Chapter 27- Slayer Scrolls
Chapter 24- Jarlam and Micheal
Day 19 – Morning - Traveling
On the Road to Mark Hall
"What do you know about Ronick Stead?" Jarlam asks Michael about halfway through their trip.
"Mom used to work at the Inn there and I would go there with her sometimes. It usually is really quiet." Michael answers as he watches the road. "Why?"
"I know it's quiet I just never understood why until now." Jarlam answers as he steers the wagon.
"Oh, you mean the Stockers. Yeah, they can be scary but along as you don't attack them or hurt anyone who is from the town there is no problems." Michael says.
"You know about them?" Jarlam response with a look of surprise.
"Yeah, they are great to play tag with, it helps to build up my skills as a soldier. Because soldiers must take on bigger creatures then themselves." Michael confirms.
"You play tag with them?" Jarlam asks in shock.
"We aren't playing really we are practicing." Micheal clarifies.
"I am sorry. You practice with them? Is it safe? I mean they could think you were fighting for real." Jarlam corrects himself.
"They know the difference between a hurtful touch and a play touch. They are very good at hide and seek." Micheal says with a smile.
"What if two people in the town assault each other?"
"You mean what if two people get drunk and start fighting. The stockers don't interfere. It has happened a couple of times. Are you afraid of them?" Michael matter-of-factly says.
"Just a little."
"Why you used to stay in Ronick Stead all the time?" Michael asks as he looks over at him.
"Well, it's just other places that have used Stockers for similar things bad things happened." Jarlam informs him.
"What happened?"
"When the one who cast the spelled died the Stockers went crazy and killed everyone until they were finally destroyed." Jarlam answers as he remembered the bloody mess of Tennus when it's stocker when crazy.
"Mom was worried about the same thing but then she found out that the spell is reinforced every year with the blood of those that live there. Mom was actually thinking moving closer so we could be under it. Dad didn't want to have anything to do with the town."
"So, he knew about the Stockers?"
"No, he just knew they used magic, and he hated magic users." Micheal sadly answers.
"Why there are many magic users?"
"He just believed all the magic users were evil. I don't know why. Mom and him used to fight about it all the time. He even accused mom of being a witch one time. Mom yelled at him that he was crazy. I tried to stop them, but they never listened to me when they fought. So, I ran away, and you know what happened when I did." Michael said as tears ran down his eye.
"I know and have known a lot of different magic users and most of them are okay. There those that miss use magic for their own gain and well that just goes to show the person there were all along. Though I have heard that some of the magics out there are tainted and can corrupt people." Jarlam says.
"How do you know which is which?" Micheal asks.
"I guess it's like everything else in life you have to learn to balance it."
"Huh?"
"For example, the wagon here. You see how we have the load spread out evenly?" Jarlam says as he points at the items behind them in the wagon.
"Yes."
"What would happen if it say, there was too much weight in the back of the wagon and we were going uphill?"
"Well, I think it would fall out."
"It would also cause the wagon to flip up causing too much strain on the horses. Now what if we put too much weight in the front?"
"I don't know?"
"Again, too much in the wrong place will cause unnecessary pain and hardship on the animals and wagon. Now with it spread equally there is less stress all the way around."
"I don't get it."
"Balancing the load makes it easier all the way around. Too much weight in one spot causes problems."
"ooOOOHH, I get it. So, you are saying if they use magic too much it's not good. And some magic can be bad because it's too much." Micheal relates with a look of awe on his face.
"That's right." Jarlam says with huge smile at Micheal realizing something so simple is so big in life.
"So, are we going to stay at Ronick Stead?"
"Yes, I have some deliveries for them."
"How long are we staying?"
"Just overnight most of my deliveries are at Mark Hall but I do have a few along the way."
"Who do you have along the way?"
"Just a few farms that don't get much until I show up. In fact, it should be easier traveling now that Chrissy and Lydia dealt with those Pharcry."
Day 19- early evening- Traveling
Ronick Stead
It was a couple of hours before sunset when Jarlam and Michael arrived in Ronick Stead.
"Jarlam you came! Michael, you are here too! Oh, I am so sorry about your parents." Balaban the stable boy says as he comes out of the stable.
"Thanks." Michael sadly says.
"So, I hear you have to go to your uncles. Does that mean you can't practice swords with me anymore." Balaban remarks.
