Hal

It was still dark when Hal set off. He had packed lightly, because he had few possessions. Staff in hand, he left the home of his master, and took the main highway that led to the port city in the west, and then to lands beyond.

At the peak of the last hill that overlooked the village, Hal turned back one last time just as the sun made appearance. In his mind Kali ran up the road, beautiful as ever, illuminated by the sunrise. They embraced, and journeyed on together.

But she did not come, and Hal walked the highway alone.