The Journey - Chapter 5

Al was at a local merchants shop purchasing supplies for his trip. This particular store was well known in the area and beyond as the premiere place to purchase quality road rations and travel goods. The journey from here in Conval to S’with was going to be long. Al was going to travel along the main trade route, which had numerous trade posts and inns along the way, however Al didn’t have a lot of money and he had heard many stories about bandits and generally unsavory characters who frequented these outposts.

Almost as if on mental queue Al heard a boisterous voice arguing over the price of a small barrel of ale. Turning, Al quickly recognized the man who was quite adamant about saving every last gold piece. It was Dunrik! Dunrik noticed Al then and quickly a huge grin spread across his face laughed and said, “Ah my boy! You are still here? I figured you’d be half way across the Graymore range by now.”

Al grinned, but sheepishly looked at his own feet and admitted, “I’ve only just worked the courage to make the trip. I was just buying supplies.”

Dunrik took a look at the goods in Als’ arms and shook his head, “Now then, how do you expect to maintain your health on such a long trip with jerky and dried fruit?”

Al frowned, “I only have so much money Dunrik. I cannot eat and stay in inns every night. I will hunt small game, rabbits and foul when I need fresh meat.” Al felt confident of his planning and was feeling a bit defensive about Dunriks comments.

“It’s alright my boy. I’m sure your skills are quite good. You are a slim fellow, but I can see you are plenty healthy so you obviously know how to fend for yourself.” Dunrik paused for a moment, and then another large grin appeared on his face. “Say! Why don’t we travel together? It is much safer. Bandits are more likely to attack a single traveler than two with a wagon. I have more than enough room for your supplies too. Plus,” patting the small barrel, “I enjoy sharing my food and drink as much as my company. What do you say?”

Al was certainly temped. Excitement crept up in his mind and undoubtedly his face. He was not good at hiding his excitement and Dunrik noticed and grinned slightly larger. “Dunrik, I must think about this for a moment. You owe me nothing. Why would you make such a generous offer to me, essentially a stranger?”

Without hesitation Dunrik patted Al on the shoulder and said, “Because I like you.”

That made Al quickly throw Dunrik a questioning and concerned look.

“Now now, that isn’t what I ment.” With a laugh he continued, “You are a good kid with a lot of potential. I can see it. Also I’m a nice guy,” he said with a large laugh. “And it would be nice to have someone with carpentry skills along. My poor wagon is starting to show her travel age. Consider that your payment. Is that fair?”

Al agreed that it would be fair and he would be happy to travel along. “Dunrik, I was going to sell many of my tools to help offset my travel costs.”

Dunrik, being the wiser man, suggested, “Sell the more specialized tools, but bring along your standard fair.” With a more serious note, “If you have any expensive tools, tools that are inlayed with precious metals or gems, sell them and get plain replacements. Bandits will ignore the tools in general. They are looking for everyday precious items. I hope we don’t run into any bandits, but we should be prepared to look as poor as possible. Why give them anything to come sniffing around about, the dogs!” Dunrik was more serious than Al had ever seen him, in his short time around him. Als guess was that he had a run in with some bandits.

Dunrik sensed Als slight unease and said, “I’ll tell you all about what we can expect from the bandits on the way. Grab your goods and lets get moving. I was hoping to leave in the next hour. Will that work for you?”

Al thought for a moment, ‘Wow so quickly! But, I’m ready. I just have to sell those tools and that won’t take long. I already have a buyer all lined up.’

“You bet I’ll be ready. Shall we meet here?”

“My wagon and gear are at the Horny Buck Inn, meet me there in an hour.”

Al laughed to himself, ‘Why am I not surprised he’d stay there.’ To Dunrik, “I’ll be there!”

- Almond