love this number. 8787. now if the next is half as good.

Alsam knocked loudly then entered pulling a cart, bowing. “Forgive the intrusion, I will be out of the way shortly, just let me get the food set out.” Charity shook her head as he started handing out plates, each one with bow. “Ma’am your brother has not left his wagons again. They seem to be waiting on something, though he does look to be wishing he was leavening. I have a man watching him, to try and keep him out of trouble. Is there anything else?”

Charity looked at Jab then at De. Might as well drop a hint. “Not my place but could you see that there are no ears in the hall, I think it best this meeting not be heard just yet. Also I will need a word once we are done here if you have time. We got a look at the Tower this morning and some of it you should know.”

Alasm smiled and bowed holding out her plate. “I will see to it, gladly and will find you in your room once I see the young ones started. If that will do Ma’am?”

Charity nodded and took her plate. “That will be fine.” De and Luke were both wondering just what was going on. It was rear she let him get by with playing a servant, and only the second time she had given him anything like an order around them.

Once the door closed and Jab felt Alsam’s ward go up in the hall he said. “There, I warded the room when we entered, of course but having him watch will make sure. As we know the size of there army now. And it is grim. They were given in legions. Crater is keeping the bulk of there troops to the east thinking that will be the big push, and there is a legion marching openly that way to reinforce the idea. There are just a few units moving openly to the west, but four legions are hidden behind them. Given the land it is safe to bet they are making for the passes. That is just the first wave. There will be six adapt mages with each legions and more lesser ones. They know troops are being hired to watch the west, but expect them to be disadvantage as they will not know the land. Now then as I said that is the first wave. The bulk will be waiting at the tower, there are mages assigned just to each half just to make gates when it is time. Those troops will have the real solders and mages with them. That is why we started with the reminder of what the tower is. The numbers are grim, and it is going to be boldly, but if it can’t be stoped there. Well people need to be running south, it is just going to walk over the next six countries before there is anything like a place to make a stand. Think of that. For there is another sixty legions, and more mages then you want to know about. Not all are strong, and some seem to be just for camp chores. Still.” He looked around and waited.

De shook her head. “I can’t send them in without telling them. I must call a meeting, and let them know. Then we need to send runners and see if some won’t start evacuating. It is likely we will fail. We might be able to get a few to call up there troops but will Crater accept the help?”

Charity said. “Once the bulk is seen they will, but not before, However if there are troops ready it will help.”

Jabari said. “My Mother will be sending troops. She has a company sized unit moving now. One of us is to meet them in a month and escort them on in. She suggested you just pass it off to Crater as a friends Company that decide to tag along. The mages with them will build a gate for the rest of the army when it will be slightly more welcomed. We will still be outnumbered, but it will help. More so as they think us sleeping.”

Charity said. “We will have the support of the old ones as well. That is a big help, as is the shook value. For even after my illusion they do not expect to see them yet. However most of the Hill folks will have to wait as Crater will not accept them. They will still be gating in when the bulk is in sight. The same time as Misa’s troops will be. There will be some sent with the advanced unit to help, and to see to the gates at the time. As well as one tasked solely with watching over me. Half the mages Misa is sending will work under you, De. The folks from the Hill are being sent to Jab and I so like wise will work under you. I won’t know tell I see them where they will fit best. Most will be mage gifted. Some will be Elements like me. That is able to have the world answer them.”

The others were looking at each other trying to make sense of it all. “Wait. I knew you likely came from a power family, given Alsam. But your Mother has an army, and how dose Misa fit in? De Misa is well, the emprises of the Low Lands of the Oliven Forest. They said others had the Hills, but never explained.”

Jabari said. “That would be my Mother. Yes I am an Emperors child, one of four with a possible claim to the throne as it happens. I was serving my time in the army and saw no reason to let you know who my parents happen to be. It is not where my life is. But yes that is why Aslam is so watchful, Mother told him he was to take care of us, and he is not one to step back. Mother wanted another one as well, but finding someone to deal with Charity is not easy. Luckily that is Sehiam is seeing to it. He will not send anyone not fully trained and up to the task.”

Charity shook her head. “Well at least I did put him off a bit. By law I should have had one five minuets after I set foot on the Hills, being what I am. Yes I am go to have a servant, and one that is not going to be willing to let me out of sight for long. It is just a traditional thing, but well it will make things easier as much as I don’t want it. Maybe Aslam will stop worrying a bit. Sehiam is a tile meaning something like Keeper of Wisdom. He is just another teacher, just a bit older then the ones I had. There were some things they didn’t know that I needed to.” De was shaking her head and frowning a bit. “Jab or I are to meet the other Company on the Selvain Plains in a month. I tried to get them to let us find out how you felt, but was over ruled. Truly we just wanted them to know what was going on.”

