here it is with a cats help.

“Who is he and how big of a threat?”

Shaid went to answer but anther beat her. “That was the infamous Gaven Thunger. He and Shaid have a bit of a history. There is about twenty in his gang theses days but not to big of a threat and you wont run into him until the return trip. Though there is anther group working the main to Opal.”

Shaid said. “Thanks, I am planning on taking the side road, so I am hoping to get by the main bunch. Gav working that side means he wont hit us. Well maybe I can get him next time.”

“Return trip will be more dangers. Wagons are more likely to get hit leaven and buys to get hit going.”

Shaid said. “I will not be alone on the return trip so Gav at least wont be a problem. There will be a patrol though sometime tomorrow, and then every other day though the sale. Time the return right and we should be safe enough.”

“If the extras weren’t with you?”

“You don’t go courting trouble no matter how temping. There is a chance he would get lucky. I am not a fool. I can not offer you food, I am sure you understand. The first move has to be his. I hope you are able to get a few stalls, don’t put it off even you just want them for the one sale you need to get them booked when you hit town. They are going to go fast. I told Caren but Father will listen to you better.”

Alter said. “No danger there kid. I am to go right to the trade office while the rest of them find the houses, one large purchase and four smaller rents for the summer if I can get them.”

“That will be fun wonder how close we will end up. Though you should be able to get at lest one on the main root.”

“I will let you get your supper. We had seen that slime ball wondering and was wonder what was up.”

“You can say he was making his normal not so veiled threats and accusing me of running slaves. Father should like that.”

“He didn’t!” Shade nodded. “But everyone save you is carrying a blade just what was he thinking? Yes I have to share that. See you around sis, safe trip and happy shopping.”

“You to, good luck on the stalls. It will be interesting to see how both of us do.” She turned and found a spot by the fire, and was handed a plate.

“That second guy seemed all right that first though I know a few folks who would love to get a piece of him.”

Shaid nodded. “There is a good price on his head in some places, the first guy that is, but he is safe by camp laws. As long as he doesn’t violate them there is nothing anyone can do in the camp. He knows it and uses it. But it will bite him one of these times. The other was Alter Kinghtsmith, my brother. He is all right and no doubt will be around a bit more as he will be starting classes in the fall.”

“Why didn’t he stay and catch up? You must have a lot to talk about.”

Shaid said. “Sharing a camp fire means a lot. I cannot let him. It needs to come from Father. I know it seems silly, but most power games are silly. I can not be sending mixed signs so Until Father recognizes my independence I can not offer a spot at the fire.”

He shook his head. “Why must family all ways be such a mixed up mess.” With that the talk turned to the trip, then to bed.

They were up with the sun, and surprisingly few grumbles but Shaid expected that would change. They ate and set off down the road. Just before the turn Shaid felt the prance of others. “I think we have a bit of trouble uo ahead. You might want to maker sure your blades are free.”

Sure enough men lined up to block the road in front of them. “I would stop if I was you lass.”

“You would be better served by getting out of the road.”

“Just thought we would make it easy but if you want to do it the hard way so be it.” A shield sprung up causing the animals to stop.

Shaid sighed. “Just as well they are not the breasts things and likely wouldn’t have ran them over any way. So that is how it is.” Her hands filed with blue light witch spread out knocking down the men it touched. But that was only a fraction of them others were swarming the wagons. She blasted the shield knowing that she couldn’t run, but have the spell broke might take the mage out of the game. Then she started throwing fire at the bandits she could get a clear shoot at as the others were making good us of their blades. Sam and Rod froze for a bit. But recovered fast enough when an arrow hit by there heads. They got a good numbers of blows in but suddenly there was a whistle and the bandits took off. Shaid raised a shield expecting a mage attack, but it never came.  She looked around confused. “This is not right. They didn’t take enough losses to retreat like that. I don’t like it.”

Greg nodded. “Even with the other wagon and it men there it should have went a bit longer.” He was fixing a bandage.

Shaid said. “Let me see that wound. Sam go see if anyone was hit in that wagon and ask their lead over would you. Something isn’t right here. There are to many guards with them and those were not your typical bandits.”

