The Gypsy's Map (pt. 4)
"Remarkable are they not, sir knight?"
"I do not even know where to begin," Oliver stammered.
"They are called chara berries," explained the Sentinel, "and grow plentifully in direct sunlight and in areas that experience immense amounts of joy. Thou canst eat them with the results thou hast seen or be crushed and used as a salve for any injury. Thou shalt have need of them upon thy journey hence."
Taking the branch as if it were of purest gold, Oliver gazed at it in wonder for a few moments before plucking off the remaining berries and placing them in a pouch at his waist. After storing his newest provision, he gathered the rest of his equipment placing things back into packs and saddling Capell. The Sentinel, for his part, held out the berry he had picked towards Capell, who ate it gratefully. Seeing an opportunity to return to its original perch, the bird hopped from the horse's head onto the stone man's hand and thus up his arm until finally roosting on his shoulder, twittering merrily. Upon the bird's return, the Sentinel inclined his head towards his shoulder companion almost as if he were trying to catch what the bird was saying.
"Dost thou have all that thou needst?" queried the Sentinel.
"I believe I do," answered Oliver. "Thank you for thy hospitality and teaching. I shan't forget thee and shall remember thee in my prayers."
The knight offered his hand. Smiling broadly, the stone man grasped Oliver's outstretched hand and held it.
"Fare thee well, good knight. May the Holy One of heaven guide thee on thy quest and His mother and all the saints protect thee as thou pursuest thy journey."
Releasing their hold on one another, Oliver and the Sentinel regarded one another with friendly, even brotherly, affection.
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