Chapter 11

Though they had never intended to rely upon the hospitality of the good people of Keln, Callum, Aaron and Lena had a most refreshing evening after their long day on the road. Aaron especially was delighted when the barmaid offered up desert as well "on the house", though Callum remained reserved and solemn throughout. While he and his two friends ate heartily and rested in the best rooms the tavern had to offer, his thoughts were constantly drawn back to Phae and the misery she was likely suffering in some field or wood somewhere, cold and alone.

While Aaron and Lena retired for the night, Callum lay for hours on his bed, staring up at the ceiling, mulling over all that had happened and the path that now lay before him. Was Elidor right was there really a major shift in the world of magic? If there was, it certainly explained a lot of things, but where did this leave him? And what of Phae? It couldn't be coincidence surely, that she had run away at such a crucial moment as this?

Callum squeezed his eyes tight shut and tried to block out his wild thoughts for a few brief moments. Nothing he did seemed to work. It was going to be a very long night.

What was it old Kulgrim had always said? Magic works in strange ways

*****

The three companions emerged from their rooms at the crack of dawn, Aaron rubbing his bleary eyes and complaining bitterly to Lena for having woken him so early. Callum smiled as he appreciated his friend's efforts to distract him from his worries, though truth be told even just an hour's sleep would have been a blessing.

Lena studied him as they made their way downstairs for breakfast. Already Aaron was ahead of them taking the stairs two at a time.

"No sleep eh?"

Callum shook his head.

Lena put her arm around him. "It'll be alright you know. We'll find her Callum don't you worry. She's scared that's all and who wouldn't be with all that's happened of late."

Callum turned to her, trying his very best to find some comfort in her words. Yet however much he tried he just couldn't summon the courage to believe her. He lowered his voice: "What am I going to do Lena? What will Kiera say? I've been an awful parent I know Phae deserves better than this but I've tried my best I really have. I've lost my daughter, and soon I'll lose my wife as well when she finds out what's happened. I've failed Lena, I"

From the bottom of the stairs a familiar voice called up to them. "Are you two coming or what? Some of us are hungry you know."

Despite himself, Callum could help but let out a small laugh. Lena sighed. "Some things really do never change," she said. "Come on Callum, we'll never hear the end of it if we're late for breakfast. We've got a long day ahead of us, and if yesterday was anything to go by, we'll need all the energy we can get"

They breakfasted quickly, before arranging with the landlady some provisions for the coming day. Sensibly, Lena took Aaron to the local shops and with what little coin she had, acquired them some packs, a couple of water-skins, and a few other camping essentials. Though she dearly hoped they'd find Phae within the day, it wouldn't do for them not to be prepared for the worst.

They met Callum back outside the tavern only a short while later. While they did their best to cheer him up, the sight of the packs and extra provisions Lena had purchased did little to ease his mood.

They left Keln in strained silence, picking up the trail where it left off, following it as it turned suddenly towards the north. As soon as it did, they all knew precisely where Phae was headed.

Callum's voice was barely a whisper, "The Lake."