"After we take care of the horses you too can go and practice as long as you stay close, and I want you in the Inn before the sun sets." Jarlam says with a smile.
"Were is your sword?" Balaban asks.
"I don't have a wood sword anymore. But Chrissy gave me this knife."
"Don't you even think about using that young man." Jarlam warns.
"Why not?"
"Because someone could get hurt. Use a stick for now." Jarlam says.
"I have two swords you can use one." Balaban says with a smile.
"Are you sure?" Michael asks to Balaban just shakes his head yes.
"What do you tell him?" Jarlam puts out.
"Thanks."
"Now you two go practice." Jarlam says with a smile as he watches the two boys head over to a trunk where Balaban got out the wood swords. "Michael I'll start teaching you how to use a Knife in the morning so keep it in its sheath until then. Okay."
"Okay." Michael calls out as he heads outside the barn with Balaban.
"Evening Jarlam." Roardrick says as he walks in and shakes Jarlam's hand while slipping in a pouch of gold coins with the handshake.
"Evening Roardrick" Jarlam says shaking Roardrick's hand back then places the bag in his pocket. He next turns and grabs a small wood box and hands it to him.
"Did you have a good trip?" Roardrick asks just before he opens the box and deeply inhales the special marry weed after which he slips it into his jacket pocket.
"Most of the time I have travel alone but it was quite nice having Michael along." Jarlam answers at the look of pleasure on the old man's face at the smell of his favorite pipe mix.
"You have a nice load there." Roardrick's remarks as he looks in the wagon.
"Yeah, most of it's from law of bounty. See anything you might need or like?" Jarlam asks.
"I could have my son melt those swords and turn them into something else."
"They are in really good shape to do that with them. Unless you are willing to pay the amount, I would get from them in Mark Hall."
"No but we could use some more shovels and stuff."
"Have a list and gold ready for me in the morning like usual and I'll pick it up for you."
"So, what do you think of that Chrissy girl?"
"She is tough, strong, and caring. Why?"
"Do you think she'll keep her word about giving the place back to Michael?"
"If he wants it, she said in front of witnesses that she would keep it for him. She is already making improvements for him. She asked about how he would learn and made him a promise that basically as long as she is able, she would return there to meet up with him. She also insisted that he still can consider it his home if he wants." Jarlam says with pride. "Why do you ask?"
"You treat Michael like a son." Roardrick says as he points at the boys.
"I am hoping he will be soon." Jarlam says with pride.
"His Uncle Ramsere may have a problem with that." Roardrick inputs as they start walking out of the barn and see the two boy's sword fighting.
"Why?" Jarlam questions as he smiles over at the boys.
"He thinks that Michael would be old enough to inherit the land, but you and I know he isn't." Roardrick says as he also watches the boys.
"Once he finds out he isn't he'll let him go." Jarlam reasons.
"Or he could try and use him to get control of the land." Roardrick warns.
"Why would he want it at all? It's out in the middle of nowhere almost." Jarlam points out as he heads up the stairs to the Inn.
"You said it." Roardrick remarks as he indicates for Jarlam to have a seat on the wood bench by the entrance.
"Huh?" Jarlam questions as he sits.
"It is right in the middle of 4 holds and it's 50 acres in each hold. There is White Run to the East, Mark Hall to the west, Falls Creek to the south and Mourne to the North. The house is right in the middle." Roardrick says as he points in each direction with his pipe then lights it.
"Wait what?" Jarlam asks in shock.
"Yeah, Michaels's father didn't buy the land he inherited."
"Oh, why does the paperwork only say for one hold?" Jarlam says as he had read all the paperwork on the farm.
"You didn't see the full paperwork." Roardrick says as he takes a puff of his pipe.
"Why?"
"Michael's grandfather didn't trust Kemelle's family the Silverbone." Roardrick
"I didn't know she was a Silverbone."
"Yeah well, she didn't like being one, but the Silverbone's are greedy." Roardrick remarks with a few puffs on his pipe.
"I can't believe I didn't know she was a Silverbone. I mean Michael will be in titled to so much." Jarlam says as he pulls out his own pipe and lit up.
"She was illegitimate." Roardrick states as he puffs more on his pipe.
"Oh boy that does make it harder for him to claim that unless they want him." Jarlam says with a shake of his head as his shoulders drop.
"Yeah, you and I both know the laws state only legitimate heirs can inherent. That unless the family claims them first." Roardrick states as he puffs more on his pipe.
