days 2 and 3 2010
Sorry for any gaps or repeats I ended up writing a bit mover after my last poast and forgot to change font.
Kell nodded. “Bree said we will be pulling out as soon as the money gets here in the morning. The locals want us gone and she sees no reason to linger. Doc said that there is none to hurt to move.”
Robert said. “Are you sure you are all right?”
Kell said. “Yes it is just the whole thing gives me the creeps. I never deiced to hit, I just swung. It was like the blade was acting on its own. I know they are spelled, but still. That is a first for me. I will be better after some sleep. I am sure I am just to tired and jumping at shadows. This whole job has been more taxing than it should have been.”
Robert frowned. “Well Athions and Rick should be here soon why don’t you let them finish the packing and turn in?”
Rick said. “You know her better than that, but I will see she gets there soon.” Not really wanting to Robert nodded and left to see to his own packing. Soon it was all done.
Much to everyone’s surprise the employer showed up with the money early next morning. He must have really wanted to see their backs. It didn’t take long after that and they were on the move. The officers were the last to leave, making sure everything was loaded and on the way. It was with a sigh of relief that they pulled out. Bree said. “I truly hope that we do not face anther one like that soon, for all it paid well.”
Kell said. “I fear that will not be the last we see that cult. But I hope I am wrong.”
The Dragons had a few months off during witch they tried to forget the last battle. Soon amore work found them. It was yet anther border dispute, but this one made some since as the two countries involved went though this every couple of years. It would be longer but the pay was good. So off they went sure that they knew what they were in for. Things started out right, but as it went on they started noticing little things that seemed off. Then Rick took a leaders head off and the war ended. But there was no sign of the symbol so it was writing off as a coincidence. There were a few more wars that felt off and a few where they saw they the symbol. Then it all came to a head.
It was a couple of years latter, all had been going as it should. The pros doing most of the fighting and the civilians hiding and fleeing, with an exception now and then, but still it felt right. Then some reinforcements arrived. At first there was nothing unusually. It was your normal team of conscripts, some fresh from the field, some with a bit of training. But it was not long tell things started to look odd.
Kell starched and looked around the camp, glad to be off the front lines for a bit. She looked and saw one of the city guards heading her way and smothered a groan. At times the politics were to much. Not for the first time did she regret taking charge of the scouts. At the time she did not know it would mean so much working with the employers men. She pasted a weary smile on her face and waited to see what he wanted, what new trouble he was bring with him.
He got up to her and smiled looking her over. “So enjoying your day off?”
She said. “It is nice to have a chance to get some repairs done, and get restocked. Glad that pass finally got blocked for a bit.”
He nodded. “Thou I have my doubts about granger holding. Bloke, the one you all had looks tight though. There just wasn’t enough to work with at ours, and in truth I don’t think our mages knew enough. They are good guys and all but more fit for the needs of the village than of war. But we should have a bit of a break. I came to make sure my guys weren’t cause any of you to many problems. I’ve done what I can, but some get notions in their head that just wont come out.”
Kell said. “Nothing more has come to me since that lad of yours end up off duty last week. So I think that they got the message.”
He nodded. “Good and I am sorry it came to that. It never should have. So how long have you been with the Dragons? I spent a year with Pirates before come home. It was a nice learning time. I understand that you all have been with other companies?”
Kell said. “Well we must all know how to use a blade. We do not take in those who do not know how to fight. We don’t have the time to teach. But that doesn’t mean anther company necessarily. As for me I have been with them four years now. Though at times that is hard to believe.”
He said. “It must be hard to be away from home that long. Or have you been?”
Kell smiled. “Nice try, the Dragons do not maintain a set base so no need to try and find it location. As for home, my home is where they are. That is all the home I want or need.”
He shook his head. “ I just don’t get that. How can you make it with out a place to call your own?”
She said. “I have come to see it is not the place but the people that make a home. But some would find life on the road hard. I find it suites me. Though no doubt the day will come when I need to put down some roots.”
He said. “Where were you before joining the dragons?”
Kell said. “I am one of the few who cam in with out being in a solder eles where. I joined right out of school. Not something uesly allowed. Likely I wouldn’t have gotten in if my brother hadn’t been here ahead of me. He went to the same school and so was able to explain just what it was. He fowled a more round about rote and came in with recommendations.”
“That must have been some school. As I said I had head a bit about you, and have learned more.” He moved over and found a place to sit.
