Sacred Vow – Chapter 14
“You need more practice, Ian. Get to work.” Djalma laughed and returned his attention to his book.
Moving around the furniture, Ian said, “You’re a good friend, Djalma.”
Over the next week or so, Ian told Djalma about all his other journeys. The two friends speculated on what the experiences meant, and spent some time discussing unrelated philosophies and sharing their individual poetry favorites. Before long, Ian was able to move more naturally, and felt well enough to make some meals in gratitude for all the help he had been given.
As soon as he could, Ian drove Djalma back to the mountains. It turned out that Djalma didn’t have a vehicle — but did not say how he had traveled to Ian’s house. On the way home, Djalma asked Ian to stop at Liz’s place. She had a fine meal prepared for the three of them, and they spent a few contented hours together.
At Liz’s insistence, Ian spent the next few days with her. She didn’t really seem to care to hear about his adventures. Mostly, she and he spent leisure time enjoying each other’s company. The added stay was very beneficial to Ian. Exercise in the mountains, good food, and good company were returning Ian to prime health. The loving support of another dear friend did him more good than anything else could have.
Djalma didn’t come back around Liz’s house before Ian left. Ian wondered if all Djalma’s nursing efforts had worn him out. He pictured his friend roaming in the woods for a month before Liz would hear any more from him.
Thanking Liz and expressing his love for her as he left, Ian asked that she pass his affections to Djalma as well.
“I’ll be back in touch soon,” he said.
Liz smiled and went straight to the issue that had not been mentioned since he got to her house. “You have some visiting to get back to, don’t you, sweetie?”
“Yes, Liz. I’ll be smarter this time.”
“Katerina will be counting on that as well,” Liz said, as she waved and went back into the inn.
It was true. His friends had completely revitalized him, and Ian was eager to put their results to good use as soon as he got home. He didn’t mention it to Liz or Djalma, but he had taken additional leave from work, certain that he had more important business to finish.