Strind had made the decision to leave the crew and ship that had been his home for the last two years. Jonas his captian had taken the news well, offering to take him to the port of his choice. The truth is that Jonas had suspected this would happen. Strind was different than the bulk of the crew. While most of his men spent all of their time and money on booze and women, only stumbling back to the ship when their pockets were empty. Strind had spent his time in port watching the boat. A job that paid double because few wanted to do it. Strind had no taste for spending his gold, Jonas knew how much he had been paid over the last few years and he knew Strind could afford to buy the great ship out from under the captian if he wanted.
What did suprise the captian was where Strind had asked to port. They were a merchant ship that traveled between the three lands. Why would he pick Lemur? Jonas knew he was not from there originally. Strind was from Centar, from the accent and the size of the man it was clear. Those from Centar tended to be a full head taller than the other lands making them stick out in a crowd anywhere besides their home.
While at sea the ship was attacked by pirates. They had managed to turn the course of battle though thanks in no small part to Strind. They captured the enemy ship and its contents, Strind had found a book and a scrollcase. The book was ornate, It was bound in wood with dark metal thread. Strind spent months studying the book, he knew every character by heart but still the symbols meant nothing to him. He had never opened the scrollcase.
Strind was studying the book on the deck of the boat when he heard a voice behind him.
"Did I make a mistake when I said you could have the book then?"
Strind turned and smiled at captain Jonas
"I joined you to build my muscle and stretch. Its not even a challenge anymore."
"True you joined a boy and are leaving a man." said Jonas "I'd still wager it has to do with that book."
Strind reflected on his words for a minute. He had been just a gangly teen when he joined. Remembering the first time he saw the captain, "You seemed taller then."
The captain chuckled but he eyed the book then looked back to Strind waiting for an answer.
"I am going to see the oracle." Strind stated flatly. That left the captain speechless for a long few minutes. They both stared at the coastline passing slowly, rocking with the gentle waves.
"You should go see a tailor first then." And with that the captain slowly made his way back to the helm.
He was right of course and Strind smiled and started a mental list.
Two days later he found himself checking things off that list at the bazaar in Jinra. The new pants and shirt were in fashion for the area but the cut was uncomftorble. Hopefully they will break in he thought. A new backpack held a change of clothes along with three leather waterskins and enough hardbread to last a week.
He found the price of weapons to be way too high. Weather it was just the area or someone trying to take advantage he could not be sure, so he wandered into the third armory that day. He smiled when he passed through a gate and entered a yard filled with weapons and armor. A redbearded dwarf woman put down her leathertools on a table in the corner of the yard and aproached.
"What can I be getting ye." she said over steady sound of hammers coming from the forge.
"Leather armor and two axes. One to throw and one larger." She started eyeing him and sighed. He tried to take it in stride and walked over to look at the axe selection as she walked away. These were truly masterwork, he felt the balance of a few throwing hammers and found them to be perfect and identical. At sea he had spent long hours heaving axes at targets in choppy seas. The price for missing a target usually meant losing the axe to the sea. He smiled to himself and said under his breath "that wont be a problem anymore."
"Try this chestpiece on and let me measure you." He slid on the piece and held out his arms. "We dont get many as tall as yerself around here."
"Can you fashion it to hold three throwing axes?" he asked
"Aye right er left handed?"
"Right. How much for the armor and three of the small ones then?"
She took her time finishing the measurements then helped remove the piece. Setting it aside and scribbling chalk markings on leather straps with deft ease she said without looking away. "Lets see, that would be thirty gold and I can have it ready by sunup tomorrow."
"A fair price for dwarvin quality." he said "See you in the morning then." He couldn't tell if that was a smile but she deffinately had a lighter step as she walked away. He started making his way to the tavern district he was glad he changed at the last minute. It was bad enough he could see over most of the people walking the street. Scanning the crowd he noticed there were very few people armed at all. Even the towns guard had no more than small swords.
He picked what seemed to be the quietist tavern on the street but was suprised when he went through the door. The hush of the full crowd was explained by a wonderful melodic voice from a small stage. A beautiful halfling was strumming a harp and singing with great force yet her voice was so dimure. He made his way to the bar, payed for a room and a meal. He ate his meal enraptured by the halfling until the sun had set low.
The place grew loud as soon as she left the stage. So Strind went about the business of inquiring about passage north. He was directed to a tall man with a drink and a book on the table in front of him.
"Im looking for passage to see the blind one." said Strind as he sat down.
The sundried face made no effort to hide the fact that he was sizing him up. "You dont look like a pilgrim." said the sundried man
"My looks have little to do with my wishes." said Strind smiling
The man nodded his head. "Fifty gold will get you a seat next to a queen." he smiled back
Strind grimmaced. At this rate how long would it take to spend what had taken years to make. "When do we leave? I still havent grown my landlegs, it will feel good to get back on the water."
The sundried man noticed the grimmace then the determination in the man. His size and the revelation of being a sailor gave the man an idea. "There is another option, my brother is in charge of security. He could use another this trip, if your handy with a weapon that is. I can offer twenty gold there and back."
Strind had not expected such an offer so he thought about it before answering. "And if I decide to stay there?"
"Ten gold."said the sundried man without hesitation. "Food and lodging covered. We leave the day after tomorrow."
Behind Strind the halfling had took to the stage again. It was clear Strind no longer had the attention of the man. He stared at the performer without a blink it seemed. Not comfortable in the strange atmosphere and figuring he could get to know the name of this man some other time. He sliped out of the bar and made his way to his room.
He lit a candle and removed the book from his pack. Flipping through a few pages at a time until he stopped at a page that had a map. It showed Jinra. The town he was in, on the bottom right. A long straight line went north the full length of the page, then northwest along a curved path. It ended with a glyph made of circles. Strind had used the maps available on the ship to find out that this was the path known to see the oracle. But the intricate etchings on the page were of flames being blown in the wind. The illustration of wind seemed to have many corporeal figures.
There were at least two other maps on the pages. He once found that a page he thought was blank suddenly filled up, since then it was a habit to check all the empty pages. Nothing new tonight. He put the candle out and tried to remind himself he was on solid ground as he still felt the gentle swing of a hammock.
