David was inspecting a circle-shaped canteen made of wood from Talim. Its short neck was mainly protected by a steel cap and a chain strap to prevent it from leaking. David guessed it could only contain a half-liter of water. But Talim told him it would last at least three days for two people.

“How is that possible?” David asked, shaking it.

“Spatial Manipulation,” Talim replied. “The container is magically shaped by one of our best mages in Ryeland.”

“It doesn't feel heavy,” David observed.

Talim smiled. “You don't understand a thing about spatial bending. There's a hole inside of it that connects to other containers elsewhere.”

David disengaged the cap and peeked inside. He could see that it was full and almost leaking. He sipped a fair amount of water and checked if it stayed in the same quantity as he could remember. Talim was right. The water inside didn't change in volume.

“This is impressive,” David applauded, wiping his mouth. Where was this thing during his every basketball practice?

Talim noticed he was looking at his knapsack.

“Oh, this is a normal one,” he shrugged.

“Do you feel okay?” David asked, thinking back how he almost got lost in the Whispering Trees.

“Sure,” Talim assured. “I feel just alright. It was like waking up from a short nap.”

“How does it feel?”

“I don't really remember,” Talim said. “I was in a daze. It was like I was floating in a dream.”

“The voices were really enticing at the end. They almost got me.”

“Thanks for saving me back there.”

“That's all right.”

“It was sad losing my crossbow,” Talim expressed unhappily.

He had lost his weapon while treading the Whispering Trees. David grimaced looking back at the line of dead trees.

Both of them were sitting at the river bank enjoying the peaceful sound of splashing water. The rushing noise and scent of wet mud were tempting David to lie down and spend more hours resting. The longer he sat, the more David felt his exhaustion. It felt so nice to close his eyes and relax his body. After all, he had almost died a moment ago.

Talim spattered water on David's face, snapping him awake from daydreaming. He might have thrown a punch if he wasn't in such a good mood.

“What's the matter with you?” David sputtered.

“I'm so sorry, but I think we should get going. It's about to get dark,” Talim urged. “We need to find a shelter to spend the night.”

It was already dark by the time David and Talim found the road. Still secluded by the forest, it was muddy and uneven. David supposed only a single vehicle could pass through one at a time. They were both walking on the sidewalk at a normal pace.

Though nighttime had fallen, he could still see most of the surroundings. When he looked up, he saw two moons in the sky. One looked exactly like what he had on earth. The other was purple and a little distant. Both are on a full moon.

“You have two moons?” David asked incredulously.

“Four,” Talim corrected.

“Where are the others?”

“We enjoy two seasons here: the dry season and the wet season,” Talim recited. “During the dry season, we usually see two moons, Irma and Reni.”

“Let me guess, the other two only show up during the wet season."

Talim chuckled and shook his head. “Wrong. Either of the four would randomly show up every day on wet season. Sometimes, one goes at a streak ten days straight.”

“Weird. We only have one on Earth. And we can tell its movement,” David expressed matter-of-factly. “Which one is Irma?”

“The one that issued purple beam,” Talim said.

“Do they all appear in the sky at once?”

“Yes. You would see them all at least twice a year during midseasons,” Talim confirmed. “We have perhaps two weeks until all of them will appear.”

“What are the names of the other two?” David asked.

“Hank and Sid,” Talim answered. “Hank appeared the biggest of all the four. You would notice he has distinct spots once you saw it. Sid likes to appear in three different colors alternately.”

“There's no way to know who would show up during the wet season?” David wondered.

“People have tried. Only a few decent stargazers can predict with potential accuracy,” Talim said. “The story of our sky is a real mystery. Many aspects of it are still unknown. Even books can only offer some conjectures.”

They walked in silence for a moment. David used it to let himself be drowned in deep thoughts.

Back on Earth, science still couldn't explain many things in the universe or outer space. He had heard only about four percent of it was fully understood. The other ninety-six percent stayed shrouded in mystery. So he shouldn't be surprised how they knew so little about these celestial bodies floating above.

Why wouldn't their magic be enough? David asked in his mind. Then again, shouldn't he start wondering first that despite all the technological advances of the modern world, they could barely touch the surface of it?

The silence was only interrupted when Talim pointed at something. “Look at that.” His voice felt out of place with the soundless night.

