Disclaimer: How many ways can I say this?? They have it, I don't. (That's not to say that I have given up!)
A Legend's Journey
Chapter 20
Kimahri had listened to the messenger from his homeland with concern. He and Alsa were wanted in their homeland to help select the next Senior Elder who would rule their land until his death. It was a most important decision but Kimahri felt a disconnect with his native land now.
It was they who were responsible for his leaving in the first place. His stature being smaller than most Ronso and his broken horn had brought him nothing but scorn, derision and laughter at home. Remembering brought back many unhappy emotions within his enormous chest.
He had listened to Alsa's thought that, by sending the messenger with the request for his presence, that they were reaching out to him.
Kimahri was still hesitant. He had earned a highly respected reputation and was widely known, especially as comrade-in-arms to The Legendary Warrior and Guardian of Spira. He couldn't help but feel that that was the real reason behind the request. They wouldn't accept him for himself, but they would welcome the famous Warrior and Guardian who is the companion of Sir Auron.
Expressing his unease to Auron, Auron thought long moments before responding. "Kimahri, they are your people. They have requested your presence, for whatever reason. I wonder if it isn't time to make a short visit and look into their eyes. Then you'll know. Times change, people change. Look at me! But it is your decision and you must be comfortable with it."
In his heart, Kimahri knew that their lives were so closely interlaced that he and Auron would forever be in close proximity. That was just the plain fact of the matter. And, in honesty, he did not want to be out of that close proximity. They had fought beside and protected each other for so long, it was second nature to them both. But, with misgivings, Kimahri finally set off with Alsa for a short visit to his homeland, many days journey away.
Auron felt his absence keenly. Kimahri, returning to his homeland after so many years, was feeling much the same.
Auron continued his work with the Security Forces. With gil finally wrested from the white-knuckled fist of the Town Council, Marin was able to contract with Harlan to provide uniforms for the men. They decided on dark brown pants and a light tan shirt, a combination that would look nice and be practical.
Calley, Harlan's wife, designed a patch to be worn on the left shoulder of the shirt that had the town's name and 'Security' on it.
Raine had drawn a sketch of a baseball cap which Marin liked immediately. The idea of the long-billed cap was enormously appealing. Using Raine's sketch and description, Harlan created perfect replicas using the same rich dark brown as the uniform pants.
Adopting another of Raine's ideas, a gold star was embroidered on the front of each cap, instantly identifying the wearer as a member of the town's Security Force.
The uniforms, the training, the new weapons and the new level of confidence had made an incredible difference in the men. They carried themselves with a more erect bearing. There was a look of belief in their abilities in their eyes. They had pride in their part in their organization. They were professional.
People in the town looked at them with respect now and the town leaders found themselves impressed with the small force. Marin had more applications to join than he could process. He could pick and chose only the best.
Sten was more than satisfactory as second-in-command. He understood his role and carried it out well. Work and patrol schedules were developed and instituted.
Marin had accomplished a major feat: he had created a viable, functioning, effective unit of men capable of meeting almost any emergency they'd face. All of them had worked very hard and continued to do so. Training never ended, practice was constant. Auron was highly pleased with all of them!
Some days after Kimahri left, a rider arrived in a flurry on a tired Chocobo, inquiring for Sir Auron. Tanaka pointed out the residence with a feeling of foreboding. The rider went straight to the door and insistently rang the bells.
Sir Auron appeared in the doorway. The rider, in awe of being in the presence of The Guardian himself, at first had trouble with his words, but the importance of the message finally overcame his intimidation.
"Sir Auron, I have been sent by the Councilmen of Cortland who ask for your assistance! Fiends are appearing more and more frequently and our people are nearly overwhelmed. They ask if you will please come. They need you."
Auron was deeply concerned. More fiends. Where were they coming from? He knew Cortland was to the east of this town so it was reasonable to believe that the fiends would eventually show up here. He needed to know what was coming.
The timing could not be worse with Kimahri's absence and he would have to leave Raine alone. He was sorely tempted to refuse the request, but he knew he couldn't.
He thanked him and told the rider to go tend to his tired bird and to find accommodations for himself. The rider nodded and moved toward the corral as the outer door closed.
Auron went into the house. Raine, reading in the living area, looked up as he entered. The smile on her face faded when she saw his face. She dropped the book and stood, waiting for him to speak. Something was obviously very wrong.
Auron was torn as he never had been before! He had to leave the only reason he had for living in order to do his duty to the people of both Cortland and this town, duty he couldn't turn his back on no matter how badly he wanted to.
