66

“Your tooth ache is caused by a cavity,” Kenric told the child sitting on the camp stool. He dismissed the results notice. I should try to be gentler with the little boy. He smiled. “Just how many sweets have you eaten?”

“A lot,” the little boy answered. His mother snorted, making the boy blush.

“Tom eats sweets every chance he gets,” the mother said. “Can you heal the tooth?”

“Yes,” Kenric replied.

“How much do you charge for such a healing?” the mother asked.

Kenric took in her attire and that of her son. Their clothing is oft mended, and the child’s looks like it has been handed down more than once. But he could also just be rough on his things. I was at that age though my parents could afford to buy new clothing whenever they decided I needed it, and I doubt this mother can. I won’t charge them much.

He glanced at Diadra sitting on the porch. She was watching them instead of working on her reading and letters. Perhaps she is what has made me so softhearted instead of my desire to be better than I was when I was younger or my healer’s oath.

“Let’s see,” Kenric said, making a show of considering things. “Five for the examination and 5 for the healing itself, so 10 silvers total.”

The mother’s eyes widened in shock and doubt. “Are you sure healer? That’s less than half or maybe even a third of what the clinics charge.”

“I’m sure,” Kenric replied. Hopefully, you’ll use the rest to buy more food or at least save it.

“Thank you, healer!” the mother said.

“You’re welcome,” Kenric replied. “You can chew or make a rinse from some peppermint, spearmint, parsley, thyme, clove, or basil to help with teeth and breath in general.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” the mother said. “The mints can be found in the woods here in the city or outside it.”

“Good,” Kenric said. He looked at Tom. “Now, hold still. This will only take a few minutes and you’ll be right as rain.”

*

“You treated several people this morning and didn’t charge them much,” Diadra said as they sat down to eat lunch. “And you haven’t been charging a lot in the first place according to what people are saying.”

“Noticed that, huh?” Kenric asked before taking a bite of the fried potato biscuit.

“Yep,” Diadra answered. “Like the potato biscuit? It’s something my ma had made a lot when I was younger.”

“Yes, I like it. The potato slices are almost like the strips we had gotten at that tavern,” Kenric replied. “I think I like these round slices better.”

Diadra smiled and took a bite of her biscuit. After she swallowed, she asked, “Dad, why are you charging so much less than the clinics?”

Kenric took a sip of milk before answering. Diadra really likes milk with meals, and I’ll admit, it’s good when it’s cold. “I think I do so for a few different reasons.”

“Like what?”

“As I’ve told you before, I’m trying to be a better person for one.”

“I think you’re a good person papa,” Diadra replied. She grinned.

“Tease!” Kenric exclaimed. He smiled and she laughed, nodding her head.

“What’s the other reasons?”

“Well, some people just can’t afford to pay what the clinics charge. Plus, we’re making good money charging what I charge anyway,” Kenric answered. Diadra nodded. “And I think I’m trying to set an example for you.”

“I think you just don’t want to disappoint me,” Diadra said.

“That too,” Kenric agreed. “Yeah, that’s probably the real reason.”

“You won’t disappoint me,” Diadra replied confidently before starting to eat her biscuit again.

*

“Mender!” a voice shouted.

“Figures we would barely get to eat lunch in peace with the barracks being across the way,” Kenric muttered.

“Think it’s a guard shouting?” Diadra asked.

“With that voice?” Kenric replied. “Yep. It’s most likely a sergeant bellowing too.”

“Going to see what they want?”

“Yeah. It’s best to stay on the guards’ good side,” Kenric answered, standing up.

“Would you mind me trying to make a pizza tonight?” Diadra asked, referring to the tavern food they had had a couple of nights before. The tavern owners had been happy to exchange their recipe for a healing, especially since Kenric and Diadra wouldn’t be staying in the city. “It’ll probably take me all afternoon to make the sauce though.”

“Are you sure you want to make all that effort?” Kenric asked, stopping at the door.