The next day he decided to make a stop before picking up his armor. As he walked into a two story house with a sign reading Shop O Magic he was greeted by a man wearing a bright yellow robe. "Hello and welcome. what brings you in today sir?" he said in slow and drawn out words.
Strind walked to the counter and laid down the scrollcase. "I was hoping to get this and whatever it may hold identified and appraised. I have not opened it fearing magical traps." He knew that just raised the price he would pay but it was true. And he knew enough not to put anyone at risk.
"Never opened."the shopkeeper mused aloud."Now I am even more curious. Tell me, where did you aquire such a...a unique item?"
"At sea, from the hull of a pirate ship."
"Hmm truth in lies and lies in truth no doubt."said the man hoping to judge a reaction. When satisfied he waved his hand over the piece muttering a song under his breath. Strind strained to make out the sylables wondering what language he had used. Then suddenly the scrollcase twisted and seperated in the middle revealing two pieces of parchment.
"Well this is exciting." the words came slow and drawn out but the smile on his face was genuine. "Would you care to examine them first? It may be a map after all and not even magical." The mage knew they were in fact magic. Strind picked up the two pages and examined them closely. It was the same language used in the book.
"How much to find out what they are? And what language is used."
"The writing is in ancient elvish." came a slow responce as the mage examined the papers closely for a few minutes. "And the price is five gold each." he glanced up and Strind nodded pulling out his pouch and counting out ten on the table. "This is the spell for invisibility." he said as he slid one piece over. He laid the other out and muttered a few more words. Examining the page again his eyebrows raised and he glanced at Strind then back.
"At first I thought this was a common lightning spell. It is a lightning spell but not a common one. Whoever penned this knows a remarkable way to modify the spell. A delayed blast maybe. I would like very much to add this to my collection. I would offer fifty for the first and two hundred for the second." When Strind did not react but started thinking the mage continued. "A trade perhaps? I have many trinkets or weapons that would be a fair trade indeed."
"I am interested in learning magic. Learning to read the elvish language." said Strind "Would you or anyone you know be able to teach someone as unskilled as myself?
"Oh it has less to do with skill and more to do with heart." The mage started rolling up the scrolls and returning them to the case. He laid it down and slid the ten gold off the counter. He knew by the look on this young man he had no interest in money. He spoke slower than he worked. "I have not the time to take on an apprentice, nor do I know of one who does. It takes alot, I hope you dont take offence." He removed a book from a shelf, opened it to make sure it was what he was looking for. "Do you know how to read and write common?"
"I do." Said Strand with hope and interest as he watched the mage.
"In this book it tells the same story twice. Once in common, Once in elvish." He laid the book on the table. "Practice writing the words. The hand movements are important."
Strind slowly tried to take in all that he had been told. "I would like to know your name so the next time we meet I may adress you properly. And the price of the book."
"I am Hogeth the mage. There is no magic in the book, just a story. It is a gift to you with the hope to see you again some day."
"Well met Hogeth the mage. My name is Strind and I will not forget what is to me a great gift indeed." He gathered the scrollcase and book. On the way out, an axe hanging on the wall grabbed his attention. It was a midsized battleaxe with runes and etching. Strind tried to imagine the looks he would draw carrying around such a blade. Hogeth found himself holding his breath hoping to work out a trade after all. But sighed as the best customer he would have all week walked out the door. "Strind the pirate." he said aloud
Strind found himself lost in thought as he walked. "The hand movements are important." he repeated to himself. And now he had the means to decifer the book given enough time. The scroll was unique magic? What implications did that have on the book? He came out of his self imposed daze as he walked under a sign labeled armory.
The dwarf woman waved him over when he entered. The same sounds eminating from the forge house. The rythm was so perfect and the sound so clear it made Strind wonder they were working on the same piece as before. The dwarvin woman removed the straps from a log shaped like a man and showed Strind where the buckles were. He dawned the new armor and was suprised how much movement he lost. He had never worn full leather but knew the protection it offered. He thought to himself no matter how uncomftorble it is, one day it may turn out to be worth the trouble. There on the table were three throwing axes.
"May I use the target?" Strind asked, he wasnt so sure about his choice in armor as he picked up the axes.
"A'ye, just dont go over the wall."
He threw the first and found his aim to be off two feet from the center. He swung his arm around with the next axe not releasing it. Realizing he would have to ignore the pain of the leather edges and awkward straps. It was like new boots, fight through the discomfort. After all it wouldnt hurt as bad missing the target.
He threw the second axe, the leather pieces met with skin underneath. This time the axe had found its mark. Strind smiled, reached up and bent and pulled at the two offending pieces of leather.
Strind had practiced hitting with the blunt side of his axe. Most of the fights he had been in were with other men. Knowing how to incapacitate someone without killing had served his consious well. The final axe struck the one in the center of the target. The blunt sides met sinking one deeper and sending the other bouncing to the ground. Strind noted that the armor didnt pinch his arm that time, only scraped against it. Continuing to flex and bend various corners of the armor he gathered the axes.
"Thats some arm ye got there." the dwarvin woman said as he approached. "I made room to hold those three built into the armor." She approached and showed him an area below his left arm that held one. One fit into the left side of his chest, and one on his back. The wood of the axe handles was dyed to match the leather.
"You honor your clan with such fine craftmanship." he pulled out his coinpurse and paid the agreed amount. As soon as he left the yard his thoughts returned to the new book. He found his way back to the tavern. Ordered a meal and started reading at a small table in the corner.
He decided to read the story in common. He finished the first chapter and looked up. The place had grown busy. His food sat on the table, soup with a hard layer over the top from sitting so long. And accross the table he was suprised to see the halfling bard. Her chair was pulled so as to face the room not him. She was gently plucking her harp, letting single syllables out with each note. She glanced at him as he stared. He could not turn away, so he just smiled and turned red.
He looked back down to his book but found it no longer had his interest. He looked back up, this time she was staring.
"Would you prefer small talk? Or did you enjoy my ignoring you?" Strind said, not sure if it sounded harsher than he meant it.
"Small talk is boring, I dont get ignored that often." She replied with a smirk.
