Chapter Twenty-five – Swine of unusual size
“Hold on I need a break,” panted Andin.
“Do you want me to go get some help?” asked Fake.
Andin shook his head out of stubborn pride, “No, I can make it, we’re not far now.”
“It’s at least another two miles.”
Andin took a breath and raised the two stone slabs off the ground, each laden with a massive boar. The boars had attacked the pair a mile back. Refusing his offer to get help from the portal camp Fake decided instead to berate the fire prince, “You know the pigs in Pelagos were much smaller; I didn’t know they could get so big.”
Andin focused on keeping the pigs aloft. Fake went on, “Hey would it be much trouble if I jumped on? I’ve got this tourist in my shoe.” Andin continued ignoring his friend. Fake stopped to shake the rocks from his footwear.
Another mile covered and Andin had to stop. Fake eased up on the fire prince, “I really do wish I could help; you’re doing great.” The prince recovered and the boars floated off the ground and moved onward.
Fake ran ahead to the portal camp. Andin was near the limit of his stamina again; the boar felt as if they had doubled in weight. Through the trees he could hear yelling. Fake was putting on a show.
“Grab your ale, grab the minstrels, grab your lover, and light the fires because it’s time for a pig roast!” Fake painted the words ‘pig roast’ against the pink-orange sky. The illusionist’s timing was perfect. The camp was quiet with muffled confusion for just a second until Andin cleared the tree line.
The fire prince was greeted with cheers as he set the enormous animals down. He dug a shallow fire pit and wiped the sweat off his face. “If you start them now they should be ready for the opening festival tomorrow night,” he said to one of the festival chefs who already set to cleaning and dressing the pigs.
Gunrow found the boys and handed them each a pint of ale, “I’m glad you two made your way back before the opening festival.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world, it’s my first,” said Fake.
“How do you like it so far?” asked Andin to Gunrow.
It was a strange marvel to see a weathered face look so excited, “It’s incredible; I can’t believe I’ve missed out on so many chances to cross through. We don’t have forests like this in Pelagos. My wife spent half the day yesterday following around some red squirrels; they had to have been three times as big as any I’ve seen back home.”
“You should go hunting while you’re here,” suggested Fake.
Andin added his suggestion, “There is a small waterfall not too far into the woods the way we came, maybe five miles in.”
Pria joined them, “Good evening gentlemen.”
“Will you be joining us tomorrow for the festival?” asked Fake.
“No, I’ll be with the ships that night; Dohm and his crew should be here though,” she answered.
Andin had expected Fake to look disappointed with her answer, but neither showed emotion about her absence. “I’m eager to see how you Pelagics handle your festivals,” stated Andin to keep the conversation going. This prompted response from all the natives, apparently there is no party quite like a sailor’s party.
Andin and a handful of other earth users helped raise a stone stage and stone tables. Fake cozied up to a group of entertainers rehearsing for the evening shows, landing himself a ten minute slot on stage. “Most of us are refractors,” said one artist.
“A what?” asked a confused Fake.
“You’re that guy aren’t you? The one from the plane last year; I heard about you,” he said not answering the question.
“You didn’t –” began Fake.
“Oh, a refractor is someone who uses water and light magic, so if you need lighting for your bit just ask one of us,” he added.
Fake began shifting his sand into various shapes and figures, drawing a small crowd of interested artists. Andin saw this and ran over grabbing his friend, “Hey Fake, will you help me for a moment?”
Fake was confused but obliged, “What is it?”
“Most people don’t know you can create illusions that look perfectly real, it would be better if you tweaked your show to hide that,” said a worried Andin.
“The Brothers know, the marines and magi who were trapped in my plane know, and everyone on our ship-pair knows; relax Andin,” disputed Fake.
Andin whispered heatedly, “Look, do what you want but if these people think you’re from the Plane of Deceit there could be trouble.”
Fake rolled his eyes, “It’s just a show; quit being so serious about the natives turning on you, it’s going to eat you up.”
Andin didn’t have anything to say to that and walked off. Fake shrugged knowing Andin would be thinking about their discussion until he agreed with the illusionist or discovered a better counterpoint. Fake resumed rehearsing. He asked the artists, “For this part can you guys light it all from the bottom?”