David followed his arm to a sizable cottage less than a hundred yards away. It was partly hidden by a pile of trees and small undergrowth covering a narrow path that offered access to its lawn. David could clearly make out of its pitched roof in the night only thanks to the two moons.

The two boys quickly headed to its way until they stopped in front of the yard.

David hesitated before they could reach the porch. "Do you think people here who live in this secluded area would entertain two boys who show up in the middle of the night?"

“I am not sure. Most of us are not made to explore outside. I know little to nothing about people's hospitality here."

“Isn't weird? Is there a chance they might be dangerous?” David asked.

Talim rolled his eyes. “It's strange to build a house in this place. But maybe they are just some eccentrics who like to enjoy a solitary life.”

“Or some unfriendly people who like to shoo visitors away."

“Or some people who are good enough to give us food and offer their beds."

At the mention of food, David felt more aware of his empty stomach. He could feel he would pass out any minute without feeding his angry tummy. He was right. They deserved to eat and rest. They had a long rough day after all.

“Seems like a perfect time for two trespassers to start babbling in the witching hour.”

Both of them flinched in surprise. David almost ran behind the nearest shrubs. The voice came from an old woman with graying hair tightened in a loose bun. She was short and thin and wore a simple nightdress.

“Tell me what it is this time. Robbed by Weston scoundrels? Got stung by death bees? Sprain an ankle?” the woman asked.

David couldn't find a word to say. Should he start kneeling and beg for food? Should he start crying and tell her how they almost died today—twice? What were the chances that she would pity them? How could they convince her to invite them home and offer them a free meal?

David glanced at Talim who also looked stunned and speechless.

“Hello? Are you two mute? Didn't I just hear you both talk or did my imagination playing fool of me?” the old lady continued.

“Sorry for breaking into your property, madam,” Talim apologized heartily.

“Oh, the elemental boy could talk,” she said. “Say nothing more. I understand what you came for.”

The old lady opened the door, gesturing them inside. David and Talim stepped on the porch. Its eaves were decorated with few colorful ornamentals.

She led them in a cozy dining area lit by lamps hanging on its wall. A pitcher full of water was readily placed on the table so were the four mugs.

“Mind if you wait for a minute?” the old lady asked.

They both nodded.

“She's nice,” Talim said once she was out of sight.

“I thought we're gonna spend the night outside—starving,” David said, feeling relieved.

They didn't wait too long when she came back with two bowls full of cereal and a piece of bread on top of each. David didn't waste a second cramming them in eagerly. The sweet, cool, and creamy cereal tasted heaven as it filled the void in his stomach. The old woman watched them silently in the corner.

“How's it?” she asked when they finished.

“Super tasty,” David enthused.

“Thank you so much. Your foods are awesome. But we don't have money to pay you,” Talim said.

“That is not needed. I help however I can,” she reassured. “I'm Mirna. What brings two boys on my property past their bedtime?”

David didn't have a chance to answer when Talim spoke, “My name is Talim and this is my cousin David. We were traveling with my father when the bandits showed up and raided our coach.”

Talim gave David a meaningful look when he finished.

“What a mean world for youngsters like you. This whole robbery has to end. Those filthy ruffians would not have a spine, had it not because of the endorsement from a foul king.” Mirna said in a strong resentment. “Where's your father?”

“Before he left looking for help, he told us to wait for him in a small village,” Talim replied.

“Does it have a name?”

“Hanover Village,” Talim said.

“I am familiar. It is far from here,” she said. Mirna looked to David. “You have an odd aura, my boy. I don't recognize it.”

“Me neither,” David replied.

“Are you in charge?” Mirna asked Talim.

“Not really. I guess he was just too worn out by a long day,” Talim said.

“That's right,” David yawned. “Sorry,” he added immediately.

“My apology for talking too much,” Mirna stood up. “Follow me. Your beds are made. I always expect unfortunate visitors every week.”

“This is very nice of you,” Talim thanked.

“The least I can do.”

Mirna escorted them to a tidy room with four narrow beds.

“Suit yourself,” she walked out, leaving the door open.

David quickly claimed one of the beds on the right. Talim went to take one on the left. He laid down and sank into a cool comfort of it. He thought he heard Talim mumble something. He had so much to absorb, but he was too tired. His exhausted body and the soft mattress begged him to close his eyes, which he embraced without any resistance.