Morning came way too soon for Drew. It wasn’t quite as a shock as it was yesterday, waking up in the outdoors. The stranger he’d met, John, had done is best to begin teaching him the ways of the world. Nothing had disturbed them through the night, thankfully. Only embers remained of the fire. Drew stood and walked over to a nearby tree to relieve himself. Well crap, literally, is there toilet paper here? When in Rome… He used some leaves, praying they weren’t something like poison ivy, and cleaned himself.

When he returned, John stood by his horse, chortling. “All you had to do is ask.” He threw Drew something resembling toilet paper. “Comes in handy on long trips let me tell ya. When you’re finished, grab a bite to eat and fill up on water. We’ll head out soon.”

Drew headed back behind the tree, embarrassed, and cleaned himself properly. After using some water from the keg to wash his hands, he walked over and made a sandwich of meat and bread. “As slow as I am, you think we’ll make it by tonight?” he asked.

“Really, it won’t depend on you. I think you’ll be fine. You’ve managed so far. It’ll really depend on if we run into any obstacles on the way. People mostly. This is a pretty poor, rural area, just recently beginning to be settled. There’s bound to be people who we’ll meet on the path who will want what we have. There’s a few scattered towns around here remember, every one of them fighting for the resources. Not literally fighting, more like competing. Most will be scared away by my sword, and I’m probably one of the highest levels in this area. There will be those, maybe, that won’t be scared away. Those types of people won’t care if you’re offended if they try to identify you either, if they have the skill. I could have done it to you, but I thought it would be better if you just shared it. You’ll know it too, if they are. It’ll give you an uneasy feeling of being watched. But I doubt we’ll run into any of those kinds of people,” John said reassuringly. “Help me pack everything up and we’ll head out. It’s not far to the edge of the forest, and then nothing but grass and hills for hours. If I had to guess, maybe 35 miles away? If we walk at a brisk pace, and stop to let your stamina refill, we may make better time. We’ll test it and see. You’ll be a guinea pig ha!”

“Gee thanks,” Drew replied, rolling his eyes. “Wait, what? 35 miles? We’re going to walk 35 miles in a single day? I haven’t walked that in probably a whole month!” Drew exclaimed.

“It’s different here. You’ll see. We have about 12 hours of total daylight. Even walking 3 miles per hour, which is slow, we’ll get there in plenty of time, barring no difficulties. If not, we’ll just camp for the night and head out at first light, like today. Biggest factor will be your stamina. I bet you’ll even get a point in endurance on the trip exerting yourself so much.”

“Fine, fine. You know a lot more than I do, considering I only know what you’ve told me. I’m ready, if you are.” Drew had finished strapping his pillow and blanket to the horse. He carried a large stick in his hands, just in case, for security. It made him feel better having it and that’s all that mattered. Together, they headed north towards the exit of the forest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I need to rest.” Drew said panting, plopping on the ground. His stamina had bottomed out after about an hour and a half of brisk walking. “Can I have some water?” It was the second time they’d had to break for him, but this time Drew felt worse.

“Sure, absolutely.” John filled a mug for Drew and brought it to him. “I told you earlier to tell me when you’re tired. Eat this bread too, for some energy. Bottoming out your stamina only makes it feel worse. Let me know if and when you ever get to about 10 stamina left. We’ll break. We’re making good time anyway. I’d say we’ve traveled about a third of the way in less than 3 hours, maybe more than that.” John had a piece of paper in his hand, studying the page intently. “It’s been a while since I’ve been up here on the Edelson Plateau, but if I’m right, we have 20 to 25 miles left. You’re doing good, but you have to let me know when you’re getting tired. The feeling is only going to get worse the more times you bottom yourself out. Got it?”

“Yea, I will. I just need a few minutes.” After guzzling the water and eating the bread, Drew continued, “You were right by the way. I just checked my status. I’ve gained a point in endurance. That’ll definitely help out.”

“Awesome! I thought you might. Physical exertion is one of the ways to do it, however painful and disorienting. A few more minutes when you’re full, we’ll head out again. But please, check your status once in a while. When you’re low, tell me. After a while, you won’t even have to check anymore, you’ll just know. You’ll be able to tell.” John smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. He seemed almost proud of Drew.

Finishing one more mug of water, the duo again headed out. John had been right about the scenery too. Hills and grass. Grass and hills. That’s it. Once in awhile a lone tree. It wasn’t desolate by any means; the grass was knee-high and green and rolled with the breese. It was just boring. Drew almost hoped to run into some people just for a change of pace. What am I thinking? Why would I think that? They could kill me! No. I'm not going to be like that again. No more being scared of my shadow. But yea, not seeing people would be fine, too. Drew continued his inner monologue, eyeing the nearby hills and watching for anything that may be interesting.

