I started the first journey of my life in isolation. I’m finishing it surrounded by family and new friends.
Once Kai ensured that Collop and Calbat were stabilized, we gathered all of our supplies, chose our defense positions, and began the journey to Mawroi.
We did not encounter Neslah or any other danger on the trip, but those who weren’t seriously injured stayed alert at all times as we traveled.
We continued to exercise caution when the main entrance to Mawroi came into view.
The group carrying Calbat and Collop went first. After that, two smaller groups went in a staggered fashion so no one would see a massive group of Kefi and Bacha strolling into Hanuk territory.
Our arrival in Mawroi was a bit dramatic at first. Females saw several big Kefi walking into their city and freaked out.
I had to fight the urge to burst out laughing. All around me, fat clumsy females squeaked, squealed, and ran into each other, falling in panic-stricken heaps.
The males ran after them or tried to act threatening and in charge. They were terrified of us too, so they mostly tried to threaten us while hiding behind things.
Eshak finally restored order. Pulling out his shofax, he rapped it sharply against a large black stone in the center of the city.
The resulting GONG made all the Bachas stop and turn to face Eshak.
“Cives1 of Mawroi, please calm yourselves! These Kefi are my friends and my allies. Do not fear them, they are not a threat or a danger!”
After this, our presence was not a source of fear or chaos.
After five days of healing and rest for all (but especially poor Collop who was finally getting his voice back,) we met and decided it was time to go home.
Each member of the group said goodbye to our new furry friends, and I lingered for a moment with Eshak.
“Thank you, Eshak, for protecting me and my people.”
“It was the least I could do Gah-reeg. Your friends saved Calbat’s life, and you spared the lives of countless beasts in the path of those monsters.”
I shivered when he referenced the Neslah. One of them came within inches of killing Faslo, and another tried to kill Collop.
The bodies of the giant one and the dark-haired archer were never recovered. They might be dead, but they could also be anywhere at any time.
The world had grown darker and more deadly since I left home, but it mattered more to me than ever.
Before we left, Eshak christened me Freuna, which roughly translates to “Bacha friend”. I will wear the title with pride, and I promised to come to visit them before too long.
We left Mawroi much better off than the day we arrived. We all laughed and smiled as a crowd of Bacha gave us a hero’s farewell, squeaking, clapping, and making a beautifully awful racket.
The remainder of the journey was wonderfully bland and uneventful. As we came up the final ridge before Gicha village, we could hear no sounds whatsoever. I guess some things never change.
Then we crested the ridge, and I found I was wrong.
A wall of cheers, screams of joy and happiness, and raucous music filled the entire village from one end to the other. Little Kefis crowded around Oxter, begging him to let them ride Cuddles.
Every Kefi we met had a kind word or a tearful hug or handshake for each of us.
My reserved father practically tackled me in his excitement to hold me and have me home. When he finally finished, my mother came near to drowning me in tears and hugs.
My father walked to Faslo, gave him a vigorous handshake, and then tackled him as well, saying thank you over and over, and my mother did the same. The sons of the house of Solly were well met indeed.
The city celebrated all that day and long into the night, and the entire Pasgrota (plus me) enjoyed every minute of it. My mother stuffed us to bursting with delicious food that seemed endless.
My parents insisted on the entire group staying the night. Cuddles had to sleep outside, which was fine by him.
Finally, the excitement and exhilaration faded, and everyone said good night and stumbled happily off to their beds and sleep sacks.
Faslo and I stayed up a few minutes longer, swapping stories and laughing about all of the crazy and terrifying things we’d experienced.
I’ve always loved my brother, and I knew he loved me, but that was the day he became my best friend. He spoke to me like an equal, not a tiresome little brother. Finally, Faslo said good night too.
I stayed up a little longer; I couldn’t seem to fall asleep just yet. I walked to the picture window at the front of the house and stared out at a world bathed in intense moonlight.
A call to adventure was pulling on me, urging me to come and find it, to explore and see what kind of trouble I could find.
I knew that I couldn’t resist this call forever, but for now, I wasn’t going anywhere. It was just too good to be home and in the company of my family and friends.
Why are you still up? Go to sleep, friend!
Adventures will find us tomorrow, you can count on that.
Bachit for citizens.