36

No, I don’t need a drink though I do want one. Kenric made himself a cup of tea instead of leaving the wagon and looking for something stronger. He stared at the wall drinking peppermint tea until he calmed down.

“Think Kenric,” he muttered. “And quit talking to yourself.”

Odds are those thugs will be watching the market and gates tomorrow. That means I should hire guards or adventurers to accompany me to the next town or village. But which direction should I go? And can I trust any of the guards, mercs, and adventurers here? I probably shouldn’t trust anyone since I don’t know how deep that woman and her crew have their hooks set here beyond the merchants.

Kenric drunk more tea. He pulled out his maps. Going west back to the mountains and to Knox’s lands doesn’t appeal to me. Neither does going south back to my homeland. I don’t want to visit the commonwealth either. That means going east, which happily enough is the direction of the ocean, which I want to see anyway.

Kenric studied his map. There’s one main road heading east to Winston Salem, which is the next big town. Off that road are several side roads and villages. I can take my time and visit several, which should make me more money. There’s also a couple of larger villages along the main road if I just want to stick to it.

“I think I’ll head east to Hamptonville and then see where the road takes me,” Kenric told himself. But what about protection? The wagon is enchanted for protection but I’m not. Neither are the mules for that matter.

“I wonder,” Kenric muttered as an idea came to him. He cast Lesser Ward on the kitchen table. The spell stuck to the table and the ward activated. He felt the ward extend to the floor and to the roof. Kenric smiled. That should do nicely. I’ll just cast the ward on the driver’s bench and should be safe that way. I’ll have to risk Jack and Jill just like they’ve been risked all this time.

Kenric finished his tea and washed out the cup and teapot. He used the bathroom and crawled into bed. I’ll fetch Jack and Jill at first light and leave the city as soon as I can. Hopefully that way I can avoid the thugs.

*

“Wake up,” Kenric said as he tapped the stableboy on the shoulder the next morning. The boy snorted and lifted his head. Then his head slumped back against the wall.

“Wake up,” Kenric said again. The boy didn’t stir. Kenric shook the boy’s shoulder. The stableboy sleepily brushed Kenric’s hand away.

I’ve had enough of this. Kenric stepped on the brace under the chair and pushed down with his leg. The chair snapped down onto its front legs. The stableboy jerked awake but didn’t fall out of the chair.

“Why did you do that for?” the boy demanded to know once his eyes found Kenric.

“Because you wouldn’t wake up the last five minutes while I tried waking you gently,” Kenric answered. “Help me get my mules.”

The boy looked around. “It’s not even light out yet!”

“It’s light enough to see by and the sun will be up in moments,” Kenric countered. “So, come on and you can return to your nap once I’m gone.”

“Fine, fine,” the stableboy grumbled. “What mules are yours?”

“Jack and Jill. They’re mammoth jackstocks.”

“The male and female pair that came in with all the male pairs a few days ago?” the boy asked. Kenric nodded. “They’re nice enough but I don’t think they’ll want to leave their stalls this early.”

“What’s your name boy?” Kenric asked. “I’m Kenric Mender.”

“Jon Shepard,” the stableboy answered.

“Jon, help me feed my mules and hitch them to my wagon and I’ll pay you 10 silvers,” Kenric said. The boy’s eyes lit up.

“You got a deal!”

*

Kenric watched Jon happily run back towards the stable. I wish a little coin would make me that happy. He rubbed Jack and Jill on their heads. “I’ll make this early start up to you later.”

“Leaving already?” Revna asked. Kenric jumped and she chuckled.

“Yeah. I figured an early start would be best.”

“That’s smart.”

“I’ve wondered since we started traveling if you ever sleep. Do you?” Kenric asked.

“Sure, but never a lot when I’m working,” Revna answered. Kenric nodded. He understood that line of thinking.

“Here to see me off?”

“Nope. I’m here to make sure you get out of the city safely. After that, you’re on your own,” Revna replied.

“Won’t you helping me tick off Nathaniel and his new partners?” Kenric asked.

“Maybe, but they’ll get over it if it does,” Revna replied. “Let’s get to the gate. Daylight’s burning.”