“Yep. I really loved the pizza and want to try making it myself,” Diadra answered.

“You’re the cook,” Kenric laughed. “I’ll eat whatever you fix.”

“Thanks dad!” Diadra said with a huge smile on her face.

“You’re welcome sweetie,” Kenric replied, stepping out the door.

*

“Ah Mender. Do you mind stepping over to the training yard and healing some training injuries,” a stout man asked.

“I’ll take a look,” Kenric replied. “And you are??”

“Sergeant Addison,” the man answered. “And thank you. We can discuss your fee after you see the extent of the injuries.”

“You’re welcome. Lead the way.”

*

“Mender!”

“Not again,” Kenric muttered. The farrier whose bone he was setting laughed.

“Are the guards making that much use of you healer?”

“Yes. It’s starting to border on abuse,” Kenric answered. The man laughed again. “Let’s get you healed first though. The guards can wait.”

“I like that idea,” the farrier replied. A loud cracking sound could be heard over the crowd noise in the market square.

“Mender!”

67

“Captain Tabor, what is the best mercenary company for traveling guard work?” Kenric asked as they watched her squad train squad movement.

“Looking to get back on the road?” the captain asked instead of answering.

“Yes,” Kenric answered as Guard Seward swept the feet of her opponent. I’m almost tempted to offer Seward a job. She’s good and easy on the eyes. “It’s past time to move on and I made Diadra a promise.”

“What sort of promise?”

“That we would visit Pilot Mountain.”

“The village?”

“There’s a village named Pilot Mountain?” Kenric asked.

“Oh. You meant the mountain,” Captain Tabor replied. Kenric nodded. “But yes, there’s a village with the same name an hour northeast of the mountain. Why not visit the mountain and come back? The trip would only take two or three days.”

“Trying to offer me a job?”

“Maybe. You’re a good healer.”

“Thank you, but I’ve seen all the battle I care to experience and that includes the aftermath,” Kenric explained. “I just want to live life with my daughter, help others, and visit the coast eventually.”

“My sister married a merchant from down near the coast. I helped her move down there and visited the coast. All that water is not for me,” the captain replied. “To answer your question about mercenaries, the Rocky Rams or Demon Deacons are probably the best for what you want.”

“The Rocky Rams?” Kenric laughed.

“Don’t laugh,” Captain Tabor said, though she smiled. “While the company’s founder chose such a ridiculous name is beyond me. Same goes for the Deacons.”

“Some local connections perhaps,” Kenric mused.

“That’s the story. Both are named after two schools the ancients had here,” the captain stated. “Though, why a person would choose either name is mind boggling.”

“Unto each their own,” Kenric offered.

“True. Anyway, the Rams focus more on guard work while the Deacons focus more on offensive contracts.”

“Ah. They’re warmongers.”

“That’s one way of looking at it. The local nobles hire them a lot,” Captain Tabor said. Seward took down another of her squad mates, making the captain smile. “Holly is good.”

“Yeah, she is,” Kenric agreed. “Is she a protégé of yours?”

“Something like that,” the captain replied, smiling fondly. “She should honestly be a sergeant at least, but I’ve upped Holly’s pay and not promoted her to keep her in my squad.”

“I can’t imagine she’s happy about that.”

“Neither of us are happy about it, but Holly doesn’t want to work for a different captain, so accepts it.”

“How did she get injured?” Kenric asked.

“A trap. It was getting too dark to see clearly and she missed the upturned earth and stepped right into the hole,” Captain Tabor answered. “Some of the locals like to get cute and hide traps along our patrol routes.”

“I wouldn’t call that cute.” And trying to injure the people responsible for their safety is the height of stupidity.

“It’s probably stupid kids,” the captain replied. “Nobody had been severely injured until Holly. Hopefully, the higher ups put a stop to the traps now.”

They fell silent and continued to watch the guards train. Perhaps I should ask the good captain if she would be alright with me offering Seward a job. I’d rather have at least one guard that is a direct hire than just some mercs that may bail out on the contract if things go badly.