Kell sat down before answering buying her some time. “It is a Dainbune school, very intense even by their standers. Long days and strict discipline, you are up before the sun and not down tell well after the sun is. A good bit of the time is spent on training, the rest on books. If you do not get a subject you will not move on in that subject no matter how long you are there. You can advance in others though, and attain masters in them. Once you have a masters in something you have a way to make a living and are free to leave. Most will have two or three masters, few will graduate from all. Each area has its own symbol. For the soldering, weapons work, it is a set of expertly crafted weapons, made with a touch of magic. But most detectable by the blade. As you see they are etched, none the same, but all are similar.”
He swallowed. “I have heard a bit about the Dainbunes. They sound like a um reserved people. Not very welcoming. It must have been a change to go from there to here.”
She shrugged. “Most of my days were spent in the school. But the people as a whole are not much different than those here. A bit more insistent that rules be followed, and manners practiced by the young. But not as bad as the tales would make them out, kids still have time to be kids. At lest from the bit I saw. Things are different here in the south. But not as much as I understand I would find them east.”
He laughed. “No not as strange as the east. I have a brother over there and the stories he sends back. Well there idea of what is proper has us all laughing most times. Do you know they think it a treat to eat raw fish?”
Kell nodded. “Have you heard about there ideas of clothing? Why I found the dresses back South inconvenient. I don’t know how the women over there move. And it is no wonder they keep larger armies. There is no way that the men could ever fight with all those ruffles and lace.” He nodded but before he could respond a commotion at the front of the camp drew them both to there feet. Each checking there weapons and waiting for orders.
It was Robert who found them first. “Looks like there is anther bunch of reinforcements coming in.”
He, the guy with no name, asked. “Ours or theirs?”
Robert looked at him then said. “Well for there sack I hope it is the others guys. If it is yours coming in from that way I think you Father is set to fry them. Either way”
“We had best find our guys and get to the lines. Or we will miss the show.” Kell finished.
Robert nodded. “I have center. One of you go left the other right.”
Kell said, “Well as most of my guys are on the right all ready we will take it.” And with that she headed one way and the guy headed the other.
Kell went in the main of the Dragon’s camp, sent half of her was there to reinforce the main and took the rest to the left flank with her. They got in place and the waiting began. No matter what you might think more time is spent waiting then is spent fighting. For a time nothing reached them, all were splitting their attention between the lines they were watching and the main body. Looking for some sing of what was going on, if anything was. The answer came in the form of clangs and shouts. Someone muttered. “Well that is that. They weren’t ours. But.”
The last went unfinished but was load in everyone’s mine. How had they got to the camp? Why hadn’t the watchers and guards sounded them alarm long before they were seen? It was not long until they had other things to think about. For the land in front of them shifted a bit. No one could be seen but rocks and trees were a bit out of place. Kell muttered something that went unheard and threw up a shield. Louder she said. “Tell me that we have a mage?”
The man to her left said “Illusions.” Making the word sound like a cures.
Kell nodded. Anther spoke from behind her. “And some strong ones. I think I can bust some of them, but I am not going to be good for much and it will be a bit before anther mage gets here.”
Kell bit her lip. “We need to know where they are, what is under the illusion. So break it. We will just have to hope my shields will hold if there is a mage with them.” Yet anther reason to hate being in charge. She hated that it was on her shoulders that their lives rested.
The mage said. “Right away.” The mage made his way back to a point where he hoped he would be out of the way. Then broke the illusion hiding the land before them.
The only sing that most had was the fact that they were now facing an army where before there had been rocks and trees. “Shit. Well now we know what we are facing.” Kell muttered, louder, so it would carry she said. “Stand fast and let them come to you. Hold tight. We have the better place. Archers bows out and fire when the enemy reaches the red rock.” Once the enemy realized that they were no longer covered the started to make up for lost time. Soon the arrows were in the sky. But oddly there was none came back at them.
Soon they were close enough that blades came out. It was not long after that they learned that there was a mage among the attackers as a strike hit the shied Kell had put up, making a light visible to all. She put more power in her shield, keeping her eyes on the ones before her.