*

“Someone’s watching the wagon from that alley,” Revna said, subtly indicating an alley on her left. Kenric glanced that way. “And judging by his clothing, he’s not a bum either.”

Kenric turned his head more fully and whispered, “Somnus,” while casting his sleep spell. The man fell to his knees and then onto his face.

“Nicely done but I don’t see how you can cast a healing spell offensively like that,” Revna said.

“Most likely because something is wrong with the man,” Kenric replied, shrugging his shoulders. Revna grunted but didn’t speak. A few minutes later , they stopped at the east gate. “Now what? The gate doesn’t open for another hour.”

“Now, give me 50 silvers so I can speak to McGrady, the friendly guard captain in charge of the gate this morning,” Revna explained.

Bribery is never cheap. Kenric gave her the silver. Revan jumped down and spoke to the guard captain. He saw her hand off the silver.

“Open the gate and let this wagon out,” McGrady ordered his squad. “Nothing else in or out until we officially open in an hour.”

“Good luck Kenric,” Revna said. “And safe journeys.”

“Thank you for your help. Safe journeys to you and your guards as well,” Kenric replied. He clicked his tongue and snapped the reins. Jack and Jill pulled the vardo through the gate. A moment later, it closed again.

37

It’s a pretty morning, Kenric thought as he enjoyed the gentle cool breeze that was blowing. He pulled his hat down a little bit more. Kenric had been traveling nearly two hours and was almost at a tiny village named Antioch according to his map. He spotted two elven boys riding together on a horse as they emerged from a side trail. The two pointed at him and seemed to be discussing something. I can’t hear them over the clomping of the mules’ hooves, and I hope they don’t try anything since they look barely to be in their teens.

The boys stopped their horse and waved at him. I guess they want to talk. I’ll see what they want but it’s best to be prepared. He readied the Somnus spell as he pulled on the reins to stop Jack and Jill. Kenric also refreshed the ward around him.

“Excuse us sir. Are you a merchant?” the slightly older looking boy sitting in front said.

“Do you have any healing supplies we can buy or that you can spare?” The other boy asked hopefully.

“No, I’m not a merchant and I don’t have any healing supplies,” Kenric answered. “You two look healthy enough. Why do you need healing supplies?”

Kenric cast his diagnostic spell on both boys after releasing the Somnus spell. Birds were singing and there wasn’t anyone on the road besides them.

“I’m Wymond Elkin and this is my brother Wilkin,” the older boy replied. “Our village was attacked by monsters this morning.”

“We were able to chase the monsters off, but people are wounded, including our pa,” Wilkin added. Kenric dismissed the notice after seeing that both boys were fine even though they were slightly malnourished.

“We should head on to Wilkesboro to buy what healing stuff we can,” Wymond told Wilkin.

“There’s no need to do that,” Kenric said. “I’m Kenric Mender and I’m a healer.”

“We can’t afford a healer,” Wymond said.

“But he could heal pa!” Wilkin exclaimed.

I’m not sure what they thought they could buy in Wilkesboro, but I doubt whatever they could afford would be enough for their village even if it’s just three or four families living together.

“Lead me to your village,” Kenric said. “I’ll do what I can for the wounded and your parents, and the other adults can discuss payment with me after the fact.”

“I’m not sure,” Wymond replied.

“Was anyone sev… badly wounded?” Kenric asked. They might not know what severely means.

“Our pa and two others,” Wilkin answered.

“Then take me to them,” Kenric said. “Every minute counts when dealing with bad wounds.”

“How do we know you’re a healer?” Wymond asked.

“That’s a good question,” Kenric replied. He pulled a knife from his inventory and cut his left palm. He then healed it before their eyes. “Good enough?”

“More than good enough,” Wymond answered. “Follow us. Antioch is about a quarter mile down off this road.”

*

This is one tiny village, Kenric mused. Then again, I’m not even sure if four houses and some barns can be considered a village or not. Instead of a wall, the village had a simple wooden palisade composed of sharpened posts around it. He stopped the vardo just inside the gate and locked the brake.