"It'l be harder now that I know your there. But if youd prefer I can try." He looked back down to the book but found his mind on the woman across from him. Every chord as she plucked along with every gentle word she sang. It was as though she was singing a single song in each word. She stopped for a moment then said softly.
"If you ignore me all night I'd be offended."
He looked up and she smiled at him. Then abruptly stood up and walked away. She is beautiful he mused. She took the stage and began a lighthearted tune about a wizard who was the town drunk. He flipped the book to the halfway mark and found the elvish text. Using one of the chopsticks as a pen he started tracing the letters. Listening to the music and imagining what each character sounded like. He stayed the rest of the evening tracing letters and listening to the music. She sang a love song, and it felt like it was directed right at him. And rarely did she miss a chance to meet eyes when he looked up.
At the end of the night she returned to his table. "So whats in the book anyway?" she glanced at the text now opened to elvish. "Are you a mage then?"
"There is no magic in this book. And I cannot read it all today. Your songs helped me imagine how the words could sound."
"Well I hope the words keep my voice when they do come to you." She said, reading his expression she asked the question that she didnt want answered. "When are you to be leaving then?"
"In the morning." He had the urge to ask her to join him. If not for the trip then at least for the night. He pulled a gold from his pocket and slid it on the table.
"I to hope to hear your voice in the words. And I hope our paths cross again." He closed the book and started to rise.
"Dont you even want to know my name?"
"Can I think of you as the beautiful bard?" This made her blush, and Strind smile.
"And what do I imagine you as?" She said with that wonderful smirk squinting her eyes at him.
"I dont know yet." Was the most truthful answer he could give.
"Hmm the mysterious unknown."
He excused himself from the table and went upstairs. His mind in the clouds. "What does my future hold?" surely a beautiful girl at his side. But he was not ready for that now. He needed to stretch his mind, see new horizons and learn what he wanted out of life.
with blue eyes and numbers that ring
At dawn he made his way to the harbor. It did not take long to find the sundried man he met in the tavern. The man was inspecting cargo as it was loaded onto a thirty foot long and six foot wide riverboat. Crates of chickens plucked as a new crate was loaded next to a stack of firewood. He glanced up and Strind spoke up to get his attention.
"Morning sir, my name is Strind. I spoke to you in the tavern about passage north."
The man looked confused for a second. As Strind was about to speak he cut him off. "Oh yes I do remember, the armor is new I think. Anyway, Strind well met I'm Malta. That is my brother Golto." he said motioning to a man lashing another large boat the the one being loaded. "See what you can do to give him a hand, tell him I hired you." Malta turned back to inspecting the cargo being loaded.
Strind made his way to Golto and introduced himself. "Well met sir Golto, your brother hired me to lend a hand. My name is Strind."
Glancing towards his brother who ignored the look. "He did huh? Well jump on this boat then and tie the next one up." Golto turned toward his brother with intent.
Strind took no time to jump into the boat and look to the aft as someone else brought in another long raft. The first raft had been filled with supplies, a cooking fire with a large caldron, barrels of wine and clay pots of water. while these two seemed to only have seats. Strind made it to back of the boat and quickly tied the next one on. The person who rowed the boat in motioned for him to help tie up another boat as it made its way across the large marina. The process continued until there were six boats tied in a straight line. There was only room on the dock for two boats at a time so the others stretched out into the water blocking vessels. This was nothing out of place for the other captians though, they all went the long way around the bay with no complaint. The other sailors started hanging canvas over the wood frames. Strind was quick to pick up on what was going on and lend a hand, the job was easier for him due to his size. It looked like he and the brothers were the only ones from Centar, the rest of the crew were locals.
People had filled the first passenger boat and the procession moved to start loading the next boats in line. Golto pulled Strind aside. "When we get on the water your armor won't be needed. More likely to need you to jump in and save a drowning drunk than fight. Stow your pack and armor under you just in case. Your seat is the farthest in back."he motioned to the last boat still jutting out in the harbor. He paused like he had given this speech before and wanted there to be no doubt. "If someone drops a sword it is lost, the water is too murky to find it on the bottom. If a lady drops a hat or something that floats you are expected to be the one that jumps in to retrieve it. The currents run swift be careful, if you can't catch the boat just walk along the road and catch a ride on the wagon." He pointed to a team of horses tied to a wagon. The wagon had long ropes tied to the first boat in the line and Strind understood how they meant to get six boats upriver.
Before long Strind took his place in the last seat in this parade upriver. Ignoring the call of the new book and the other passengers he started soaking up the scenery as they made their way north. This was a desert with no major hills or landmarks other than the man made. The view of the desert palace as it was known was remarkable. As they left the city it loomed over the surrounding structures appearing as a single house made for a giant. He thought to himself no thats too big even for a giant, a titan maybe or a god. The small houses along the river gave way to larger estates and construction sites with hundreds of people. He watched curiously as they came into an area with logs floating on the river. People ran across the top of the logs with poles pushing and prodding them into waterways leading into the construction sites. A little ways down were huge chunks of marble and granite suspended in the water with sheepskins. Noone jumped across these, instead it seemed there was underwater construction holding them in place. People walking along underwater walls using long poles to maneuver the floating stones.
There was a road that ran alongside the river, that is where the team of horses pulled the cart and the boats. It struck him how perfect the river was cut, there were no meandering courses that rivers naturally cut into the land. Instead this was a perfectly straight and true waterway. He guessed it to be one hundred feet wide and Strind wondered how long it was. He wondered if it was created by magic or maybe some ancient giant did it with ease by simply dragging a hoe as he walked. Or maybe it was built by the industrious little people of his race.
His thoughts returned to his current position. Sitting in the back gave him more room than most of the other passengers. The shade provided by the canvas roof was colorful and gave the passengers an interesting hue of greens and reds. There was a winebarrel at the front of the boat and most of the passengers were not shy with it. It seemed the hardest part of this job was going to be to stay awake.
As the sun reached directly overhead the smell of food started filling the air. He remembered the cooking pot on the front boat and wondered if it wasnt placed there just to make everyone hungry. By the time bowls were passed from the front to the back he was starving. The meal was fit for royalty, as most of the passengers were. Soup with large pieces of chicken along with cut vegatables and noodles. In the lid of the bowl was a fresh bread that was perfect for dipping.