“Do you think Seward would be up for a little change of scenery and new job?” Kenric asked.

“I fucking knew it!” Captain Tabor exclaimed with a smile on her face. Kenric laughed and shrugged. “Yes, I think she would be interested, especially if you were to put her in charge of whoever else you hire. And don’t think you can hire the rest of my squad away from me either.”

“Thanks Captain.”

“You’re welcome, Mender. Just take care of Holly if she decides to go with you,” Captain Tabor replied. She walked away.

*

“What do you think Kitten?” Kenric asked. “Should I try to hire Guard Seward?”

“I don’t know,” Diadra replied. She was leaning against a wall. “Holly is nice though.”

He smiled. “You really don’t have an opinion?”

“I know we’ve had this talk before, but do we really need guards?” Diadra asked with a grin on her face. “I trust you’ll make the right decision dad.”

“Thanks sweetie.”

“You’re welcome,” Diadra replied. She hugged him. “I’m going to go study some more and put some beef stew on for supper.”

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

“Sounds good. I’ll be along after I talk with Holly.”

“Alright,” Diadra said, she ran across the way and quickly entered the vardo.

*

“Your offer is interesting, and the heavens know I could use a change of scenery,” Holly Seward said. Kenric nodded. “I’d want you to hire my fiancé as well if I accept your offer though.”

“Fiancé?” Kenric questioned.

“Brent Woods,” Holly replied. “He’s a hunter, tracker, and former guard.”

“Interesting skill set,” Kenric mused.

“Yep. That would leave a couple of spots open for mercenaries or other guards,” Holly said. “I don’t think you’d need more than four total, especially since you can cast wards. Where are you planning on going and how quickly are you wanting to leave?”

“Up to Pilot Mountain. Diadra wants to see the great guide,” Kenric answered with a smile. “I’m not sure about where after that. Timewise, maybe in a week or less.”

“Would you be interested in going up to Mayberry after that?” Holly asked.

“Mayberry?”

“A small town up near the Commonwealth border that is sometimes called Mt Airy on some maps. Brent and I have family there.”

“Ah. I have no problem with going that far north,” Kenric replied.

“Great! I think Brent and I can handle the guard duties by ourselves. The road is heavily traveled and mounted guards patrol it.”

“Good to know,” Kenric said.

“So, free healings and other medical care, 100 silver a month each, and free meals?” Holly asked. “Plus, the wards at night.”

“Yes.”

“Alright, Mr Mender. I accept your offer,” Holly said. The two shook hands. “Brent and I will need a week to settle our affairs though.”

“I can work with that,” Kenric replied. “But I want to meet your fiancé before I agree to hire him.”

“I’ll bring him by your wagon tonight. Don’t worry about supplying horses, Brent owns two.”

68

“Most of those villages send their sick and wounded to the clinics here,” Brent argued. “Stopping at each of them to see if they need your services will be a waste of time.”

“Maybe, but it’s my time and coin,” Kenric retorted. Despite this disagreement, Brent doesn’t seem a bad sort. I think I can work with him, but if he thinks he’ll be in charge, he better get used to disappointment.

“And it’s what dad does,” Diadra quietly added, making Kenric smile.

“And it’s what I do,” Kenric agreed, reaching over and side hugging her.

“I agree with all of you,” Holly said. “But as Kenric said, it’s his silver and that makes him the boss.”

“And you in charge of our defense,” Kenric replied. The four of them were sitting around Brent’s steel firepit outside the wagon. I’m surprised the elven hunter brought that firepit with him, but I’m glad he did. Perhaps I should ask where he got it from. Having our own would be better than building campfires whenever we’re out on the road at night.

“Alright, I can live with that,” Brent conceded. “Holly told me about our pay. Is this trip to Pilot Mountain and Mayberry a test run or are you keeping us under contract for a month?”

