Sleep

When Gonyaul finally did make it back to the abandoned building where they had set up a makeshift home, he was exhausted. In retrospect, he had lost sleep one night searching for Voah. Once he found her, he tried to sleep but struggled due to having too much on his mind. Then he spent an entire day following after her, which ended up into an entire evening pursuing a wagon into the desert. Finally he ran home. Most likely Voah and Alcuin would find what they were looking for and be back in a day at most. In hindsight he should have just stayed put the moment Voah went missing, stayed out when they went looking for trouble, and stayed put till they eventually came back. It would have all worked out for all parties that way; of course hindsight had perfect vision.

It was quiet inside the dark room and the loneliness of it seemed louder than any ambient noises trickling in from outside. He felt his way through the dark and curled up in bed, bringing the staff with him for comfort. He needed to bathe; however, that is something he could do in the morning. For now, he just wanted to curl up on his right side and fall asleep.

Before he drifted off, which did not take long, he willed himself to think about what everyone in his network might be doing right now. It was truly wishful thinking.

Alexis was probably back at the Greyriver homestead by now. The place was probably well underway and with her back running even more efficiently. While a peaceful life may have been foreign to her, it suited her well. Especially since Markus was there with her. No doubt she had swung back through Aquilos and reconnected with the man on the white horse. He thought them a good match. Perhaps if he returned home in the future there would be little ones running around the place and Alexis would be putting all of her professional training to good use as a wife and mother.

He knew, from Alcuin’s account, that Islana was in the desert somewhere. No proof that she was dead; therefore, she must be very much alive. She was probably replenishing herself at an oasis and any day now would find her way to the holy city. Once here she would be reunited with him and he would help her get settled in and using his connections help her find employment so she could get another fresh start. Of course he really didn’t have any connections, but this was his wishful thinking so it made sense. Perhaps the people he showed kindness too would reciprocate when needed?

Tar man was probably living his best life. He was surrounded by money, good food, drink and women. If he recalled, those things were important to him in large quantities and variety. Perhaps he finally had enough to be satisfied? Probably not. Tar man was larger than life and thus life had to work hard to accommodate him properly. Regardless, in his wishes, Tar man was safe and finally happy.

He was starting to go in and out of slumber. His thoughts turned to Voah. She would be back safe and sound tomorrow, or the next day. Yes, it would not be long till she was back.

Little did he know how wrong he was about all of it. As for himself, well … he had work in the morning at the docks.