She dealt the man in front of her a bad cut thinking to buy her some time, as most would take time to put some kind of bandage on something bleeding that heavily. Blood loss needed to be watched if you wanted to live. But the guy just kept coming. She dodged and he got struck buy his friends blade. But it slowed neither of them down. As she swung she knew that they were facing mind-controlled troops. She did her best not to kill them. But it is hard not to kill those who are trying to kill you. And being forced to kill those who are not responsible for what they are doing wares on a person more than killing those who have agreed to take the risks of war. There were only to ways to stop troops like this. You either had to wound them so bad they couldn’t fight or you had to take out the mage behind the spell.
Kell started looking for the mage and found him. Seeing at once that the only thing that would stand a change of get at him was a mage strike, and the second mage had not made it to them yet. She looked around and realized that she had no choice. The realization of the kind of troops they were facing was dawning on the rest and was affecting how they were fighting.
With a sigh she stepped out of line and turned her attention on mage. Soon there were strikes heading his way. She did not expect them to get though his shields but thought they might distract him. It did not take long for him to find her and soon their strikes were filling the air between them with light and extra heat. She was to busy to watch what was going on in the other battle but knew her team well enough to know the would hold fast. It seemed to going on for hours. Once the other mage got there he joined in but even with the two of them it was anther ten or so strikes before his shield fell and a few more after that before he died. But when he did all fighting was done. At lest for a bit. Giving everyone a chance to catch their breath and access the damages.
Soon the medics were moving in and all were falling back to camp. There were more injured than they should have been, but most were non fatal, and would recover to return to the lines in time.
Bree found her in the med tent. “You will all be glad to know that this battle seems to have ended this. So there will be plenty of time for you to heal. We faced anther of those snake wares. I am tired of it as is everyone, and more so of not know who the devil they are. So I request that are scholars put aside their studies and focus on finding out who the devil these folks are.” Nods went around.
Some one said it “It is about time. We need to find out where they keep popping up from. Any leads or do we just head for a place with a good library?”
Bree answered. “We will be holding a vote in a few days to see where we go next. But there are hints of something being seen in Amerdaen back about seventy years.”
“So it is to Arbiy and the monks. That will be nice, been a while since we were there. Nice weather to.”
Bree said. “Now noting is to be set you think of a better.”
What ever she was going to say got lost. “Ya it is the best time to visit Arbiy. It has been a couple of years. Two weeks tell we pull out ant anther three or so on the road there. Perfect timing. And we should be able to spend a couple of months there.”
Bree shook her head. “You all did real good work and I am pleased to say that the few who will not be fighting again went out in the way they wanted to.” A bit of silence followed those words. She waited tell the buzz was building back up and then went on. “Now you all need to listen to the docs if you want to be riding and not in the wagons when we pull out.” With that she turned to go. Leaving them talking about what they were going to do when on there feet again.
Kell followed Bree out. Bree was laughing. “It has been like that every time I say something. Looks like we will be visiting Arbiy.”
Kell smiled. “Works for me I was going to suggest it any way. I am fairly certain that the monks now have a book I have been hunting. Oh don’t worry ninety percent of the time I will look for the cult, but I can’t completely lay aside my on work. I think it will be needed. If it ever gives up anything more than dead ends.”
Bree said. “I am fine with fifty fifty but knowing you guys it will be more. Good work with that mage I am sorry I could not get help to you sooner. I know you hate being forced to admit to being a mage. However briefly.”
Kell surged. “I am better with my sword and bow. That’s all. Prefer to leave the other to those who know what they are doing. Just glad I was able to do something. If things keep going this way we might need to see about adding anther mage or two.”
Bree nodded. “I have sent out a call and am waiting to see. It is harder to find mages that know what they are doing and can be trusted than it is solders.”
A man answered. “You’re telling me. That is one reason I have backed the new school going in Croft. Knowing where and who is teaching the mage is becoming more important. There are strange things afoot. In the last year I have had three mages put to death for blood magic and anther four driven out of the area for reasons that I still don’t fully understand. That is a high number even with half the folks around here having some touch of mage about them. Now then my guys said you had seen this cult before?”
Bree nodded. “We have had a handful of run in with them over the last few years. Some we are sure of others we just think likely. We are not have much luck finding any thing out about them. Have you seen them before?”
