112 Bath with Haelan

After almost a day of hiking and walking, heavy breaths and feet being dragged got in each one of them, subtly begging for some rest. However, Stellan made himself an exemplar of strenght that no one dared to complain for being burned out. He never showed signs of weariness, as if he is made to become a paladin leader, making the journey look nothing but an easy job. Eventually, Stellan initiated a quick stopover for the horses to drink some water and catch their breaths a little bit. They shared the ration of food that they have and carried on to more hikes and plods.

Grunting at the entrance of a thick forest of weeping willlow trees, they grimaced at the another more venture that they have to endure before they arrive in the territory of the archers. Trudging through the willows was easy, only there were vipers hanging on it's pendulent branches waiting to strike when disturbed. As soon as they got out of the greens, they were startled to see a beauty that erased their sense of enervation. About five to six steep drops of clear waterfalls lured the tired men and woman for a dip. They were like hungry dogs waiting for their master to say the magic word to go. Stellan made a quick inspection around the perimeter. He even checked the waters, before he gave the others a hand signal that made all of them cheer in delight.

All of a sudden, Jacomus and Gallanthe stripped all the way down immediately and nonhesitantly jumped in the water. Atrius and Ottis kept their trousers on and followed to the two. Bertram hopped down the stallion, and helped Umbriel and Elijah come down Areon. After laying Elijah on a mattress that Haelan took and unrolled, the priests followed the other men in the waters butt naked. They were like children, cheering and playing in the water. Prince Galen was laughing out loud as he undress and jumped in the water like a cannon ball. Stellan took his time to take off his armor, and eventually joined the others.

Haelan stayed with Elijah and decided to grab the perfect chance take him out of his misery using her healing palms. With no more intimidations, she laid her scepter on the side and rested her hands on Elijah's chest as she channel her warmth reviving his health. Elijah slowly regained his blush, his lips stopped trembling and the lines on his forehead faded. However, in the middle of the treatment, she was interrupted by her comrades who kept calling her name over and over.

"Haelan! What are you doing?", Gallanthe shouted as he wade in the water. "Join us", he invited.

"The water is great! Woo!! ", Jacomus was not ashamed to stand up on a rock showing everything he got as he jump back in the water.

"Oh no, I'm fine! Don't worry about me", Haelan said as she shake her hands in the air with her eyes pierced down.

"Don't you think you should wash up all your sweat?", Ottis asked, confused why Haelan wouldn't be thrilled to jump in the water after a day long journey.

"I don't sweat", Haelan said as she turn her head back to Elijah.

"Aww, Come on Haelan!", Gallanthe called. "Father Elijah won't go anywhere. He's been sleeping peacefully", he added.

"Guys, the water is too cold for Haelan. Let him be ", Atrius spoke for Haelan. He knew that no matter what happens, she will never join them in the water.

"You know what.. come to think of it, I've never seen you bathe with us in Brandenburg. Not even in the healing spring", Jacomus blurted out as he start to center the attention on Haelan, making her look suspiscious.

"He did once, when Ottis kicked him out in the river", Umbriel suddenly joined the conversation, and surprisingly bringing out a memory everyone could only laugh about now, even Haelan. She glanced at them and gave a soft chuckle, with cheeks like a bunny.

"Yea yea, that tickled my funny bone, Umbriel", Ottis said as he splash water on Umbriel's face.

"I didn't know my boy, Umbriel, have that humor in him! Ha!,", Jac said as he wrap his arm around Umbriel's shoulder. Haelan could only hear more splashes and laughs in the waters after looking away. She could tell that the waterfalls must be too nice to dip in as she's starting to get more jealous.

"Are you keeping secrets from us?", Ottis asked.

"Is that too big?", Jac asked that made Haelan wonder what was he referring to.

"Maybe not too interesting just as yours, Jac", Atrius said as he pull up his little finger facing Jacomus. Haelan then realized what private organ they were talking about. She just cringe in disgust.

"Boys, cut Haelan some slack. He look so tired to bathe", Prince Galen suddenly interrupted that made them all stop.

"I did bathe with him once", Stellan revealed as Haelan looked back in shock. She hoped Stellan didn't saw anything back then. Her hands hands instantly went cold in nervousness.

