Garinor’s friends had given themselves up as bait so he could escape the hunters and find his way toward the castle. It seemed logical, then, to now head toward that distant place.
It was strange to realize that not long ago he was terrified he was being brought to the king against his will, and now he was choosing this destination. The king had summoned him, complete with a guard, who had ended up not being able to deliver him safely after all. Yet if the king summoned him and his mother didn’t protest the summons, even though she had been upset, he decided the answers to his riddle would now only come from the king himself.
He skirted around some trees in the woods and set up another couple of distractions in case he was followed. He then ran pell-mell toward the north, determined to put as much distance between himself and the hunters as possible. He sent back prayers for his friends as he left them far behind.
The trees dashed by him as he went, soon opening to a familiar clearing. He didn’t like the openness much, but no one else was nearby. The castle would be about a two- or three-day journey on foot, according to stories his father had told him. He knew he needed to head north, but he didn’t know much more than that. Nonetheless, it was to the castle he needed to go.
The sun was a bit higher in the sky and the warmth of it made Tomli’s clothes feel awkward against his skin. Still, Garinor felt warmed in a different way with how decisively Tomli had acted to protect him. He hadn’t argued or debated his actions. He had simply assessed the situation and Garinor’s need, then led the others to give Garinor his chance for escape. He was the truest friend Garinor had ever had.
Exhausted from his entire morning spent on the run, Garinor had a hard time keeping up his pace. He slowed to a light jog and worked his way toward a wooden shack in the distance. He knew the old coot who lived there, and he could probably scrounge up something to eat before continuing on his way. Renewed, Garinor trotted along a little faster and reached the small abode in no time.
Garinor should knock on the door and go in.
Garinor should skulk around first.