As it was already getting dark, Storm and Leyocan decided to camp at their current location, then fly back to Sanctuary the next morning.
Leyocan started a small campfire and had laid a thick bedroll out for himself, while Storm was curled up on the ground near the fire in his true form.
The Harpies had long since returned to the war camp of the orcs. Leaving Storm and Leyocan alone with their thoughts.
Neither of the two were currently sleeping despite the late hours of the night.
"Leyocan? Tell me truthfully? Do you think you'll be able to track down Torin's brother?" Asked Storm.
Leyocan was silent for a moment.
"I don't know! He's been gone for a VERY long time! He could have changed hands multiple times by now, And Minotaur slaves don't tend to live long.
They're not suitable for manual labor because of how large and difficult they are to control and intimidate, but they are regularly used as Gladiators. People like the 'spectacle ' a 10 foot giant warrior provides.
What will make it even harder is that slave owners rarely bother to name their slaves.
It's like trying to find a needle, hidden in several hay stacks, while blindfolded." Explained Leyocan.
"So it's hopeless then?" Asked Storm.
"I didn't say that! Fortunately Minotaur slaves are rare. Not everyone can maintain the upkeep. If it was an elf, I'd say it's impossible.
But with a Minotaur I do have a few options. " Explained Leyocan.
"Listen, I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to make a small detour tomorrow before we return to Sanctuary. " said Storm.
Leyocan nodded.
"I don't mind, but where do you want to go?" Asked Leyocan.
"Caledonia." Stated Storm.
Leyocan frowned.
"Why there? To my knowledge nothing of interest happens in the area? It's a small city for farmers and craftsmen? I don't even think the kingdom has an army or a hunter's guild?" Exclaimed Leyocan.
"..."
"..."
"... I... promised my son I'd bring a souvenir for him... something from the human cities...
It's currently the closest and safest one to visit..." Explained Storm.
Leyocan grinned like the sly fox he resembled.
"He really has you wrapped around his little talon, doesn't he?" Mocked Leyocan.
"I just want him to enjoy his childhood while he still can!" Retorted Storm.
"Just make sure you don't spoil him too much!" Said Leyocan.
Storm grumbled at Leyocan's ribbing.
"It's all right, if I'm honest, there's someone I know that I probably should go look up since we're in the area." Replied Leyocan.
"Your father?" Asked Storm.
Leyocan nodded his head.
"What happened between you two? From what I can tell, you two aren't close?" Asked Storm.
"To.put it mildly. " said Leyocan.
He sighed.
"I suppose it's no secret that Celestial and I were close once.We met during our respective first missions. Suffice to say... my emotions caused me to botch both our jobs.
Both clan leaders were furious. They set an ultimatum for us. Break thing off...Or be banished for our clans... Celestial choose her clan..." said Leyocan.
"I'm sorry! I shouldn't have asked!" Exclaimed Storm.
"It's all right... it happened a long time ago.
I've been able to forgive Celestial, but not my 'old man'. But after what happened in Northburg, I can't help but feel that he may have had a point! I let emotion cloud my judgment, and my clan paid the price!" Said Leyocan.
"Don't blame yourself for what happened!!" Exclaimed Storm.
"How could I not? I exposed them!Drowned the city in blood for revenge.I lied to you before...When you confronted me in Northburg... I was very much out for blood after what they did to Celestial. " Explained Leyocan
"Can't blame you! I would have acted the same way.." said Storm.
"My father said that letting emotion cloud your judgment would leave you easy to manipulate and make you vulnerable.
It's why he forced us to break it off.
I just wanted him to know that, and that I'm ready to forgive him."
They turned in for the night and early the next morning they set off again.
By afternoon Caledonia was close enough to see in from the air. Storm dropped to the ground and they turned into their human forms and proceeded the rest of the way on foot.
The city was small compared to some of the other cities Storm had seen.A wooden wall surrounded the main part of the settlement, a small market selling farming produce and other crafts made by hand was located in a small square in the center of the city.
A small town hall was built in front of the market where the small group a village elders would meet and discuss decisions for the city.
The city had no standing military, the few guards they employed were local men who wanted to safeguard the city from bandits and other outlaws.
They had no fear of invasion or monsters, the area was free of threats as almost nothing of value could be found in the area.
Due to this, the city was a popular spot for people who wanted to retire to the country side, but was unwilling to completely abandon city life.
Storm and Leyocan parted ways at the gate and Storm proceeded alone towards the market.
He gave each stall a look, but quickly found that it was mostly food on offer.
The few arts and crafts that were on display wasn't something a hatchling would have found of interest.
"This was a stupid idea!" Thought Storm in irritation.
A small stall caught his eye.
The entire table was covered in small wooden figurines of a wide verity of magic creatures. Dragons, Griffins, Elves, Fairies.
All were on display.
Storm picked up a figurine of a dragon and studied it closely. It was standing up on it's hind legs with both wings spread out to give it balance.
It's front limbs reached forward as if intending to grasp something and it's mouth was open in a silent roar. It's tail was curled around it's body.
"Do you like it young man?" Asked an unknown voice.
Storm looked up and was an old man in his late 70's sitting on a chair behind the table.
His hair and beard had long since turned white with age and his face was covered in wrinkles. He wore a baggy olive green shirt and pants that long since didn't fit him anymore.
A wooden walking Stick was leaning up against the table.
Storm slowly returned the figurine to the table.