Wanted: A Hot Shower [Rip]

[Obelisk]

((Continuation of this thread Stowaways and Spies))

“You’d have a better chance of finding it than I.” There were ridiculous theories floating around about how witches were like homing pigeons, able to find the tower no matter where they were. Emery didn’t quite believe those theories, but he was certain that the scouts wandering the forest would be much more apt to offer Tai assistance than an ex-knight that, once upon a time, used to help hunt their kind.

He’d killed a warlock or two in the name of justice and in the name of the king.

Blue eyes settled on Tai when the young man made his observation. “It’ll be a while yet.” Emery didn’t say much after that, and instead concentrated on the worrying thoughts running rampant in his mind. There was much to consider and he regretted now, more than ever, his decision to vanish into the woods.

He hadn’t even been able to tell his mother goodbye.

Twilight faded into morning and the horses started to give small indications of unwanted behavior, indication that the trek had worn them to their limits. Tree roots and vines started to cover the road the closer they got to Carden. Though the creeping vegetation was often cut away, it grew back soon after. Up ahead, buildings.

“You said you live here?” Emery cued, more interested in a hot shower than meeting the theif’s family -- should he have one in Carden.

[Rip]

“Your logic is tough to follow, sir.” Tai said. Maybe he was angry about the curse on his hand, throbbing under his skin, or maybe he just didn’t think he’d be escorting an ex-Caderian knight to Carden. Whatever the reason, he decided that ‘sir’ should fit as Em’s newest nickname. “But whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Arms still crossed, he balanced himself well on the increasingly irritated horse. After a while, he closed his eyes and tilted his chin towards the trees. Careful wind brushed the branches and washed away the lingering scents. He wondered if anything stinking from the water was tailing him then. Something green and slimy with big teeth and claws and a taste for grimy thieves. Goose pimples pinched his flesh and Tai opened his eyes to the dark shadows blotching the sky.

“What do you want the tower so badly for? You were a knight of Caedere. I highly doubt they’d like you. Hoping to win back your honor by bringing in some outlaws?” he grinned. “Noble.”

[Obelisk]

“For you it very well might be.” Bitterness poisoned Emery’s voice, testament to how on edge the recent events had set him. He had opted to travel hard and travel long to spite Tai’s protests but Emery was feeling the strain as well. He wasn’t as young as he used to be.

“You saw the room.” Emery started, glaring into the distance ahead. “I need answers.” A raven croaked from somewhere in the tree line. “I imagine the elder mages at the tower might know something.” It was a wager; they may not hold any answers at all, but it was a bet Emery was willing to take.

A huff of air came from the once-knight. It indicated a black, jaded sort of humor. “I’ve never had much use for nobility. Why start now?” The horse he rode grunted and shook its head, growing increasingly agitated at their endless trek. “Just a pretty word with pretty ideals that never get much use.”