Kell was standing there knowing she should leave but wanting to hear the answer. Mr. Rodes looked thoughtful. “We have had some new wonders a few. Some of who had emblems on them that looked at lot like that. But being at a cross roads we are used to seeing all sorts and have paid much attention. We will be now though that you can be sure of. And I will be sending a report to Gavers. I don’t know what is going on, but what ever it is, its not good. This had best be brought up in meeting at lest.” He looked at Kell. “You must be the one that held the left. Krelly isn’t it? Anyway I am pleased to find you out and about. Greg is just now on his feet and you had the worst of it from what he said. Some rebound. Any ways this is for you. A bounce for a ob well done. Most wouldn’t have tried to hold against that. If they even caught the illusion in time. The second bag there is for your men. Nice work all off you.”
Kell caught the bags and was taken back by the weight. “Thank you sir. I am sure the men will be pleased. We did not expect anything for doing our jobs sir. As to the mage, get him some sugar and he will gain strength faster. Something the northern schools seem to not know.”
Mr. Rodes said. “Can’t let good work go un-rewarded. You all have earned it. And here is the rest of what I owe you all. And a bit more.” He handed Bree anther bag, a good big large than the ones he had tossed Kell. “All so the food is on us and no since in you leaving tell the hears are sure all are ready to. We are in hurry to see you go. So sugar is it? I will do that. Now then as I was walking though camp I heard something about visiting monks, but it was said with some excrement. I must confess it made me rather intrigued as to what it was about.”
Bree said. “I have asked that the scholars among us turn from their areas of study to try and find out more about the cult. There bits that have been found are leading us to think there could be some connection to some past event in Amerdaen. So that is leading to talk of visiting Ariby. The monks their have a nice library and an even better wine cellar that they don’t mind sharing with a bunch of thirsty Mercs.”
He shook his head. “I can see the wine, it is very good wine. But. Well you will never cease to surprise me.”
Kell smiled. “Oh there is a good bit more to Ariby then meets the eye. A lot of the monks are all so accomplished fighters, who do not mind sharing what they know. And the town has its own attractions. So there is something there to keep everyone busy for a time.”
“No doubt, but how dose one get scholars to work together? That is something I have yet to manage. Even the few times I have been able to get them to work on the same thing they tended to keep things from each other.”
Bree Said. “I Find the key is to let them know that it is for something great then their selves they are working.” Kell smiled and left and saw to the money.
Chapter 2:
.A few weeks later they were on the road to Ariby. They took it slow so it was anther month before the reached the monastery.
Kell nodded. “Bree said we will be pulling out as soon as the money gets here in the morning. The locals want us gone and she sees no reason to linger. Doc said that there is none to hurt to move.”
Robert said. “Are you sure you are all right?”
Kell said. “Yes it is just the whole thing gives me the creeps. I never deiced to hit, I just swung. It was like the blade was acting on its own. I know they are spelled, but still. That is a first for me. I will be better after some sleep. I am sure I am just to tired and jumping at shadows. This whole job has been more taxing than it should have been.”
Robert frowned. “Well Athions and Rick should be here soon why don’t you let them finish the packing and turn in?”
Rick said. “You know her better than that, but I will see she gets there soon.” Not really wanting to Robert nodded and left to see to his own packing. Soon it was all done.
Much to everyone’s surprise the employer showed up with the money early next morning. He must have really wanted to see their backs. It didn’t take long after that and they were on the move. The officers were the last to leave, making sure everything was loaded and on the way. It was with a sigh of relief that they pulled out. Bree said. “I truly hope that we do not face anther one like that soon, for all it paid well.”
Kell said. “I fear that will not be the last we see that cult. But I hope I am wrong.”
The Dragons had a few months off during witch they tried to forget the last battle. Soon amore work found them. It was yet anther border dispute, but this one made some since as the two countries involved went though this every couple of years. It would be longer but the pay was good. So off they went sure that they knew what they were in for. Things started out right, but as it went on they started noticing little things that seemed off. Then Rick took a leaders head off and the war ended. But there was no sign of the symbol so it was writing off as a coincidence. There were a few more wars that felt off and a few where they saw they the symbol. Then it all came to a head.
It was a couple of years latter, all had been going as it should. The pros doing most of the fighting and the civilians hiding and fleeing, with an exception now and then, but still it felt right. Then some reinforcements arrived. At first there was nothing unusually. It was your normal team of conscripts, some fresh from the field, some with a bit of training. But it was not long tell things started to look odd.