Kenric stood and stretched. He watched the boys dismount their horse. The younger one ran toward the first house on the right. Wymond stood rubbing the horse.

“Ma! We’re back and we’ve brought a healer!” Wilkin screamed while he ran to the house.

“A healer?” some called from the first house on the left. Kenric saw people emerge from the houses and barns. All were women and teenagers.

Some look hopeful and others look… like they don’t trust me. I guess it was the men that got wounded defending their homes.

“Are you really going to help us?” Wymond asked.

“Yes,” Kenric answered, hoping down from the wagon. He walked up and patted his mules on their flanks.

“Want me to water those big mules?” Wymond asked.

“I’d appreciate that,” Kenric answered. “So would Jack and Jill.”

“Like the nursery rhyme?” Wymond asked.

“Exactly,” Kenric replied with a grin on his face. “I’m not sure why the merchant I got them from named them that, but I’ve heard worse.”

“So have I,” Wymond said as his brother and the older women approached. “I’ll bring a couple of buckets filled with water for your mules.”

“Thanks,” Kenric said as the boy led the horse away. Kenric turned his attention back to the women.

Most of them have that worn look I’ve seen on hundreds of farmers, other poor people, and their families. Despite that, they’re still attractive for the most part. Focus! You’re here to work and help these people out, Kenric thought. I blame my years of wenching after leaving home for my attraction to elves. I was always attracted to voluptuous human women before that.

“You’re a healer?” the woman Kenric assumed was the boys’ mother asked, pulling him from his thoughts.

“I am. My name is Kenric Mender,” Kenric answered.

“I’m Jocosa Elkin,” the woman replied, introducing herself. “I’ve never seen a healer traveling alone before. Are you from Wilkesboro?”

“We can’t afford any Wilkesboro healers,” another woman said. “I’m Erin Mathis by the way.”

“No, I’m not from Wilkesboro, though I did just pass through there,” Kenric answered. “I was contracted with a caravan. The caravan master decided he preferred the partnership the Wilkesboro healers offered him to my services, so he ended our contract. I then decided to travel east for a time.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“How much would you charge to heal our wounded?” Erin asked.

“Show me to the worst of the wounded. I’ll start with them, and we can discuss price once I’m done,” Kenric said.

“I’m not sure…” Erin started to say.

“If they’re severely wounded, it could be life threatening,” Kenric said, cutting her off. “We don’t have time to discuss this if that’s the case.”

Erin and Jocosa exchanged a look.

“Erin, your Paul is the worse wounded,” another woman said. “Then Erin’s Tobias.”

“Lead me to Paul,” Kenric said.

*

Two broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a missing right eye.

Kenric dismissed the notice after reading it. “Tobias will be fine though I’ll have to come back to heal his eye since I used so much mana healing Paul and want to check the others.”

“What was wrong with Paul?” Jocosa asked.

“Head trauma and blood loss mostly, though he did have a few other wounds,” Kenric answered. He started to cast Greater Heal on the woman’s husband. “Erin said storm crows attacked.”

“That’s right,” Jocosa replied. “The army and guards regularly patrol the road and since we’re so close to it, monster attacks are rare. We mostly worry about bandits who come to steal food.”

A tale as old as time, Kenric mused. He focused on the spell.

38

I slept like the dead, Kenric thought as he wiped the sleep from his eyes. He stretched and got out of bed. He filled up his kettle with water and put it on the stove. A cup of yaupon tea will help wake me up.

With the kettle on, Kenric stepped into his bathroom to take care of his morning ablutions. He emerged from the bathroom just as the kettle started to whistle. Kenric made his tea and took a sip.

“Hot!” he exclaimed. I knew better than to sip it so quickly. Kenric shrugged and checked his mana crystal. It was full once more. Only took it a day to refill. I’ll have to keep that in mind. My mana is full once more as well.

Kenric checked his medical supplies again and sighed. I wish Nathaniel had forgotten about the crystals, herbs, and stuff he had bought. But I knew he wouldn’t. It was too expensive, and I imagine his wife or new business partner would have reminded him about that stuff if it had slipped his mind, which is why he had sent Petra to retrieve it late that night. At least she left some of the empty vials, jars, and tins along with the mortar and pestle.

