Finally, Ing received the words he was looking for since the onset of his training. At this time a new year had begun; it was the middle of January.
“You are ready,” Erste said. “There is no more I can teach you. At least not in the short time span that we have. You are truly a Roan. We do not fight for pleasure, but only when destiny calls upon us. We are a simple people and simple you will remain. Don’t worry. That’s one of the reasons I chose this cave as a hiding spot. It’s not the most comfortable, but it’s homely enough and allows me to be out here with nature. I often like speaking with the birds and gazing upon the animals. In any case, I wish you well on your journey.”
“Thank you,” Ing replied. He was breathing heavily from the training. Shifting topics, he said, “Is it true that you rescued a girl named Alma and took her in?” I should have asked earlier, but the revelation of him being my uncle and the sword training pushed it to the back of my mind, he thought. But I must know the truth of it before I leave here.
“It is true,” Erste said, and he looked lost in memories. “That was many years ago. She was so young and so cold…but sweet nevertheless. You understand what I mean by cold, nephew? Not in body, but in soul. I remember exactly how we met. Her parents had just been run down by Illusionists stalking the streets in the night, searching for Bolsee's Rod and sometime after they passed from this earth I saw the child. I took her in and did the best I could to raise her. I’ve never had any children of my own. Not that there’s anything wrong with them. I guess I’ve always just been more of a free spirit. You are courageous and strong, but I see that same spirit within you. My brother has it as well.” After a short pause, his tone changed. “It is time we parted ways, my nephew. You must make your way to the Mountains north of here. I fear time is running out.”
Ing caught a glimpse of a figure walking up to them out of the corner of his eye. Who could it be? There wasn’t a town or city in sight. The figure drew nearer and a voice called.
“So, this is where you have been.” As the figure drew closer, Ing saw that it was Alma. “It’s been a long time,” she said, looking at Erste with sad eyes that held hunger and longing in them. She seemed nervous and shaky. “I expected to find you here. Faith sent me a letter as he did with you so it was just a matter of making my way out of Shamsake. I lingered there for some time trying to rescue Ing as he had been captured at the hands of the LaBelle, but I couldn't figure out which cell he was in and the Lord and Lady of the city could not be found. No doubt some scheme of Hector's to keep the two of us separated.” The young lady was surprised to be greeted by his presence. She hadn’t seen him since she was nine years old, and there was a feeling of discomfort that swept over her after having not seen him for so many years. One day, she had just up and left him without so much as an explanation. But that is a matter for another time.
“Far too long,” he replied. “I agree. This has the name LaBelle behind it. Mischief is ever what they seek.” He went over and embraced the girl in his arms. “It’s good to see you again,” he whispered in her ear. “I hope Lanar took good care of you, huh?”
“Yes, I suppose so,” she muttered under her breath and then began addressing Ing. “We must get to the Lake of Promises, Ing. But first, we’ll have to stop in Shamsake. I know you probably weren’t planning on returning there, but it will be quick.
“Why?” Ing asked, bewildered.
“We must find the treasure that Hector spoke of,” said Alma. “He is a liar and a thief, but I think in this he was telling us the truth.”
Ing realized she was right. The two companions said their farewells to Erste and they were off. Ing was still frustrated at Alma for leaving him to get captured, but he didn’t feel like mentioning it. And he had to acknowledge the fact that she had at least tried to explain herself in her disappearance and said that she had tried to free him from the prison.
“We’ll have to sneak in over the wall,” said Alma as they approached the city that was Shamsake, home to Lord Dhoulus and Lady Helena. “It’s late, and we should not be spotted. Still, we must exercise caution. Hector may still be lingering here or there and I do not want any further interruptions from the man. If we do suffer the likes of him again, I will challenge him to single combat.”
Ing boosted Alma up the wall and saw how athletically she was built. It was no surprise that her legs were strong and muscly. Once at the top, she grabbed his hands and pulled him over. The two dropped down to the ground as silently as they could.
“I have heard that the treasure is in an underground vault,” said Alma. She looked around the shadowy streets curiously.
“I was taken to an underground dungeon after our run in with Hector, as you know,” said Ing. “It’s probably inside that same building. Do you know what the treasure is?”
“I do not know,” Alma replied. “What building is it?”
“The one over
