171 The Night Before

Erom had sent out a message for everyone to gather at his castle the night before they were to set out. Kelley had taken the message round to everyone but the only person who failed to turn up was Freidis Regioun. “Did you tell her what I said?” Erom confirmed from Kelley. “Yeah, I did.” Kelley bobbed his head anxiously. “She gave no indication that she would not be able to make it. In fact she looked rather excited. Maybe we shouldn't judge yet. Maybe something happened.” But the worried look that was on his master's face as he looked away was not a good sign. Where the hell was Freidis and why was she not here?! The others didn't trust her and that was certain. She not turning up now would only reinforce their belief that a spoilt, rich kid had no place in expeditions of this nature. Erom meanwhile was addressing the little group that were sprawled out around in the courtyard where they had all gathered. Now that it was time for the real thing, there were tense faces in the place