“I suppose I can find some useful herbs around here before I move on,” Kenric muttered to himself. That’ll save me some silver at least. Speaking of silver, I need to decide what to charge these people for all the healings I’ve done.

Kenric sighed. His stomach grumbled. I hear you. Breakfast before business. I need to check on Jack and Jill this morning too even though Wymond and his brother promised to take care of them for me. I’ll check on them after I eat.

*

“Mr Mender?” Wilkin called as he knocked on the vardo.

“The door is open… Wilkin. Come on in,” Kenric called back. I’m glad I remembered his name.

“Ma wanted to know when you could finish healing pa,” Wilkin said as he opened the door. The lad hesitantly entered the vardo. He looked around wide eyed.

“Ever seen anything like this?” Kenric asked as he finished chewing some egg and bacon.

“No sir. But it’s homey looking enough,” Wilkin answered, his gaze stopping on Kenric’s breakfast.

“It’s not much but it’s home,” Kenric said. His eyes haven’t left my bacon and eggs since they landed on them. I’ve eaten enough. “Want some of these eggs and bacon?”

“I’ve eaten,” Wilkin replied, tearing his eyes away from the food. His stomach rumbled and the boy blushed.

“Eat the rest of this,” Kenric said, pushing his plate across the table.

“Are you sure?” Wilkin asked.

“I’m sure,” Kenric replied, taking a sip of his tea. Wilkin sat and started to eat with a smile on his face. The boy’s smile slipped after tasting the food. Kenric grinned and shook his head. “I’m not the best cook, but it’ll fill your belly.”

Wilkin nodded and continued to eat. “That’s true.”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full. That is bad manners,” Kenric said. The boy nodded. “After you eat, you can tell your mother that I’ll be along after I clean up to tend to your father.”

*

Kenric walked into the stable he had seen Wymond take his mules to. He waited a few seconds for his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light in the structure and walked over to his jackstocks. Jack brayed at him while Jill whinnied. Both stuck their heads over the stall’s door for him to rub, which he did.

“I see the boy fed you two,” Kenric said with a smile on his face. He pulled two carrots from his inventory. “I have a treat for you two.”

Kenric watched the mules eat the carrots. He glanced over them and saw that Wymond, or his brother, had brushed the large beasts as well.

I’m going to have to give those lads a silver or two for taking such good care of Jack and Jill, Kenric thought. He rubbed his mules again and muttered words to them. A whimpering could be heard coming from the back of the stable. That doesn’t sound like an animal or monster.

Maybe I should go get Tobias or one of his sons, Kenric thought. It was their stable after all. He dismissed the idea. If that’s a person, they sound hurt or in trouble at least.

Knowing there really wasn’t a choice to be made, Kenric walked to the back of the stable. He found a stall with a darker corner. His eyes widened in alarm and horror at what he saw in the corner. Kenric felt something break inside him.

What in the heavens is going on here? How could anyone do this? Kenric thought as he opened the stall. Who did this to her? And the stench! Why leave this girl in her own filth?

“You shouldn’t be back there!” Wymond hissed. Kenric spun and saw that the lad looked scared.

39

“This girl needs help,” Kenric retorted. He cast his diagnostic spell on the girl. “Wymond, help me untie her so I can start healing her.”

“Pa won’t like that,” Wymond protested. He did inch forward to join Kenric though. Kenric noticed the girl’s dress was ripped and torn and barely hung onto her thin shoulders.

“Why not? Does Tobias own her?” Kenric asked as he gazed at the bloodied and battered girl. Nobody deserves to be treated like this.

“No. At least I don’t think so. Diadra is my cousin.”

“She’s family?” Kenric asked in disbelief.

“Yes. She came to live with us a year ago after her ma and pa were killed in a bandit attack at Roaring River, which is a village to the north.”

“And your parents took her in and accepted responsibility for her?