He stood just looking at Raine. How could he tell her?
She asked quietly, "What is it, Auron?"
He walked over to her and nearly broke her ribs with the strength of his embrace. She finally gasped, "Auron, I can't breath." He relented the intensity of it but didn't let her go. Raine wasn't sure he was breathing – and the chilled fingers of true fear ran down her spine.
Auron finally loosened his grip on her, put his hands on her shoulders and looked into the very blue eyes he'd loved since he first saw them. "Raine, there is a problem in the town of Cortland, east of here. Fiends. I'm needed there."
Now it was her turn to stop breathing.
Then she did what the wives of Warriors have done since the beginning of time: she took a deep breath, raised her chin and put a brave smile on her face.
Looking into the dark eyes she loved so deeply, she said softly, "I understand, Auron. I really do. Just promise me that you'll come back to me quickly!" The brave chin had developed a tiny tremor.
Auron saw the brave face she was trying to maintain and nearly lost his resolve. He enfolded her in his arms, just holding her, memorizing every detail of how she felt in his arms, the sweet smell of her hair, the feel of her arms holding on to him for dear life.
Her muffled voice asked, "When do you have to leave?"
He sighed. "The sooner I go the sooner I get back. It's a good 3-day journey just to get there. I'm not sure how many days there – and 3 days back."
He pretended he didn't hear the small sob that escaped her. He just continued holding her for long, long minutes.
When he finally stepped back, the tell-tale trace of tears was on her face, but that determined smile was on her lips. She was doing her best to reassure him and his heart about thundered out of his chest with love for her.
Reaching for his coat and blade, he said, "I need to check on a couple of things and I'll be back very shortly." He touched her arm and was gone.
Raine fought tears as hard as she could. She was not going to send him into danger with the image of a tear-soaked, weak-willed woman in his mind! Trembling or not, the chin came up and stayed up.
The people in the square had the news: more fiends in the next town to the east and Sir Auron's presence was requested. They saw him leave the compound, face chiseled of stone, red coat flapping about him as his long strides quickly took him into the town.
At the Town Center, he strode into Marin's small office without ceremony. One look at Auron's face and Marin stood, reached for his cap and sword, ready to go face whatever news he was about to hear.
"Fiends are in Cortland and my assistance has been requested. I'll be leaving shortly after I leave here. You already know that Kimahri and Alsa are away. I'm asking, while I'm gone, that you keep an eye on Raine, as your duties permit. She can be very stubborn at times, but I'll ask her to follow your requests of her. I would be very much in your debt, Marin! She's my only reason to stay on this earth."
Marin looked up into the tortured eyes of his mentor and saw the very high price of duty in them.
"Sir Auron, I give you my solemn promise that I will protect her with my own life." He paused before asking, "How long do you think you'll be gone?"
"Three days there, not sure how long actually there, three days back. I'd have to guess at least nine, maybe more."
Marin nodded. "I'll advise the Mayor and alert the patrols to be on their toes." He looked at the big man and said, "Thanks to you, Sir Auron, we actually have a good chance of success if a fiend does appear."
Auron rumbled something that could have been anything but Marin seemed to understand what it was. He took his leave and returned to his home.
Inside, Raine had prepared packets of food, had filled his sake jug and had packed a few items of clean clothing in the smallpack he would attach to the back of the belt of his great coat.
He saw the efforts she had made for him and felt the sharp sting of restrained tears. He took her into their room and showed her the large chest full of gil hidden there and told her to use it if she needed it. He filled the purse attached at his waist and returned the chest to its hiding place.
He cursed himself for delaying too long to update his legal papers to provide for her in the case of his death. He would attend to that as soon as he returned!
He got a quick shower and shave not knowing when he would get another of either and put on clean clothing. Dressed, he returned to the living area, belted his coat, sheathed his blade on his back, attached the small pack and jug, and placed the food packets in pockets here and there.
Raine had watched in silence, not trusting her voice.
Dressed and ready, Auron turned and looked at her. "I love you, Raine. Always know that!"
Taking her in his arms one last time, he kissed her with tenderness and longing. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Marin will look after you. Let him know if you need anything. And, please follow his instructions, Raine. He'll guard you with his own life!"
Raine was fighting tears with everything in her. She nodded. Then taking an enormous deep breath, she managed to say, "Auron, just come back safely! You are my life. I love you more than there are words to say. I'll love you til my very last breath!"
