Sanctuary (Dominion) by Kris Kramer Read Free Book Online Page B

ordained priest, but I had long ago tired of explaining that distinction. "Tell me, though, did you pass another man headed this way? Tall, with a sword?”
    “Aye. Scary one, that is.”
    I tried to appear impassive. "How long ago?"
    "Mmmmm," he considered the question, "been a while now. You're not likely to catch him today."
    I grunted in defeat. I’d expected as much even though I hadn’t been willing to admit it to myself. I would need to think carefully now on how I expected to get through the night alone. "I see. What is your name?”
    “I am called Ethelbald, Father.”
    “Well, Ethelbald, may God bless you on your journey. And know that I shall pray for your soul." I made the sign of the cross, and he bowed his head and did the same.
    “Thank you, Father.” He reached into his coat and I heard the faint jingle of coins.
    "No, no silver." I held up my hand in protest. "Although, would you have something on your horse there that I could use to cover my head? Something small?"
    He considered the request, deciding if the blessing was worth one of his precious wares. He must have decided it was, because he rummaged through the stack of pelts and pulled out a small hareskin just big enough to wrap over my head. "Got no straps for ya, but take that to a tailor and they can fix you up."
    "Thank you," I said. I wished I'd been brazen enough to ask for one for my hands, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. "You've helped me out more than I can say. God speed you on your journey.”
    “Aye," he said, glancing up at the sky. "Dark days coming. Not safe to be out here.”
    I nodded and gave a curt bow of farewell, which he awkwardly returned. We both continued on our way, but then I stopped. “Why do you say that?” I asked.
    "Eh?" he said, his eyes squinting out from a mass of hair and fur.
    "Dark days. What do you mean?" Humbert said those exact same words to me. I found it strange to hear them again.
    “Winter’s coming,” he said, lazily motioning to the grey skies. “Shouldn’t be out on the roads.”
    “Ah. Right. Of course. God be with you.” I waved, he bowed his head, and we both walked away from each other, his words still hanging on my soul.
     
     
    *****
     
     
    I'm not sure how long I wandered about in the dark once the sun set. I'd forced myself to trudge onward blindly for so long that time lost meaning. I could have stopped when dusk came. I could have made a fire, nibbled on my provisions, and bundled up against some trees, but for some reason, I hadn’t yet decided to do that. Things like rest, food, and warmth seemed pointless if I let Arkael get away, which he would surely do in the morning. I think I’d somehow convinced myself in this disorienting darkness that if I didn’t find him now, I never would again. So I walked, and I would continue to do so until I couldn’t.
    The road north led to a thick forest, which I reached just as the sun dipped past the horizon. I entered with little thought to my safety, ignoring the stories of bandits who lived in woods such as this, preying on unsuspecting travelers in its narrow twists and turns. God hadn't brought me this far just to be waylaid by thieves, I thought warily, and not a little foolishly. Most of the trees were bare of leaves by now, so once the sun fell and the moon rose, I could see parts of the path before me from the thin streaks of moonlight shining through the treetops. But I still stubbed my toes on buried roots, and I tripped over fallen branches. Each time, though, I would grumble, pick myself up and continue on. I was exhausted, and despite my earlier indifference, I didn’t know how much longer I could go without stopping to sleep. But still I walked. God had a purpose for me. I was doing His work. This would lead somewhere. I was sure of it.
    Thus, when I finally saw that fire ahead, to the side of the road, my hopes rose, and I found just enough energy to surge toward it. I hoped it was Arkael, but it could just as