Chapter 5

The sound of rustling leaves became quiet, the entire world became silent. Even birds stopped their chirping and singing.

“Well, I guess whatever was there must have disappeared.” Announced Zeak as he stood up straighter from his warrior position and hid the sword away in its scabbard.

Cordelia stayed quiet and listened for whatever was there if it would come back. After a few more minutes of stillness, the birds started singing, and small animals ran around in the grass. The entire atmosphere seemed brighter and lighter.

The small dagger returned to its safe spot in a strap on Cordelia’s thigh. She turned around and returned to her task of looking through the wreckage. There must be something that can be saved here. She thought to herself as she pulled out some clothes that seemed fine except for the smell of the smoke still lingering on them.

She heard the footsteps approaching and then his voice. “So, are you gonna come with me? This could be a glorious adventure!” He exclaims wildly into the wind.

“I will think about it”

“But…” He never finished as Cordelia cut him a sharp look, “I said I will think about. I imagine you spent last night in The Wild Keep.” She gave him time to answer. He only nodded, so Cordelia continued, “I will meet there in two days’ time, as I have things to finish up. But that doesn’t mean I am coming, so you can take that smile off your face." Zeak’s face immediately returned to a neutral expression, except for the little corner of his mouth where a small smile could still be seen.

“What do you need to finish up with? Maybe I can help?’’ He offered with another smile of his.

“Do you want to help me look through what is left of my home in search of clean underwear?” His face turned slightly red at that thought.” His face got slightly red at that, though.

“I thought so” Cordelia returned to her task and looked at what she could salvage. Some parts of the place didn’t seem to look that bad as Cordelia acted quickly in putting down the fire.

Zeak made its way to what used to be a kitchen and looked through any preserves that they could take on a road.

“How did you put the fire down? The place looks soaked now.” And in fact, it was droplets of water were falling off various pieces of burned furniture. “My little secret.” She smirked and returned to her work.

They spent hours searching for everything that could be saved. As Cordelia suspected, many of Fernicuse’s books and belongings seemed to be just fine. Typical, Cordelia thought to herself.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“I think a rest must be in order. What do you think?” Cordelia couldn’t deny that she was tired and hungry. Last night’s hunt, then the fire has really drained her up. At the thought of food, her stomach rumbled so loudly that for a second she thought a wild animal had come out of the woods. Only to realize it was her when Zeak started to laugh at her.

It was decided that Zeak would go into town to get some food, while Cordelia prepares a fire and somewhere to eat. However, the first thing she did once she knew for sure that Zeak was nowhere near, she went to the little shed on the side. This was where Kropka’s food and tack were being kept.

She dug out the small wooden box that she had found earlier from one of the saddlebags. It glowed brightly yet again at just the smallest of touches from Cordelia’s fingers. When she looked it over, she noticed it was covered with many strange symbols that she didn’t recognize. Maybe if she had paid more attention in school, she would have recognized them. As Miss Petron was obsessed with old languages that she loved to talk about. If Aleria was here, she would most definitely know what these mean.

Even after so many years apart, the pain was still there, and it didn’t seem to have become less than some would say that time to heal. Someone gave her some terrible advice.

She pressed the lid of the box, and it opened lightly. Cordelia pulled the lead to the full view to reveal a note. A note in a handwriting that she knew too well.

My dear Cordelia

If you are reading this, then that means someone has taken me. Don’t worry about me, they won’t kill me as they need me. So, stop worrying, everything will be fine. I have my suspicions about who has taken me, but it’s better for you not to know, at least not yet.

I need you to find the remaining mages from my old days, as they can be in serious danger. As you remember from my stories, there used to be five of us big mages, and I need you to find them. Go first to Lundic, as I worry for him the most. He is not a warrior type of person.

He lives in a small village called Mantinus at the bottom of Parlen mountains in the Kingdom of Gandarin. He will help you find the remaining mages.

In this little compartment was a book. It is a very important book. Keep it. GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE.

It is very important in the upcoming war. Don’t trust anyone and keep your powers hidden, especially to strangers. People might want to use you for your powers.

Keep safe and don’t look for me.

We will find each other again.

How could he write this? Don’t worry, someone just kidnapped me? What is going on? Those were a few of the questions that were flying in Cordelia's mind as she tried to understand everything that has happened today. The most important thing was that he was safe, or at least alive.

Cordelia needed to gather supplies for the journey. She stood up and started gathering everything that could be of help on a long journey ahead of her. She couldn’t let him down. Not after he took her in so many years ago. He was the closest thing to a family she had, and she was not about to disappoint him. As she gathered everything inside, she went outside to load Kropka just as she noticed him.

A realization hit Cordelia. Fernicus wasn’t dead. Cordelia realized that Fernicus wasn’t dead; someone had kidnapped him.

And now she was stuck with Zeak on this stupid adventure as he was right Fernicuse’s friends were in danger.