The Goodbye

Going around Terminis took us extra time also because we had to avoid guards. I just regretted that I didn't see how the commander looked when the citizens taught him a lesson. That must have been hilarious, but he could be quite revengeful, and that fact would be concerning. Focus! They will be fine. You have other things to do!

We stopped and finally took some rest. I still was haunted by the unpleasant thoughts, however it was a bit easier to ignore them, still I couldn't find enough positive feelings to just keep going. I was getting afraid that it was already too late, but there was something that changed in Rob, an unknown determination. Sham I couldn’t find it in myself.

“If I knew, I wouldn’t be so stubborn with taking breaks.” The half-elf admitted while we were eating and discussing what to do next.

“You just did what you thought was right for that moment.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“But what was that? This plan? What are the details?” He looked me in the eyes. “You know the details right?”

“I happened to know, but please don’t ask how.” I sighed. That didn’t make him happy, but I got a nod of agreement. “I guess you need to know now too. I think that we saw an army, which is supposed to exterminate ogres and significantly reduce humans and dwarfs population and lead to the point where the elves are supposed to be a master while those who would survive would be their servants. I am not sure about the details, but that’s the main idea.”

Rob stood up and started walking in circles. I have already time to think about it, so hearing this didn’t affect me, more the fact that it was actually happening. But he seemed shocked and disgusted. The disbelief was written all over his face. I was still eating, analysing the situation. He stopped and looked at me looking for the way he could understand.

“Apart from how much it disgusts me now that I am partially an elf. How come king Ned just does nothing in this matter? The cave was guarded by his soldiers, actions on the scale like that wouldn't go unnoticed…” With every word the realization was getting stronger, my meaningful look was enough of confirmation. “He is part of the plan.”

His whisper, full of emotions, felt painful for me, because that was a burden I would rather not let anyone carry. We could consider ourselves a team, but still that wasn’t something I used too yet. Although, I started to like it. I just have to stop Rob when he decided to analyse passionately new information according to Eric's situation. We didn't have time for the full story and sharing the truth.

“I just wish to know when it is supposed to happen,” I was wondering out loud, trying to find anything in my memories that could be a clue for the answer.

“In three months.” Rob suddenly announced. “I just remembered that I overheard one of my father’s conversations. They were joking that at the winter solstice this year something important and its greatness will surpass everything else in elf’s history. That must be it.” Finally a big smile showed up on his face, pure joy that one problem could be solved.

“That changes things.” I smiled praisingly. “We had some time, but we need to separate for now.”

“What do you mean?” Rob got surprised, he probably didn't think that it would happen anytime soon.

“You should go to that Ma tribe and warn and explain everything to them. They need some time to contact other tribes and organise an army together. I will do the same with the dwarves. Let’s meet here when that time comes. I have a feeling that Terminis would be the first line of defence. There is no way we could deal with it by staying together,” I explained, already preparing Vini for the next part of our journey. Exhausting, tough and lonely. Frank and the horse couldn’t talk, so I knew I would miss someone else’s voice, which wouldn’t sound only in my head.

“I will do it, but Alan, what about humans?”

“I have no idea yet. I am afraid whatever our move would be, Ned would know, but we don’t have enough time to prepare in a less direct way.” I packed the last thing in the bag strapped down to Vini’s saddle.

“What’s gonna happen then?” Vena was also ready.

“I have no idea Rob.”

My answer was honest. Three months seemed at the same time long, but also like it would pass in the blink of an eye. There were so many unknowns, everything could happen in that period, including no one believing us or the plan’s execution starting earlier. Something could happen to both of us… That though made a goodbye harder than ever, I was sure I was so experienced that another one wouldn’t be any big deal, we actually never start with hello to say farewell. I would rather keep him close just in case, so I would protect him, even though I knew he could be perfectly fine on his own. Rob was a change I needed to make a turn in my life and I was supposed to be alone again, exposed to all that despair just waiting to swallow me again. I shivered, and Rob was the one who reminded me that there is no more time to lose.

“Alan, if we won’t see each other for a while, may I give you a goodbye hug?” He was unimaginably cute asking me this, blushing and stepping nervously in one place.

“You can hug me, kiss me, whatever you want, just make sure it’s not our last meeting.”

I risked it, but expected him to drop out after that joke. In those circumstances I decided it could be still worth it. The most surprising part was that I could have a wing horse. Vena pushed Rob into my arms before he even responded to my words. I thanked her silently, but she didn't seem to care or even like me, still very kind. He left first, so I was watching him until he disappeared beyond the horizon.

“I really counted on the kiss.” I complained out loud, and my horse’s look said “Yeah, you wish.” Is he going to be worse than Frank?