After lunch some of the passengers fell asleep while others gathered around the winebarrel. Strind removed the book he recieved yesterday. He started reading a sentence in common then flipping to the back and trying to sound out the elvish sentence. He started to pick out words. Maiden, years, hair. Quietly whispering sentences that he wasnt sure of just to hear the inflection.
They continued until the setting sun started reflecting from the water and the canvas roofs no longer offered protection. He was glad when they pulled into a channel cut in the side of the river. A bridge was built along the side of the river that could carry wagons over the channel or in this case let the boats flow inderneath. They pulled alongside a long warf. After the passengers started to clear Strind started gathering the soup bowls as he saw other crew doing and stacked them up next to the first boat. The crew started towards a tavern at high speed. The brothers Malta and Golto were having a laugh at what appeared to be the expense of the cook who turned red as the sundried Malta chuckled and slapped him on the shoulder.
"I wanted to say thank you, It has been a very comftorble trip so far. And compliments to the chef for that meal, It was fit for a king." said Strind.
The chef looked to Malta as if to say I told you so and Malta looked to Golto and did say "I told you taking on the sixth boat would be easy."
"Bah." Golto blurted out lightheartedly. "Lets get us some rooms then."
They left at sunrise the next day. There were a few passengers who were sick from the nights revelries and others who seemed to be using this outing as an excuse to stay drunk. The only real excitement of the day came when a passenger filling his cup tripped and stumbled out of the third boat and into the water. Strind stood up and watched. It was Golto's boat, Strind wondered if he would jump in. Instead Golto timed it right and leaned out just in time to grab the man and pull him into the boat. That incident seemed to serve as a wake up call for the other passengers who noticably started to be more careful as they moved around.
The towns seemed to be spread out perfectly to make it from one to another in a days travel. As they traveled north the towns became more rural. This desert highland was filled with grain fields supported by irrigation channels carved from the river. After a few days sitting all day Strind started to get antsy. He wasnt the only one apparently because he found the crew behind a tavern sparring to blow off steam. He removed the throwing axe he had been carrying in his pack. The other two were with his armor in the room already. He hadnt felt safe leaving the pack there though.
One of the younger of the crew with less to lose gave him a nod and squared off. He held a shortsword and started cautiously. Telegraphing the first few moves he saw Strind was a capable defender with the lone axe. Thinking to catch him with the weapon swung wide he went in for an inside jab. Strind deftly stepped aside and forward bringing himself next to his apponent and the flat side of the axe directly against the mans chest gently.
Bowing the young man stepped back and smiled. He didnt say anything but Strind caught a quick eye movement towards Golto. As he scanned he found that others too were looking that direction to see if he stepped forward. Golto did not make a move though so the others looked amoungst eachother until one was pushed forward. Strind nodded and took a step back giving the new challenger room to advance. This was no young man, The desert sun had turned his skin into leather. The wrinkle lines looked like scars along his face. He steadied his weapon and pushed the attack. Strind took a different approach, one he had learned from the sailors. He did not use his axe to block, instead he threw his body into long arcing paths. It was laughingly referred to as drunken sailor defence. As a blade came in high he took a long step under the shoulder. The man started to turn but found Strinds foot and became unbalanced. From there Strind turned and straightened his body bumping his apponent to the ground.
Now every eye was on Golto. Even the man on the ground made no effort to hide it as he took his feet. "Well I guess its my turn." said Golto he stepped forward and removed his shortsword. Strind noticed he left the dagger in his belt. Golto stood at the ready longer than the previous two. Strind stood still and at the ready. he was rarely the first to attack, it left him vulnerable. Preferring to defend and get a feel for the apponent before counterstriking had been his winning strategy at sea. Golto saw this and decided to wade in with a few slow strikes then a faint. Strind could sense the gracefullness in Goltos attacks. He did not relent after the faint, instead picking up the pace with another combination. Strind barely managed to block the last two and was left with his feet too far apart. He realized his mistake as Golto swept one leg out from under him and used his left hand against Strinds chest to take him backwards to the ground.
The group erupted in cheers. Strind stood up with a grin and a respectful bow. "Could you show me how to defend against that?" Golto loosened up now said "Sure." They broke into groups and stayed until they were worn out fighting shadowy outlines.
And so the days passed quickly. Strind enjoying the long hours studying the elvish language. The scenery was changing and the air becoming more moist. The flatlands had given way to rolling hills. A mountain range started to come into sight after the fourth day, slowly growing each day as trees started to fill the landscape. By the eighth day the tree canopy was thick and the tallest snow covered peaks still loomed in the distance. Strind wondered how far those mountains were and if this strange river carved a path straight through.
On the ninth evening they pulled into a bustling city. Tall wood walls made a ring around the inner city that surrounded a wood castle. On the docks foreman oversaw huge logging wagons, it looked like they were branding symbols on the logs then sliding them into the water. Other workers lashed them together forming the many large platforms Strind had seen floating downriver.
When he delivered the lunch bowls to the lead boat Malta motioned for Strind. "I won't be traveling inland with you and I remember saying you might stay." this got Golto's attention and he leaned in to hear the conversation. "I wanted to settle up and invite you to return with us in five days." He tossed a coinpouch at Strind. "I still expect you to ride a horse for escort duty tomorrow." Malta pulled the ledger from his coat and said. "Strind, what was your number?"
Strind looked confused "Number?"
Golto closed his eyes and said "Way to go brother."
Malta sighed. "In order to get paid for duties under the throne of Exar you need papers. I'm guessing by your responce you dont have any."
Golto laughed and walked away. Turning back to say to his brother "Your lucky nothing happened."
"I can return this then." Strind motioned to the purse. "I meant no trouble for you."
Malta waved his hand. "Keep it, I should have known when you said you were a sailor. Just dont go telling the taxmen." Malta shrugged it off, but it made Strind uneasy how much Golto had disaproved. He tried to find them to ask more later in the evening, noone in the crew had seen either brother since docking.
