Trip 3

Darla joined him at the mountain side and sat down. She opened her bag and took out her water bag to drink.

After drinking she put the water bag away and looked at Daryn. His eyes still closed.

"Hey, you have not had water since we started the trip. Drink water so you don't get dehydrated".

He opened his eyes and searched for his water bag. When he found it, he uncorked it and drank a mouthful.

"How far is the village now?" Daryn asked.

"Once we make it past this mountain, the next one is where they are situated. We will see a bridge once we are off this mountain connecting us to them" she said

"And how long till we cross this particular mountain?"

Darla smiled at him.

"Are you spent already Daryn?"

"Ofcourse not! I just want to know how far it is so i can prepare myself" he tried to defend himself.

She laughed sending currents to Daryn's heart.

"Well, normally it would take the whole day to get across this mountain. But, if our pace is fast enough we can reach the village before sun down. Then rest in an inn for tomorrow's market"

"Hmm" Daryn nodded.

They both stayed like that for sometime. When Daryn had rested enough he pushed himself up and carried his leather sack then they continued the trip.

By the time it was high noon, they had made it half way across. Darla definitely had to rest now. After walking for what seemed like hours, Daryn was not surprised. Anyone would feel the stress of walking a mountain for hours. Darla was no exception.

Darla led them to an empty cave in the mountain so they could rest.

"This is where people camp during their trips or the village hunters that go to the jungles to hunt."

When they had settled, they opened their food cans for a much needed meal. The food was cold but no one cared. They were too hungry to bother.

After eating Darla said she would take a short nap while Daryn watched. They both took turns to watch then they continued on the trail.

They walked the final half of the mountain till evening then they saw the bridge.

______________________

It was not a wooden bridge like Daryn had thought but a bridge made from earth. It was man-made but seemed natural.

When he asked Darla, she said it was man made that the villagers had people practising Manna. The bridge was the work of earth elementalists.

They reached the village gates. Darla introduced them as hunters that have come to trade so they let them in.

Once they were in though, the atmosphere changed. They received greetings from different faces that Daryn had never seen before but it was obvious they knew Darla. She seemed really respected here too.

Darla directed them to the village inn where they would settle for the night. They got into the inn and went to the counter to book rooms.

"Healer!" Someone called from the inn. They both turned in the direction of the voice. A man in his mid thirties was hurrying to them smiling. He had red hair and almond colored eyes. Broad and tanned, he looked like a warrior. Definitely one of the village warriors.

"How are you Gorav?" Darla asked when the man reached them.

"I have been healthy since the time you treated me of the hunters fever last spring" the man Gorav said and flexed his muscles "See! I got my biceps back too nothing hurts"

Darla chuckled

"I can see that. But that doesn't mean you can go put yourself in danger or risk getting hurt. You have a family you know" she said.

The man shook his head with fear in his eyes

"Ay. I won't be making such a mistake in my life the last one was scary enough. Besides i still gat mouths to feed and kids to take care of. My first isn't married yet."

Darla raised a brow in question.

"So you quit the warriors?" She asked

The man nodded.

"Yeah. I had to and my wife won't take any of it....She made sure i quit or i starve"

They both laughed then.

"Hmm whose the male healer? Is he your apprentice?"

Darla shook her head.

"Gorav meet Daryn. A recently recovered patient. Daryn meet Gorav. A long time healed patient and a friend. He owns the inn" they both shook hands.

"Nice to see you lad you are welcome to my inn."

"Thank you sir"

"How long will you be staying healer. You are welcome to stay longer if you like your discount is assured"

"Awwn thank you Gorav. But we will be staying a night. We are heading to the local market tomorrow and plan on leaving tomorrow also"

"Mhmm. You wouldn't want to attract unwanted eyes to your goods thats for sure. Hey, if you have change of plans the offer is still open"

"Thank you Gorav. I appreciate"

Gorav waved his hand in dismissal.

"Its the least i could do to thank you for last spring. You saved my life and the future of my family." He said.

"Aha. How is your wife and children?" Darla asked

"They are fine. Healthy thank the gods. If Maria hears of your arrival she would want you to join us for dinner"

"Tell her i would love to. ~sigh~I have missed my good friend a lot."

"She misses you to thats certain. The kids would also love to see the prominent healer of the east"

"You flatter me Gorav. I'm not that prominent"

"So you think. Anyway i will go tell Maria of your arrival. Please join us for dinner to night"

"Sure Gorav i won't forget. Thanks again"

He said his goodbyes and left.

They were given their rooms keys by the receptionist. Due to the relationship with the boss they were given rooms from the special section.

The receptionist directed to their rooms side by side each other for easy communication. They entered their rooms and rested their exhausted bodies.