Ranger24: Hey is anyone out there? I updated last week and nobody reviewed! What gives! Don't you all still like my story I know its chapter twenty and we're only like one fourth of the way through the story but come on! I am going to cut some stuff out! Like most of the road to Teirm.
Chapter 20: Daret.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Daret was a small village on the banks of the Ninor river. It was the only stoping point on the plains between Yazuac and Gilead one of the largest northern cities. In better times travelers might be welcome with open arms but evil was a foot in the lands and no one trust anyone but themselves.
Naruto and Ranger appoarched with great caution weapons ready. Ranger had his sword in his left hand since his right was apparently still irritating him. Naruto had his bow strung and an arrow knocked. Cortana was hidden close by in case anything were to happen.
The streets were empty of any inhabitants. Unlike Yazuac however none of the homes looked as though they had been broken into and looted. Still the silence was unnerveing. Naruto was in constant contact with Cortana
Naruto: This dosen't look good.
He could feel her tense her muscles ready to fly into the rescue. They neared the town square. Still nothing moved but a few dust devils. Naruto glanced at the ground and saw the foot prints of small children.
Naruto (thinking): Where are they?
Halfway across the square Ranger turned Demonwing around.
Ranger: I don't like the feel of this place. Lets get out of here.
They made their way back to where they had entered the town but they had only just reached the end of the square when wagons were shoved out of alleys blocking the road! Al snorted in alarm and Naruto raised his bow as a large muscled man with a bow in hand and a sword hung at his side leapt from cover!
???: Stop! Put your weapons down! Your surrounded by sixty archers! They'll shoot if you move!
As if on que dozens of men stood up drawn bows in hand! Naruto and Ranger lowered their weapons. Naruto immedatly contacted Cortana!
Naruto: Stay away! There are to many they'll shoot you out of the sky!
He wasn't sure if she would heed his warning but he could sense her unhappiness with the order. Ranger started talking.
Ranger: We don't mean trouble. We're just passing through.
???: Your armed pretty heavily.
Ranger: So are you. These are dangerous times.
???: What do you want.
Ranger: To buy supplies and here the news.
The archers didn't move. Naruto knew this meant they were either highly disciplined or frightened for their lives. Personally he hoped it was the later.
???: I don't think you mean us harm but we've had to much trouble with bandits and Sanghelli to trust you only on your word. If we have someone get you want then you'll pay us and leave?
Ranger: Sure.
???: All right.
The man nodded to another archer who climbed down from the roof he was posted on and walked over to Ranger.
???: Tell him what you want.
Ranger read off a list of items that they need when he was finished he put the piece of paper away.
Ranger: Also if you have a pair of gloves for my nephew here I'd be greatly obliged.
The man nodded and went to fetch the supplies.
???: Names Kronk. Normally I'd shake your hand and let you try my spinach puffs but with the way things are I don't think I will.
Ranger: Have the sanghelli forced you to this?
Kronk: Yes. They've been migrating southwards and we've had a few attack the town. Do you have any news from the other towns. We rarely receive word from them but last any of them reported in they were all beleagured.
Ranger: I hate to be the barer of bad news. Four days ago we passed through Yazuac and found it pillaged. The villagers were slaughtered and piled in the center of town. We would have tried to give them a decent burial but we were attacked by a pari of sanghelli.
Kronk's eyes filled with tears.
Kronk: Oh man. Some of those people were fans of my cooking. They were good fighters too. How could only two sanghelli pillage Yazauc?
Ranger: There were signs that the town was sacked by a large horde
Kronk: How many would you say hit the town?
Ranger thought for a moment before speaking.
Ranger: It had to be large enough to defeat the town but small enough to move unnoticed. No more than one hundred and no less than fifty. Either number I assume would be leathel to you.
Kronk warily agreed.
Ranger: You should consider leaving.
Kronk: I know but the people here won't give up their lands. Its their home and mine! They place its worth above their own. I fear we may wake up one day with our throats slashed.
At that moment the man returned with several bundles. Ranger packed them into the saddle bags and handed the gloves to Naruto who put them on carefull to keep his palm hidden. They were half gloves meant for gripping and keeping the palms warm. The leather was tuff but scared from usage. Ranger handed the man a small pile of coins. And the men pulled the wagons out of the road.
Kronk: Far well then. When you get to the next city alert the empire of our plight and that of the other towns. If the king dosen't all ready know about this then that's cause for worry. But if he does and chooses to do nothing, then that to is cause for worry.
