565: 565. Rocky Path

565. Rocky Path

The group followed the same pattern as the previous night, however, there was one difference that surprised everyone. "In the morning we will be off early. So it has been nice getting to know the both of you." Walker had been worried that leaving them would come off poorly but knew it was inevitable.1

The shepherd dug around in his satchel looking for something whole the party looked on in curiosity. After a short moment, two leather bound notebooks came out. One was old and matched the one he had shown the pages from before. The other was newer and smelled of ink. 

The shepherd handed the notebook to Walker and Onyx translated his message, "This is for you so that you can bond with any sheep you pass." Walker had opened the second journal to find that all the sheep had been copied down. The information of feeding them and their predators was also added. 

"This is amazing, are you really sure you want to share this with us?" Walker felt that this was too much. These writings were from the shepherds' hard work of years and years of herding sheep. It felt unfair to just take them without giving something in return. 

Onyx translate again, "I believe you will be able to use the information wisely. I also wish to repay the effort you put in. I did not need to worry about my sheeps' well being with your party on the job." Walker felt pride hearing this and came forward to shake the shepherds' hand. It was the least he could do to show his respect for this gift. 

"Ah, in that case, take one of my coins. It seems like it is only wood, but if you bring it to any adventurers guild branch they can contact me with herding requests. I'm not sure you can use it but it would be nice to see you all again." Herder flipped a wooden coin toward Walker. The coin was carved from basic wood but had the symbol of a man on a bull upon it. 

"Thank you! We will make sure that if we come across any who need a herder or if we need one ourselves we will request you." The rest of the party became much more lively after Walker had taken the lead and everyone was sure to say their piece on farewells and thanks yous. 

The remainder of the night went as usual. They rotated their watch and rested well until the sun was about to break the horizon. They managed to wake before many of the merchants and clean up camp. Walker left a small amount of wood next to where they made a fire for the next traveler who came there. This was his last act before they all stored the camping gear and set out on a new day. 

Each of them looked back sad to lose their company but it was inevitable. They were going north toward the mountains where the dwarves tunneled and the others were headed more to the east. However, they were able to rest easy knowing that they had methods to contact or remind them of their new found friends. 

"I wonder if we will need to use that coin." Walker was wondering this while they walked.

"I am sure we will. We meet many people that require many things." Su felt it was a matter of time before they ran in to someone with the need for a herder. 

"I am just surprised the shepherd shared his knowledge with us. Although, he seemed really happy to talk to Onyx." Gil gave Onyx a things up for the job well done. 

"It was nothing, he had many stories that I was able to listen to and enjoy." Onyx had heard many of the shepherds' travel stories and was still dwelling on them while he rested on Midnights' back. 

"I didn't get to see Herder use his style again so we need to contact him soon." Remey was frustrated to see the unfinished block in her alchemical brawlers field guide skill. She wanted to find a reason to meet Herder again as soon as possible to remedy this fact. 

"I am sure we will get to see him again. But aren't you going to have this problem with many of the systems we see in passing?" Walker thought she was being a little ambitious if she thought she would have every style she saw recorded fully from every system the party came across. 

"No, I can't let it get away from me now. The more I fully learn the better I can pass things on to everyone and the better we can strategize." Remey had a look of determination on her face and Walker couldn't bring himself to say anything opposite to what she believed and let her be. 

"Leader, the path is opening up here." Su had noticed the change in the path they were traveling. The area had become less grassy and bushy over the few hours of the morning after they set out from the resting point. 

"According to the maps, we should be hitting the rocky terrain that leads up to the mountains. The path will be rough but we are much closer now." Walker looked ahead to see the mountains which seemed to grow with each step. They always appeared small in the distance but now loomed above them with a presence of mightiness. 

"It's crazy to think there are dwarves under the ground. Rock elves hidden away somewhere. And ancient dragon villages up there. Who knows what else." Gil was thinking about all the mysteries to him and the party that resided in this area. None of them had ever been to the mountains or even this far north at all. They were all treading new ground together as a party and would be learning many more new things. 

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