"So where are you planning on going?" Dustin asked. "Us messenger types only make appointments if we're going some where."
Galen hesitated. He looked into the fire and said "I will explain in the morning, now get some rest, we still have another half day to Norfolk."
At the first sign of the new day the forest around them erupted with life. The sun had just peaked over the horizon to give the forest its first spot of day light as Dustin woke up. Galen was already up and packing up his horse.
"Get up sleepy head, we have to go."
Dustin put his arms over his head and quickly sat up.
"We'll be at the gates of Norfolk by high sun if we get moving now." Galen said before jumping on his horse.
At either end of the clearing was a narrow path, just wide enough for one horse. Galen was in the lead, setting the pace. Dustin was still curious about what their appointment with Draven was all about. He knew that Galen had promised to show him how to get to Colodia, its possible that he was going to show Draven how to get there as well. But why wouldn't Galen tell him that's why they were headed to Norfolk, and why were they in such a hurry?
Travelling between the villages was dangerous. But that didn't explain why they were in such a hurry. A messenger usually travels between towns as quick as possible to minimize the threat of a wolf pack trying to make you their dinner, but when travelling with another messenger gives you more of an opportunity to defend yourself against a wolf pack. More often then not a wolf pack will leave you alone if you are travelling with some one. On the narrow roads like this one, the biggest danger you face is a rogue boar angry with you just because it can see you. The horses hooves thundered along the ground and Galen was showing no signs of slowing.
The forest started to get thinner, this was a good sign. A small patch of civilization was near, Norfolk was only about an hour away now. The road began to widen and Dustin tried to catch up to Galen. He wanted to ask him again why they had an appointment with Draven.
"So I've been thinking, are you showing Draven how to get to Colodia as well?" Dustin asked "Is that why we're going to Norfolk?"
"You're partly right, Draven is going to Colodia with us, but he already knows the way." Galen shouted. "There are three villages between Norfolk and Colodia. We are expected in Norfolk and Pespid, but the other two are much farther out, they won't be expecting us."
The large wooden doors of Norfolk were in view now. The stone wall surrounding Norfolk was clearly visible. All will be revealed soon.
To Be Continued....
Next installment: Jan 26, 2008