"And she wasn't claimed." Jarlam reasons with a big guilty smile.
"Nope." Roardrick
"Then how can they claim Michael?"
"By law the have one year after the reported death of the parent to claim him." Roardrick
"You know a lot about the laws."
"Had my fair share of that kind of problem. But I always claimed my kids." Roardrick answers honestly as he points over to two boys playing. "Even if some may not be I still will claim them."
"I never had that problem."
"Now because she wasn't claimed was the only reason Mayvale that's Michael's grandpa allowed the marriage but under the condition that no one knew how much land there really was. He believed Kemelle only married his son so that her family could get rights to the land and use it to get in good with her family." Roardrick explains.
"How do you know this?" Jarlam asks.
"Mayvale left all the paperwork here and I was to give it to Michael when he comes of age. But I guess it's all moot because the land belongs to that Chrissy girl, and I was wondering if she found out the truth about how much land there was would she still give it back to Michael?" Roardrick says as he watches the boys.
"I believe she would, but I don't think he wants it. Too many bad memories." Jarlam sadly says while watching the boys.
"Then I'll give it to her next time I see her." Roardrick comments. "What do you think she'll do with the property if Michael doesn't want it?"
"I know she went to see if a friend of hers will oversee all of her properties. So, it sounds like she's going to keep it."
"She has others?"
"Yeah, she has a farm just outside of White Run and a house just inside." Jarlam says as he takes a puff on his own pipe.
"Thought you had to be a Thane or be the descent of one to own land inside?" Roardrick remarks as he holds his pipe while deep in thought.
"She is."
"How?" Roardrick inquires as he takes a puff of his pipe.
"She killed the dragon that was attacking the Western Watchtower. The guards believe she is the Dragon Born."
That last bit of information causes Roardrick to start coughing on his smoke. When he was finally able to breathe, he asked. "Is she?"
"After what I have seen her do, I won't be surprised."
"What did she do?"
"I saw her throw that black shield of hers and take the head of a bandit off and he was at least 30 feet away. They say that she used that same shield to take the head of the Dragon off. Then I saw her tossing the bodies of the bandits off the road with one arm. She is the one who climbed down the well to get Michael out."
"I heard that from the courier. He called it the Black Shield of Death." Roardrick says as he puffs some more on his pipe.
"She also is the one who killed the vampires who murdered Michael's parents."
"What about the other woman didn't she kill a vampire?" Roardrick remarks as he leans back against the wall of the Inn.
"She shot one twice that was going to attack Chrissy from behind, but it was Chrissy who killed it." Jarlam says as he remembers the one hell of a shot she did twice.
"She sounds like a capable warrior. But in a city like that you and I both know she will need more." Roardrick off handily remarks.
"So, we need help for someone who has the dirt on an official?" Jarlam smiles as he knows the perfect person to get that information from.
"That won't hurt but I think you may have to try and get her to be a Thane."
"She is one."
"She needs to be a Thane in each Hold."
"Wont they try and control her that way."
"Yes, but by laws if she is a Thane in more than one hold she isn't allowed to directly act against the other hold."
"If she is a Thane in each hold her land can't be used in any act of aggression. But just could one kick her out as a Thane."
"It isn't easy to dismiss a Thane but for most Holds it takes a lot to become one too. Plus, any hold would love to Claim the Dragon Born as a Thane."
"Lets just hope it doesn't come down to that." Jaralm says but thinks "I am going to have to visit Priestest Rydia at the Temple of Dilene she might be able to help."
"What do you know about the one who is going to oversee her homes?"
"Not much other than she was worried about him and his grandson."
"Is that where she is?"
"Yeah, she was heading towards Falls Creek to check on him. Lydia is heading for White Run and plans on being back soon. By the way if you or any of yours happen by the place could you check in on it?" Jarlam mentions.
"Who is asking?"
"Chrissy. I heard her telling Lydia she wants to be on good terms with the neighbors." Jarlam says with a smile.
"I will be a good neighbor if she is." Roardrick says with smile.
"So, I take it we need to cook our own food." Jarlam says as he see's Roardrick's wife standing in the middle of the road blankly staring down it towards the farm.
"Maybe. It wasn't just Kemelle's friendship that was helping my wife." Roardrick says as he watches one of his daughters walk his wife back to their home.
"What do you mean?"
"Kemelle used to make a special herb mixture that would help her too. It would help her think clearer and lighten her mood."
