Days 151-154 (129th-132th)

Day 151( 129th):
We awoke to the elves singing a working song as they broke camp and made breakfast. The unicorns had relaxed a bit and did not stay so close to me or us all the time. The sunshine through the trees was warmer than when we had entered over a week ago. Granted, it was deep into summer and we were further south than Raval Palace. Our new companions, Larz, Bo, and Dawn, had settled into parts of their partners and it was easy to forget they were there. Larz rode between Kendar and the pommel of the saddle. Either he was really the runt or just a smallish breed, but he fit that nook quite well. Bo had his head near Lisa' right elbow, body over her shoulders and down her left side, tail lazily coiled around Gluttony. Dawn found a nice spot behind Alice, nested between the saddle bags and cuddled against her back. The forest became quieter as we neared the Baalocs' settlements. The unicorns got edgy and nervous. We told them it was alright if they chose to stay in the forest instead of following us. Reluctantly, they agreed to stay behind. We neared the edge of the forest shortly after our mid-day break. Almost at the same time, the unicorns, we seven, Dawn, and Larz went on guard facing the southeast. Before the rest could ask, about a dozen people came running at us, screaming and holding up weapons of various types and sizes. We couldn't make out individual words until they got closer. Mostly, they were shouting "demons", "devils", "beasts", and other mean things. Our elf troop launched a volley of arrows just over their heads. Other than stumbling, it did not change their advance. When they got a little closer, they stopped. Once of the men stepped forward.
"Stop your unholy activities or we will be forced to attack you."
Kendar addressed them,"What 'unholy activities'? We are just traveling through the woods."
He interrupted,"In the company of demons with unholy beasts as your guards."
We all looked around, very confused. Seeing we did not understand who or what he was talking about, the man pointed his short sword at Lurox, "Devils". Then, he pointed at the unicorns, "Unholy beasts."
We looked at each other and started laughing. This made them very angry.
Another man stepped forward and addressed us seven, "Girls, I don't know what they promised you, but it is not worth you souls. Any wealth or beauty they offer is an illusion, empty promises bringing nothing but pain and suffering. Say the word and we will protect you from them."
This resulted in another round of laughter. It was their turn to be confused. Gretta composed herself and began trying to explain. They refused to listen and moaned about lost children. Kendar suggested they leave before they got hurt. I could see they honestly believed what they were saying and truly felt their way was good and right. Hurting them was not the way. I whispered to the unicorns to put them to sleep so we all could leave unharmed. However, it was Dawn who acted. Circling above their heads, she sang a beautiful tune. They began to slump, letting weapons fall from limp fingers, and slowly slid to the ground. They all had peaceful looks on their faces. Dawn returned to Alice's saddle, chirped, and straightened her feathers. We took this as a cue to leave.
We were many miles away when I felt them rise. They were confused and decided no to follow us. We were still under the trees when darkness fell. I sensed we were very close to a Baaloc town. I pushed as far as I could, but Baaloc Prime was still too far away. Also, I could not reach the wedding party. I hoped they were safe and weren't too bored with this duty.

Day 152 (130th):
The mornings were becoming warmer as the trees became thinner and further apart. Our unicorns decided they could go no further and feel safe. We hugged them, thanked them for their company and aid, and asked if they would watch over the temple cave and its occupants. They were glad we still needed them and gleefully let us know they would as soon as we were out of sight. We left them standing under a clump of trees. We continued east, trying not to look back at them, as it was a heartbreaking sight. About an hour after parting, Dawn gave a mournful whistle that let us know they had left. Soon after, we left the forest.
I felt the Baaloc town getting closer as we journeyed. Not everyone there was evil. There were many who honestly believed the teachings as the right path. Still, I could feel the many who knew they were doing bad things and did them anyway, regardless of who got hurt. Here and there were pockets of people who were doing good and did not believe the Baaloc way, yet pretended in order to survive. We channeled some good energy their way to help them not feel alone. The elves began hiding their obvious elfish features. Kendar got some horses for them from an outlying farmer who, I could feel, desperately needed the money. While Kendar was dealing with him, the seven of us secretly purified his fields of poison, boosted its fertility and producing capacity, and asked the animals around to help him if they could. We checked the horses for diseases or problems. They were healthy, if a bit underfed. Fortunately for them, the elves were lighter compared to humans at the same height. The elves rode bareback as the farmer had no saddles at all. The horses didn't seem to mind.
We passed within sight of the town. I could not look directly at it for more than a few seconds without pain pulsing through my head. My sisters also commented on the many impressions they were receiving. It was decided to only do business with outlying homes and stay clear of town as much as possible. Kendar said he was glad we could sense others this way so we all would not be fooled by dishonest people. We warned the others when we were being approached by other riders or travelers. We did stop a merchant wagon manned by an honest couple. They were friendly and dealt with us openly. They warned us that Cornwall "the heir of Maalicus the Martyr" was harsher in his dictates and had no mercy or lenience in his rules. We thanked them and parted.
Around evening, we found an abandoned house that showed no signs of any occupation for some time. Part of the roof had fallen in, but as no rain was anticipated, it made a good place to stay the night. No one was on the roads, so we felt safe. We risked a small fire. I didn't know if it was Baaloc Prime or not, but a large area with many people was at the furthest edge of my and Vanity's combined reach. We were asked if any of us had gleaned the name of the town we passed. Anna said it was Kordack, formerly Lystal. Looking at the map, we found Lystal. It was a few days ride south and west of Baaloc Prime. We decided to avoid the roads as much as possible and make a nearly straight shot northeast. A large town was in our path, but we held off on a decision until we got a better look and feel for it. The night was eerily silent.

Days 153-154 (131-132):
We were up and gone before sunrise. We traveled over forgotten fields and abandoned grazing pastures. We happened upon two active farms with families who were glad we were not Baaloc soldiers. At both, we did the same as the farm where we bought the horses. The first was just an elderly couple who wanted one more good crop before they died and their house became government property. The second was a family with six children and a very pregnant wife. Husband and wife feared giving birth with no mid-wife for miles around. Kendar and Lurox agreed that we could stay the night and aid the poor woman. We felt for the baby and found her healthy and strong. She could survive being born at that time. We nudged the girl into deciding to come out. The wife and us seven went into her bedroom when the contractions started. Callie and I had aided our village mid-wife before, so this was not new to us. Sarah monitored their health as we secretly gave energy to the wife. By dawn, the sun was greeted by a new voice. Father, mother, and siblings welcomed their new addition. They wanted to pay us, but we knew how little they had, so we politely declined. When they insisted, Sarah said her order was forbidden from accepting payment for such service. This ended their argument.
We left before mid-day, continuing our planned path. The large town was creeping into my awareness. The others felt it, too. Lisa said it was like a stinger in the land, slowly sending poison in all directions. Sarah had to pull inward as the pain of it was eating at her. To me, it was a dark emptiness slowly covering a beautiful landscape. At times, I wanted to cry at the waste, suffering, and cruelty of it all. We informed Kendar and the elves that we had to pull our senses in to keep this from chipping away at us. They understood and said it was the best thing to do. By nightfall, we were still a distance away from the town, but, even nearly closed completely down, it still pressed upon my senses. I could see my sisters also struggling with the town's presence upon their senses. Kendar and the elves were worried about us. We tried to assure them we would adjust to the town and be glad when we were away from it.