21 The distant sounds of wolves howling

Leonel was still hissing like a cat but Julian paid him no mind.

"We came across a dead mage in the forest. Did you know him?"

Illysa's expression paled. "Yes, his name was Jordan. He was a mage that my mom-- that Anderina found to help me out. He was the one that said we had to seek help from the Ferryman."

"Of course. That fucking Black Lily Alliance just doing whatever they please." Leonel grumbled.

Julian ignored him and continued to focus on the girl, "I see. Then you came to Motsven in search of the Ferryman."

"Yes."

Satisfied, Julian asked on, "Then what was your plan after you met him?"

Color reached her face. Her expressions were so innocent and honest, "I-I…I was going to ask him if he could help me…" But she struggled to continue, unnerved by Leonel's tall stature and biting personality. He wasn't the shining white knight she had imagined the Ferryman to be.

"Go on," Julian urged with a smile that was a little soft but also a little sly. "What did you need help with?"

"I hoped that he could help Anderina…"

Leonel clicked his tongue and decided he didn't want to listen any more. He walked out toward the path in front of the hut, away from the Doctor and the runaway girl. With a deep sigh he drank in the sounds of the surrounding forest; croaking frogs and crickets. A buzzing drawl. The sun was ready to dip under the horizon soon. And there was the distant sounds of wolves howling, dogs barking.

"Just ignore him," Julian casually shrugged when Illysa's eyes nervously trailed after the Inquisitor. "What happened to Anderina?"

"She didn't run away with us…I think she wanted to talk to my father. Make him see reason and help. But he arrested her instead." Tears pooled in the girls eyes. "They're going to execute her!"

"Hmm," Julian hummed. He was getting a much better understanding of the situation now. "So what's your new plan, if your Ferryman decides not to help you out."

Her fingers tightened around the shirt, shoulder taut. Though there was fear clouding her expression, there was determination as well, "I'll go alone."

Brave. But stupid.

It was none of Julian's problem but he smiled at her anyway and said, "Then I will-"

Unfortunately, he was cut off. Leonel stomped back toward the hut but his agitated expression melted into a cold one. "We need to get out of here. Fast."

Illysa jumped, panic swirled in her eyes and Julian could practically feel the chaotic mana radiating off her.

Julian sighed and stretched and stood up slowly with the help of his walking stick. Quietly, he weight the pros and cons of leaving and staying behind.

Leonel said barged into the hut without ceremony while Julian only leaned against the door frame. "How many?" He asked in an unconcerned voice.

"At least two. Probably four. They're going to surround us first, then corner us." Leonel seemed to know the new layout of the hut even better than Julian, rummaging through a trunk and pulled out three cloaks. Julian wondered if the Inquisitor knew that they'd been enchanted. Two of those cloaks were tossed at him. Leonel bluntly instructed, "Give one to the girl."

Julian thumbed the fabric absently and strung the cloaks over the shoulder.

Just outside the doorway, Illysa's eyes were already veering around with alert. She been chased and running for days now and all the hairs on her body were standing up. If she strained her ears, she could hear the terrible barking of dogs.

Julian privately thought this was kind of fun. "What makes you think I will come along with you?"

Leonel paused as fixed the dark cloak around his shoulders and clasped it in place. The fabric was close to back but shined a glossy blue hue in the light. It matched wonderfully with Leonel's eyes. He glared at Julian and scolded, "I suppose you prefer to die in this shitty place on your own then. Be my guest."

Yet despite his sharp words, he stood in front of Julian, unmoving. Perhaps waiting and testing his reaction.

Julian laughed, "Don't assume I can't defend myself against a few brutes." He poked the chest that was like a wall in front of him.

Leonel grabbed his wrist, pulling him off balance, until he stumbled. "Stop jesting, fool."

Shamelessly, Julian leaned against Leonel's body, resting his head on the slope of the taller man's shoulder. He smiled, sly and easy, "Okay, you win big guy. But how do you suppose I run with two young fellows such as yourself."

Without a single bit of hesitation, Leonel said, "I'll carry you."

Julian couldn't hold back the laughter, trembling against Leonel's body. It earned him more eye rolling and the impatient man swooped down and lifted him against his will. Again.

"You brat!" Julian howled, still laughing, "Put me down at once!"

Leonel didn't listen. With Julian still slung over his shoulder, he bent down to pick up the discarded cloaks on the ground and handed on to Illysa. "Put this on."

Unlike the Doctor, Illysa put the cloak on obediently, her little face somber.

"Are you going to put me down now?" Julian whined, the laughter slowly dying down.

"Are you going to stop being a fool?"

"Alright, alright. You win, you win. I'll behave like a good dog, are you happy now?"

With a grunt of satisfaction, he put the Doctor down. "If there's anything you want to take, get it quickly."

"Hmm," he hummed. If it were up to Julian he'd pick his whole hut up and bring it along with him. He eyed the stuffed bear outside longingly but snicked when Leonel caught him in his thoughts. "Hey stop glaring okay. And stop being so hasty, did you think I holed myself up here in this place without a plan for something like this happening? I'm a cripple after all. I really don't have many other options."

The Inquisitor raised his brows.

When everything was finally gathered the three of them departed. Dog followed overhead.

Instead, of rushing into the cover of trees and the whistling winds of the forest, they went into the village. The barking of dogs seemed to echo from the trees surrounding them. Illysa was breathing quickened, her panicking eyes kept veering up at the Doctor for reassurance. He smiled at her and told her not to worry.

Leonel was silent, walking behind them vigilant.

Twilight had fallen, painting the sky a lukewarm blue and the village that greeted them was without its usual life.

"You goin'?" Hector was there by the side of the road. His loyal sheep do at the man's side but his head of sheep was nowhere insight. "We's going to miss you, you know."

Julian laughed heartily and patted the old shepherd on the shoulder, "You better miss me!"

"Oh I will."

They walked into the village and headed toward the center, where the marketplace turned quiet with nighttime. Little Freddie and Lina were there with a short middle aged woman. Lina sniffled but put on a brave face and waved at Julian, "Goodbye Doctor."

Freddie looked at him with a deep pout, the corners of his eyes a telling read. "Go on," his mother urged him forward with a push.

The boy stumbled forth, eyeing Illysa for a moment before looking back at the Doctor. "Mommy said I need to say thank you." His mother scowled but didn't scold him when she shred a glance with the Doctor.

Julian smirked and puffed out his chest, leaning against his walking stick, "That's right you should."

The boy scrunched up his nose. "Mommy says I should say goodbye. But you'll come back, right?"

"Hmm," the Doctor smiled, reached down and pat the child on his head, "Sure, kid. I'll be back before you know it." He added with a wink. A lie, but Freddie should forget about him soon enough, as was the nature of children.

Giving the kids one last wave they met Katyle at the end of the road. She shot Leonel a glare but didn't waste their time with useless chattering. "Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes," Julian replied.