Kell starched and looked around the camp, glad to be off the front lines for a bit. She looked and saw one of the city guards heading her way and smothered a groan. At times the politics were to much. Not for the first time did she regret taking charge of the scouts. At the time she did not know it would mean so much working with the employers men. She pasted a weary smile on her face and waited to see what he wanted, what new trouble he was bring with him.
He got up to her and smiled looking her over. “So enjoying your day off?”
She said. “It is nice to have a chance to get some repairs done, and get restocked. Glad that pass finally got blocked for a bit.”
He nodded. “Thou I have my doubts about granger holding. Bloke, the one you all had looks tight though. There just wasn’t enough to work with at ours, and in truth I don’t think our mages knew enough. They are good guys and all but more fit for the needs of the village than of war. But we should have a bit of a break. I came to make sure my guys weren’t cause any of you to many problems. I’ve done what I can, but some get notions in their head that just wont come out.”
Kell said. “Nothing more has come to me since that lad of yours end up off duty last week. So I think that they got the message.”
He nodded. “Good and I am sorry it came to that. It never should have. So how long have you been with the Dragons? I spent a year with Pirates before come home. It was a nice learning time. I understand that you all have been with other companies?”
Kell said. “Well we must all know how to use a blade. We do not take in those who do not know how to fight. We don’t have the time to teach. But that doesn’t mean anther company necessarily. As for me I have been with them four years now. Though at times that is hard to believe.”
He said. “It must be hard to be away from home that long. Or have you been?”
Kell smiled. “Nice try, the Dragons do not maintain a set base so no need to try and find it location. As for home, my home is where they are. That is all the home I want or need.”
He shook his head. “ I just don’t get that. How can you make it with out a place to call your own?”
She said. “I have come to see it is not the place but the people that make a home. But some would find life on the road hard. I find it suites me. Though no doubt the day will come when I need to put down some roots.”
He said. “Where were you before joining the dragons?”
Kell said. “I am one of the few who cam in with out being in a solder eles where. I joined right out of school. Not something uesly allowed. Likely I wouldn’t have gotten in if my brother hadn’t been here ahead of me. He went to the same school and so was able to explain just what it was. He fowled a more round about rote and came in with recommendations.”
“That must have been some school. As I said I had head a bit about you, and have learned more.” He moved over and found a place to sit.
Kell sat down before answering buying her some time. “It is a Dainbune school, very intense even by their standers. Long days and strict discipline, you are up before the sun and not down tell well after the sun is. A good bit of the time is spent on training, the rest on books. If you do not get a subject you will not move on in that subject no matter how long you are there. You can advance in others though, and attain masters in them. Once you have a masters in something you have a way to make a living and are free to leave. Most will have two or three masters, few will graduate from all. Each area has its own symbol. For the soldering, weapons work, it is a set of expertly crafted weapons, made with a touch of magic. But most detectable by the blade. As you see they are etched, none the same, but all are similar.”
He swallowed. “I have heard a bit about the Dainbunes. They sound like a um reserved people. Not very welcoming. It must have been a change to go from there to here.”
She shrugged. “Most of my days were spent in the school. But the people as a whole are not much different than those here. A bit more insistent that rules be followed, and manners practiced by the young. But not as bad as the tales would make them out, kids still have time to be kids. At lest from the bit I saw. Things are different here in the south. But not as much as I understand I would find them east.”
He laughed. “No not as strange as the east. I have a brother over there and the stories he sends back. Well there idea of what is proper has us all laughing most times. Do you know they think it a treat to eat raw fish?”
Kell nodded. “Have you heard about there ideas of clothing? Why I found the dresses back South inconvenient. I don’t know how the women over there move. And it is no wonder they keep larger armies. There is no way that the men could ever fight with all those ruffles and lace.” He nodded but before he could respond a commotion at the front of the camp drew them both to there feet. Each checking there weapons and waiting for orders.
It was Robert who found them first. “Looks like there is anther bunch of reinforcements coming in.”
He, the guy with no name, asked. “Ours or theirs?”
Robert looked at him then said. “Well for there sack I hope it is the others guys. If it is yours coming in from that way I think you Father is set to fry them. Either way”
“We had best find our guys and get to the lines. Or we will miss the show.” Kell finished.
Robert nodded. “I have center. One of you go left the other right.”
Kell said, “Well as most of my guys are on the right all ready we will take it.” And with that she headed one way and the guy headed the other.