“Some of both. If things don’t work out then I’ll pay you both for the month and we can go our separate ways at Mayberry,” Kenric answered.

“Mayberry?” Diadra asked.

“The town of Mt Airy on my map,” Kenric replied. “Mayberry is evidently the town’s current name.”

“Oh,” Diadra said. “That sounds nicer than Mt Airy. And we’re going there? Is it a nice place?”

“We are going there after visiting Jomeokee,” Kenric replied.

“Mayberry is a nice small town,” Holly said.

“It’s also growing because of mining and trade with the Commonwealth,” Brent added.

“I can’t imagine the leaders here are happy about that,” Kenric said.

“From what I understand, they don’t mind so much since the majority of the merchants come here even if they stop in Mayberry,” Brent replied.

“Those merchants bring some of the metals and gems that are found in Mayberry’s mines here too, which saves Winston Salem’s merchants from having to pay for transportation,” Holly added.

“Why are we going to Mayberry?” Diadra asked.

“Brent and I have family there,” Holly answered. “Your dad agreed to go.”

“Huh,” Diadra said, shrugging her slender shoulders. “When are we leaving? I can’t wait to see Jomeokee.”

“Beginning of next week,” Kenric replied. “Holly and Brent need a few days to settle their affairs here.”

“Okay,” Diadra said. She yawned. “I’m going to take a bath and get ready for bed.”

“Alright sweetie. I’ll be along shortly,” Kenric replied.

“Goodnight, everybody,” Diadra said before turning and climbing onto the vardo’s porch. Brent and Holly wished her goodnight before Diadra entered the wagon.

“Is she really your daughter?” Brent asked.

“Yes. I adopted her,” Kenric answered.

“It’s not wise to take a child on the road,” Brent said.

“I travel and will do so until I find a place I want to settle down at,” Kenric replied. “Besides. I have my wards and just hired the two of you.”

“True,” Holly laughed. She stood and stretched. “Would you mind examining Brent before we go?”

“Be glad to,” Kenric said. “Where did you get the firepit from? I wouldn’t mind buying one.”

*

“I’m glad we’re leaving,” Diadra said as the vardo passed through Winston Salem’s north gate a week later. Brent was riding ahead on his stallion while Holly rode beside them on her fiancé’s mare. Kenric glanced down at where she sat in the doorway beside him. She was sitting on her throw blanket. “I got tired of feeling your magic.”

“Me too,” Kenric said. “Winston Salem is not a bad town, but it does not feel like a place I would be happy living in.”

“I feel the same way,” Diadra replied, pulling out her beginning reader book. “There were too many people.”

“Wait! You sensed my magic?”

“I could feel it. I’m not sure if that’s the same.”

“Did it still feel ticklish?” Kenric asked.

“No. It was just a… I’m not sure how to describe it,” Diadra said, shaking her head.

“We’ll talk about that when we stop for the night,” Kenric said. “I might need to go ahead and start training you.”

“Sure,” Diadra replied happily. They fell silent.

“If you thought that were a lot of people, just wait until we visit the capital,” Kenric joked a few minutes later.

“That’s not funny dad!”

“It’s a little funny.”

“Are you serious about visiting the capital?” Diadra asked.

“Not really. Though if we go to the coast as we’ve talked about before, we’ll probably have to pass through and get supplies,” Kenric answered.

“Most, but not all roads do lead to Raleigh,” Holly chimed in. “We could avoid the capital if you really wanted to.”

“We’ll decide after we visit Mayberry. There are a lot of villages in this region that I could offer my services to according to my map,” Kenric replied.

“So, taking things one day at a time?” Holly asked.

“Yes,” Kenric answered.

“That works for me,” Holly said. “I’m going to ride up with Brent for a while since it’ll be a couple more hours before we get to Tobaccoville.”

“Alright,” Kenric replied. His guard urged her horse ahead.

69

“There’s a dead catamount up ahead,” Holly announced over an hour later. “She’s a big one too.”