"You had a…a bath with..?", Prince Galen creased his brows his brows at Stellan who's washing his face with the cold water. "I'm confused, why would you have a bath with Haelan?", he asked.

"It was a coincidence. He was already in the waters when I got myself in.", Stellan said as he repeatedly brush his dark blonde hair back.

"Oh.. is that true Haelan?", Atrius asked with a flustered face she just ignored.

"I pity you, It's boring to bathe with Stellan. He's too quiet, and his mind is always elsewhere", Gallanthe said as he submerged his head underwater.

"Are you having favorites now? I thought I'm your bestfriend", Jacomus said with puppy eyes. Umbriel and Bertram patted his shoulders with a comforting beam.

"Stop, I just don't like sharing waters with other people. It's a.. it's a germ thing, but please don't get offended. Besides, I didn't know Sir Stellan was there", Haelan said once and for all. Then, she stood up and turned her back with a decision to leave these boys for a while. "Don't stay in there too long, you may catch a cold", she said as she left them enjoy the waters. She took a glimpse at Elijah who seemed have recovered a little, and sadly, not completely.

"Don't wander too far", the prince advised as Haelan disappeared in the bushes.

With the cool afternoon breeze circling around, Haelan enjoyed the solace in being alone, with the sounds of the birds in the middle of some blooming rare blossoms, surrounded by weeping willows. She thought, it's so much better than with all the men teasing. As she saunter her way, a piece of thin sheet of paper suddenly flew on her face. Peeling it off her forehead, she was about to throw it when she caught a glimpse of the headline written on it.

"This is not good", she held the poster that showed drawn faces of hers, Atrius Jacomus, and Ottis saying that they are wanted by the law for the murder of Lord Harlan. It is also stated that they abducted Umbriel as they escape. A reward of 50,000 gold on each of their heads are placed, except for Haelan with a double amount of 100,000 gold. Haelan quickly folded the poster into a small piece and placed it in her pocket. And now she worries for their lives as soon as they enter Beorg Mountains.

The sky have turned red. The sun was ready to set. The Prince, Gallanthe, Bertram and Stellan were putting on some clothes right by the waterfalls. While Atrius, Ottis and Jac were preparing the horses and some torches before they go back on their feet for their journey. According to Stellan, the gates to Beorg Mountains is nearby.

Haelan couldn't wait any longer as she gather her comrades around and let drop the important detail she found out earlier. However, just when she was about to say something, Galen and Stellan were already beside her. Haelan tried to stay calm, even though it has been stressing her inside.

"We're near Beorg Mountains. Try to stay together", Stellan said as he took one torch and led the way. The priests and Prince Galen rode on their horses as the group marched their way to the home of the archers. Haelan kept fidgeting. Eventually at the tail of the group, she grabbed on Atrius, Ottis, and Jacomus to relay her warning.

"We can't go in there", Haelan whispered as she pass to everyone the poster she found in the woods.

"Man! I look fat here!", Jacomus shrieked at his appearance. "How come Ottis have great hair", he said with disappointment.

"Stop worrying about that and let's find a way to get out of here", Haelan gritted her teeth in anxiety.

"You should've thought about that earlier on, Squirrel", Ottis said as if was ready to face his doom.

"Well it's not too late, we can leave and find our way out", Atrius said.

"I don't think we have so much time for that", Haelan said as she stood in awe when she saw a long battlement lined extending l in the ridges of the mountains. As they draw closer, they all look astounded seeing a pair of turrets connected by a bricked arc marking the entrance of the fortified stronghold of the territory of the archers.

Heightened with so much anxiety and fear for their lives, they have finally arrived. They froze as they watch Stellan, Galen, Gallanthe and the priests approach the arc. Stellan noticed that Haelan and the others were left too far behind. He then returned for the others who seemed hesitant to join in.

"What's the hold up?", Stellan asked as he catch his breath.

"Take cover for the Prince!", Alesso ordered as an infantry of twenty skilled archers appeared by the turrets of the entryway of Beorg Mountains. "Stellan! Get down!!", he shouted as he held his bow with four energy arrows up ready to fire.