They separated, Auron took a last very long look, then turned quickly and, red coat flying, went out the door.
Raine stood there a moment, then went to the outer door. She saw Auron striding down the street toward the gate, coat swirling about his strong legs. She watched until he was out of her sight then turned her face to the wall and let loose the pent up tears and emotion she had been hiding.
The square was silent except for the sound of a woman's heart breaking.
Days crawled by with slowness that she'd never known. Nights were even worse. Their bed seemed so huge and empty without him in it. He never left her mind for even one waking moment.
Auron walked for hours until his legs ached. 'You're out of shape, Auron!' he ragged at himself. He found a log upon which to sit and leaned back against a tree to rest for a few minutes. He reached for his sake jug, uncapped it and took a big swig, then placed the top. The burn of the drink felt good. He took a deep breath.
It had taken all of his considerable will power to keep himself from turning back as his ears caught the sound of Raine's sobs as he went down the street of their town. At least she hadn't seen the tears in his own eyes as he kept walking, hating himself for having to do it.
One day! There just had to be a day when he would be released from this unending obligation. Hadn't twenty years been enough? How much more would they ask of him?! Dropping his eyes to the ground, he knew that it would never end unless he simply said, 'No.' And he didn't know if he ever could. A sigh.
Looking at the sky he knew that there wasn't a lot of daylight left. He'd better cover some more ground while he could. It wasn't wise for a man to travel alone after dark. As if the threat of fiends wasn't enough, there were highwaymen about here and there looking for an easy target. A few more miles and he would find a sheltered place to wait for dawn.
And on the third afternoon he entered the town of Cortland. He asked a citizen for directions to the town's government building and proceeded there.
His arrival in Cortland caused no little stir. The sight of the towering man with the massive sword and wearing the famous red coat brought people to a halt in their tracks. He had actually come! The cue of people following in his wake made it seem as if he was leading a parade.
Entering the small government building, the town's mayor was practically beside himself with relief and excitement of meeting the great legend personally!
Auron let the man sputter on for several moments before interrupting him to say, "Mayor, thank you but I have little time. Will you please summon those whom I need to see? Your security people? Whoever?"
"Oh, of course, Sir Auron. Please be seated and rest. I'll gather the others." And Auron was left to himself.
Three hard days of walking was putting him back in shape again, but he wasn't quite there yet and he was tired. 'The sooner I get this done, the sooner I can go home!' He'd give most anything to see beautiful, dark blue eyes right now, or to hear bubbling laughter or a sweet, low voice singing. Lost of these thoughts, it seemed that it was only moments before the mayor returned with several men in tow.
He stood and each was introduced to him. Most were useless politicians simply wanting to bolster themselves by actually meeting, and being able to brag about meeting, The Guardian in person. At the end of the line was Cortland's version of Marin, introduced to him as Lan.
He knew by the intelligent look in Lan's eyes that the rest of them could go home. He would conduct his business with this man. He surprised all of them by saying, "I'll go with Lan. He can tell me what I need to know." With a nod, he touched Lan's arm and they left the room.
Lan hardly knew what to do with himself so suddenly in the overwhelming presence of The Guardian. Auron, reading his face, said, "Lan, is there a quiet place we can sit, talk and maybe have something cool to drink? I've been on the road for three days and I'm tired!"
Relieved at the matter-of-fact, unpretentious statement of the huge man in front of him, Lan couldn't help but smile. "This way, Sir Auron. I think this will do and we won't be disturbed."
Seated at a small table at a nearby establishment a few minutes later, Auron had a very large glass of cold juice and a platter of food. Raine's provisions had run out yesterday and he was very hungry.
Lan sat back while Auron devoured his food. "Either my wife didn't pack enough for three days or I ate too much of it too soon!" Pushing the empty plate aside, he sighed, "That was good."
Lan had noticed a wide gold band on The Guardian's left hand, but wasn't about to ask any questions. He, as well as everyone else, had heard the stories about her, but hadn't know if they were true or not. The more he thought about it, he decided that the stories had to be true. It would take a remarkable woman to catch the attention of The Guardian. She would be worthy of him!
Though he held him in highest respect, Lan was beginning to feel more at ease with this famous man. There was a no-nonsense, down-to-earth quality about him that he appreciated.
Turning to the business at hand, Auron started asking questions – where, when, what kind, how many, etc. Lan answered succinctly and clearly. He told Auron that there were several that he had never seen before and wasn't exactly sure what they were. He gave the best description of them he could.
