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The Lost Stars ChronicleChapter 47: Gib Goes Home
It was the next morning and the camp was being dissembled. Tents were rolled up into packs and poles were lashed to saddles. At first there was some confusion as to where Sir Dractor had gone and why there was a horse missing, but Hans Lentawl soon calmed the questions with a short explanation.
“He had to go and I gave him a horse. He didn’t want a scene, so that’s why he left in the night. He said he was going to help some friends.”
Some like Anardan and Voolmark simply nodded in understanding, but Shainya appeared to be hurt the knight had left without a goodbye, and Luxus was withdrawn and moody. After Hans had made his explanation, Bjarn approached him and said quietly, “So Dractor talked to you too? What did he say?”
Hans shrugged. “He wanted me to host a birthday party for Luxus when we got back to Orion. Weird, huh?”
“No so much, I think…” replied Bjarn, “I think it’s hurt Luxus a lot that Sir Dractor left, they had really bonded. A birthday party would distract the boy.”
“Then Sir Dractor needs a birthday party too,” replied Hans, “I think he’s just as saddened by his suddenly departure. Those other friends must be really important to him.”
Bjarn nodded. “He told me he was on a certain quest before he landed on Forestmen land during the BloodVaine war...perhaps he’s gone to finish what he’s started.”
“Than he’s got a lot of catching up to do.” smiled Hans.
A soldier approached the teenager and said, “Camp’s all packed up and we’re ready to set out.”
“Great! Let’s go now, then.” said Hans, “I want to get outta this place as soon as possible…”
The soldier nodded and shouted out, “RIGHT! MOVE OUT!”
As the soldiers began leading the pack horse out of the Neverwood, a single word broke the relative silence.
“Wait.” said Gib.
The company halted, and Gib took a pace away from them.
“I couldn’t leave at midnight like Dractor and leave all of my friends in the dark. The Neverwood is my home, and here I must stay.”
The old hermit looked fondly at the gnarled trees, far away over the foliage thin wisps of smoke still rising from the smoking chasm that was all that remained of the Temple Of Lost Stars.
“We understand, Gib,” said Bjarn, “You have been of great help to us. Any time you feel like dropping in for a visit, the gates at Drullen Bell Keep will always be open to you.”
“I thank you, Bjarn. Perhaps someday we will see each other again. It had been a pleasure meeting with you and all of your companions.”
Gib waved to Voolmark, Anardan, Aros, Luxus, Reno, Shainya, and finally to Bjarn, then he turned and walked back into the Neverwood. Jackal watched as the company filed away through the trees and out of sight. It didn’t make a whole lot of sense to him, but he was glad it was over at last. Turning back to his own surroundings, Jackal noticed Malder approaching Gib. The wolf felt pretty indifferent when it came to Gib’s brother. To him, Malder was just one more of his friend’s new acquaintances, of which there seemed to be more each day.
“You’re not coming back with me then?” Malder questioned.
“What? Well yes, of course I am.”
“But you just told the others that you were staying here in the Neverwood.”
“Well, I did but…I suppose I didn’t word it right. I should have said that I wouldn’t leave the Neverwood out of my sight. I’ll be able to keep a close eye on it from Glestol, I’m sure. The Neverwood needs time to heal, especially after this. And I need time to heal too. You don’t think my leg will be able to mend well if I’m running about in this forest. Besides, I really want to see mother again.”
So saying, the two men packed up their things and set out for Glestol. They met with no resistance on the way back to Glestol. No resistance that is, but their own weary feet and yearning for rest.
This affliction did not effect Jackal, however. He was a wolf after all, used to running day and night over cold ground on an empty stomach. He did, however, shy away from the Baron’s estate when they arrived. He was a wolf, as I said and had a natural aversion to human dwellings. So it was that he was quite surprised to find himself standing in the courtyard of the Peregil chateau. There was quite a commotion and fuss about the Malder-person when they arrived. Men and boys with those dreadful swords-things were running all about him. Jackal was sure that he would’ve made a break for the gates if Gib hadn’t been there, looking so calm.
Presently an old woman came out and threw her arms around the two men. There was much crying and laughing hugging all around, and though Jackal couldn’t understand it all, he got the feeling that this was a happy moment. After this, Gib went inside and didn’t come out until quite some time later.
“Hey Jackal.” he said when he returned, “I’m sorry I forgot about you and Griffin there. Once again I am deeply in your debt, my friend.”
Gib leaned down to ruffle the wolf’s ears. “Thank you for sticking with me while I needed your help. Yes, you know I’d do the same for you. But you’re free to go now. I’ll be alright now, staying here with Malder. Griffin’s staying too, but I know you wouldn’t want to. So farewell at last, Jackal. Good hunting till the we meet again.”
Jackal licked Gib’s hand and then headed for the gates, which opened before him as he approached. Now, as he stepped out into the night air, Jackal couldn’t help but smile. It was a clear night with a crisp wind and the smell of wet grass on the ground. The moon was full, the night was young and all of Dametreos was open game for a free wolf with a mind to run.
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