Kell went in the main of the Dragon’s camp, sent half of her was there to reinforce the main and took the rest to the left flank with her. They got in place and the waiting began. No matter what you might think more time is spent waiting then is spent fighting. For a time nothing reached them, all were splitting their attention between the lines they were watching and the main body. Looking for some sing of what was going on, if anything was. The answer came in the form of clangs and shouts. Someone muttered. “Well that is that. They weren’t ours. But.”
The last went unfinished but was load in everyone’s mine. How had they got to the camp? Why hadn’t the watchers and guards sounded them alarm long before they were seen? It was not long until they had other things to think about. For the land in front of them shifted a bit. No one could be seen but rocks and trees were a bit out of place. Kell muttered something that went unheard and threw up a shield. Louder she said. “Tell me that we have a mage?”
The man to her left said “Illusions.” Making the word sound like a cures.
Kell nodded. Anther spoke from behind her. “And some strong ones. I think I can bust some of them, but I am not going to be good for much and it will be a bit before anther mage gets here.”
Kell bit her lip. “We need to know where they are, what is under the illusion. So break it. We will just have to hope my shields will hold if there is a mage with them.” Yet anther reason to hate being in charge. She hated that it was on her shoulders that their lives rested.
The mage said. “Right away.” The mage made his way back to a point where he hoped he would be out of the way. Then broke the illusion hiding the land before them.
The only sing that most had was the fact that they were now facing an army where before there had been rocks and trees. “Shit. Well now we know what we are facing.” Kell muttered, louder, so it would carry she said. “Stand fast and let them come to you. Hold tight. We have the better place. Archers bows out and fire when the enemy reaches the red rock.” Once the enemy realized that they were no longer covered the started to make up for lost time. Soon the arrows were in the sky. But oddly there was none came back at them.
Soon they were close enough that blades came out. It was not long after that they learned that there was a mage among the attackers as a strike hit the shied Kell had put up, making a light visible to all. She put more power in her shield, keeping her eyes on the ones before her.
She dealt the man in front of her a bad cut thinking to buy her some time, as most would take time to put some kind of bandage on something bleeding that heavily. Blood loss needed to be watched if you wanted to live. But the guy just kept coming. She dodged and he got struck buy his friends blade. But it slowed neither of them down. As she swung she knew that they were facing mind-controlled troops. She did her best not to kill them. But it is hard not to kill those who are trying to kill you. And being forced to kill those who are not responsible for what they are doing wares on a person more than killing those who have agreed to take the risks of war. There were only to ways to stop troops like this. You either had to wound them so bad they couldn’t fight or you had to take out the mage behind the spell.
Kell started looking for the mage and found him. Seeing at once that the only thing that would stand a change of get at him was a mage strike, and the second mage had not made it to them yet. She looked around and realized that she had no choice. The realization of the kind of troops they were facing was dawning on the rest and was affecting how they were fighting.
With a sigh she stepped out of line and turned her attention on mage. Soon there were strikes heading his way. She did not expect them to get though his shields but thought they might distract him. It did not take long for him to find her and soon their strikes were filling the air between them with light and extra heat. She was to busy to watch what was going on in the other battle but knew her team well enough to know the would hold fast. It seemed to going on for hours. Once the other mage got there he joined in but even with the two of them it was anther ten or so strikes before his shield fell and a few more after that before he died. But when he did all fighting was done. At lest for a bit. Giving everyone a chance to catch their breath and access the damages.
Soon the medics were moving in and all were falling back to camp. There were more injured than they should have been, but most were non fatal, and would recover to return to the lines in time.
Bree found her in the med tent. “You will all be glad to know that this battle seems to have ended this. So there will be plenty of time for you to heal. We faced anther of those snake wares. I am tired of it as is everyone, and more so of not know who the devil they are. So I request that are scholars put aside their studies and focus on finding out who the devil these folks are.” Nods went around.
Some one said it “It is about time. We need to find out where they keep popping up from. Any leads or do we just head for a place with a good library?”
Bree answered. “We will be holding a vote in a few days to see where we go next. But there are hints of something being seen in Amerdaen back about seventy years.”
“So it is to Arbiy and the monks. That will be nice, been a while since we were there. Nice weather to.”
Bree said. “Now noting is to be set you think of a better.”
What ever she was going to say got lost. “Ya it is the best time to visit Arbiy. It has been a couple of years. Two weeks tell we pull out ant anther three or so on the road there. Perfect timing. And we should be able to spend a couple of months there.”
