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their way to the carriage and climbed in. The carriage headed toward the town of Harlow's Hovel.
    A few moments passed and Methvas spoke up first. “I guess this is our final ride. Your mother will surely want to say good-bye and give you some traveling gifts as well. I am speechless. After all, what is a father supposed to say to his departing child?”
    Fidel thought for a moment. “I am thinking you wish me a safe journey and I promise to return. Sound about right?” Methvas and Fidel both shared in the amusement of the simplified statement. They both sat in silence, watching the scenery of Harlow's Hovel pass by in the retreating light of the late afternoon sky.
    A few minutes later, they were riding by Shartiva's General Store, their mercantile. They saw a sign on the door stating the shop was closed. They both looked at each other, as Shar's store was typically open from sunrise to sunset. They both understood this was a special day.
    When they pulled up to the house, they both jumped down from the carriage and thanked the driver. The driver tipped his hat and headed off to the keep. Fidel and Methvas couldn't help but notice the smells coming from their home. The sweet smells of desserts coupled with the bulky aroma of stews. They both felt their stomachs grumble as they made their way into their home.
    Methvas and Fidel stood at the front door in awe, seeing rows and rows of cooked food. Stews, steaks, roasts, kabobs, various breads and desserts all over the counters and tables. All of which packaged in pinewood boxes, designed for travel. It became quite clear what Shar's departure gift was to Fidel at that time. Shar smiled at them and walked over to give them a hug. Upon hugging Fidel, she paused for a moment.
    “Did you gain some massive muscle in one day?” she asked tapping on Fidel's shoulder and hearing a metallic clang in return.
    Fidel stepped back and removed his robe. “A fabulous set of armor isn't it? A gift from Lord Ias and further enchanted by Father.”
    Shar looked over the armor with admiration. “Very nice! But what about your shoes? You cannot walk such a long path without a good set of shoes.” Fidel gave Shar a curious look. She picked up a box off the settle couch and handed it to him. Fidel opened the box and pulled out a pair of silk boots, black with thick soles.
    “Put 'em on!” Shar said. Fidel complied with the request. His feet slid in easily, a perfect fit.
    Methvas walked over to the settle. “So, Fidel, what enchantment shall be placed on the boots? What would be best for the adventurer Fidel?”
    Fidel thought for a moment. “I think I want to stay in the realm of being quiet. So a spell that would make the me lighter or prevent the boots from generating noise would be nice.”
    Methvas thought, "These soles are going to last forever!"  Just as he did with the armor, he ran his hands along the boots and chanted.
    After Methvas finished enchanting the boots, Fidel stood up and stomped heavily. Not a single sound could be heard. He smiled and looked at his father. “Thank you once again.”
    Methvas looked up. “Nothing too good for my son! Let's eat!”
    The family sat down for their final meal together. At first, an awkward silence surrounded the meal as each person thought of their futures without each other. After awhile, the conversation picked up with Shar and Methvas discussing their future in Harlow's Hovel. Fidel chimed in with his anticipation of what he would find on the road to Puldechra. The meal was the longest meal the family had ever shared together.
    Fidel was the first to comment on the setting sun and the need to get moving. Shar instructed him to take all the food she made throughout the day. He packaged up the food and placed it in his hip sack, still amazed at all it could hold. He pulled out his seven-foot walking stick and his rucksack and handed them to Methvas.
    “You two can keep these. Makes no sense to travel with two sticks and two