Ranger: We will carry your message may your swords stay sharp and kick ass.
They rode out of town a bit more relaxed than its inhabitants. Naruto contacted Cortana.
Naruto: We're on our way out. Everything went okay.
He could feel her anger simmering however and broke the contact. As they neared the edge of town Ranger stroked his chin.
Ranger: The empires in worse shape then I thought. When the traders visited they brought tales of unrest. It's a lot worse than I thought it was yet no troops or soldiers have been deployed. It's as if the king has chosen not to defend his realm.
Naruto: I don't know either.
Ranger: Did you use any of your powers while we were in Daret?
Naruto: There was no reason to.
Ranger: Wrong. You could have sensed their intentions with your mind touch.
Naruto: Are you saying I can read minds?
Ranger: Sort of. The mind isn't a book. Even my limited abilities I was able to feel that they didn't want to harm us unless they had to. That's why I tried to talk our way out. Think about it. You can communicate with any sentient being through thought. You could spend a day listening to how an Earth worm feels during a rain storm or what a birds singing about. But worms gross me out and most birds are annoying perverts. I suggest starting with a pokemon, they have… interesting thought Processes.
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When they reached Cortana's hiding place she stuck her head out of the pushes and growled at them. Naruto raised an eyebrow and dismounted Al.
Naruto: What's wrong?
Before he knew what was going on he was pinned under Cortana's claws!
Naruto: What the hell are you doing!
Cortana: You! You are the problem! Every time you leave my sight you get into trouble! Your like a New hatchling sticking its head in everything! And what happens when you stick it into something that bites back!
Naruto: Ranger, a little help here?
Ranger shrugged.
Ranger: If I know one thing its not to screw with this sort of thing.
Naruto: Gee thanks that's a lot of help.
Cortana: Don't you ignore me kid!
Naruto: Look I know your upset but there's no real problem Ranger and I are good fighters. Besides you're the one who really needs protecting.
Cortana: Do you honestly believe that? Tomorrow you will ride me! Not that pitiful deer animal you call a steed! Or I will carry you in my claws! Are you a dragon rider or not? Don't you care about? Me?
Naruto knew in his gut that Cortana was damn right. The one problem? He was still afraid of flying on Cortana, especially after the painful out come of his last attempt. But he knew she wouldn't budge on it. His thoughts were broken by Ranger speaking.
Ranger: So what's the problem?
Naruto: She wants me to ride her tomorrow instead of Al.
Ranger nodded.
Ranger: Well you have the saddle and you need to learn to ride her or we'll never get anywhere in your training. You can also scout out the road ahead.
Naruto: But what if you're attacked! I won't be able to get there in time!
Cortana increased the weight on her claw.
Cortana: Exactly my point kid.
Naruto: Fine I'll ride you tomorrow.
Cortana: Give me your word.
Naruto: Oh come on.
Cortana again increased the pressure.
Naruto: Okay! I give you my word that I will fly with you tomorrow! Happy!
Cortana: Yeah I'm good.
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That night while Ranger and Naruto were sparring Naruto delivered such a powerful blow that he broke both of their sticks in half. Ranger nodded impressed then threw his stick into the fire.
Ranger: We're done with these. Throw yours in as well.
Naruto did as he was told while Ranger pulled Zar'oc out of Naruto's saddle bags.
Ranger: You can't learn anything more from sticks kid. Its time to use the blade.
He tossed Naruto Zar'oc.
Naruto: But we'll cut each other to ribbons!
Ranger smiled.
Ranger: Not so. Again you forget magic.
He unsheathed his own sword then raised his hand face scrunched in concentration.
Ranger: Geuloyh du knifr!
A bright green bolt of energy suddenly bridged the gap between his fore finger and thumb! He ran It down his swords slicing edge then again on his blunt end. Then he stuck out his injured right arm and swung his sword! Naruto tried to stop him but was to slow! The sword stopped in mid swing a Centimeter from Ranger's arm.
Ranger: See. Do the same to your sword.
Naruto did as he was instructed still in shock from Ranger nearly amputating himself. When Zaroc was blocked he raised it into his fighting position. The sword was heavier than the wood and slowed him down. Ranger easily beat the living crap out of him. He still managed to land a few hits on Ranger But less than Ranger dealt him.
When they stopped Naruto put the sword back in its sheath wincing from his aching muscles before Going to bed not even noticing Ranger writing in his little book.
Ranger24: And that's the end of this chapter. I've been using the time left after my midterms to write this. I'm what you call a speed writer kicks ass. Any ways read and review!