Bree shook her head. “You all did real good work and I am pleased to say that the few who will not be fighting again went out in the way they wanted to.” A bit of silence followed those words. She waited tell the buzz was building back up and then went on. “Now you all need to listen to the docs if you want to be riding and not in the wagons when we pull out.” With that she turned to go. Leaving them talking about what they were going to do when on there feet again.
Kell followed Bree out. Bree was laughing. “It has been like that every time I say something. Looks like we will be visiting Arbiy.”
Kell smiled. “Works for me I was going to suggest it any way. I am fairly certain that the monks now have a book I have been hunting. Oh don’t worry ninety percent of the time I will look for the cult, but I can’t completely lay aside my on work. I think it will be needed. If it ever gives up anything more than dead ends.”
Bree said. “I am fine with fifty fifty but knowing you guys it will be more. Good work with that mage I am sorry I could not get help to you sooner. I know you hate being forced to admit to being a mage. However briefly.”
Kell surged. “I am better with my sword and bow. That’s all. Prefer to leave the other to those who know what they are doing. Just glad I was able to do something. If things keep going this way we might need to see about adding anther mage or two.”
Bree nodded. “I have sent out a call and am waiting to see. It is harder to find mages that know what they are doing and can be trusted than it is solders.”
A man answered. “You’re telling me. That is one reason I have backed the new school going in Croft. Knowing where and who is teaching the mage is becoming more important. There are strange things afoot. In the last year I have had three mages put to death for blood magic and anther four driven out of the area for reasons that I still don’t fully understand. That is a high number even with half the folks around here having some touch of mage about them. Now then my guys said you had seen this cult before?”
Bree nodded. “We have had a handful of run in with them over the last few years. Some we are sure of others we just think likely. We are not have much luck finding any thing out about them. Have you seen them before?”
Kell was standing there knowing she should leave but wanting to hear the answer. Mr. Rodes looked thoughtful. “We have had some new wonders a few. Some of who had emblems on them that looked at lot like that. But being at a cross roads we are used to seeing all sorts and have paid much attention. We will be now though that you can be sure of. And I will be sending a report to Gavers. I don’t know what is going on, but what ever it is, its not good. This had best be brought up in meeting at lest.” He looked at Kell. “You must be the one that held the left. Krelly isn’t it? Anyway I am pleased to find you out and about. Greg is just now on his feet and you had the worst of it from what he said. Some rebound. Any ways this is for you. A bounce for a ob well done. Most wouldn’t have tried to hold against that. If they even caught the illusion in time. The second bag there is for your men. Nice work all off you.”
Kell caught the bags and was taken back by the weight. “Thank you sir. I am sure the men will be pleased. We did not expect anything for doing our jobs sir. As to the mage, get him some sugar and he will gain strength faster. Something the northern schools seem to not know.”
Mr. Rodes said. “Can’t let good work go un-rewarded. You all have earned it. And here is the rest of what I owe you all. And a bit more.” He handed Bree anther bag, a good big large than the ones he had tossed Kell. “All so the food is on us and no since in you leaving tell the hears are sure all are ready to. We are in hurry to see you go. So sugar is it? I will do that. Now then as I was walking though camp I heard something about visiting monks, but it was said with some excrement. I must confess it made me rather intrigued as to what it was about.”
Bree said. “I have asked that the scholars among us turn from their areas of study to try and find out more about the cult. There bits that have been found are leading us to think there could be some connection to some past event in Amerdaen. So that is leading to talk of visiting Ariby. The monks their have a nice library and an even better wine cellar that they don’t mind sharing with a bunch of thirsty Mercs.”
He shook his head. “I can see the wine, it is very good wine. But. Well you will never cease to surprise me.”
Kell smiled. “Oh there is a good bit more to Ariby then meets the eye. A lot of the monks are all so accomplished fighters, who do not mind sharing what they know. And the town has its own attractions. So there is something there to keep everyone busy for a time.”
“No doubt, but how dose one get scholars to work together? That is something I have yet to manage. Even the few times I have been able to get them to work on the same thing they tended to keep things from each other.”
Bree Said. “I Find the key is to let them know that it is for something great then their selves they are working.” Kell smiled and left and saw to the money.
Chapter 2:
.A few weeks later they were on the road to Ariby. They took it slow so it was anther month before the reached the monastery.
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