The Journey - Chapter 6

Al walked up to The Horny Buck. He had his pack loaded heavy on his back along with his sleeping roll. He also carried his tool kit. It was large but plain, unfortunately also heavy. Al had been switching arms carrying the tools on the way to the inn and they were starting to ache.

Al walked to the inn stalls and found Dunrik there with a couple of voluptuous women, cooing at him. “Stay just one more night Dunrik, please!” one of the women pleaded sweetly batting her eyes and pressing her bosom up against him. The other agreed with a sly smile, “Yes, please stay! You won’t regret it!”

“Now now ladies, I’m sure I wouldn’t regret it, but I’m afraid I must be moving on.” He looked up and saw Al, “Ah, and my travel companion is here too.”

The ladies surveyed Al up and down like a piece of meat. “He’s cute,” the second woman said with a grin.

“I’m sure we could handle both of you,” said the other.

Al flushed and in a fluster said, “Uhhh, well I uhh.”

Dunrik laughed loudly, “Don’t worry my boy, you don’t have to worry about these ladies. Their bark isn’t nearly as bad as their bite!” Dunrik winked at the ladies with that last comment.

The ladies laughed and bid their farewell, “Goodbye Dunrik, come see us again sometime.”

Dunrik then turned to Al and said, “What are you doing still holding onto that tool box? Looks like your arm is about to fall out of its socket.” At this he took the kit from Al and placed it in the cart. “Give me that pack too. We are all set to get going now.”

Al was very relieved to be unburdened. He was not unfamiliar with hard work but that didn’t mean he wanted to be a pack mule either. Suddenly he realized just how lucky he was to have met up with Dunrik. Carrying all those goods on himself and a horse would have been a strain. This reminded Al.

“Dunrik?”

Climbing onto the seat of the wagon, “Yes my boy?”

“I was planning on purchasing a horse. Shall I do so still?” Al asked.

“It certainly wouldn’t hurt, but these two cart horses aren’t your typical horses,” Dunrik said with a sly grin. “Like myself, they are hardy and versatile. If we need to ride solo for any reason, one of these two sweet babies will do just fine.” He looked on at the horses with obvious gratitude.
This was all Al needed to know. “I trust your judgment Dunrik. We need to trust one another if we are going to make this journey together right?”

Dunrik laughed, “You got it my boy, you got it! Come on, let’s get out of this place. Adventure calls!”

As they passed the city gates Al thought to himself, ‘My journey now truly begins. My heart is pounding! I haven’t felt this excited since I was first with a woman. I hope it is just as amazing.’

- Almond