A strange voice answered. “We are well, what about you. I do think it is us they were after and you just happened to get caught.”

“Gred has the worst of it, a couple others have minor scratches.”

Shaid said. “We will live. Now then they left way to fast so I think we need to get off this road. There is a good side road that will take us right in to Opal and a less good one that will takes there a bit more indirectly. You go talk to your boss and I will try some scrying. If he wants my help he tells me why they are looking for him. If you don’t want my help I recommend you at least wait on the patrol that is do. There is something that stinks.”

“We tried checking the road but our mage was blocked. We should have known then. I will ask our mage if he can find this patrol.”

Shaid got out a bowl and put a bit of water in it. After a bit she said. “The side roads are good as far as I can see. But I can see nothing of the main road, behind or in front. Rod can you go get me a thick stick. I think I need to find that patrol.”

“Just how are you going to do that? I can tell you there is nothing there. Clearly we should go back.”

“Going back might be Justas bad as continuing. I should have stayed in Dover once I knew that I had been recognized. I am Shalern Westlord, the governor of Elich. We are heading, in a round about way to Secore. I thought that if no one knew I meant to go to Opal first it would be safe even thought we couldn’t get any gates up. Foolish of me I see now.”

Shaid said. “That dose explain some of it. Though I still would like to know what is going on with gates. The weather has been good and the border steady. But gates are not something I know a good deal about. Any way sir mage there is more than one way to see and there is a good chance that he didn’t guard against all of them. This spell is not a lightly used one but I think there is need. I would caution you against trying it yourself.” She set the stick so that it was upright between some stones. It burst into flame causing some to jump.

She closed her eyes then said in an old language. “I ask you for help. Earth, Air, Fire and Water. You who see all and touch all. I wish to see what lies ahead and behind on this path. I ask guidance in what road should I take?” The road back appeared with a falling tree where there had been open road and the patrol walking into an ambush they would survive but be delayed. The road ahead was shown next and a larger force of well armed men guarded it stopping all and taking what they wished before let them go on. There was another force being mustard but it would be to late. Next the side roads were illuminated. One in green, one in gold. Shad nodded. “Thank you elders sibs. Take and do as you wish with the bodies here. I am sorry it is so poor an offering I have to give.” There was a flash and the dead vanished, all there goods with them and a gold light filled the air for a bit. Shaid relaxed.

“I can get you to Opal safely and then to Secore if you want. Though someone has promised to attack me on that leg they are likely to hide if I am with others. One of you guys dig a hole in the middle of the road there and another find the tallest dead branch you can. Do not take one off a tree. We need to warn those behind us of the danger ahead.” She went to the wagon and came out with a piece of jerky, a square of red cloth and a black pen. Munching on the jerky she drew a set of squiggles on the fabric. Then turned it over and did the same on the other side.

Sam handed her another piece of jerky she made a face but took it. “That looks nothing like any thing.”

Shaid said. “That is the point. Thank you for standing the post up that will help.” The fabric floated to the top and attached itself. “There that will have to do. I just hope they will head it. Even the non-traders should see the red as a warning, and the bandits are not going to find it easy to move. I need to eat more than this. Someone want to break lunch out? We will be pulling out soon sir so if you are going with us you need to get ready. I will not slow the pace and it is going to be a cold camp tonight when you don’t reach the road block they will start looking.”

 “We will be ready. My wagon is a bit harder to handle but we will do our best to keep.”

Shaid nodded. “I trust you to keep your part in line. They do something to put us at risk, such as lighting a cooking fire, and I will leave you. My responsibility is to the ones with me first. We will travel tell dusk and be back on the road at dawn. There will be no inns or hot meals. We should reach Opal the next night and so will be able to have a campfire even if it is to late for you to find a inn. You need to tie your wagon to mine for a bit, and then I recommend you all go inside you wagon tell we stop moving. After witch you can have the driving of your own wagon back.”

