. Following a short silence, a black horse galloped towards them. Stopping by the duo, the beast butted heads with Elijah affectionately.

Lewis looked at the horse in awe. "That's a beautiful horse. I have never seen one like this. Are you from far away, Elijah?"

"Oh yes, I come from the north. Hence, the thick coat of fur. Horses like Randal are quite common beyond the northern mountains." Elijah pointed to Lewis and said, "Randal, this is Lewis."

The horse snorted as a greeting.

"He's really well trained. I reckon he cost a lot."

"Yes indeed. But as well trained as he may be, he is a handful. Any moment I take my eyes off him, he's off doing something outrageous."

Given how the horse was roaming free while Elijah enjoyed a nap, there was no way Lewis would believe his words. He smiled awkwardly and got on his carriage.

A carriage and a man on horse made their way to Red hill slowly. Reaching the town's worn out wall, they parted ways. The carriage drove further in while Elijah headed for an inn recommended by Lewis.

Handing Randal to a stable boy, Elijah entered the inn. The sun was slowly descending, but the establishment was already occupied by some customers.

He approached the counter with his suitcase. "I would like a room please."

"We have six pence rooms, ones that cost a shilling and the special room that's two shillings a night. There's a bathing tub in the last one." The owner explained in a practiced manner.

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"The last option please. Do send someone to fetch water. I would like to bath as soon as possible."

Elijah took the keys to the room and carried his suitcase upstairs. Opening the door, he took in his space. Though simple, it was of decent size and well maintained.

Knock knock

A girl entered the room with a bucket full of water. Pouring out the contents onto a wooden bathtub, she went away only to return again after a few moments. She seemed to be in her mid teens and had trouble doing the heavy work. On the fifth trip, the girl was panting heavily and beads of sweat rolled down her forehead.

"You seem tired."

The girl harrumphed in annoyance. "If you feel bad, next time go to a public bath."

Looking at the girl's rebellious attitude, a smile crept up Elijah's mouth. "I don' think so. I rather like the way you look when you are struggling. Besides, I paid two shillings, might as well get my money's worth."

"Pervert. I hope you drown while bathing."

"You will have to bring a few more buckets of water for that to be possible."

The girl stomped her feet in rage as she went away. She stared dagger's at him each time she walked in and out the door.

"There you go. Feel free to drown yourself now."

"I really like the service here. Honestly speaking, you could charge more. I am sure some people would pay to be looked down on by you." He teased the girl one last time before shutting the door.

*****

Elijah felt fresh after the bath and headed down to the dining area. The inn was slowly filling as the night set in. He moved to an isolated corner and sat comfortably.

Not long after, the girl who fetched water for him came to take his order. "What do you want?"

"What's good?"

"Everything here is good."

"Given the bad treatment I received earlier, I highly doubt that statement."

"Stop wasting my time you weirdo. Order fast or get your food yourself."

"Get me something filling. And a cup of ale."

"Don't go back on your words later. You said something filling. I will make sure you pay for what I get you."

While Elijah was wondering what the girl would get him, some of the nearby customers who heard their conversation began looking at him pitifully. Noticing their expression, he started regretting his choices a little. 'Maybe that imp will get me something inedible. Or worse, something disgusting.'

Thunk!

The sound of a heavy plate hitting a table bought him back to reality. What lay in front of him was a whole roasted chicken and a cup of ale.

"Here's something 'filling' and a cup of ale for you. The total comes to three shillings. Pay up!"

"Oh at least you didn't bring me some horse shit or something." He replied sarcastically and continued, "This is perfect. I had just been craving some chicken. Who knew you would understand me so well."

Elijah threw a few coins at the girl and directed his attention to the food. He tore off a leg and took a big bite. A subtle crunch came from the crispy skin and the girl swallowed her saliva. A chicken was a luxury even for the daughter of an inn owner like her. Slaughtering one meant getting rid of an egg mine. That was why it cost more than even the most expensive room available.

Noticing the girls action, Elijah smirked at her and took another exaggerated bite. Soon, he was done with the food and headed out. The moon was shining brightly and a chilly wind passed him by.

Adjusting his coat to keep the cold out, he headed for a secluded area. Making sure no one was around, he retrieved a compass from his inner pocket and flipped it open. The needle spun around for a while before pointing to a direction.

He followed the compass changed directions every once in a while. Before long, he stood by a well in a dilapidated area. Strange sounds came from deep within. Sometimes, it sounded like a weeping person and like a crying baby at others.

Elijah went around the well to ensure that the needle was pointing to it. Confirming that it was, he threw a gold coin down the well.

As soon as the coin hit the bottom of the well, the strange sounds started coming closer. A pale hand grabbed the edge of the well. It looked dainty but lacked any life.

The baby's cry got louder and his vision blurred. He closed his eyes and suppressed his urge to vomit. The cries died down and the discomfort vanished with it. He opened his eyes and saw a woman in white holding a baby.

If not for the well that he could see through them, the woman and her baby looked completely normal.

"You are here. Sorry for what Cian did. He has been a little restless lately." The woman spoke apologetically.

"It's okay, Miss Nora. As you can see, I am perfectly fine."

"How many times do I have to tell you to call me sister Nora. Your mother was my benefactor. She has done so much for me, you need not act so distant."

"Yes, yes, sister Nora. Has the time for the mission been decided?"

" No, two more people have yet to come. I will contact you once everything's been decided."

"Then I shall take my leave. Do stay safe. I ran into some watchers about a week ago. They might be nearby."

"It's okay Elijah, I can take care of myself. You be careful too."

The woman and child disappeared as soon as the words reached Elijah. He nodded to the well and made his way back to the inn.