Aide Me

Chapter Sixteen - Empower Me

"Oh, my God," She exclaimed and took another sip, "It's delicious!"

"I'm glad," Aide chuckled again. "That means I did it right."

"You've never made it it before?" Emaia asked, a little warily.

"Only once or twice, but it's a long time ago."

"Well, it's delicious," She repeated and emptied the cup. Her hungry stomach loved the feeling of the thick mixture landing in her belly. It churned, but accepted it.

"It should start working over the next half hour or so," Aide informed, "You should relax until then." He made ready to leave the tent.

"Thank you, Aide," Emaia placed a hand on his arm.

Aide paused for a second and looked at her hand. He then gave her a little smile and opened the tent. "Any time."

~*~

When Emaia woke up the next morning, she felt wonderful; Well-rested and freed from pains. Whatever had been in that drink Aide had given her, it has worked.

"Knock-knock, Em. We need to get going." She heard Dashel say outside her tent.

"Give me two minutes," She replied. She was happy that today they would finally arrive at The Western Coast. It would be nice to have a proper bath and a good meal.

She braided her hair and rolled it up in a bun, only because she hoped it would help keep a low profile. She even changed into a dress, since a woman wearing breeches pulled attention. Everything had to work out today. If they managed to get into town and keep low, that meant huge progress for the rebellion. The western people frequently suffered under a lot of wild storms since The Cold Sea bordered right up against them. It was a tough environment to live in, so the people of west did everything they could to survive. Lately, the King had been making it hard for them.

Hopefully, the western people would listen to their words and join their cause. The rebellion had been growing over the last few weeks, each new member a cherished asset. Some were scared when they first met Aide, while others were curious. No matter what, Aide was always polite and friendly towards them.

Emaia packed up her stuff, slung her satchel over her shoulder and then packed up her tent. When she carried it to the carriage, she found Dashel securing some pelts in the back.

"Hey," She smiled and made him look up.

"Hi," Dashel smiled back. "You seem to feel better."

"A lot." Curtesy of Aide. "Are we all ready to go?"

"Almost," Dashel confirmed. "I can't wait to get there. I've never been this far West before."

"Really?"

Dashel tied a knot tightly around a bag of grain before replying. "Back in Johann City, I never really got the opportunity to go anywhere. My parents were accidentally killed by the King's guards after the city got cleansed under The Great Purge," He told. Emaia stared surprised. "After that, it was just me. I grew up in the slums until I finally found work at a smithy. I never got around to go explore the kingdom."

"Wow," Emaia breathed and put a sympathetic hand on his arm. "I had no idea. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Dashel smiled a little and looked down. "Thanks. I've gotten over it, but thanks."

"Do you ever miss them?"

He nodded quietly. "I do. I wish they could see what I'm doing—what I'm trying to do."