“Up until she had sex with some boy from Roaring River that she liked. Then ma and pa disowned her,” Wymond replied. He started to shake and looked fearfully from Diadra to Kenric and back. “Pa said she was a… a harlot because she had sex out of wedlock.”

“So, he disowned her for that?” Kenric asked. Was she talked into having sex? It’s not my business. I’ve seen girls as young as 12 be married off.

“Ye… yeah.”

“I’m not going to hurt you, Wymond,” Kenric said. His eyes widened in alarm at the list of her injuries. Sweet heavens! I’ve never seen such a list of injuries. One injury made him as angry as he’d ever been. “Who raped her?”

“I don’t know!” Wymond cried. “Honest!”

“She’s only 13!”

“I… I know.”

“I’m not going to hurt you,” Kenric said, fighting his anger and forcing calm into his voice. He dismissed the notice and started to untie the girl. She flinched away. He pulled out his waterskin and uncapped it. He held it to her bruised and bloody lips. In as gentle a voice as he could, Kenric said, “sip this. It’s water.”

The girl started to drink. She tried to guzzle the water, but Kenric wouldn’t allow her to. Wilkin appeared behind his brother. Seeing what was going on, the boy turned and ran out. Kenric let the girl sip more water.

“Wilkin will tell ma and pa,” Wymond warned.

“Untie Dia…”

“Diadra,” the boy supplied.

“Untie Diadra,” Kenric ordered. “Be gentle.”

“Alright,” Wymond agreed. Kenric grabbed the boy’s wrist as he reached for the rope. The boy looked fearfully at Kenric.

“You haven’t done any of this, have you?” Kenric growled.

“No sir! I swear!” Wymond exclaimed. “I haven’t even kissed a girl before!”

“I believe you,” Kenric said more gently. I’m not even sure where to start. She has so many injuries. Broken bones, cuts, bruises, swelling, bites, internal injuries, and the bloody pox! “Cleanse her first and get the filth off.”

“What?” Wymond asked.

“Nothing. Just talking to myself,” Kenric replied. He cast Cleanse on the girl.

“I’ve untied her,” Wymond announced. Kenric nodded. The spell hadn’t removed all the filth from her because the girl had been so filthy. “How did you do that?”

“Cleanse is a utility spell that cleans whatever it is cast on,” Kenric answered. He gently picked the girl up. She weighs next to nothing! Diadra cried out and tried to pull away. Kenric cast Cleanse on her again. “Shh! It’s alright. I’m going to heal you as much as I can after I get you out of here. No one else is going to hurt you again.”

“P…pr…pro…promise?” Diadra croaked. Kenric looked down at her head and found two sorrowful green eyes staring at him.

“I promise,” Kenric answered. What am I doing? Helping a child. “I give you my word even if it means breaking my healer’s oath.”

You have sworn an oath to protect the child known as Diadra from harm from other people. Breaking this oath will result in severe penalties.

That was unexpected, Kenric thought. He dismissed the notice. I’ll think about that later. I need to get her into some better clothes and start healing her.

Kenric walked out of the stable with a nervous Wymond trialing him.

“What do you think you’re doing healer?” Tobias demanded to know. Kenric looked up and saw Paul, the other two adult men as well as their older sons. All were holding spears, axes, and bows. “Wymond, get over here!”

“Yes pa!”

“What does it look like?” I’m going to heal this child,” Kenric answered as Wymond ran over to his father.

“You’ll do no such thing!” Tobias retorted. “She is my property!” The man grinned. “You like ‘em young, huh? If you want a roll in the hay with Diadra, it’ll cost you 20 silvers.”

“Oh?” Kenric replied, ignoring the taunt. “You’re claiming ownership of this girl?”

“Yes!” Tobias answered. “I’ll sell her to you for 200 silvers. She doesn’t earn her keep and I’m getting tired of feeding her.”

I can see the greedy gleam in his eye from here. Perhaps there is a way out of this without me breaking my oaths.

“Do you have ownership papers stating Diadra is your slave?” Kenric asked. The girl whimpered in his arms.

“I have papers granting me authority over her,” Tobias answered.

That’s not the same thing. Still, I think I can make this work.

