Lasgol patted his swollen belly. “Look at Camu, he’s about to burst. And I feel the same.”
Martha smiled. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“We all loved it,” Lasgol pointed at Ona and Camu, who by now were snoozing under the table.
“I can see that.”
“Let’s see how I can manage to make them move now.”
“Give them a moment to digest, and then you can leave. It’s too early in any case. The sun’s only just risen.”
Lasgol shrugged. “I suppose I have no choice.”
After a while he and Martha strolled around the estate while she explained how the orchard was faring, then about the minor repairs the outside walls of the house needed and some support that was needed for part of the perimeter wall. Lasgol gave his opinion, and Martha assured him that she would deal with it all and have it ready for his lordship’s next visit. It sounded very strange to hear her refer to him as his lordship. He did not see himself as that, even though he might be the rightful lord of the estate. He thought of himself as just another Ranger.
He said goodbye to Martha with a warm hug.
“Take good care of yourself, Lasgol.”
“You do that too, Martha.”
“Don’t worry about the estate. I’ll take charge of everything.”
“I haven’t the slightest doubt, it’s in the best possible hands.”
She smiled, grateful for the acknowledgment.
Lasgol went to fetch Trotter, who was delighted by his stable. He had to convey the bad news to him that they had to set off again. The faithful pony made no protest, and Lasgol loaded his gear and food supplies on to his back. Ona, Camu and Martha joined him at the front door.
“A goodbye hug for a crippled old soldier?” came a voice from beyond the gate. Ulf had come to see him off and was waiting outside.
“Getting up early must have been hard for him,” Martha told Lasgol with a wink. “He never gets up before mid-morning, and if he’s taken plenty of painkiller the night before, not till noon.”
Lasgol chuckled. “I can picture it perfectly. Which makes it all the more creditable that he’s here so early today.”
“He’s really fond of you.”
“And so am I of him.”
Martha nodded and smiled. “Take care and come back soon.”
Lasgol gave her a final hug and went to say goodbye to Ulf.
“Goodbye, Ona. Goodbye, Camu,” Martha said.
Both creatures turned to look at her.
Martha good.
She is, very good indeed, Lasgol assured him.
“Show them what a true Norghanian of the West is worth!” Ulf said as he hugged him. At the same time, he gave him three enormous slaps on the back.
“I’ll do that, don’t you worry.”
“I won’t. And look after the little fiends, I like them,” he said with a wave at Camu and Ona.
“Even Camu?” Lasgol asked in surprise.
“Well, as long as he doesn’t do any of that weird magic of his, sure.”
I no weird magic, Camu protested.
“I’ll miss you, Ulf.”
“And I’ll miss you too, lad. Be careful.”
“I will be.”
“I’ll look forward to your return. We’ll see what new adventures you have to tell me when you come back.”
“Will you be waiting in the inn?” Lasgol asked sarcastically.
“Of course, I’ll be in the inn! Where else would I be?” Ulf thundered.
Lasgol set off, unable to wipe a broad smile from his face and his heart.
Chapter 9
The journey from Skad to the capital, Norghania, would be an uncomplicated one. At least that was what Lasgol was expecting, since it was a safe and well-known road now that the war was over. No incidents were to be expected. Trotter went at his usual pace, calm and confident. Lasgol turned his head to see what Ona and Camu were up to and saw them playing a few paces behind, on the edge of the road. They were passing through a sparsely-inhabited area, so he let Camu show himself and enjoy the journey.
When he reconsidered things, he changed his mind. With his usual luck, it was quite possible that something would happen to him. This was always a possibility when he, Lasgol Eklund, was on the move. Suddenly he felt rather vulnerable, and immediately thought of Astrid. How he missed her, how he wished she could be there with him! Unfortunately, it seemed that the Ice Gods had granted them paths which crossed, but never coincided. He heaved a deep sigh. What he would have given to have her at his side, to hold her hand, to share the road, to caress her, to kiss her and love her! His heart wept for the absence of his beloved. There were days when a dark cloud hovered above his head and followed him wherever he went. Luckily his two crazy companions gave him so much to do, and so much joy, that they drove the dark cloud away and the sun shone once again.
Don’t stray too far away, he told them. And be very careful.
Ona moaned.
Not far, Camu assured him.
Sure, but keep your eyes open. You never know what danger we might come across on the road.
No danger.
You can’t be sure of that, so don’t be overconfident.
Ona chirped inquisitively.
Not that anything’s going to happen, Ona, I just don’t want you to be too confident. You always need to be alert.
Not play? Camu asked with a feeling of great disappointment.
Lasgol felt bad. He could not stop them playing a little. After all, they were both very young. Once they grew up, they would grow out of the urge to play all the time. He had to let them enjoy their youth for as long as it lasted, even if times were difficult.
All right, you can play. But stay on the alert.
Always alert.
That’s