De said. “I will hold a meeting, but we will be pulling out in three weeks if the contract is accepted. Therefore you will have to go get this other team. I will include them in the letter of acceptance. Calling them the olive knights, which is silly, but then most Companies ended up getting branded with silly things. I don’t like it but the numbers say we need them.”

Jabari frowned. “That close you will need me with you. So Charity you will need to go meet them, that is best as it sounds like they had best just go to Clarks Down directly from the plain.” He looked at Charity not liking the thought. “Still will you please take Aslam with you at least? I do not want you going alone. Warren will be working by then as well.” He looked at Mike and Luke.

Charity shook her head, he worried too much, but then he was there when the change hit her the first time and pulled fourth all the times she had been told she was a monster. The fact that the tie between them was strengthened by real love just reinforced his anger that anyone would hurt her. However knowing where his protectiveness came from didn’t make it easier to take. “Yes that is part of what I am going to tell him when he meets me. Mike and Luke need to be with you. Luke needs to be there to play diplomat and Mike to see Luke doesn’t beat Palamer into a pulp over that horse.” She Kissed him lightly then looked over at Luke and Mike, wondering when to tell them. Just looking at how they were sitting made it clear how they felt about each other. Here it didn’t matter, and it wouldn’t for the other couples, or if they were going any place else. People can dismiss a lot when it doesn’t fit their idea of truth. However Father would be watching him, thinking witch matches to encourage or discourage.

Luke said. “I won’t, I am not going to attack an employer even though it also happens to be a relative. Honest.” Mike laughed and De shook her head.

De said. “Drop the wards and let folks know there is a noon meeting. I will get the letter written, I told Stive there would be an answer no latter then one. Likely everyone is just going to ask when we are leaving. But I will feel better asking them if they are willing.” With that they went there separate ways.

Charity went back to her room and stopped in the door shaking her head, the bed was remain and the floor swept, no doubt the laundry had all been taken away as well. Never mind he had a dozen things to do he stop to see to the room just to be sure she didn’t. She moved over to the table where a map was waiting to go over the route. Aslam entered and bowed, before handing her a drink, then stood waiting for her to speak, with his hand behind him and eyes down. Causing her to shake her head. “Aslam there is no need for that, will you please sit down. To think it is only going to be worse.” She knew he would not move, but had to try. “I am sure everyone knows what the meeting in a bit is about, but just so I am sure you know what I am talking about. The Tower is making a big move and we have been asked to help fight them. They have us vastly outnumbered, and so it doesn’t look good as it stands. The others were watching as we learned the numbers so are readying to send aid. To that end Misa is going to have an advanced unit waiting for escort on the Selvain Plains in a month. Jab or I is to escort it the rest of the way so it is clear they are friends. Given the way the timing looks I need to go meet them, then lead them on to ClarkDown from there. I was hoping you felt you could leave your charges that long. They will rest easier if you are with me. Among the ones there will be a servant for me, so you will want to go over things with them anyway. The trip should give you time to see to it.”

Aslam smiled, it was so good to here her telling him what she wanted. It was still a bit more like asking then what she should do but she was doing better. It would be a help, if the servant was strong enough not to give into her. He would have to make sure of that before trusting it. She needed to learn how to handle servants before she had to be in the court, for all there would be years yet. He bowed. “It will be an honor to see to you on the trip. I will see all is ready so we can depart. It will indeed be nice to have another set of hands if you think it needed, Ma’am. Thank you for sharing the news with me.”

Charity shook her head. “Yes I will let you do the packing and set up the camps. I am looking to leave here in two weeks, the others will start for Crater the next week. It will just be the two of us on the way out so we can move fast, and so should get there not to long after they make it in. The party we are meeting will likewise be well mounted so give the roads we shouldn’t be to far behind the others. That is if the contract is taking up.”

Aslam said. “Gear started being checked once the meeting was announced, packing had already started. They are just wanting the leavening date. The numbers are not going to put them off. It might have before Gunther, but not after seeing what that minor war band left. All those broken bodies and the clear sings that even the youngest died painfully. All here are going to do what they can to stop it. Some of the bodies were branded with the eagle so there was no doubts about who was behind it.”

Charity nodded. “I know and so does De she just feels better if she asks. For it truly does look bad.”