The next day they were busy coordinating the dozens of wagons and what seemed like every horse in town just to move the procession of gawdy royals comftorbly. Golto found Strind in the commotion helping to steady horses while a wagon driver got situated. "You have your horse already I see. Do you have food and water for the day?" Strind nodded and Golto came in close enough to speak quietly. "I mean to keep you away from royalty. I'd like you to scout ahead of the group. We will be leaving at a slow pace in about five minutes. The trail does not split and we should reach there before the sun sits low."
Strind nodded in agreement wanting to ask more but not here. He made his way to the front of the parade and set his horse at a comftorble pace down the trail. The road was well maintained with stone meant for wagons. The trees were cut back from the trail by about twenty feet on either side. The trees were dense beyond that and he could barely see into the thick foliage. The trees were tall stretching into an arc over the road with such precision it again brought to mind using magic to shape the world. This path could have been created by the same group or entity that made the river he mused to himself snacking on hardbread for lunch. He imagined using magic to shape the stone path. Unlike the straight river, this road followed a windy path up small hills and sometimes next to creeks where the sound of water was emminating. Nobody on the road looked suspicious. Logging wagons mixed with carts filled with produce and a few travelers on foot. Strind figured looking into the brush for an ambush a waste of time. One place was as good as another in this strange path and he couldn't scour everywhere. If anything his job would be to make sure the road was clear for the wagons.
Just after noon Strind rounded a corner and saw something out of place. On the side of the road layed an overturned wagon with horses still attached. deep grooves cut through the mud and grass along side the road for a distance leading up to the cart. It had been traveling the opposite direction. Strind rode to the closest tree and tied his horse. Approaching the horses gently he was afraid they might spook and drag the wagon farther down the path. He got close enough to see that the cart looked to be empty and there was no cargo spilled on the side of the road. Then he heard a soft wimper. He walked closer and a small girl in a dirty dress was huddled into the overturned wagon. She had her arms clenched around her knees and as he aproached she looked him and her eyes grew wide with shock. She stared at him dazed, took a deep breath and tried to speak.
"They. They're still out there."
Strind whirled around to face the jungle. He could hear it now, the sound of metal. The sound of battle. He looked down at the girl then heard a cry of pain from the trees. He ran toward the treeline removing the axes from his chest and side. The foliage was dense and it took a second to find a way through. A clearing opened ahead as the sounds of battle grew closer. He got a view of the battle but had no idea who was the agressor. Two men dressed in cheap clothing battled two men in full armor. One of the men in rags was clearly skilled and was pushing the armored man back. The other was overpowered by the metal plated warrior he let out a cry as a sword cut his arm and he was disarmed. The man in full plate plunged a dagger into the unarmed man and Strind made the decision who he was going to fight.
Strind came out of the brush behind the plated warrior who was now looking to the other man in rags. If Strind did nothing they would surely kill the man. Taking note of the folds of the armored man Strind used the axe to hook and lift the mans leg. Already walking forward, he started to stumble. Strind brought the dull side of the axe in his right hand and used it as a hammer on the back of the neck sending the man face first into the ground hard.
The remaining man in armor turned, suprised to see his friend go down. That was the oppertunity the better trained and lesser dressed man needed. He dived in low against his apponent running the sword along the chestpiece until it found a fold. It pierced the armor and dug into the mans shoulder. Crying out in pain and reeling so hard he flung himself backwards the armored man lay unarmed and bleeding. The man in rags smiled at his helpless apponent and started to probe the armor for another hole.
"Wait." Strind said panting slightly. "I joined the fight to save your life. Not so you could take his."
The man in rags paused and looked at Strind. The look in his eyes made Strind uncomftorble and the man made no moves to step away from his armored target.
A small pebble came flying out of the underbrush surprising both men and striking the man in rags on the cheek. They both looked to see a girl no more than twelve in a muddy dress. She had a handful of pebbles in her left hand and was throwing them one at a time at the man in rags. Her face soaked in tears and mud she cried as she threw a rock with every step. "What now you thief, you assasin." She was building courage, shivering with rage and fear she threw another pebble. The man in rags shifted his attention and footing towards the little girl. He made a menacing snarl and looked like he might sprint the distance to her.
Strind was shocked at the display, and the thought that he attacked the wrong person. When the man in rags took his first step towards the girl Strind acted. He heaved the blunt side of his axe at the chest of the man and started running to intercept, he would not let him reach the girl. There was no need to run. The man in rags saw Strind start moving, he went into a crouch to launch toward the girl. The blunt side of an axe met the side of his head and he saw nothing but darkness.
The young girl raised her chin triumphately as the mans body hit the ground, as if one of her pebbles had done the job. She turned and smiled at Strind as he approached. "What is your name?" He cocked his head and regarded the girl. "My name is Strind. And what is yours?"
"Im Aayla." She took some uneasy deep breaths then turned to him. "I failed my test but all may not be lost." She looked toward her hand still clutching the pebbles and slowly willed it to release the tiny rocks. Brushing her hands against a mud covered dress she sighed as she looked at her dirty hands then reached for a small pouch. She reached in and removed what looked like a bright red cherry. She ignored Strind say "Test?" and approached the man in armor that had been stabbed in the shoulder. His face was covered in sweat and he was still breathing. She took the cherry and squeezed it against the mans lips. Satisfied she walked to the other armored man. "Can you turn him on his back please?" Strind did, and was happy to feel movement in the man he had attacked so ruthlessly.
He replayed the events in his head and did not feel bad, this man had slid a dagger into an unarmed foe. That man lay dead. Aayle made no attempt to help that one. She walked over to the man in rags. She looked up and said "Can you bind his hands and feet?" He did so and Aayle used another berry from her pouch, squeezing it against the lips of their prisoner. Strind watched as the bright blood from the headwound stopped dripping and dried. The color of the man improved turning from a ghostly white to pink.
Strind turned to eye Aayla standing beside him just taller than his waist. She removed two more bright red cherries from her pouch and offered one to Strind. He took the berry in his fingers and watched her eat hers. "Could it help that man?" he motioned to the one with the dagger still in his chest. "No." she said somberly.
He heard his name being called in the distance. He remembered then that he was a scout. He called out. "Over here." In a moment Golto and a few others came into the clearing.
"What in the nine hells happened here?" said Golto watching the two armored men rolling and trying to take to their feet.
