Traveling Afar

When the leaves turn crimson, amber, and gold, it is time to prepare the Drago Boat for its journey to Tarsis, the capital of the Thuman empire.

Each season since the fall of Mörken the Dark One, the twins have escorted Limual, the ambassador of the Thuman Empire, back to his home in the south.

The journey is long, taking nearly a day from the ancient forest to Tarsis and back again. Some may feel this is of no consequence; they are not Waldvolker, the people of the ancient forest.

The Waldvolker are born, live, and die in the ancient forest without the desire for great adventures or distant exploration. The forest is home and mother to these people, so leaving is a hardship for those who do.

When all is ready, the ambassador boards the vessel, followed by the twins, who cast off lines and begin the journey to Tarsis.

Anceata positions herself on the forward deck, looking for ruffians who might wish to rob the ambassador of his gold rings. Semil mans the rudder, guiding the craft to its destination.

While the ambassador is friendly, his status makes it improper for him to chit-chat with the crew. The time is spent marveling at the beautiful autumn foliage and breathing the crisp air.

Once they reach Tarsis, the twins escort Limual to his office, bidding him a warm winter and informing him they will see him in five months for the return voyage to Ãlskad, the ancient forest.

Semil heads the great vessel north at best speed, hoping to outrun the setting sun. Neither he nor his sister enjoys the thought of traveling the coastal waters at night with pirates on the loose.

Finally reaching port, the two are greeted by family, who help secure the launch. The boat then becomes their picnic area, where they host an enormous feast for family and friends.

“I hope the council finds two new escorts for next year. I am tired of this silliness; the forest is where we belong,” grumbles Semil.

“I don’t know. I enjoy seeing how big the world is, and who knows, maybe I will meet someone in Tarsis. No one shows interest here for a woman who speaks her mind,” she teases her brother.

For now, the twins are happy that they only need to worry about traveling afar and not the attacking forces of the Troth devils. Peace is welcome in the ancient forest, but many wonder how long it will last.