Keane sees that. Sees that I’ve felt more alive in Gaumond then I ever have in any other city we’ve traveled to. He wants me to live, to continue on this adventure and flourish the spark that has me second-guessing my content life in Knowledge.
But is that what I truly want? Sure it’s fun to consider, but there’s a calm simplicity to the life I live that makes me happy as well.
Golem is waiting for me in the room when I finish my bath, his impartial features giving no indication that he knows of the anxiety that is routing inside me. I quickly change into warmer clothes for the night and clasp my new cloak around my body, willing it to lend a calm under its thick layer of comfort that I don’t feel on my own.
The bags at my door are ready and waiting, as if they were a forewarning I should have caught earlier. I grab the lot of them and hold open the door for Golem, the two of us not saying a word as we make our way back down the dark halls.
I finally begin to calm when the cool air from outside surrounds me, my breath steadying against my chest as Golem and I head to the stables. Millie waits patiently for me as I tack on her saddle and throw my travel packs over her sides, the gentle mare not making a noise as if she knows it’s time for silence.
“I’m going to take Millie at a gallop, Golem,” I adjust the bag at my hip and hop up, “I can let you out once we get to the Shadow Oak.”
He eyes me with concern. I nod in assurance and watch him walk away into the shadows of the stables, feeling his jar vibrate in my bag to let me know he’s home.
Millie and I ride hard for the oak, slowing only when we pass through the first rise. It takes some careful weaving through the busy city, but once we reach the gate leading down to the training fields, I kick Millie back into a gallop and ride past the archery stations and dirt arenas, slowing only when we reach the barracks to the woods beyond. I bring her to a stop at the edge of the trees and hoist myself down, grabbing her reins in one hand before opening Golem’s home as promised. The magical creature greets me from the woods at my left and casts another concerning look in my direction, otherwise remaining silent as I lead Millie towards the mass of black that awaits me for the rest of the night.
We reach the Shadow Oak quickly, my eyes widening in a never-ending awe at its enormous roots and trunk. The full of it shines beautifully under the moonslight above, the branches swaying in greeting as the leaves cut across the sky in sharp hello.
Ancients.
The oak is everything I envisioned it would look like at night, darker and more daunting under the black sky.
I move to the base of the tree and find the same large section of flat ground as I did yesterday. I unpack my bedroll and take my packs off Millie’s sides, then lead her a bit farther away to tie her reins around a large root. The area will give her enough room to roam, but also keep her nearby should any animal happen to stumble into our camping spot.
“I wish you could talk, Golem,” I sigh and head back to the trunk, “I have so many questions about the Prince.”
Golem turns from his spot between me and Millie, his features remaining silent.
“I should have brought a bottle of moonslight,” I sigh again, fiddling with the clasp on my bedroll.
Golem reaches into his robes and pulls out a small lantern, his clay fingers moving over the front as moonslight appears within. My eyes widen when the light quickly illuminates our small encampment, the magical creature walking towards me with a small smile before placing the lantern on the ground.
“Thank you.”
He catches my gaze and then looks to the tree surrounding us.
“Are you uncomfortable here?” I ask.
He shakes his head.
“Are you wondering why we’re camped here?”
No again.
“Then I’m not sure what to ask, Golem,” I frown, returning to my bedroll.
Golem takes another step forward before glancing again at the tree, then to earth beneath his feet.
“Do you want to leave?” I ask curiously, “go back to the castle?”
The shake of his head is stronger this time.
“I’m sorry, Golem, but I just don’t understand.”
He folds his hands over his chest in frustration, turning back to walk towards Millie. The fact that he would prefer a horse’s company over mine speaks volume. I don’t even know what to make of it.
“Golem…” I glance at him softly.
The magical creature turns my way in silence.
