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The ride back was akin to a race where the runner kept looking back over his shoulder, expecting at any moment to see a pack of wolves closing in for the kill. Or at least that’s how Glenn felt.
Everyone else was on edge, too. Kirby fitfully muttered in his sleep, often snapping awake, covered in sweat. Ron remained silent about any concern. His vigilance, day and night, as they traveled through the dry, barren land said enough. Derek grumbled and yelled at the men-at-arms for any small misstep, until Ron intervened. Only Lilac appeared unfazed by the big warrior’s bouts of anger.
Stephi, while watchful, was the most positive. So much so that a friendship between her and Lilac showed signs of budding. Their stations were different, animal handlers and drivers being lower than men-at-arms. Although Lilac addressed Stephi as Miss Marigold, as a sign of respect, Lilac wasn’t an average hireling. Stephi’s being a fairy didn’t throw her off. Glenn figured both women longed for female companionship.
They met several caravans traveling south, toward Riven Rock. Glenn and Stephi kept out of sight during the passing meetings. A fairy and a gnome would be far more memorable than humans and half-goblins, should the southbound caravans be questioned by northbound pursuers.
No bands of bandits, manticores, or other Wandering Creatures Encounters impeded progress. They came across the damaged wagon they’d stripped of wheels and abandoned. Not much was left. Horse bones lay scattered and the wagon’s wood and metal scavenged.
The party crossed the Snake Claw River and drove through Three Hills City’s main gate. This time Lieutenant Reginald Voss, always fancy with his oiled, curly hair, assessed a mere eight silver coins as tax. Apparently coal imports were something Duke Huelmer encouraged.
Glenn inhaled the city’s smells. There was sweat and manure on the air. The odors were neither intense, nor rancid. Three Hills City had its problems, but it was ten times better than Riven Rock. No wonder the Villar’s thieves’ guild from Riven Rock was interested in expanding to Three Hills City.
Stephi was more than ready to immediately get the leprechaun’s coin from the pawnshop owner. Ron counseled the wiser course would be to deal with him well-rested rather than weary.
When the party arrived at the Glade House, Ron hired a runner to inform Higslaff, through a note, of the wagons and cargo to be retrieved, and the desire for a meeting the following morning to complete their business.
Ron paid the men-at-arms and hirelings. Derek and Kirby took the horses to the stables, including the six extra. Glenn did the unpacking and helped the young maid, Elise, fill a wash tub so that she might work on the party’s dirty clothes.
Once Stephi privately informed the Glade House’s owner of the party’s success, Keri offered to take Stephi to visit the duke’s garden. Glenn wanted to go, too. It was a beautiful place and he sort of wanted to see the garden’s fairy, Emma.
Instead of rudely inviting himself along, Glenn retrieved the creel basket and handed it to Keri. After the two women departed, he trundled up to the party’s rented room, intent on enjoying a long nap.