"I was being kidnapped." Aayle spoke up "Strind saved me." she looked up at him with a wide smile saying softly. "And beat up my guards."
Golto glared at Strind. Strind replied with a what was I supposed to do gesture. One of the men in armor made it to his feet helped the other than knelt to give Aayle a hug. The other man in armor approached the captive checking his tied hands and feet. Together they all left the wild underbrush and returned to the perfectly manacured road. Just in time to see the parade of royalty. Lords and Ladies alike gawked at the people as they appeared on the side of the road. Pointing and staring. Golto organized the men and they righted the wagon on the side of the road. No wheels were broken and the men in armor loaded the captive then Aayla. She turned and waved to Strind as they pulled onto the road behind the caravan. Golto had sent the other crew back to their duties but kept Strind behind on the side of the road as the caravan passed completely from distance. He started his horse onto the road and Strind did the same.
They rode slowly for a few minutes until Golto broke the silence. "I need to hear the whole story, beginning to end." Strind recounted the events. His choice to attack based on the idea of saving life. Then he laughed as he described the young girl hurling insults and pebbles. He finished when he recounted the cherry shaped berry. Realizing he still held it in his hand he produced it and showed it to Golto.
"Priest berries. Or Goodberries. They fill your stomach like a meal and give you an energy boost." Strind stared at the small berry in awe then started to put it in his pouch. "They only last a day." Said Golto watching then continued. "I have a problem." Strind gave his full attention to the man waiting for him to continue.
"Anyone working for the crown of Exir, which is to say me and my brother is required to keep records. I had compiled more than one page of notes concerning you." he paused reading the look on Strind. Not angry or scared but curious so he continued. "When I learned you had no papers I meant to destroy those notes. They would have caught the attention of a few people. I could have marked you as a passenger instead of an employee. We only keep records of those we pay, and those who pay us keep records of us you see." he reached into his jacket and produced a small piece of paper. "I called in a favor last night in town and picked this up. It was expensive and I was hoping not to use it. With recent events though I dont see any way around it."
"Forged papers then?" Strind was starting to get the full picture, understanding Golto's concern a little more now.
"No not forged, these are magical in nature and cannot be forged. For most people getting their papers is a great event. Priests travel the lands on the winter solstice. They hold ceremony and record the births and immigration." He held up the small piece of paper. "Only the priests are supposed to have a blank one of these."
They rode on for a while waiting to talk as a group passed by in the opposite direction. "This tiny piece of magic paper set me back two hundred gold." Strind rocked back in his seat. "I dont see any other way to keep us all out of trouble though. We would surely lose the traveling contracts if they learned I hired an undocumented warrior. And with the excitement of saving the little girl there will be many people wanting to pour over the reports."
He gingerly handed over the small piece of paper. Strind looked at it in his palm trying not to display it to anyone else on the road. "I feel I should pay but I cant afford."
"No, me and my brother made more this trip than any privious by adding the last boat. It all works out." Galto pulled his horse to a stop on the road, there was nobody else around. "You see that circle on the card? Use the tip of your axe to draw fresh blood. Put one drop in the circle, take care to get it only in the circle, dont make a mess out of it."
Strind held the card in one hand and pushed a finger into his axe tip. He hesitated for a moment wondering if this was some strange ruse. He trusted Golto but this was something so out of the ordinary he paused to make sure his feelings alligned. Golto saw the hesitation and removed a card from a pocket producing his papers. Strind examined the card noting the bright red spot in the circle. He also noted a discoloration on the other side of the paper and the gold numbers etched into the card shining.
Strind let one drop of blood fall from the tip of his finger hovering just above the card. "Good
Golto said, and now take it and do this." Using his own card Golto held the paper in his mouth letting the lips settle just on the edge of the paper opposite the blood drop. He looked like he was holding a cracker in his lips holding it with the tips of his fingers. Strind followed the strange motion and felt something stir in his subconsious. What strange magic was this? What was its purpose? Priests did this as ceremony? He removed the card from his mouth and studdied it in his palm. Where his lips were was now stained into the card. Gold etched numbers appeared in the center. The circle shimmered then turned blue.
Golto gasped. "What in the nine hells. It cant be." He leaned closer cursed then kicked his horse back into a gallop. "Leave it to my brother to hire a blueblood mercenary." Strind squeezed his horse and caught up "What does it mean to be blue?" he called out. Golto gave him a sidelong glance and motioned for him to keep his voice down. "What does it mean? It means you should be part of that parade up there. You could be titled a Lord of the land."
Strind mulled that over for a while then asked. "You mean to say those privelaged, earned it through their blood?"
Golto nodded "Aye every one of em."
"Where I'm from people had to earn title. There was family wealth passed on, i'm not sure if that is the same. Does this mean im related to those people through some distand grandfather?"
"I dont know about related. They only marry inside the line so I would hope not."
"A blue cant marry a red?"
"They forfiet title if they do." Golto paused "We are almost there, I need time to figure out a plan. If I'm not careful I could get in great trouble here. If anyone asks you are just a traveler and dont have papers ok."
"I take it this did not solve your paperwork problem?" Strind asked after absorbing the information.
"Far from it. I'm not supposed to hire blues. Or let one come to harm. By making you the scout I put you in danger. I can't just tell them I found out now because it is illegal for anyone besides a priest to have papers." he paused and continued. "And if you were a red under my employ I should have had your papers already."
"Can I just tell them I was a blue traveler who wandered ahead?" reasoned Strind
"No you must not show anyone that card. They will have no record of you and trace it back to me." Golto repeated. "You are just a traveler. You dont have papers."
Strind let that really sink in. He couldnt reveal the knowledge to anyone. This had all come as such a surprise. Visiting on the docks they never had to produce papers. It all made sense with what Golto had described. What was the system designed to produce? He thoutht to himself. The parade of wealthy people here weren't merchants or craftsman they were bluebloods. Where were they from? Where were they going? The questions would come slowly in this strange land he found himself in.
The road grew busier with traffic, shops and houses started to appear on the side of the road. Swaths of the jungle was cut back revealing rolling hills of grazing livestock. Small streams cut their way through intricate patterns. Temples were biult where the streams converged. The temples were built on wooden poles that emerged from the water. Stairs and walkways were everywhere and many of the paths needed small stair bridges to allow access. There were large areas for orchards and a variety of edible plants dotted the landscape in well manecured rows.
