“Don’t dwell upon it,” she whispered. “The past is behind us now. Let us focus on the future. Our journey tomorrow will be hard and you will need your strength. Go to sleep.”

“Where are we going?” Rejji asked, but the only reply was the sound of Brontos snoring loudly. Rejji concentrated on the snoring and was soon asleep.

***

Movement of the wagon wakened Mistake and she managed to crawl out just before Brontos exited the wagon.

“Should I make us a meal?” questioned Mistake.

“No,” replied the merchant. “Our journeys are long today and we should use the time to get started on them.”

Brontos slapped the side of the wagon with his large hand and Rejji jumped and hit his head on the floor of the wagon. Mistake stifled a laugh as Rejji’s eyes darted around seeking the source of the noise. Eventually it dawned on him where he was and he sheepishly crawled out from under the wagon. Brontos grabbed two small sacks from the rear of the wagon and handed one to each of the Fakarans.

“This is all I can spare,” frowned Brontos. “Ration it well. It will take me a few minutes to get the horses hitched, but that should not delay your departure. A little north of here is a ford where you can cross this stream. Do so. Try to keep your track due north or you will end up walking in circles.”

Rejji’s head was spinning as he tried to figure out what was happening when Brontos stepped closer and embraced him. The old merchant turned and embraced Mistake and whispered in her ear and she nodded. Brontos broke the embrace and turned around and marched off towards the horses.

“Let’s go,” prompted Mistake. “We have a long journey ahead of us.”

Rejji shook his head and stared at her. “Where are we going? What did he say to you?”

Mistake picked up the sack that Rejji had dropped and shoved it into his hands. “We are going to the Giaming Mountains to find the Sage,” she declared.