Iona, Part 4

This time, it was Sasha's turn to look at her device anxiously. She was wearing a watch that could determine major changes to a timeline and warn the approach of the Preservers. Iona walked around the small grocery store, looking for the peokin fruit while watching Sasha pace the aisles.

"Sasha, didn't you say it would ring almost immediately if the timeline branched? It should be okay; they were just some thugs."

Iona tried not to think of the gruesome scene they left behind. Sasha had drained the blood from the four people she killed and hid their shriveled corpses in the forest. Iona sat in the corner and tried to cover her eyes, but her morbid curiosity got the better of her, and she watched the whole process.

"Yes, but you were also just a college student, and we didn't interact with you at all."

Iona couldn't deny that seemingly disconnected people and incidents can have a major effect on the timeline, but she tried to distract Sasha.

"A lot of these fruits look amazing, but I don't see the one Nessa mentioned. Could it go by a different name in this part of the world?"

Sasha sighed and looked away from her watch. She walked over to the fruit stalls and looked at the names. After quickly scanning the handwritten labels, Sasha sighs again. 

"It's possible; I haven't seen any fox people like Nessa. They might have their own language and names for things. We should probably keep moving and try to keep to ourselves, especially after the incident."

"Nessa mentioned she grew up around hot springs; maybe we can find that first and then the fruit."

"That was my plan B. I'm glad you agree."

Sasha smiled at Iona, and she tried to keep her heart calm this time but couldn't. Her face went red as she followed Sasha out of the store. They left the village on the other side than they entered from and continued through the forest.

"We are in the mountain forest, but maybe we need to climb higher. Let's look for a path that goes further up the mountain. We have a few more hours of daylight before we need to find a place to rest."

After an hour, Iona walked with slumped shoulders and a depressed look. She hoped to be back home already, but this mission would take longer than anticipated. Sasha turned and saw her poor mood and stopped.

"Are you okay? I'm sorry about what I did before."

Iona perked up and tried to force a smile.

"No, no, it wasn't that. I didn't realize what I signed up for when I took on this mission, but I want to do this for Nessa."

Sasha put her hand on Iona's shoulder and squeezed it a little. This time, her smile was bright and motherly.

"I understand, but your courage and determination are your strengths. I've already seen that you won't give up when someone needs your help. I admire that in you and respect that. Don't give up on yourself, and the people you help won't give up on you."

Iona felt ashamed that she had been so quickly discouraged but took comfort in Sasha's smile and words. Iona looked up and returned Sasha's smile. She took a deep breath, and they started their journey again. They kept waking at a stronger and faster pace, their goal just beyond their grasp.

A few hours later, they stopped to make a camp for the night. Sasha found some animals to hunt and cook. The meal was simple, but it tasted incredible to Iona and her exhausted muscles. Sasha could use magic to restore her body and mind so she would watch over Iona while she slept. Iona looked around for a comfortable place to sleep when Sasha called her over.

"Come put your head in my lap. I'll also be able to protect you more easily if you are close by."

Iona felt her face grow hot again. She must look like a little schoolgirl constantly blushing around this goddess on earth. Sasha only smiled warmly as Iona came over and lay on her lap. Sasha was soft and warm, and almost instantly, Iona's heavy eyelids closed, and she fell asleep.

It was almost noon before they saw some signs indicating the location of a hot spring, but it would be another day's journey before they would reach it. Thankfully, it would only be four to five hours in Sanctuary when they arrived at the hot spring, but Iona was sad to be gone for another day of her time. 

An hour later, Iona's legs started to cramp, and even Sasha began to look sluggish. Sasha suggested it was time for a break, and they sat down in a small clearing. It still made Iona uneasy, but Sasha was revitalized by killing some small animals and draining their blood. She cooked a few more for Iona. After eating, Iona mustered some courage to ask Sasha about portals.

"Since we know we are going to the hot springs, can't we just make a portal there?"

Sasha didn't look at Iona but seemed sad or embarrassed at the question.

"Well, I'm not that skilled with portals or teleporting, and when I was with the Preservers, they had much more sophisticated equipment to calculate portal placement. Al is great, but he's not nearly as proficient."

"I see. I'm sorry if I upset you."

"You don't need to apologize so much, Iona. You have valid questions and suitable suggestions. Keep asking questions and gaining knowledge; soon, you'll be the one everyone comes to for advice."

"I don't know about that, but if you think so, I will work toward that goal."

"Good!" Sasha slapped her thighs and stood up. "Then let's keep going."

Sasha and Iona encountered a merchant guild a few kilometers down the path. They could see one of their carts was broken and went over to assist. The leader of the traveling merchants was an older man. He stood over a couple of young men working on the cart. They were struggling to lift the cart and remove the broken wheel.

"Could you use some help?"

"Oh, hello, two beautiful maidens coming to my aid. It must be my lucky day."

Iona would typically find a comment like that creepy and insincere, but the old man gave them a warm, genuine smile. Sasha walked over to the cart and removed the broken wheel. She quickly replaced the wheel, and the men holding the cart set it down with a massive sigh of relief. 

"It's just the three of us. I was worried about how we would get that wheel turning again. I am Anaiah. These are my sons, Gilead and Micaiah."

Sasha shook each of their hands, and then they reached out for Iona's.

"I am Sasha, and this is Iona. We are actually on an unusual quest. You wouldn't happen to sell peokin, would you?"

"Nope!" Anaiah said a little too cheerfully. "But we are heading to the hot springs to sell our wares. I'm guessing you ladies are headed there, too? That's the only place at the end of this path."

"We are, but I would hate to intrude."

"Nonsense, hop into Gilead's wagon; he has the strongest horse."

Sasha and Iona looked at each other and silently decided that riding in a wagon and reaching their destination in half the time was the best option. They climbed into the back and got situated between some boxes before Gilead pulled ahead.