h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

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Omens of Oblivion: Plans Are Forged

Each and every guild member took turns in watching over Freya, and Gureryne spent all night praying by her side. As the sun rose over the third day of fever, Andreas was the first to spot a difference in her condition, feeling her forehead gradually cooling beneath his hand.

Quietly, so as not to wake up the young Blade dozing on a chair nearby, he hurried downstairs. Kurz, who had always been a light sleeper, woke up when he heard Andreas' footsteps. Carefully, he got out of bed and approached Freya's bed. He noticed she was breathing more easily now, and felt her forehead, that seemed cooler. He grabbed the pitcher and was filling the mug when Freya suddenly opened her eyes, so unexpectedly that Kurz almost dropped the mug, and the pitcher too.

'Are you feeling any better?' Kurz whispered.

At first, Freya didn't reply, her eyes wandering as she tried to orientate herself. When her eyes fell upon the young Blade, she drew in her breath sharply and attempted to sit up. Kurz gently held her back, hushing her.

'Easy now, snow lady, you have been very ill' Kurz whispered, 'and we don't want to wake up that one unless we have to.' He nodded at the Blade.

At that moment, Andreas returned, carrying a loaded tray. While Kurz helped prop up Freya's pillows so that she could sit up, Andreas put down the tray and held out a mug of hot spiced tea with ginger and lemon. Next came a plate with a slice of freshly baked bread, still warm from the oven, spread with melting butter and honey, a piece of cheese and a peach, so ripe it was almost going squishy.

'How do you keep coming up with stuff like this?' Kurz inquired, clearly impressed, but Andreas only smiled.

While Freya enjoyed her breakfast, Kurz nudged Gureryne awake, asking him to check Freya's wound. Gureryne's eyes widened when he saw that the scratch was almost completely healed, no swelling, no redness. When he opened his mouth, Kurz put a finger to his lips, indicating the Blade, and Gureryne shut his mouth, lips tight.

It didn't take long for the Blade to wake up though, what with all the other guild members waking up and moving around. Eagerly, he approached Freya's bed and asked:

'Are you feeling any better, ma'm?'.

'Not well enough to be travelling yet, young man' replied Gureryne curtly.

Meanwhile, Vilena had arrived and was looking thoughtfully at the Blade. Amably, she introduced herself to him.

'Why don't you join us for breakfast?' she said, taking his arm and leading him downstairs.

Years of practice and experience of persuasion, Vilena finally managed to extrictate the information she was looking for from the young Blade, while assuring him that it would remain confidential. Once she had calmed him down, she walked upstairs and sat down at the edge of Freya's bed, looking intently at her.

'As far as I have been able to find out, after you had refused to go to Kvatch, Jauffre went there himself, only to discover a refugee camp of survivors, and a gate to Oblivion blocking access to the city of Kvatch itself. No one really seems to know how he managed to close the gate, but he did.'

'It seems Martin, the sole remaining heir, had survived, bringing citizens into safety in the local chapel while the city itself was completely distroyed by Daedra. Jauffre found him and brought him as fast as possible into safety at the Cloud Ruler Temple. Once there, he found that the only person who could hand over the Amulet of Kings to Martin was the last person to receive it from a ruling Emperor. That means you, Freya.'

'That is why he needs you.'

It was agreed that, providing Freya was feeling well enough, there would be a party assembled, heading for Cloud Ruler Temple next morning.

[-B4-]