"We found a secret room in the basement. That was full of herbs, books on herbs and other stuff. That maybe where she made it."
"Do you know if she made any more?"
"No but I think the mixture is in her journal I read to Michael."
"Where is it?" Roardrick inquires.
"It's back at the house. And no one is there."
"Do you have a key?" Roardrick asks hopefully.
"I am sorry but no. Lydia planned on being back within a week." Jarlam answers with a look back towards the farm.
"I'll have someone go there every day if there is a chance." Roardrick states.
"I am sure she'll help." Jarlam inputs.
"Your journey to Mark Hall is going to be quieter." Roardrick remarks with a smile.
"Why do you say that?" Jarlam says with a knowing smile.
"The Pharcry and their Hag Bitches are dead. Your friend Chrissy have anything to do with that?" Roardrick laughs as he can tell from the young man's smile.
"Just an avalanche." Jarlam with a half shrug.
Roardrick starts laughing so hard he cannot speak for a few moments because it turns into a coughing fit. When he is finally able to speak Roardrick smirks. "Couldn't happened to nicer people. Did she do that just to get that metal horse my boy can't stop talking about?"
"Yeah, but it was her's to start. Plus, she even got me and Michael a place to stay along the way." Jarlam says.
"Where?" Roardrick casually asks.
"A place up the road from the Bear stone." Jarlam answers.
"The ghost place?!" Roardrick spits out in disbelief.
"Yeah, but it's just the wife that's a ghost and from what I heard they are a nice couple. In fact, Chrissy helped save the wife's husband from the Pharcry." Jarlam answers with a smile.
"Goes after her own and helps others. I think she'll be a good neighbor." Roardrick says with a laugh and smile.
"What do you mean maybe about cooking our own food?"
"My daughter Ondrea was learning under Kemelle. She's not as good as Kemelle but she is far better than my wife." Roardrick laughs.
"Damn Right I am." A sassy red-headed teenage girl snaps as she sticks her head out of the door. "And Dinner is ready. I got a roast on, baked potatoes and greens along with some cabbage soup."
"Sounds wonderful Ondrea." Roardrick says with a smile.
"Well then call them in." Ondrea snaps then goes back in.
"DINNER!" Roardrick roars out and everyone comes running.
Dinner went well as it turns out Ondrea was a good cook and she had been taking on more of the role of bartender and cook. The rooms were cleaner and there was a cat inside the hall which surprised Jarlam.
"It's for the mice that kept your friend awake." Roardrick informed him but Jarlam about the cat that suddenly jumped on him while they were playing cards in the still quiet hall even with Micheal and Balaban playing a board game, but the boys never called them games they were soldier practice. Jarlam didn't have the heart to tell him it was the stockers that actually kept her awake.
Day 20 - Morning- Traveling
Ronick Stead
Morning came and Jarlam got Michael up early. They fed and watered the horses after the animals were taken care of they went for breakfast. After their meal Jarlam took Michael off to an open flat area so that he could keep his promise.
"But I thought you were going to teach me how to use a knife?" Michael whines when Jarlam hands him a stick.
"Don't whine. Good Soldiers don't whine." Jarlam snaps back.
"Now you are learning with the stick first that way you know how to hold it properly and less chance of hurting yourself or anyone else by accident." Jarlam reasons with him.
"But it's a stick." Michael down heartly remarks.
"I learned on a stick."
"You did?"
"You really think the legion allows you to have access to real weapons until you know how to use them?"
"I guess not."
After that little chat the rest of the lesson when quickly with Michael soaking in everything Jarlam was teaching him. When the lesson was over they went to say their goodbyes and was given a list of items and some gold to purchase the items for them.
Day 20 - Traveling
The pace that Jarlam set was an even and steady pace. He showed Michael the different land marks he uses along the way to let him know about how far he was from different farms which were few and far between in this Mountains as the soil was rough and hard to grow anything on. On one of their breaks where they were watering the horses by a large stream Jarlam explained how much of the water melted off the high snow peaks. Towards mid-day Michael started to nod off and Jarlam sent him to the back of the wagon to rest which the boy happily did. Jarlam was starting to be at ease when suddenly there was one of the largest men, he had ever seen standing the middle of the road with a huge war hammer.
"Listen buddy I don't want any problems." Jarlam says loudly waking up Michael and quietly says for Michael to stay where he was.