Sir Auron sat thinking, his brow furrowed. Finally, he spoke, "Lan, most of those you mentioned seemed to originate in the southern and far eastern parts of Spira. I know there has been considerable effort to eradicate them in those areas. My thought is that perhaps the fiends are drifting our way trying to avoid those efforts."
Lan held his peace as the tall man across from him sat in thought.
Auron looked at him and asked, "What is the state of your security group?"
Lan's eyes dropped as he gave a soft snort. "Pitiful, to be honest, Sir Auron! The Town's council is loath to part with their gil and it's awfully hard to put together a meaningful force without it. We do the best we can, but it isn't much – and certainly not what it needs to be." He shook his head, "I don't see how supposed 'leaders' can be so short-sighted!"
Auron sighed. "It was the same in our town. I had a few words at a Town Council meeting which finally opened the purse strings for the Security head there. Since that time, the men have gotten training, good weapons and uniforms. It has made a big difference."
A long look at Lan before he asked, "Would a word with your council be helpful?"
"Would it ever! I tell them and they blow it off. Hearing it from you will have much more impact. Thank you, Sir Auron!"
Auron rumbled. "I need accommodations while I'm here. Can you make a recommendation?"
"Mandy's. Just around the corner. Not fancy but it's clean and secure. I'll take you."
Auron left gil on the table for their bill and followed Lan out the door and around to the small inn. Auron ducked his head as he entered the doorway of the inn. Behind the small counter was a short, plump, gray-haired woman whose face wore a big smile.
"Welcome, welcome! Oh, my! Sir Auron! I hope my small inn will suit you. We don't often have such special guests!" She could hardly believe the famous man was in her inn!
One corner of Auron's mouth turned up at the smiling lady. "Ma'am, I'm just a tired traveler looking for a clean, comfortable place to rest. Lan tells me that this is that place and I take him at his word. If you have a room, I'd be grateful to have it for a couple of days. I'm not quite sure how long it will be but I hope for not more than that. I want to get back home to my wife."
Mandy saw the man through his words. He certainly didn't regard himself as an important person! Her sincerity showed in her response, "Sir Auron, it will be our pleasure for you to stay here. The room is yours for as long as you need it. And I know your wife is anxious to have you home as soon as you can get there."
A serious expression replaced her smile. "Thank you for coming here, Sir Auron. I hope you can talk some sense into those thick skulls in the Town Hall! They seem to have their heads stuck in the sand about security around here. I guess I'm supposed to swat at some ugly fiend and scare it off with my broom!"
Auron had a mental image of that and couldn't quite suppress his smile. He heard a distinctive snort/cough from Lan standing behind him.
"Lan, give me time to clean up and we'll make a circuit while you show the the layout."
"Yes, sir. I'll wait right here. Take you time."
Auron walked upstairs and back to the room Mandy had given him and opened the door. It was a very pleasant room at the rear of the inn where it was quiet, an important point to Auron. In addition to a large bed, there was comfortable-looking chair beside a small table beneath window that looked out on a garden full of flowers and a shady tree. Most welcome of all at the moment was a nice bathroom with plenty of hot water, soap and thick, clean towels.
A shower, shave, fresh clothing and Auron felt renewed. Dressed again, he went back downstairs. "Mandy, excellent room. Thank you!"
Her ever-present smile grew wider. "I'm so glad you approve, Sir Auron! You two be careful out there!"
"Yes, ma'am," Lan responded, a little embarrassed that she was admonishing The Guardian to be careful but he caught the little quirk at the corner of Sir Auron's mouth and relaxed.
Lan gave him a quick idea of the layout of the town, then led him out one of the gates. The surrounding countryside was much like that of his own town, so Auron knew immediately what lay there.
As darkness began to fall, the two men walked the perimeter of the town, stopping to talk briefly with the men stationed around the walls. Auron had their measure quickly and, again, found them to be the counterparts to Marin's men. Yes, he would definitely be having a word with Cortland's Councilmen before he left!
Several hours later they reentered the gates, agreeing to meet in the morning and patrol further out into the countryside. Auron would be able to tell more of what may be about by checking for food kills and spore.
Offering his hand to Lan, Auron bid him good night and turned toward Mandy's. He asked her to please see that he was up at sunrise, just in case he overslept. Having spent the last three days walking and two nights dozing on the hard ground, he wasn't sure he would awaken on his own.
Mandy assured him she would and wished him a good night. He hardly knew when his head hit the pillow, his last thought was of a beautiful woman with incredibly blue eyes.