“We’re riding to Agnor tomorrow and will stay there for the night. Then we’ll catch up with His Highness in Dalloway before setting off for Gaumond…”
Golem nods again, remaining silent in his stance.
“I’ve been told we’ll stay a few nights in Gaumond before visiting the village of Fumagalli, then we’ll cross the Bulwark Plains and into the border of Pyre.”
He doesn’t even dignify my rambling with a nod this time.
“Can I get you something?” I ask tentatively, “do you eat or drink?”
He shakes his head.
Well that’s new.
I take a step forward and look over him carefully, trying to remember all the times I’ve seen him at Zander’s side.
“Golem… you don’t talk, do you?”
Another shake.
“That’s alright,” I nod, “I’m happy to do the chatting. But right now I’ve got to head back to the inn. Desmond wants everyone to share dinner.”
His blanket stare is starting to get a bit eerie.
“Are you okay doing your own thing?” I ask, “I can’t imagine the King wants everyone to know that you’re with me.”
Golem shakes his head and lifts his hands to the back of his head. He pulls up the hood on his robe and covers most of his face, his quiet, padded footsteps heading in my direction before he stops at my side.
“Wait… you’re going to come with me?”
He nods.
“To dinner?”
Another nod.
“You’re not supposed to remain a secret? You’re the King’s Golem,” I stammer.
He’s been at Zander’s side for as long as I can remember. If fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him with anyone else unless Zander is present.
“You’re absolutely sure that’s okay?”
Golem shows the first true emotion all night and takes a deep breath, as if willing himself to stay patient.
“Fucking Ancients,” I mumble aloud.
I lean down and grab his home, tucking it safely in my bag before heading back towards town. Golem walks diligently at my side, the two of us making another slow trek through the boisterous crowd until we finally land on the main road.
“Golem,” I look at him curiously, “did the King tell you why he sent you to travel with me?”
He nods.
“And would you be able to tell me the reason if I asked correctly?”
Another nod, then a small shake of his head, as if to say yes… and no.
A secret then, or at least part of it.
“Are you familiar with the lands we’re traveling in now? Traveling to?”