"You Jarlam?" The man asks.
"Maybe?"
"You are or you aren't?" The large man with the hammer asked as he tapped his hammer in his hand.
"Why?"
"Cuss I've been waiting for you." The big man snarls.
"Why?"
"I am not answering until you tell me if you are Jarlam." The man says as he lifts up his hammer.
"I am but if I did something to." Jarlam defensively says.
"Finally. My wife won't let me come back until I make sure you two come visit." Halvar says with huge smile of relief.
"Are you Halvar?" Jarlam questions.
"Yup." Halvar grins.
"Oh, thank the divines." Jarlam muttered as he felt he could breathe again. "Where can I put my wagon?"
"There is an old cave over here. I have made a door for it. You two can ride the horses up." Halvar says as he directs them to the cave with strong wood doors on it.
"Chrissy said you might need a barn, but my wife remembered this old cave. So, I made it so you can lock your wagon in it." Halvar says with pride in his workmenship.
"Thank you."
"No thank you having a kid visiting is worth it to her and what makes her happy makes me happy. Where's the kid?" Halvar as looks for said child.
"I am right here. Wow you are big!" Michael says as he pokes his head up from the back.
"Michael mind your manners." Jarlam reprimands softly.
"Sorry." Michael mutters with his head bow in shame.
"Don't be I am big and proud of it." Halvar says with a smile. "Back your rig in and I'll help you unhitch."
"Man, you did one hell of a job with this door it looks like its part of the mountain."
"Thanks, the wood here is easy to work and shape." Halvar says with a huge smile.
Day 20- Evening -Traveling
Brana and Halvar's Home
It didn't take them long to unhitch the horses and lock the wagon up then head up the path to Brana and Halvar home. Micheal road behind Jarlam as he didn't know how to ride a horse a fact that Jarlam planned on fixing as soon as possible. Jarlam's mouth dropped at the sheer size of the home for it was much bigger than most of the Inns and lodges he had stayed in.
"Why do you live in such a big home if it's just you and your wife?" Michael asks.
"We we're planning on having a big family, but it didn't pan out." Brana answers as she passes through the door. "You must be young Michael."
"Yes Ma'am." Michael says in awe.
"Thank you for allowing us to stay at your lovely home." Jarlam says while bumping Michael.
"Yes, thank you ma'am." Michael says after he's bumped.
"After you gentlemen have taken care of your horses you can come in and wash up and dinner will be ready." Brana says with a bright smile. "Thank you, dear husband, from making sure they came."
"Like I had much of A choice." Halvar mutters with a smirk.
Jarlam and Michael still can't believe how huge the place is when they walk in.
"You may take your shoes off and you can hang your cloaks up by the door." Brana smiles at them. "My husband is finishing cooking your meal. There is what Chrissy calls a bath room over there and there is another one in the Master bed room.
"Hmmm. I never used one of those rooms before." Michael shamefully says.
"How did you get cleaned?" Jarlam asks.
"Once a week mom had me sit in the wood tub in front of the fireplace where she would wash me." Michael explains. "We use the privy outside for everything else."
"No cleansing showers?" Halvar asks from the meat he was turning.
"What's that?" Michael asks.
"If it is alright with you, I will show you. Jarlam you may use the bath in the master bedroom." Brana says.
"Okay." Michael says sheepishly.
"Don't worry I wont look." Brana says as she ushers the boy into the bathroom.
Halvar was just about to add some basting sauce to the roast when he suddenly jumped when Jarlam screams from the bathroom. Less than a minute later he sees the loom start up and is wife suddenly appear before him very upset. He doesn't say a word and just continues working on dinner.
"I don't know who I should be mad at!" Brana rages. Halvar just continues working but listens to her.
"That poor boy has only 3 sets of clothes. Two are too small and the other has holes in it. Plus, did you see his boots! Then there is his cloak. It is not warm at all and is way too big. Well, I'll just fixt that." Brana continues in her rants. "And he lost his wood sword and doesn't have a good wood knife to practice with."
"I'll start on the sword and knife after dinner dear." Halvar says as he thinks about it for a moment then remarks. "I have some nice stone wood that will be just perfect for some."
"Thank you, I am sorry for my outburst."
"I understand. I see you are using the Peek goat wool for some clothes for him."
"They have the best wool for it as they live in the coldest parts." Brana says. "You know we could raise some to keep up a stock of the fur."