“She?” Kenric questioned.

“Brent says it’s a female and wasn’t killed too long ago,” Holly replied. “So, throw up your ward if it’ll move and let’s take it nice and slow. Brent hasn’t seen any scavengers but better safe than sorry.”

“True,” Kenric agreed. The ward has been up since we set out. He glanced at Diadra as he got Jack and Jill moving again. She looked concerned. “It’ll be alright sweetie.”

She shook her head and brushed a lock of hair behind her left ear. “I hear something.”

“Hopefully, it’s just an animal or better yet, your imagination,” Kenric said, grinning at her.

“Maybe,” Diadra agreed, giving him a smile. A couple of minutes later, she said, “Nope, not me. I hear it again.”

“I think I heard something too,” Kenric said, stopping the wagon. “Holly! We hear something.”

“I hear it too,” Brent shouted. “That chirping sounds like a cub.”

He dismounted and handed his reins to Holly. The hunter then started to search the area on each side of the road. Diadra glanced at the catamount’s body.

“You don’t have to look at the body Diadra,” Kenric said.

“I know,” she replied. She suddenly jumped up and pointed. “The sound is coming from over here!”

“Stay there!” Brent ordered as he moved to the spot Diadra had indicated.

“Dad don’t let him hurt her. She sounds like she’s in pain!” Diadra said. Kenric and Holly stared at Diadra.

“How do you know that?” Holly asked. Diadra shook her head. She then hopped down from the wagon and dashed to where Brent was standing.

“Diadra!” Kenric shouted. He set the brake and followed her.

“Dammit! Don’t do that,” Holly exclaimed. “We can’t keep you safe if you don’t listen.”

“Don’t hurt her!” Diadra screamed as Brent pulled a spear from his inventory. The hunter glanced up at the girl.

“This monster would kill us all if she was an adult,” Brent said. “Besides it’s wounded, so killing it would put it out of its misery.”

“Dad, please heal her!” Diadra begged. Brent looked at the catamount cub and shook his head.

“Brent is right sweetie. It would kill us or Jack and Jill,” Kenric said.

“We can take her with us and feed her. She’ll help protect us!” Diadra replied as tears started falling.

Dammit! Are they bonded? If so, what happens if the cub dies? I know nothing about familiars other than they exist.

“Not happening,” Brent said, starting to stab at the cub. Kenric threw a Lesser Ward over the cat. The spear bounced off the ward. “Have you lost your mind?”

“Probably,” Kenric answered. The two men stared at each other. Holly looked torn between duty and love. I know that feeling. “But Jack and Jill haven’t freaked out nor have your horses.”

“Asgina won’t hurt us,” Diadra said.

“Who?” Holly asked.

“Asgina is the cub,” Diadra replied as the others stared at her.

“Diadra, how do you know that?” Kenric asked. She shook her head. “You need to tell me sweetie.”

“She told me,” Diadra hesitantly answered. She tapped above her heart. “I can feel her in here.”

“And the name?” Brent asked. He had a thunderous expression on his face.

“It popped into my head,” Diadra answered.

“Witchcraft!” Brent hissed.

“Magic,” Kenric countered. “I’ve heard that some mages have familiars.”

“What are familiars?” Holly asked.

“Demons,” Brent answered.

“Powerful monsters or spirits,” Kenric answered, casting Analyze on the tawny colored cub. “Though I suppose demons could be familiars as well.”

Name Asgina. Catamount Cub. Mutated cougars, known as catamounts, are often considered monsters. Catamounts have superior intelligence, strength, stamina, and quickness compared to some species. Some may have other powers such as a stunning strike or an armored hide. This cub has suffered puncture wounds and blood loss. The cub is also suffering from internal bleeding.

That’s a detailed results notice and it’s nice to know my intent affects the spell to that degree. It’s also nice to know that the cub is not a demon or spirit, Kenric thought as he dismissed the notice. “The cub is just a mutated cougar.”