He nodded and left. Soon his driver had moved the wagon up and was tying it on. Shaid nodded. Get as close as you can and make sure it is tight. I trust your bests are follow trained. If not unhitch them and put them on the back, blindfolded and they wont fight.”

The driver said. “They are trained ma’m we have practiced this. Though with a gate not nibus but they should still be fine. Would you prefer I hood them?”

“No if they have trained then it will be good. We will move about half a days travel with luck. It won’t be as fast as a gate, but it is less notable.” The man nodded. Shaid walked around the wagon and found one of the guards. “I am going to speed things up a bit. After we stop you will have the driving stay on the road as best you can. It will be hard to tell at times. If you ever think you have lost it completely stop and wake me. Do you best to not let the others get to far behind.”

He nodded. “Will do.”

She said louder everyone load up. If you not in a wagon in ten minutes you will be left. Pass the word.” Once everyone was in her wagon she said. “All right I am going to do something a bit stupid and it is going to make things look strange. Once the wagon stops I will pass out for a bit. Don’t worry just let me sleep as long as things are good. If you get dizzy when you gate find a city inside the wagon. If you don’t see anything you will be all right.” She waiting tell it sound like every one was settled then started to moving slowly at first and picking up speed as she heard no one yelling for them to wait. She whistled an odd code and the speed picked up then everything went and odd shade of gray, with flashes of greens, reds and gold. That went on for a good ten minutes then slowly faded away reviling a different roadside.  Shade looked. Further than I hoped. Let them get untied and stretch a bit stay on the road.” She managed to get in the wagon out of the way before she passed out.

She woke to a gentle shaking. “Sorry but I am not sure where the road goes. Booth branches look like a dear trail.” She sat up slowly and he handed her a canteen. “Its just tea, but it might help.”

She took a big drink. “Thanks. I think I can go take a look now.”

She got out of the wagon to here yelling. “Look I know what way Opal is. We are going the wrong way!”

No sir we are not. We are where we should be. That is the fork to take, but I think we likely had better get some water and looks like it is time to find a camp site, so lets go up the cam trail it. You guys have food that doesn’t need to be cooked?”

One nodded and anther said. “I don’t see what a bit of.”

Shalrn said. “As you should know from your hunting trips a fire can be seen at a surprising distance at night. It is not worth the risk. We will be fine with the cold foods. I hate to say this but I do not have a water kit. With Oben with us I didn’t think it would be needed but if they have a mage.”

Shaid nodded. “I will know if the water is safe and have purifiers if it is not. But generally you can trust animals to know good water from bad. And no there sir a mage screen will not work it would be even more notable. I think we have given them a slip but no need to risk it. Now then what you say we go see if there is a decent place to camp?” She set off down the game trail trusting the others to follow, which they did.

They reached Opal the next evening. Shaid pulled over to the side and waved the other wagon up. When it reached her she said. “Just down there you will find an inn with a stable. Even if you don’t want to stay at that inn you need to leave the wagon there it will not be let in the city. The inn you stay at will have porters that can get your bags if you do not whish to carry them.”

He said. Thank you and the least I can do is pay for your rooms.”

“That is a kind thought but traders do not use inns. I will let you know when we will be pulling out so you can decide if you want to travel with us or wait for a patrol going that way. Should you need me just send a runner to the trader camp with a message for Sundancer. It will find me. The camps are not half the mess they look to be.”

He said. “Thanks do not seem enough. I will find a way to make it up to you.”

Shaid said. “Nothing to make up we were all on the same road.” She trend off the road on a trail and was glad to find a pen waiting.

“Shaid? What the devil brings you here kid?” Zanth said.

Shaid smiled. “I could ask you the same.  My friends and I finished up our exams and I thought a trip to the book sale would be a nice way to celebrate. However it was a bit rougher than expected. This guys good use some extra food and is there a mender in?”

“Are you all right we heard of the trouble between here and Secore. You look in better shape but.” He climbed up in the wagon.

Shaid said. “We just ran a follow of a scouting party I am fine but a few others with me have some minor wound I want looked at by someone who knows more than me. I saw there was warning sign at the crossroads so hopefully not to many more will get hit. Odd they must have only been stopping folks heading this way. There was no sign of trouble in the camp on Secore side.”

