A Farewell

Travelling to Marth from Meadowfort wasn’t the most monumental of journeys but the people of Meadowfort gathered to wish Halen well. In the light of the setting sun he and Serepia hugged and shared a kiss.

“Be safe, love.” Serepia whispered, pressing her head of blond hair against his strong chest. Age had not dulled the luster of her hair and Halen loved to run the golden strands between his fingers.

“This time I think I need to say the same to you as well, Sere.” Halen kissed her head, “When Sabina gets back I know you two will take care of each other.”

“We will get through this. All of us.” Serepia replied, “We have been through worse during our time with the Guild.”

“Look out for Marianne. She is once again shouldering far too much responsibility.”

Serepia smiled knowingly.

“She hasn’t changed since we were young. Still determined to lead everything.”

“Don’t worry, love. We will be fine.” Serepia went up onto her tiptoes and kissed her husband again. She then stepped back, wiping a tear from her eyes.

Marianne stepped up to Halen and the two old friends hugged.

“Take care Mari. Know that you have many friends to share your burden.” Halen said.

“Thank you Halen.” Marianne murmured.

“The children will be back in Meadowfort soon. Jarel and the girls are more than ready to step up and fight by your side.”

Marianne nodded and stepped back offering her old friend a thin lipped smile.

After Marianne, others in the village took turns talking to Halen. Some offered him supplies for the journey. Palema, the pretty young wife of Charen the baker, shyly handed a satchel of wrapped bread.

“Take care Halen.” She said quietly, stepping away from him quickly.

Loaded with supplies, Halen waved to the crowd and departed Meadowfort. The world was bathed in orange light as the sun began to disappear beneath the horizon. To reach Marth as early as possible he would have to walk all night, something he had not done since his adventuring days. Halen sighed and his steps found a good rhythm. As he walked his mind wandered.

He had never been one to let bad thoughts cloud his thoughts. Never once on an adventure, no matter the odds did he ever reflect on his mortality. But with fatherhood and middle age he found himself worrying more and more.

What if they failed?

What would the bandits do if they could not drive them off?

An image flashed in his mind of his wife and daughter surrounded by those rough brutes, their hands reaching....

Halen shook his head and dispelled the image from his mind. He took a ragged deep breath and looked down the road. He focused on the journey ahead and what he would say to the Guild, but still doubt and fear gnawed at the edge of his thoughts.