“That’s what catamounts are,” Brent retorted. “They’re monsters.”

“It’s just a big cat, but whatever,” Kenric said, shrugging his shoulders. “I’m going to heal the cub and let Diadra take her with us.”

“Uh Kenric,” Holly muttered.

“Thanks dad!” Daidra said, wiping her eyes.

“You’re insane!” Brent exclaimed. “You’re trusting our lives to a monster!”

“No. I’m trusting my daughter with my life,” Kenric said as calmly as he could. I think I’ve had enough of your attitude already. “You can leave and go your own way if you like.”

“You would end our contract over this mon… er, cub?” Holly asked as Brent stomped back to his horse. Diadra looked at Kenric and smiled.

Kenric focused his intent and cast Greater Heal on the cub. He then cast Cleanse to clean off the blood and grime from Asgina.

“Diadra seems to have a bond with the cub,” Kenric said, watching his daughter squat down and whisper to the cub. She stroked its head, and the cub pressed its head into her hands. “I don’t know if this makes Diadra a witch, a mage, or if it’s just fate putting two hurt souls together like it did us. But yes, I’ll end our contract if you two won’t travel with the cub.”

“Idiot,” Brent muttered.

“We’ll go with you to Tobaccoville at least,” Holly said quickly, keeping Kenric from replying to her betrothed. “Brent and I will talk about this situation once we get there.”

“Fair enough,” Kenric replied as Diadra picked up and cradled Asgina in her arms. She smiled at him.

“Asgina is heavy,” Daidra said. The cat nudged her chin. “But I have her.”

Kenric smiled. “I’m going to put your new… friend in a healing sleep to make sure all her injuries are healed.”

“Thanks dad!”

70

Kenric smiled as Diadra played with Asgina before breaking camp two days later. Surprisingly, the hired hands had stuck with them. He turned his attention to Jack and Jill. “I’m surprised you two are tolerating the cat.”

The mules glanced at him and then went back to eating. He chuckled. Tobaccoville and Jefferson Oaks had been a bust as far as work went. Dalton was the next village they would stop at and should reach before noon.

“Are we going to break camp soon?” Holly asked as she walked over to Kenric.

“In a half hour or so,” Kenric answered. “That’ll give Jack and Jill time to finish eating and for me to hitch them.”

“Our horses are ready and so are we whenever you are,” Holly said.

Kenric nodded after stealing a glance at the horses. They were indeed saddled and appeared ready to go. “Holly, what made you two decide to stay?”

“We signed a contract even if you offered to let us out of it.”

“Is that the only reason?” Kenric asked. I don’t think I want them around if the only reason they’re still with us is a sense of obligation.

“No. You did say you were going to Mayberry, and we do have friends that we want to see that live there,” Holly replied. “Brent has gotten over the cat even if he still thinks it should be put down.”

“Yeah, that’s not happening,” Kenric said. Part of me had been hopeful that she wanted to keep doing the job because she liked us and wanted to travel. Guess that isn’t the case.

“I know. Anyway, I’m going to make a circuit around the camp.”

“Sure,” Kenric replied as she walked away. Wait. Didn’t they say they had family in Mayberry before or am I misremembering?

“Dad, Asgina and I are ready to get on the road,” Diadra announced as the two ran up to him, forcing his attention away from his memory.

“Alright sweetie. Want to help me with Jack and Jill?” Kenric asked.

“Sure. Just tell me what to do,” Diadra answered. She glanced at her new companion. “Asgina, don’t get underfoot.”

Kenric smiled as the catamount cub chirped and climbed onto the wagon’s porch. Smart cat.

*

“I’m Seymour Ogburn,” the older man said by way of introduction. “I’m Dalton’s headman or chief, if you prefer that term.”

“I’m Kenric Mender, and this is my daughter, Diadra,” Kenric replied, leaning down to shake the older man’s hand. Diadra had joined him up front as they neared the village since her cub was asleep. She smiled at the headman. “Those two are Holly and her fiancé Brent, our guards.”