“You lot owe me for the healings I did yesterday,” Kenric said. “That totals 250 silvers based off the rates I charged while in Wilkesboro. And Tobias, you still want your eye regrown, do you not?”

The other men spit and sputtered their outrage. Their wives and children gasped in surprise.

“You know I do,” Tobias replied.

“What are you suggesting, trading the girl for our healings?” Paul asked.

“I’ll accept that trade as long as the paperwork is properly signed and witnessed,” Kenric answered. Diadra tried to push him away. Kenric tightened his grip on her and whispered, “I promised to protect you.”

“I’ll not…” Tobias began when Paul hushed him and whispered something in the man’s ear. “Fine!” Kenric heard Tobias say to Paul as Diadra stopped struggling. Then he spoke louder, “Healer, I’ll trade the girl for those healings you’ve done, my eye, and you healing our families too.”

“In that case, I want whatever property Diadra owns and for one of the women to come and change her clothes in my wagon,” Kenric said. “I also want a haybale for my mules.”

“The only thing Diadra owns is the clothes on her back,” Tobias replied. “So, I agree to your terms. Jocosa, fetch the papers so we can get this done.”

“Erin, go with Kenric to change the girl’s clothes,” Paul instructed. His wife gave him a withering look.

“Exactly what am I supposed to change her into to?” Erin asked. Paul shrugged.

“Diadra can wear one of my shirts until I get somewhere with a shop,” Kenric said. He walked to his wagon and placed Diadra on the porch. Kenric walked around and climbed up the other side. He picked her up and opened the door.

“In there?” Erin asked as Kenric entered his wagon.

“Yes. Out of sight of prying eyes,” Kenric answered as he laid Diadra on his bed. “Be gentle. Diadra has been sorely used.”

Erin entered and gasped as she saw the girl’s condition. “I had no idea.”

“Here’s a shirt,” Kenric said. I don’t believe you. “It should be more than big enough to cover her. I’ll be on the porch.”

40

“She’s wearing your shirt,” Erin stated a few minutes later. “What are you going to do with her?”

“Heal her,” Kenric answered.

“I meant afterward,” Erin retorted.

“That’ll depend on what decisions are made,” Kenric replied. “Thanks for changing her. You can go now.”

“Don’t forget your agreement to examine and heal the rest of us,” Erin huffed before leaving.

Guess I angered her. She’ll get over it. Diadra’s future isn’t there concern. And judging by her treatment, they never cared for her future either.

Diadra looked at him fearfully and tried to inch away from him, but there wasn’t anywhere to go. Kenric held up his hands. This is going to be hard.

“The promise I made to you has become a system bound oath,” Kenric told her. “In case you don’t know what that means, it means I’ll be punished if I break that promise. Do you understand?”

Diadra nodded. Kenric turned and got her a cup of water. Her eyes fixed on the cup.

“Think you can drink this?” Kenric asked.

“Yes,” Diadra answered, her voice little more than a whisper.

“Think you can drink this by yourself, or do you need help?”

“I think I can drink it without spilling any,” Diadra replied in the same soft voice. She sat up.

“Alright,” Kenric said, handing her the cup. “Remember to sip it instead of guzzling it.”

“It’s cold!” Diadra said in surprise after taking a sip.

“The sink is enchanted. The right handle produces cold water while the left produces hot water,” Kenric explained. “The bathtub and sink in the bathroom work the same way. The dwarven craftsmen and enchanters that made this wagon are true masters of their crafts.”

Diadra finished the water and Kenric took the cup. She slumped back onto the bed.

She must be exhausted, Kenric thought. “Tired?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. To help you take a nap, I’m going to put you into a healing sleep. That will heal some of what is wrong with you,” Kenric said. “Then I’ll go finish with the villagers. When you wake up, we’ll talk about your future.”

“Can I eat then too?” Diadra asked.

“Yes,” Kenric laughed. “You’ll most likely be famished by then. Just be warned that my cooking isn’t the best.”

“Sure,” Diadra replied.

“Sleep well,” Kenric said as he cast Somnus on the girl.

