To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Twenty-Four

As we left the bank, Mochsha said, “I always wondered where Father gained our names. He told me that he gained the names along with us – that he did not make them up. I guess what I learned verifies that. My name was Mochsha. I wonder if it was the name of a relative.”

I suggested, “Maybe there will be portraits about the estate.”

“Orintious, you could visit the estate of your father and possibly see some of your relatives.”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Twenty-Three

We did camp by the road the next evening. Orintious came to the decision that we were going into town, so it would be best to let those of the town know. Just as the soldiers had been acting graciously to assure proper acceptance by any fairies, their attitude continued toward those on the road to assure that the locals understood we had no intentions of causing them trouble.

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Twenty-Two

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Twenty-One

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Twenty

We heard the hoof beats that evening, and turned with all of us checking for the location of our weapons. I had removed my sword belt, but was putting it on when the same rider rode into camp. I believe that he understood we trusted our weapons to speak for us, as he turned in his saddle to reach for a rather full sack.

“I brought wine.”

Orintious said, “We have our own, thanks. But bring what you want to drink, as we are not going to share.”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Nineteen

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Eighteen

As the light from the sun began to fade from it descending behind mountains, the conversation shifted to the other reason for our path growing dark. Weapons and tactics for dealing with a threat started to be discussed. All conversation however ceased when a soldier in the lead announced a piece of information.

“Lord Orintious, a fairy just told me to follow it.”

“Then you follow it. All right men, on your best behavior!”

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Seventeen

After scaling our first rocky height, Orintious had his men begin performing certain little rites. They began speaking kindly to the plants. Minchell and Ochally were already being treated well, but they were often given affection by their owners. Mochsha had status with the men, but found them to perform extra acts of graciousness toward her during the day.

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Sixteen

The darkness behind us grew in breadth, which made it appear to grow closer. Its height over the horizon did not seem to increase. The presence however did trouble us with the soldiers speaking of continuing to travel through the darkness of night to hopefully stay ahead of it.

To Solidify the Mist
Chapter Fifteen

I noticed that Heratin did not get the man’s name. Orintious did ask, but when Heratin mentioned that he thought the man’s name was Trouble the older brother agreed. They both left the topic at that point, but organized the supplies gained and had us put in a few more miles before calling for a halt.