It should be instinctive.
“Was that a joke?”
“Are you talking to me?” Fia asked.
“No, my cat. She says he will awaken and then run.”
Danton stretched awake, startled himself by looking at the blood on his leather armor, and then searched frantically for the dagger wound. He looked at Fia with wild eyes, and then he bolted off down the road toward where Zedy had his guards walking in circles.
“Should we go after him?” Thessa asked.
“Oh, let him go.” Fia said. “What harm can he do now? He will run straight home more than likely.”
She is probably right.
“My cat agrees with you.” Thessa said.
Fia’s nose crinkled, “You keep saying that, but I didn’t hear so much as a meow?”
“Oh, the cat is Sarren. I hear her in my mind.”
Fia burst out in laughter, making Thessa smile. “I would ask how you convinced the goddess to do that to her, but I’m not sure I want to know.”
“I told you. Cassany intercepted my spell the last time I saw you. I merely convinced her I needed an adviser. Sarren can’t do any harm as a cat.”
“Brilliant. I will have to ask Helious if I can do the same. I like pets.” Sarren hissed at her intensely.
“She says she’s not a pet.”
“I figured out that one on my own.” Fia said.
Zedy came back, “Well, that was strange. Danton ran right past his men and they gave chase. I let them go. They are actually running in the wrong direction.”
“Will they be okay?” Arran asked. “I mean, they aren’t going to run into the woods and starve or something, are they?”
Fia cooed, “Oh, look at you being all concerned for the man who was planning on killing you.”
We need to get going if you want to take the coin and go to the city.
“We will leave when I say, Sarren.” She glanced around. “Any of you know how I get to Emlestra?”
“You can take the river. Emlestra is lies upon its shores in the south.” Fia said. “I know where you can find a small boat. I can even take you there. I have been meaning to go that way. I have business down there.” She addressed Arran, “That is if our business here is concluded?”
Arran nodded, “I think so. I just needed you to help me find the Burning Rocks. Zedy said he will help me complete the other tasks so I can continue my training.” He took Fia’s hand, “Thank you and good luck with your training.”
“And you get that power under control. If we three are to be allies, you need to be in total control.”
“I will see to it, White Mage.” Zedy assured her.
“I will.” Arran agreed. “And you, Black Mage. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
Thessa nodded, but she felt uncomfortable with the title. She supposed she would have to get used to it.
“Come, Thessa, the river and the boat are this way. Oh, and I know a handy water travel spell that will cut our travel time.” She turned once more to Arran and Zedy, “Farewell for now.”
The small riverboat sped along the waters of the Tama river southward. Thessa had one of the rain of the boat in a death grip. “Do we have to be traveling so fast?”
“Are you worried? We are safe on the river. That is, unless we run into something solid.”
Sarren was hidden under the seats. Thessa was surprised at her timidness.
Fia stood precariously to peer into the distance, which made Thessa’s teeth hurt from clenching them, “Careful Fia. You will fall.”
“Relax, I see our destination coming up.” She pointed ahead. “Just in time too. There are only a few hours of daylight left.”
Thessa squinted to see what looked to be docks extending out into the river. The city of Emlestra was hidden by a hill that extended up from the river embankment. “That’s Emlestra?”
“Well, you can’t see how big the city is from the river. It’s over the hill and back a ways. If you want me to take you to a city on the water, Riverview down stream is right on top of the river.”
“No, I am supposed to stop at Emlestra.”
“In a few minutes, you will be, then.”
Sarren came out of her hiding spot. I hid the coin just off the main road to the city. I have several coins planted near the major cities. I will tell you of all their locations.
Thessa whispered into Sarren’s furry ear, “Why? Don’t you want them for yourself?”
You’re in charge of my destiny now. It is in my best interest to make sure you are flush with money.
“I see your point.”
“Is there anyplace special you would like me to dock?” Fia asked.
“No, I have never been here before that I can remember.”
“Okay, this city is not for the week-hearted. There are a lot of thieves and unlikeable people who roam these streets. You must be careful. The city has several inns and a really great marketplace where one can find just about anything, but just like big marketplaces, this one his full of swindlers and cheats.”
“Sounds like a terrible place.”
“Oh, it has its charms if you are careful and mind your money. In fact, keep it close to you and in front pockets if you can. It’s easier to steal if it’s kept in a purse.” She steered the boat toward the bank. “Gather your things. We are almost there.”
Chapter 4: The Meeting
“Marlee!” Ephaltus beckoned. “Where is that apprentice of mine?” He entered the Ocularius Magnus room and found her engrossed with a vision of one of the six mages. She was giggling and obviously not hearing his calls. He sauntered up behind her and peered into the lens. It wasn’t the vision of the Green Mage using her magic wastefully entreating a vine to play with a great ginger cat that suddenly enraged him. No, it was the eyeball in the fringe edge of the enormous lens.
