Xander's Glory 6: Quest on Kregen


Summary: Answer to Djhardim's idea that Xander dress up as a certain medical student, and then my own weirdness…
Crossover: None right now…
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I see nothing!
Feedback: It would be welcome! Please!

The voller with frequent stops made it to the dawn Lands in only four months, but they would be a time of wonder for those of Earth making the trip. In the north of Loh, a month into their journey, they'd crashed landed atop a Dark Wizard of Loh, more of an accident for which they'd expected to be torn to shreds, but a laughing bird flying around them and calling them names before leaving gave them the impression that it had been staged by Other Beings.

The Bowmen of Loh enthralled by the Wizard, with his passing regained control of themselves and within a few minutes their army ceased its attacks against the faltering castle and its defenders.

Xander turned to their guide, "This happen to you often, Alex?"

"No, usually the voller doesn't need framework, old chap, but replacing."

"So at least they're breaking us in with the kid gloves…"

The next few moments had been tense, but eventually things settled down enough for Alex Hunter to work things out with the locals and the now-free attackers. This led to much back-slapping and nods of thanks all-around, as well as general help fixing the voller.

Glorificus and Fred were guests in the castle as the rest teneded to manly things such as carpentry, drinking and singing badly, though Xander over the course of the next week did in fact learn by heart the first 43 verses of the Bowman of Loh song the locals to their satisfaction in spite of the language difference.

Every night Annie, Fred and Glory laughed at the men, who'd been dragged off to fields and forced to learn Lohvian Archery and the making of bows and string during the sober moments before raucous celebrations resumed at nightfall. The Wizards of the Castle Mohr-Loh had felt obligated, however much the voller travelers denied purposeful assistance, to at least test and begin instructing Fred and Glory in Lohvian Words of Magic, only five of them, but it might help in the future: Bless Power, Find Known Object, Identify Presence, Sense Intent and Levitate. As Glory had originally been a goddess, power for her wasn't an issue, and it turned out if Fred stayed, her previously-disciplined mind would allow her to master the hardest of the Apprenticeship years in only a month or so before the four year final phase.

They left the realm of the Mohr-Lohvians feeling higher in spirits, and Alex Hunter with a few more contacts for future undertakings. The lands of the Djangs required them nearly an eight week stop; one of a Kov's sons had set off some type of primitive magic-enhanced cannon, and they unfortunately found themselves plummeting for their lives into the water.

Luckily, the King's Legates were passing through and their presence alone resulted in the speedy expedition of damage determination and just punitive levies as well. While a suitable replacement voller was sent for in the capital, quite an expenditure, the Kov instructed his swordsmaster to instruct Xander and his companions in proper weapons despite their obvious handicap (Djangs being four-handed).

Eight weeks of nothing much to do in this wealthy but rural setting, Fred became adequate in her capability to fend of for at least a moment or two a determine sword and knife attack, while the better endowed Glory and Xander developed into very fine swordsmen as Alex Hunter maintained his own high skills and hung around the Kov in an attempt to gain another contact even if not human.

All things considered, the transition was good for Fred in that she was given more time to heal and become a full person again, no longer even thinking of fleeing to seclusion. Glory and Xander became even closer, and began working on tactics whereby Fred would hold to a central position, presumably with small weapons or magic, and only occasionally dart against a foe threatening of the her companions.

The last leg of their trip was a fairly simple one in that they suffered no further crashes or moments of terror, and were quite happy to reach the Sacred City of Aphrasoe, the highest mix of technological fragments, magic and per-industrial attainment on Paz. As helpers and future recruits, they were welcomed by the leaders of the City, who told them that in two or three weeks certain portents will have aligned and they would be returned to Earth within a year of their departure. Xander was happy at this, even if it meant more time from his friends and family and asked what would be happening for that time.

"Well," Alex Hunter considered, first we need to work on your language skills and more on your unarmed fighting skills; other than that, you will be our guests and wander throughout the City and learn of us in hopes you will perhaps join with us someday."

"Fair enough," Glory agreed, "And can we trade of loot for whatever money you use here, Alex?"

"Of course, Glory," the man smiled, "And since we still have your list from the loading in Djanduin, I can go with that. And your swords are already being improved upon."

"Thanks Al," Fred smiled, "Is there anything we need to know about shopping or bartering?"

"Very little bartering here, Fred," he replied, "Here the guilds set a percentage over cost, and the price is fixed…only down at the docks will you see the wholesalers trying to get the best of each other and the ship captains."

The combination of Napoleanic British sea port, Yankee factory ships of the mid 1800s and cosmopolitan Constantinople-style architecture at the coast gave the place a feeling that almost anything could be found or acquired without much fear of robbery. The Guardsmen of Aphrasoe in these Dawn Lands had the reputation of permanent hunters should one be declared outlaw. The merchants were happy to do business and very direct without a lot of the never-ending haggling Xander hated. They made sure to look around the first few days, then go back for what stood out most in their minds.

Time passed quickly and they were introduced to many of the interesting benefits of the Citizens; to communicate and to assure their good health they were given a substance and then made to swim in a Pool. As they dried off they were told they would not age for a thousand years, would heal faster and would now be able to pick up languages very quickly from listening and speaking.

The travelers were especially happy because now Fred would now have many of the same benefits as the demi-gods had, and she could remain in their lives longer. Who knew, but they could very well be boosted a little more than before. And as they told Alex, with a thousand years, they might even decide to come back and help the City for a decade or two. This had pleased their friend, and toward the end of their stay had presented them with a ring, and a Power Word; should they ever decide to return to Aphrasoe and pledge a period of service, they would be able to return to the central square.

"I hope to see you soon, my friends," Alex Hunter admitted to his boon companions as they with their packs of precious stones and gear entered the Sacred Pool as directed, "But I bid you fair journey. Remembree, Doms and Domnas."

And with that…the Guardian of the Pool sent them to Earth, to the nearest and clearest point to Kregen…