Algernon was nearly as tired as the time he followed Harold and made the deciding blow at the battle against the barghatz.

These damn sika were made for long distance running. In the rare instance they were caught out from their flock they survived by being agile enough to dodge between trees and every other obstacle they came upon, and then kept going and going until the faster predators could no longer sprint. Unfortunately, despite flying, Algernon was a predator.

He did not know these lands and so did not dare fly high above and be carried by the winds. That could attract all sorts of attention, even from human [Hunters] if you got careless.

Instead he had to dodge and weave between branches, and keep his wings going every minute. Are they ever going to stop?

Algernon had really only shown up this morning to hang out at the kauri for a while.

Sure, he had heard of the expedition and about how the dumb [Druid] would be leaving on this day. And yes, sure; if pressured he might admit to considering it a lost opportunity.

But the idea of following like this, and abandoning his home–with his cosy setup above the feuding ant colonies?

Pah. As if.

That was until Harold spotted him just as the train of carts started going, and bid him come along.

Algernon had merely glowered, he knew the [Druid] had no more of the magic honey for him.

If he did… There might have been some room for negotiation. That experience had opened up a new avenue of the world for him, it felt like. He was having thoughts and making connections he was sure would have flown right over his feathery head before.

But what is the use of you now, you sika-loving bum?

That was when the bastard had uncorked his hip flask.

The unleashed scent had Algernon diving for Harold’s outstretched arm in a blank second, and despite the experience of the mead being quite different; he had really enjoyed himself.

That was until suddenly realising what was happening, they were taking him away from home on this crazy ride!

Algernon immediately started protesting. This is just like that last time, a taste to get me hooked and then you will claim you are all out and I cannot have any more!

And that was when Harold had let him know what was in the two giant barrels on the foremost cart. He did not want to believe the obvious lie, but the slight aroma coming off them let him know that deluding himself was no use. They’ve got the goods.

So, now he was flying above the rushing caravan that was being dragged by the sika. He was welcome to sit on Harold, but he had had enough of the [Druid] and his mocking ways.

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

It was not that he was ungrateful, he needed what Harold was providing more than anything, Natural Treasures with the right kind of magic. Distilled mental affinity.

It was just that he had seen his valued independence melting away from day one. Not because of the drugs, really not. Stop it.

If Algernon was to explain it to a human, which he would not, it was more like the addictive nature of levelling.

He sensed himself growing at a visible rate.

Algernon had just one thought on his mind as they finally stopped for their first rest.

I am going to miss home.

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

The sika carried them forth for nearly twelve hours straight, stopping only for a short break to drink by the large pond filled with tiny, turquoise birds that they passed. Their owl companion even considered hunting one, but he was too tired and finally landed on one of the shaky carts for the last leg of the day’s journey.

The roaring pace they set had put them just a day out from the ruins where Harold and Oscar had camped with Kalle the first time out.

Upon arrival at midnight the prince finally bid them adieu and went to find a homely glade for his flock to settle in for the night.

With the debt between them settled not even Roldy could be sure of ever seeing the magnificent creature again.

The expedition settled to camp in a flaxen field and prepared to head over some rougher terrain come the morrow.

Their path would be diverging from the one taken by the lads from here on out.

Depending on the season you could get through Doc Forrest to Dormata by following the coast and going near the mountains, the way they had planned to this past autumn.

But now in the spring, that would be a different matter entirely. If you went there at this time of year you risked getting attacked by mountain bears mad with hunger from a long winter spent idle. It was not when they were at their strongest, but certainly their most desperate and vicious. Just as happy to escape with your arm as your life.

The path they took now would be following the river instead, and by doing so would head to the lower lands of a grassy valley that could take them in the right direction.

The first towns that they would come upon after this valley's end would not be Dormata, nor even its suburbs.

But going through a few smaller places first had all kinds of advantages, not the least of which was starting to make use of Elin’s new [Regional Player’s Barter] Skill before they reached their rivals at the capital and had nothing else to really compare to besides Salcret.

That was a poor position to be in with all the goods they were carrying, but a nice warm up first would be just the thing.

They were finally on the way to market.