Read Online Aphrodite's Acolyte by J.E. Spatafore - Free Book Online

tent and took his usual seat, asking what the business was this time. Fardicus asked Fidel about how he felt the fight with the dwarf ended. Fidel explained he had mixed feelings. He was glad he didn't have to kill the dwarf, but upset the group intervened. Fardicus then asked about the arrow that ended the battle and whether Fidel noticed anything different about it. Fidel did notice it was a tri-tipped arrow, but nothing more unusual.
    Fardicus kept leading the conversation, asking about the angle of the shot. How could an arrow, fired from a standing archer in a wagon at least five feet off the ground take on an upwards angle, entering through the dwarf's back and exiting through his chin? Fidel didn't think about that fact, and then he thought of Abigail. Fardicus saw Fidel's eyes shift as the elf considered the possibility. Fardicus proposed a theory. What if Fidel's “scry”, as Fidel referred to her in the previous conversation, was a spy for the Puldechran guardsmen Fissur was speaking of, assigned to keep watch over the caravan and its travels?
    Fidel asked why that would even be a possibility. After all, merchants come and go throughout the kingdoms every day. Fardicus wagged his finger, showing signs that there was some significance to this caravan. Fidel thought about the scroll he was carrying for Lord Ias at that very moment. Again, Fardicus recognized the sign that Fidel knew more than he led on. Fidel was starting to get nervous of this interrogation, thinking Fardicus was looking for a reason to expel him from the caravan.
    Fardicus extended his hand and grabbed Fidel's arm, letting Fidel know the reasons for the questions did not have anything to do with letting Fidel leave or kicking him out of the caravan. He told Fidel that he, Fardicus, agreed to take Fidel to Puldechra, and such a promise to Shartivus would not be broken. But he did let Fidel know that his naïvety may create some problems. Fardicus advised the elf to stay leery of his new and mysterious friend. Fidel took in Fardicus' advice and thanked him for the insight. He headed out of the tent to turn in for the day.
    For the first time in three days, Fidel questioned whether to leave some food and drink for Abigail. She did protect him, but perhaps it was more to silence the dwarf. She did warn him, but perhaps it was to make sure the bandits were put down. She was able to defeat his traps, but she got caught the first time. The arguments for whether Abigail was friend or foe were sound on both sides. He decided to leave the daily offering to his friend, choosing to believe...choosing faith over fear.
    As the sun set, the group packed up the camp and headed westward, each wagon having three additional steeds thanks to the marauders generous donation to their cause. The group traveled at twice the speed without any walking guards. And so it went on for a couple more days, faster travel and good company with the desert landscape passing by quickly. A couple of nights later, trees dotted the western horizon under the moonlit sky, inviting the travelers into the more civilized territory of Lord Fineal's realm.
    The caravan approached the edge of the desert a few hours before sunrise. The men stood in awe as they saw the lights dotting the forest canopy. The canopies of the trees swayed in the wind, causing the elven induced lighting to flicker like candles to nature's rhythmic embrace. The sweet smells of the flowering buds filled the traveler's noses. Fidel stood in his wagon, open fascination on his face as he scanned the scene before him. He felt a serenity come over him as he knew he was home.
    Fardicus called out, “How does it feel to see your homeland for the first time in three-quarters of a century, Fidel!?” Fidel's eyes started tearing up over the peaceful scene before him.
    Fardicus ordered the wagons to stop to set up camp. “Let us all share in Fidel's first sunrise of his homeland, shall we?”
    A big cheer came from the caravan