"Why do they travel here?" Strind asked in a tone that wouldnt travel far on the busy road.
"From what I know they must have a communion with their priest once a year. Its a secret what they discuss and theres alot of gossip spread about what it might be. My guess is the priests direct the bluebloods to do their bidding. The bluebloods control most of the production and land so, it would be an effective way to rule."
"Many temples surround this area. Some ancient, others new. The waters are said to have healing properties that are strongest where the streams intersect." Golto looked up and saw two guards approaching with a little girl riding in the saddle with one of the men. Aayla pointed their direction and said "There they are." Golto sighed and muttered "they" under his breath.
The trio approached and one of the men said in a commanding voice. "The High Priestess Shantra wishes an audience."
Golto almost fell out of his saddle. Strind noticed and looked to Aayle who only smiled in responce. The riders set off and Strind wanted to ask Golto questions but held back when he heard him muttering curses under his breath low enough not to be heard by their escorts. "The HIGH Priestess will see you, ya no big deal. What did you do yesterday, oh just met with the high priestess is all. Oh Strind you might just be more trouble than your worth."
They aproached a small white marble castle tucked against a mountain. There was a waterfall pouring off the mountain and it fell directly into the castle. Turning over their horses at a private stable attached to the castle. In a large entry chamber they were asked to remove their boots and weapons and deposit them in a cubby shelf. Golto did so without hesitation and Strind followed his lead. They were led down a large polished stone hallway. The white stones reflected the light coming through the small windows. Aayla led the troup skipping, ignoring the fact that her white robes were stained with mud. Waving to a few people as they passed. One robed figure with a very ornate hat and gold ropes wrapped around his waist stopped in a hallway leading to a library mouth wide. Aayla made a small attempt to bow and said "Bishop Lowye." Then continued skipping down the hall.
They stepped into an outdoor terrace. It was open to the sky but had tall white walls on three sides, the fourth side was made up by the mountain and its waterfall. Strind thought that the sound of rushing water should be loud, instead it could barely be heard in the distance. In the center of the area was a round dias filled with water. Bubbles were popping on the surface of the water and catching on fire above the dias. It made loud pops as the fire spread on the surface of the water from bubble to bubble.
"The eternal flame." Golto said as he reverantly studied the dias. Strind noticed that from behind the waterfall he could see another flame. It looked like there might be a tunnel carved behind the waterfall. He looked up and saw a matronly old woman being led to a sitting area by Aayla. He and Golto made their way to the area and sat down. The guards kept watch from a distance. The old woman was blind yet she didn't stare into emptyness, instead she stared directly at the two for an uncomftorble minute.
Golto broke the silence. "It is a great honor to be here."
The old woman made a motion as if to brush off the pleasantry "Aayla, would you go clean up and give me a chance to speak to these men alone?" Aayla went from smiling to upset. Without a word of protest she slumped her shoulders and started slowly walking away. "Please return here when you are done." Aayla straightened and ran full speed from the balcony dissapearing around a hallway of marble. The old lady smiled and said "Oh the energy of youth. She wont be long we must hurry."
She turned her white eyes to Golto. "I understand you are concerned about the reports you need to turn in."
Golto looked shocked, he looked around then said in slow measured words. "Yes, My brother and I have worked for the crown for many years. The contracts have been good to us and I would hate to lose them."
Now she turned her white eyed gaze to Strind. "Would you give up the title and position of royalty in order to help Golto and his brother?"
"I would." Strind stated quickly. "I have no need for unearned titles. Golto is a friend and I would like to see no harm come to him or his brother."
Golto turned and regarded Strind. He nodded his head slowly.
"Good now let me see your papers." Golto's face turned white and his mouth dropped open. He looked at the blind one with awe. Strind removed the paper and held it out presenting it to the High priestess. She reached out but did not take the paper. Her hand made circled paths above his hand and the small card. She started into what sounded like a prayer. Strind could feel the magical warmth, he closed his eyes and tried to follow the chant silently in his mind."
When she stopped he held up the card to see what had changed. The card no longer showed blue in the center, nor was it red. It was yellow. Strind cocked his head confused not sure if that had been the intended outcome or if something had gone wrong.
Golto laughed when he got a glimpse of the color. "Hah, that would explain alot." Strind looked to him confused. "Oh um." He paused trying to think of how to explain such a complex system to a foreigner. "The blues only marry eachother." He paused looking shy about saying the next part "They take many lovers though. And many of those are chosen from yellow stock."
"Why?" asked Strind.
Golto shrugged "I am not a part of that society so I have no idea."
"It is unsafe for a red to bear the child of a blue." Came the responce from the High priestess. "The yellows are heartier. And give birth to a blue. These children are often raised without knowing their true heritage."
Strind was exhausted by the mental web this place created. The thought of being a concubine left him uneasy. Golto on the other hand was visibly excited. "That would explain why he did not want to reveal his identity on the trip. Trying to avoid the propositions of the royalty along the way."
"Yes, and It is now safe to put his information in your reports. Yellows are not tracked the same as blues, it will not arouse suspicion."
Golto reached into his pack and removed a ledger. He asked to see the card and copied the numbers. "Thank you wise one." He said as he put the book away.
"There is just the matter of compensation then." The priestess said as Aayla returned to the group hair wet and tattered dress replaced with a new. "Golto, your security team saved the future all seeing one." her hand reached out to rest on Aayla's shoulder Strinds mouth dropped. "For this you will be rewarded five hundred platinum."
Golto stammered "I, I, Bu" She cut him off and continued. " You and your brother will become renown for your dedication to the crown. The contracts for your services will be renewed and extended."
"Thank you." he said bowing his head reverantly and to hide the tears.
"Return here tomorrow mid day to recieve your reward. I wish council with Strind alone now." Golto stood and turned to Strind he extended his arm. "And thank you for your part in this. Know that I will stand beside you when we next meet." He left the sitting area and was waved to a doorway by a guard. He looked back on his way out taking in the magnificence of the place. The waterfall that made no noise, the dias with six foot flames rising from the water. They were amazing but what was etched into his mind was the sight of the three figures. "What did you do yesterday? Oh nothing just saw the High Priestess is all." he said to himself as he left the palace.