About two hours later they had to take another break. Drew let his stamina drop to 7. John was a little miffed with him, and gave him a warning, and reminded him to say something at 10 stamina. Drew just nodded. While the journey had been boring, they were making great time. John figured they had about 15 miles to go according to his map of the area. They’d been traveling for about five hours.

“We have maybe 15 miles to go. At the rate we’re going, with you pushing yourself and taking breaks, we should be there in a little under 4 hours. Here’s some dried meat and cheese and some more bread. Don’t make yourself sick though. You’re exerting yourself quite a bit. Don’t need you puking the next few miles as we walk. If you have to, carry it with you and snack while we walk. We’ll go in a few minutes.” John was impressed with Drew on this journey. When they met, Drew was scared and nervous. Now he was determined. John was becoming more confident that Drew would be okay here.

30 minutes later they were approaching a crossroads on the path when they encountered people for the first time. The group of four was camped right at the edge of a path that headed east. They had a small cart that had a broken wheel.

“Don’t let them fool you,” John said under his breath. “More than likely it’s just a trap to get us over there to fix it. Then they’ll attack us and take our stuff. Watch.”

“Ho travelers! We could use your help. We hit a hole in the path and broke a wheel. Have anything that might be able to fix it?” one of the three men shouted as we approached.

Seriously? I have to stop doubting John. This is textbook entrapment. Drew was stupefied at these brazen people. Keeping his mouth shut, he looked to John to see what they’d do.

“What’s up folks? I have a hammer and some nails you can have to fix it, but I’m sorry, we don’t have time to stop. We’re in quite the hurry.”

“Now now, what’s the rush, sir? Surely you wouldn’t let strangers, helpless strangers, go unaided? Would you?” Another of the men had spoken, now standing next to the first.

“Yea, we would. Here’s the hammer and nails. Best of luck to ya.” John tossed them on the ground, several feet in front of the trio of men and a woman. He also put his hand on the hilt of his sword. Without realizing, Drew had gripped his big stick even more tightly, turning his knuckles white.

“Tsk Tsk. That’s not very friendly of you gentleman. But alas, we’ll take what little aid you provided and make do,” said the woman, sauntering forward.

“Who the hell talks like that?” Drew whispered to John.

Giving Drew the side-eye, “Fine, that’s fine. We hope it helps, but we’ve got to keep moving. Only so many hours left in daylight to get to Woodhaven. If you ever come there, find me and I’ll buy you a drink for not being able to help more.”

“Wonderful. We may just take you up on that,” said the final man, who was much bigger than the other two. “Mind I ask what your name is sir?”

“John, John’ll do for now. Find me at the inn the next couple days, and I’ll do as I said. Good luck.” With that, John and Drew made a wide circle around the four strangers and headed down the western path towards Woodhaven, not Innsbruck.

Once they were a ways down the road, John spoke. “They probably didn’t think it was worth it to attack us, but keep an eye behind us. More than likely they may try to follow us a bit, to see if that’s where we are actually headed. There may even be more people on the roads leading from the intersection waiting to ambush us. Don’t worry. Don’t be scared. Just keep an eye out alright? Worse comes to worse, you’ll get on Betsy here and ride like hell to the town and tell ‘em what happened. They won’t outfight me, that’s for damn sure.” John put his hand on Drew’s shoulder. “It’ll be alright. I promise. This isn’t my first rodeo. Ha! I haven’t been able to say that in ages and not confuse people!” John laughed in light of the situation.

Drew wasn’t as confident, not in himself. But John was beginning to wear on him. He had almost a stupid confidence. So assured of himself. I guess he’d earned it. He’d survived 6 years here. Made friends with a Baron, fought Goblins? Who knows what else he’s done. Drew’s mind began to wander as they walked.

A short time later, John finally spoke again, feeling more at ease. “I don’t think they’re following. Either they’re not that smart, or they really did just need help. Fair warning though, never help unless you know you’ll come out of it ok.” John gave a somewhat stern look. “Up ahead, we’ll take a hard right through the grass fields and head north again to Innsbruck. The path curves a little west about a mile north of the crossroads anyway. The ground will be rockier, and we won’t be able to move as fast, but we’ve already made great time. We should still get there by nightfall. Great job not freaking out back there, really.”

“Easier said than done. I don’t think I could have moved if I wanted to. I wouldn’t have been much help anyway, not with this stick,” waving it around. “Maybe I could have beaten the woman,” Drew said sheepishly.