“You a merchant?” Seymour asked after the guards greeted the older man.

“No. I’m a healer.”

“You’re welcome to set up and see if anyone wants a healing, but as far as I know, everyone is healthy enough,” Seymour said. He scratched his beard. “We’ve an herbalist that makes tonics and the like that handles most of our ills. For anything else, we go to the clinics in Winston Salem.”

“I’ll gladly offer my services anyway,” Kenric replied. “Is there a place I can park my wagon and perhaps stable my mules?”

“You can park in the open square in front of the inn. The inn is pretty much the hub of our village. Bea, the innkeeper, has a stable around the back of the inn, so I’m sure she’ll be glad to rent a stall to you in addition to rooms. Though, I’m not sure if she has enough rooms free with that party of adventurers that came in two days ago.”

“Adventurers?” Holly asked.

“Aye. There’s five of them out exploring the countryside. Said something about looking for a dungeon they heard was near here,” the headman answered. “I’ve lived here my whole life and never even heard of a dungeon around here before. But rumors are rumors.”

At least it’s not the assholes that accosted me. There were four of them. The inn looks small, so I wonder if it has more than six rooms to rent. It doesn’t matter if it does or not.

“Thank you,” Kenric said as Holly nodded. “It’s fine if she doesn’t. Diadra and I can do what we normally do and sleep in the vardo.”

“Have it your way,” Seymour replied. “Come on and park. Then I’ll introduce you to Bea.”

*

“Are we still going to visit Jomeokee?” Diadra asked as she ladled some soup into a bowl for lunch.

“Yeah. This place has been a bust,” Kenric said. She handed him the bowl and got one of her own. “Thanks sweetie.”

“You’re welcome, dad,” Diadra replied. She glanced down at Asgina. The cub was eating some pork she had fed it. Kenric hid his grin after seeing Diadra shudder as the catamount ripped the meat apart. He pulled out his map and spread it out beside his bowl. “Why are you looking at the map?”

Kenric chewed and swallowed the spoonful of soup before answering. “I’ve started to think the other villages along this road will end up being a waste of time unless someone is in need of an emergency healing.”

“So, you’re starting to plot our next move?” Diadra asked after blowing on her spoonful of soup.

“Yes,” Kenric answered as she started to chew. He dipped a piece of biscuit into his bowl to sop up some broth and ate it. “So, we’ll skip the villages along the way, visit Jomeokee, and then I’m not sure.”

“Mayberry like you told Holly and Brent?”

“And then what is the question,” Kenric replied. “Everything I’ve heard about going east is that it gets less populated and more dangerous between the capital and the coast.”

“But don’t you want to visit the ocean?” Diadra asked.

“I’m not sure anymore.”

“Why not?”

“For one, it wasn’t really my dream. It was an idea planted in my mind by others that I agreed to because I didn’t have any better ideas at the time,” Kenric answered. “And more importantly, I adopted you.”

“You think it’s too dangerous to take me to the ocean?” Diadra asked. She looked sad.

“No more than it is for me to go,” Kenric replied. He smiled. “If I really wanted to go, I would take you.”

“Thanks daddy,” Diadra said, returning the smile. “So, what do I have to do with things?”

“I think we should settle somewhere that needs my skills and that would be good for you. Maybe someplace with a school and more kids your age,” Kenric replied. “A house where we could have our own beds would be nice too.”

“Cities would have all that,” Daidra said. “And I like the idea of having my own bed.”

“True, but I’m not thrilled with the idea of living in a big city,” Kenric said. “Perhaps a small town or large village would do though.”

“Like Mayberry?”

“Maybe,” Kenric answered. They ate in silence for a few minutes. “We’ll check out Mayberry and make our minds up about what to do next while there.”

“Would you consider going back into the hills to live?” Diadra asked shyly.

“Yes sweetie, I would,” Kenric answered. She smiled.