Strind was silent after Golto left. He looked at the High Priestess, she was old and frail but moved with grace. If she knew so much, how had the girl been kidnapped? Her eyes were stark white although Strind had no trouble imagining pupils, she stared directly at him never wavering. "You seek more than a few tokens. You seek knowledge itself do you not?"
"I do."
"Then I would like you to stay here for a time. Aayla will help you read the elvish language and we have many magic users who can start your training." She smiled as she spoke knowing he would not refuse the offer.
"Thank you, I would like that." Strind said slowly. It felt too good to be true, was it a trap? He pushed those thoughts out easily, imagining what he could learn from his time here.
"Good. Then there is but one more thing I need your help with today." she motioned for a guard as Strind tried to imagine what help he might offer such a powerful person. "Send in Jake and Judd please." the guard left and returned shortly with two other guards if full armor. Strind recognized them from the road. They walked towards the Priest in formation and stood at attention. "Sit with us and be at ease." Said the priest. There was a pause then the guards slowly sat down and removed their helmets. Strind noted the blood streaked armor of the one closest to him. Then the dent in the back of the other, It made him smile.
The priestess asked the guard sitting closest to Strind. "Jake, can you recount what it felt like to be unarmed and at the mercy of your foe?" This made everyone flinch. Although the priestess suspected for different reasons.
Jake said slowly. "I had no chance, there was a moment where I gave up and put it in the hands of the gods. Then I heard a strangers voice call out pleading for the mercy I so desired."
"Good, and you Judd." She turned and used her eyes to stare into the mans soul. "How would you recount the events today?"
Judd made the movements to try to speak but it was slow. His voice crackling on the verge of tears. "Today I killed an un unarmed man. This will haunt me every day." he paused and tears fell down his cheek. "It was to protect, but I could have done that without taking a mans life."
"A wise man is one that acknowledges and learns from his mistakes." Said the Priestess. "I believe you are such a man." she rose to her feet. "I must leave for the rituals, Strind will be staying here. Please make sure he gets a room in the western pavilions." She turned and put both hands on Aaylas shoulders. She knelt down and gently touched forheads. "See to him my dear, I will be back at dawn." She left the room, Jake and Judd stood and turned to regard Strind.
Judd stepped forward. "Thank you for sparing me and saving him." his hand clanked against Jakes armor. "You taught compassion with a vengence." He motioned for the crease in the neck of his armor smiling. "Come this way we can show you to your room."
They lead him out of the palace proper and to a walled garden. Ivy covered the walls with small white flowers making patterns against the green. The paths were lined with roses and tulips. Small single room structures dotted the garden and Strind was lead to one. They showed him in. It was a spacious room with a table set in the middle. Twin beds in the corner and a small cookstove that appeared to be already lit. "There is room to cook here, but the palace kitchen is on the first level just down that path. Make yourself comftorble, one of us will remain within earshot so call if you need anything."
The guards stepped outside leaving Aayla. "Its almost dark, get cleaned up then I want to show you something." She left closing the door. Strind sat his pack on the table. Unbuckled his armor and sat on the bed for a few minutes trying to absorb what had taken place. Eventually his mind turned to his surroundings and he noticed the faint sound of water trickling. He stood and peered around a wall to find an indoor waterfall in his room. He stripped and stood under the water. It was cold but invigorating. He washed the traveled in clothes hanging them to dry, then dawned the fresh clothes in his pack. Stepping outside he remembered what Jake had said, one of them would always be close. Was this normal? Were they guarding him? Could he leave? He pushed away the thoughts. The meeting with the guards was not just for show. The priestess valued life and that made Strind feel safe.
The color of the sky was orange with sunset shining off the clouds. Aayla sat at a bench not far from his cottage. She looked up as he approached. Hopping from her seat she skipped along the path and into a corridor. "Follow Me." Strind noted Jake stand up from a bench and follow Aayla. She went through the kitchen and up what appeared to be servants stairs. Giggling and saying hello to everyone as they passed. He saw that it wasnt just for show either, the chefs face lit up as she went skipping through. "Evening Aayla." The others in the kitchen waving. Even a grumpy looking man at a table smiled watching her go by.
They ended up on the roof of the palace. It was flat and covered in short grass. Benches were scattered around. On one side the cliff face the palace was carved into loomed tall. The waterfall still mostly silent made its way into a channel built into the white marble palace. He wouldnt notice that tonight though as the sight from the other side of the roof was mesmerizing. They sat a hundred feet above a valley. Across the distance He could see the patterns of the waterways. At least his mind told him it was a pattern, although it looked like nothing he had ever seen. And tonight as the sun left the horizon there were people holding torches walking along roads next to the waterways. Thousands of people. They started single file from the east. They followed many short waterways walking over bridges and meeting with single file lines of people from other parts of the pattern. They stepped side by side around circle shapes in the middle then the lines of people met again and they stepped four across towards a temple that led underground. The contrast of the long lines of torches and the moonlit waterways was amazing. A half hour went by and they watched silently until no new torches left the eastern side. And slowly the path was left quiet.
"Where did they all go?" Strind asked as the last few torches left the valley.
"They went to speak to the priests." She said "Some of those you saw will speak with Mamaw tonight.
"Mamaw? Is that the name of the High Priestess?"
Aayla laughed "Not her name just what I call her, you should call her Shantra."
"Would that not be too informal?"
"No, unless you said it rudely or while angry. I saw another priest do that once and he regretted it." she stood up. We will start your lessons in elvish tomorrow." She went down the stairs leading inside and Jake followed her. Strind sat on the roof for another hour taking in all that he had been through. His stomach turned and he thought about the kitchen they had passed earlier. Then he remembered the goodberry still in his beltpouch. He remembered Golto saying it would only last a day. It still looked fresh so he took a bite. It was bitter followed by sweet and tasted great. When he finished it he no longer thought about food. Instead he stood with what felt like a full stomach and made his way back to the western garden and his cottage.
if you made it this far thanks. please post some feedback. It is my first attempt at a novel, not sure if its starting too slow