“I doubt it. Hey, I didn’t mean it like that,” John said after seeing the look Drew gave him. “She probably has some skills with a weapon. You have none. Nothing to be ashamed of. We'll find someone to teach you. No worries,” John added. “We’ll head north here and run into the path to Innsbruck not too far. Then we have maybe 10 miles to the town. See, no worries.” John gave a big grin.

I don’t know how he can be all grins after we went through that. His confidence I guess. Or he’s just trying to make me feel better about the situation. “Ok. I’ll let you know if I need to break. I should have a good two hours in me. My stamina is nearly full.” They turned and headed through the grass.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back on the path to Innsbruck, they took what would hopefully be their final break. The journey through the grassland had gone without incident. There was a surprising amount of wildlife in it. Birds, rabbits, and every little animal one could think of.

Drew was sitting on a small outcropping. “Almost full. Couple minutes and I’ll be ready.” He finished drinking his water. “The view here, it’s just amazing. I get that it’s really just hills and grassy fields, boulders and rocks spread out, but everything is so vibrant and full of life. Not like home in the city.” He’d grabbed a large patch of grass and ran it through his fingers. “I want to go back, eventually, but I don’t think I’ll mind spending a little time here. A complete 180 right?” Drew was laughing.

“I get it. I do. I’ve always wanted to go back home, but as time has gone on, I think about it less and less. I have some friends here, who we’ll be meeting in Innsbruck. But I’ve forgotten the smells of home and what my family looked like. Are they okay? I really hope so. I hope they’ve moved on from my disappearance. If that’s what it was. Or maybe we’re dead and this is the afterlife. I try not to dwell on it anymore. It’s sad, but I got through it. I felt the same way you do right now once I got to traveling. Even the people are different. They work hard for what they have, and they cherish it. And they do it again the next day without complaint. You’ll see sights here you never would have, will if we ever return. I’m glad you’re here now, and I’m glad you’re feeling better.”

Drew could tell John was sad, thinking of home, yet happy to have made a friend. “I think I’ll be ok. I won’t stop searching for a way home, if it’s possible. I think you understand that. For now, and for who knows how long, I’ll be happy to tag along with you.” Drew stood and put his hand out, like John had done before.

“Happy to have you along.” John said, with the biggest smile yet. “Let’s head out. We should be at Innsbruck within the hour. When we get there, we’ll get some food, rest, and tomorrow I’ll tell you my plans. They’re big plans, but we’ll have some help. We are meeting two of my adventuring buddies here. Enough of that, I’ll tell you more later. Let’s go.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Should be just over this next hill. I think you’ll be impressed with what he’s built so quickly out here.” John was visibly excited to be so close.

Approaching the crest of the hill, Drew was nervous. Not because he was scared for once, but because he was ready for this challenge and what it may bring. It was a good nervous.

“What is that? That cannot be Innsbruck. Can it? You said I’d be impressed. I’m depressed now.” Drew put a frown on his face.

John snorted and snickered at Drew when Innsbruck had finally come into view. “Yea it’s a shithole isn’t it? But, you gotta keep in mind there was literally nothing here. He’s had no help and had to build this from scratch with nothing but people who wanted a fresh start. He only took volunteers.”

“Wow, ok. I have a little more respect for him, but still. This place is a dump. I mean look at the walls. I doubt they’d stop anything from getting in. The buildings look in better shape, so maybe they’ve just been lax on the wall, but sheesh. First impressions. I see quite a few people here. How many are there? How many people would volunteer to come to the edge of their civilization with a nobody as you put it?” Drew questioned John.

“Believe it or not, a few thousand.” Drew looked at him wide-eyed. “Way more than what he was prepared for. And that’s part of the problem. Having no backing and only having his land grant from the king, he had to figure out a way to pay for all this. So he took out loans; you know how that goes. And that’s where I came in several years ago, finalizing that trade agreement with a nearby town, Innsbruck’s food for their lumber and some ore.” John moved his hand from left to right. “Look at this land. See all those buildings? All farms. This land is perfect for it. Sure it’s rocky, but that can be fixed if you have a nature mage or with hard work.” John saw that the mage comment peaked Drew’s interests. “Later on that. We’re to meet Ivan and Monty at the Drunkin’ Goat. Let’s head in. One warning. Me they may remember and if not, I’m much higher level than almost anyone here. You, you’re fresh meat. And low level. Try not to stand out will ya? Being with me, you should be ok, but ya never know.” John plastered his signature smile on his face, clapping Drew on the shoulder again, and they headed into town.