After the meeting, which went as expected, Charity turned to Luke and Mike. “Well we are defiantly going back. So what is the plan? Now officers are going to be given bunk in the house, he might not like it but he won’t break hospitality rules with Knight Heanric there to see it. Luke did you tell father anything about our trip South? Also have you thought about what you and Mike are going to do? He is blind most times, but will be watching you. After all you have the capital now, and he likely has a few ladies in mind, but will want to know what you favor. He is going to see how close you two are even if you are trying hide it. Which at this point I don’t think you can.”

Luke shook his head, he hadn’t given any thought to his place, just worried about her. Father had been asking about her a bit more the last couple of years, but as far as he knew had made no move to contact her. Now he was going to be forced to. “I hadn’t even thought of it. I am no longer used to thinking anything needs to be hid. We made it clear that we are not going to bow to the altar, I mean I threw the damn tracker at him. So do you really think he will care? I think that should make me unfit for anyone. I didn’t say much, just that we had been there. I never mention you in my letters unless he has asked. Then no more then you are doing well and belong here.”

Charity said. “Yet he still writes regularly and expects answers. I know that a few of the trade missions were sent just to find out why there had been no word of you. You are still his son, in spite of it. Yes he is going to be watching and scheming. The church has eased a bit on the trackers and he likely believes that they are why you left, that you believed they were being used by the enemy and couldn’t follow the law and wear them. There were a lot dueled, and so it was necessary to change a bit.” He looked at her, she shrugged. “Uncle has folks here, and they keep me up on the news. In return I do some copies for then off the books now and then. they pay double for others at times anyway. So you either tell him right out or wait tell he confronts you.”

Luke shook his head. “I will think about it, but likely will have to just tell him. More so if he tries to put me in a family room, another thing I had never stopped to think of. Now then officers in the house so.”

Charity shrugged. “I am not an officer, not that will get me anyplace. But if I make a bit of a fuss in front of him it might get a few things clear. We will see, I do wonder what is going to upset him the most about me. Now I should be no more then a day behind you all. I do hope we are not too far behind you guys. Going straight there from the plain should let us catch up, as we can cut some distance that way. I am hoping to just have a light travel kit with me, but I agreed to stay out of the packing.” That got them looking worldly at her. “I might as well try to adjust now. The one waiting on me is going to be even worse. It will be trained to stay by my side at all times, and do to the form of the training I need to let that happen. Don’t worry, part of the training is arm skills. Would have done a stint in the army, front lines, before deemed ready for an assignment.”

Luke said. “That doesn’t help sis. Just what are you not saying? You have that hiding something look.”

“Just wonder how they will react. I mean what will they think about Jabari. I am sure Uncle has had reports of him, but reports can only go so far. And he is intent on meeting Beth so he can thank her for saving my life. Can’t you just see Father should he hear?” Luke looked at her. “Fine, it is the illusion I used to scare the Red Robe. Well um I got it a bit to right, as in to close to the old enemy. So there is a chance they will be looking for me. They will want to know what I know and who I told. It is not a big deal, but is a part of why I can no longer get by without a servant. They will not let my Guide buck the law any longer, or so he indicated. Though I know it rubs him wrong as well.”

Mike said. “So there was something more then guess work behind the illusion. I did wonder about those wings. More so after the trip.”

Charity said. “I had been looking at my Key and ring and thought I should add some wings so the wings on the dragons were the inspiration. Or so I thought then. However I have learned since then that my illusion was a bit more then I thought, and so were the wings. They are a part of me, anything that identified me as an Elemental, for all they are unknown in this part of the world. Could be that they are the ones that never complete the program, those unsafe. Now enough of this we had best set up a formal diner some night and see if we can remember how to act. Likely you all will have to go to a few of them.”

Luke groaned. “Likely so, but at least this time I will be able to take a few dinners out at the camp. That will help some. And you will not be able to get yourself band from meals so will have to endure with us.”

Charity smiled. “Aslam will se to it that I have the dresses from Misa so I will have fitting clothes. Don’t worry it is full length, not even Chastity would find it indecent. I just want it clear where my home is. I do not want to look in the least like I belong in Crater. I want them to see me not a non-repentant child. If you are worried, come by and check I don’t think Aslam will have the room packed just yet.”

They laughed and Luke said. “I am not so sure, but I did see a few of the cort dresses so know they will be just different enough without being offending. I had best go see what I have. Might be some of mine I can call formal wear. I do like that idea. That might just help. At least us, if not him.”

Chapter 2

Arrival in ClarkDown.