Zanth took the rains and directed the wagon over to an empty stop. “These guys are not the only ones that can use a good meal. I will send the kids around. No argument. Ye3s you can cook, but it will take time.”

She said. “I am not going to argue a bit. I um sped us and anther wagon along a bit and only a cold camp last night So I am still a bit beat not worrying about supper tonight will be nice. Thank you. The other wagon was not trader and thought he might be the target. I am not so sure, but best to be safe.”

He nodded. “Good thinking kid. I will take the animals and you guys are safe here. So you just rest up tonight.” he hopped down and led the animals away.

Shaid looked after them then her tired brain kicked in and she got down and started around to the back. Only to be stopped by the sandy haired guard and led to a stump. “Sit here and direct. Gred there is one here for you to. Sal you get over here to. No, your wound is still bleeding and I am not having you do more damage.”

Shaid said. “There should be a minder coming by to check them, and this camp ground is patrolled so we do not need a night watch. I will see about getting us added to the rotation latter. But I think we all need a safe nights rest.”

She was trying to work out how to tell them to set up camp when some else said. “There is a table there bring it here and the chairs. You all need a nice hot meal. Rick you get the tent up, Ruth beds. Rest of you get a fire going.”

Shaid smiled. “Thank you Sandy. I should have known you would turn up. I am to fogged to think.”

She nodded. “Food will help are those the two you want the minder to see?”

The guard answered. “Yes ma’m, Gred, the bigger one, has the worst of it. Sal’s isn’t as bad, but keeps opening back up. Mine is closed and looks fine.”

Sandy nodded. “One of them will be here in a bit. Now you all sit and get some food in you. My kids will get the camp up. It is normal when one comes in rough for the others to pitch in. Yes Shaid even with a wagon full of city folks. Now stop frowning and start eating.” Shaid smiled and did as she was told.

It was not long until a man showed up. “How bad?”

Sandy said. “Three flesh wounds and one case of exhaustion. They are all eating.”

Shaid said. “That one there took an arrow to the shoulder, and his arm stopped a sword. I patched as best as I could but want a more experienced eye on them. I was told there were two others with minor wounds. Things have been a mess and I did not check them.”

He nodded. “Let me see those first then.” The sandy haired guard swung his leg around and pulled his pants up.

“Not much of a wound, really, but troubling as I can’t image how it happened. Want me to take the bandage off?”

“I have it you keep eating.” He took the bandage off and checked it over. “Good, just keep on as you are, it is heal nicely. Just don’t overdo the walking.”

Sal said. “Mines on my side and I will need some help getting my shirt off. If I move to much the blasted thing opens again.” The healer nodded and helped get the shirt off the carefully removed the bandage.

He prodded the wound then put some green group over it. “That should keep it closed but you have to take it easy. Keep change the bandage as you have been but use this each time. If it opens come to the healer tent. It is the big blue one. The kids can point you in the right way.” He turned to Gred. “Now then what is under you bandages?” He undid them and examined the wounds. “Looks good. I can help speed it up a bit, but you are not going to be holding anything for a few weeks.” His hands glowed a bit. “If it is still hurting when you get home have it looked at again. Keep the bandages clean and keep the same medicines on it.” He turned to Shaid. “You did a good job on them. Just as I expected. You sale your skills short in that area, all ways have. Now then what is up with you?”

Shaid said. “I just acted foolishly. I will be fine after some more sleep and anther good meal. I am not used to doing that many spells so close to each other. It took more out of me than I expected, so I need more time to recover. You had better rest to. I take there have been a number of problems?”

He said. “More city than us, but we have been helping there to.”

Shaid said. “We were hit at a cross roads and I put a sign up teling them to take the other road. Hopeful it helps. The red should stop the cities to. Or at lest some. The patrol from the other side found an ambush and so is going to be late.”

“I will pass the news along and if you are not better send one of thes guys to the tent. Promise?”

