Fellowship & Fairydust

“What do you want me to do with the professor’s book bag?” asked Dominic. He and Father Simon were gathering the last of the luggage to bring out to the carriage.

“Elijah said to leave that on his bed for now; he might need it when he comes back,” replied Father Simon.

The two walked out the door, and nearly bumped into Elijah.

“Why, perfect timing, we’ve got the last of the things. Your book bag is still on your bed, like you asked. We’ll meet you at the carriage,” said Father Simon.

“Good, I’ll be out in a bit,” replied Elijah, rushing into the room.

Dominic and Father Simon noticed the grim look on Elijah’s face, but said nothing as they continued on to the carriage where Pancratius and Symphorian were loading everything.

“Where’s… oh, hey Lionel, why do you have another horse?” asked Dominic, noticing the servant coming around the corner of the inn with a brown stallion.

“This is for Elijah,” replied Lionel.

“Why is this for him?” asked Pancratius.

“He didn’t say, he just told me to have a horse ready for him,” replied Lionel.

The four glanced at each other, then went back to loading the carriage. A few minutes later, Elijah came rushing out of the inn, his book bag strapped across his shoulder and a package with an envelope on top in his hands.

“I will buy you some time. Nic, your little hunch in the vineyard was correct, and things are more dire than I imagined. Make sure this gets to the King,” said Elijah, handing Dominic the package and envelope. “You may read it, but be prepared and steady yourself, for the news I send to the King is dark, indeed. The package is for the King’s eyes only. Now get going.”

He pushed the three teens into the carriage, then turned to Father Simon. “You make sure those boys get back home safe and sound. I will lead Jezebel on a little chase when I’m sure you’ve had a good enough head start, then I will follow you.”

“What happens if you are captured?” asked Father Simon.

“I will try to avoid capture, but if that does happen, find Elisio, he will know what to do. Goodbye, my friends, and good luck.”

He pushed Father Simon into the carriage, waved to them, got on the stallion, and galloped off. Lionel jumped onto the driver’s seat and drove away in the other direction. The four seated within were as still as statues until the walls of the city were quite a way behind them.

“Are you going to read it?” asked Symphorian.

Dominic glanced at the envelope atop the package sitting next to him, then opened it and took out several sheets of paper. His eyes widened as he read the pages, then passed them to Father Simon. Pancratius and Symphorian soon read them.

“Whoa, this is not good.”

“Not good at all.”

“Dark, indeed.”

“All the more reason why we should hasten our return; the King needs to act quickly before this happens, or all is lost.”

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