A Final Duty
Leiwyn took the young elves to the town, to get them fed and settled, as ordered. She approached the Bruiser she had been told to find, and handed him a small pouch of gold coins. She hated the idea of posting a guard on them, but Bjorke had been adamant about it. Her task complete, she headed back to the stone outcropping where the others were.
Razor was in Steamwheedle, seeing about a burial gown. The tailor had one with gold threads running through it, and she negotiated a price.
LIjana and Binni scavenged the rocky areas for dried brush, and driftwood carried by the wind, gathering armloads of it. They bound the bundle with cord to carry back.
Bjorke dipped a cloth into Hero’s water bowl, and washed the body of her friend. She wiped his face and hands. This was the first time she had ever seen him without his helm, never realizing before the extent of damage done to his face. He had told her of a mission that ended badly, but never said much about it.
Each member of the group returned to the rocks at the same time. “Lijana, get that wood set up there.” Bjorke indicated a flat area. “Lei, give them a hand. Nearly sunset now.” Bjorke looked at the gown Razor brought, nodding in approval. “Fitting. Well done.” The two women pulled it on his limp, lifeless form. Bjorke pulled up the hood: a gesture of modesty for her friend.
Together, they placed him atop the branches, laying him out gently. Bjorke crossed his arms on his chest, and kissed his head, as she had in the Cavern. She lit a torch, and used it to ignite the pyre. “Rest well, my friend. Take your place with the gods, an honored warrior. Be with your wife.” The women stood around the fire, the sun setting into the desert, each with her own thoughts.
As Bjorke watched the flames, she saw an image of a Hawk unfurl its wings. It hovered in the smoke, black as night, with an outline of gold. A screech rang through the air, and the Hawk sailed upwards to the heavens. Tears streamed down her face, and she did nothing to stop them. He was at peace, at last, but he had left a hole in her heart. “Goodbye, Jiv’undus.”