She shook her head. “You worry to much. Yes I will send them, but really I will be fine. Oh and incase you are wondering I dropped the Knightsmith off my name at the last gathering. But I can tell you he is going to be in Secore for the sale there.”

“About time you lost that. I was wondering if you let him marry you off.”

She laughed. “Look at my wrist. He was a bit mad. Didn’t think I meant it when I left and was setting up a match or trying to. But I think he knows now. Though he like won’t speak to me for a few years. I had to do what was right for me.”

He hugged her. “Finish eating and get some sleep. I will find you and get my answers latter.” With that he left.

She shook her head and said. “His dad taught me what he could of healing. It has been a few years since the roads bought us together.”

Snady said. “The bed rolls are ready when you are. I will bring breakfast so don’t worry over it.”

“I can.”

“You can get the other meals. I will bring breakfast over. Now you eat up the get so sleep.” They followed orders and found breakfast waiting on them. They were all felling better after the nights rest.

Zanth handed Shaid a plate. “Were you here to sale or just to shop?”

Shaid said. “Just to shop. I think they all have lists. I know I do. Thank you for this. I must have looked worse then I felt yesterday. Sorry for scaring you.”

You know we did nothing more than our duty. You would of done the same. Thing. Now the bulk of the stalls wont open tell tomorrow so you can take today and lay out your plan of attack.  As a favor will you let the children show you around? I am sailing and they are a bit to helpful just now.”

Shaid smiled and said. “Sure. Bet they will be a big help as long as you have come here. Be nice to know what is where before things get crowed. Thank you again.”

He said. “No thank you. Hay you munchkins this is Miss Shaid’s“ Shaid raised an eyebrow, he pretended not to see. “first time here. You guys want to show her and her friends around to day? If you are real good they might even let you help them shop I am told they all have list of things they are to buy.”

Three kids came bouncing up. “Really can we? How big is the list?”

Shaid laughed. “Well I am not sure, but I expect to go back with my wagon full. You know how I like old books, and they are the same. So what do you say, you willing to help us? That big guy is not to carry much and can not use his right arm at all and the one next to him needs to take it easy on the walking so we could use the help.”

They nodded. “You bet we can help. What do you want to see first?”

Sam said. “Well once they finish eating how about a general tour then we can set down with a drink and go over all the list and you three can help us decide how to go about filling them. But we cannot go tell they are done, not only will your mom be upset but the healer as well. Something tells me I don’t want either of them upset.” The children nodded and took it upon their selves to see everyone ate more than they would have.

Zanth nodded. “Good I can see that the children will be kept busy and they will wtach you as you watch them.”

Shaid said. “You are. What was that Miss buiness?”

Sandy answerd. “You are no longer their playmate but the head of a family. No matter how small or odd, it might be. They need to treat you as such.  The more others see you respected the more they will respect you. You need to fight for your rights and not roll over like you are used to doing.”

Shaid shook her head. “I well I. Look they are just my friends, we happen to all be interested in the lost lands. I thought they should get an idea of what real travel was. That’s all its not.”

Sandy shook her head. Zanth said. “Say what you want. You are a head now and should be treated as one. Your family will learn as time goes on. It won’t do to have them see you slighted.” Shaid shook her head but said no more. They had a nice time getting to know the market after the kids saw the lists they got exited and started skimming. They left them back at the wagon, but only after getting a promise that no shopping would be done without them.

The next morning they got up to find six kids waiting on them. The others blinked. Shaid laughed. “Have you all ate and do you parents know where you are? We have to get our breakfasts before we go anywhere. As long as your parents know where you are you are welcome to join us. If not got tell them. We will wait to leave until you get back to us.”

One of them said. “They know Miss. Shaid the boys have the fire laid and we got the water.” She shook her head. Sal got the fire going and the other one got breakfast started. Shaid laughed. “Easy to tell you guys have been together for some time. Thank you”

Sal said. “Fire is just easy for me. But I guess it would be for you to. As to the cooking. It is easier on Bert if he cooks it, no small part as he is the only one of the four of that can.”

Bert said. “I can’t help it if you all burn water. It will be ready in a bit if you want to get the table ready.”