*

Good riddance, Kenric thought as Jack and Jill pulled the vardo out of Antioch a few minutes past midafternoon. I won’t be returning to this village if I can help it. Part of me does feel sorry for the children and wonders if any of them will be abused the way Diadra was. Perhaps I should have tried to put the adults in a permanent sleep. But that would have left the children to risk starving or be killed in an attack unless I took them all with me. And I can’t care for a bunch of kids.

Such thoughts don’t become a healer, but I’m only human. Kenric shrugged off those thoughts thankful that the system and the heavens didn’t punish people for their thoughts. If I push them, Jack and Jill might get us to Hamptonville before it gets too dark.

He glanced back at Diadra. She was still sleeping. I should have checked on her before leaving Antioch.

Kenric shook his head and tied the reins to the driver’s bench. He stood and walked back into the wagon to check on the girl, trusting the mules would keep pulling the vardo down the road.

Her breathing has relaxed, and the bruising is fading. That’s good. I’ll have to use the diagnostic to see if her ribs are healed though. I’ll probably have to wake her shortly to keep her body from cannibalizing too much of her stores healing her.

Kenric walked back to the driver’s bench and sat down. I’ll let her sleep another hour.

*

Kenric heard a scream from inside the wagon. He turned to see Diadra sitting up.

“It’s alright. It was just a dream and you’re safe,” Kenric said. The girl nodded. “I was going to wake you in a few minutes, but I’m glad to see you woke on your own.”

She shifted uncomfortably on the bed. Diadre also looked like she had to take care of something.

“The bathroom is through that door,” Kenric said, pointing at the bathroom door. He turned his head back to the road as she started inching to the end of the bed. I don’t want to see if she is wearing small clothes under my shirt or not!

“Thank you,” Diadra said.

“You’re welcome,” Kenric replied. He heard the bathroom door open and shut. The bathroom door opened a few seconds later.

“How does that thing work?” Diadra asked.

“You mean the toilet?”

“I think so. It’s not the same as the outhouse I’ve grown up using.”

“And thank the heavens for that!” Kenric exclaimed. “Lift the lid. It’s on a hinge. Then sit and do what you need to do.”

“But I don’t see anything to wipe with,” Diadra objected.

“No wiping. There are three buttons on the left of the side of the toilet with pictures. The one with the little line hitting the front of the stick person is for women after they’ve relieved their bladder. The middle button with a picture of water hitting the backside of the stick person is for when you… you know, solid waste. The last button with the wavy lines is to trigger warm air to dry your bottom,” Kenric explained. “To stop the enchantment, just press the button a second time.”

“Alright,” Diadra said uncertainly.

“To empty the bowl or flush as the dwarves called it, press down on the little lever behind you. The enchantment will take care of the rest.”

“Sure,” Diadra replied. The uncertainty was still clear in her voice. Kenric glanced back at the young redheaded elf and smiled.

“It takes some getting used to, but it’s simple and works great,” he told her. She nodded and went back into the bathroom.

“How does those… enchantments do that?” Diadra asked when she came out a few minutes later. She sounds intrigued and awed.

“I honestly have no idea how the enchantments do what they do,” Kenric answered.

“Oh,” Diadra muttered, disappointment in her voice.

“Perhaps we can find an enchanter to explain it in Winston Salem or one of the villages along the way.”

“That’s where you’re going?”

“I’m going much further east. Those are just stops along the way so I can practice my craft,” Kenric answered. “We’ll discuss the future after we stop for the night.”

“Are we stopping soon?” Diadra asked. “I’m hungry.”

“According to the last mile marker I saw, we’re about two miles from Hamptonville,” Kenric replied, glancing back at her. She looks confused and scared still. “Hamptonville is a village in case you’re wondering. I’m hoping they have an inn that serves food since I’m not much of a cook.”

“And if they don’t or the gates are locked for the night?” Diadra asked.

“Then we stay in the wagon, and you get to see how bad a cook I am,” Kenric answered, giving her a smile. “In the meantime, I’ll tell you where you can find some fruit, cheese, and bread to snack on.”

“Thank you,” Diadra said.