"How those things, can climb over anything. But if you want, I will do my best."
"You are such a wonderful husband." Brana says as her anger calms.
"You are a beautiful caring wife. Now how badly did you scare poor Jarlam when you popped in on him."
"Oh, I should go apologize for that." Brana says as she starts to fade but stops when Halvar's says, "I think you should wait until he is out."
"That is a good idea." Brana smiles in embarrassment.
It was a short while later that both Michael and Jarlam came out clean and refreshed.
"That was amazing." Michael says while his stomach growls.
"They are definitely friends of Chrissy's." Halvar remarks at how Jarlams stomach also growled at the smell of the food.
The next several hours were filled with good food and the new forming of friendship. Brana showered Micheal with motherly love and care as she took his measurements. Micheal watched in awe the loom working on its own. He was even happier when she presented him with a new cloak that was far warmer than the one, he had. Micheal falls asleep in his new cloak listening to Brana softly sing while Jarlam and Halvar laughed, drank, and had friendly arguments on just about everything till late in the evening.
Day 21- morning -Traveling
Brana and Halvar's Home
Jarlam was woken by giggles only to be greeted by a splitting headache. Jarlam barely cracks open his eyes only to shut them very fast in pain.
"What's wrong Jarlam." Brana smiles
"Haven't drank that much in long… shit…" Jarlam says as he starts to feel his stomach starting to come up.
"Bucket on your right." Brana informs him to which he barely reaches it before emptying the contents of his stomach.
"I am so glad I don't drink." Michael says between bites of food.
"And this is a good lesson why you don't try and drink a bezerker under the table." Brana informs both.
"Your husband is a bezerker! Oh man if I had known I never would have drunk with him." Jarlam moans over the bucket then continues to empty his stomach into it.
"You didn't do half bad for a Nord." Halvar laughs from the cookfire.
"Here drink this." Brana says a warm drink floats over to him.
"What is it?" Jarlam asks after he sits down next to the bucket when his stomach starts to settle.
"If you want to get on the road within the few hours, you will drink it if not it will be days before you do." Brana informs him. Jarlam takes it from her, and she tells him. "Sip it. Or you will get sicker."
Jarlam takes a slow sip and is surprised by the flavor. "You definitely know Chrissy." Which causes everyone to laugh.
"You take care of yourself. Michael and I have done all the chores." Halvar informs Jarlam who looks at him as if to ask how long he had been asleep.
"Just a few hours." Brana answered the unspoken question.
"He was a very helpful young man." Halvar says as he ruffles the boy's hair the tells him. "Eat you need more meat on your bones." Micheal starts shoving more food in his mouth.
Jarlam stomach eased up enough for them to travel. Brana made sure to shower Michael and Jarlam with warmer clothes than they had for the trip. While Halvar presented Michael with a stone, wood carved knife and sword.
"Brana you didn't have to do this." Jarlam says.
"Are you kidding it has been so long sense we have such a wonderful night." Brana smiles.
"You realize these gifts are very expensive." Jarlam says at the gifts.
"Just promise we'll be a regular stop for you two." Halvar insists.
"Micheal, I have one more gift for you." Brana says as she places a necklace with the pendant of her goddess on his neck. "I know she is not your goddess, but she still wishes to look out for you. If you like."
"Yes, thank you." Micheal happily says then turns to Jarlam and begs. "Can we please!"
"Looks like we have a regular stop." Jarlam says with a smile and gets a big handshake from Halvar. "Listen I'll make you a deal you two make a list of what you need and if you have no perishable items you wish to sell, I can sell them for you and in return with the money I make from the items."
"Well, my instruments could use some new string." Halvar remarks.
"More paper for the stories that are being told would be wonderful." Brana says.
"Okay than do want to do it in trade or gold?"
"What would we trade? We don't have much." Halvar replies.
"Are you kidding the craftmenship you put into Micheal's knife and sword are in itself worth money. Then there is your detail on these clothes and cloaks." Jarlam points out. "And the ruins you put on them all."
"The ones on the clothes are protection runes and the ones on the weapons are to do damage to the unnatural." Halvar remarks.
"I see you added them to my sword. Thank you, my friend." Jarlam says with a smile.
"I want you two to stay safe." Halvar sheepish replies at his first male friend in years as he walks beside them down the path.
"By Brana." Micheal says as he waves while riding down the path behind Jarlam and Halvar.
"By young one look forward to seeing you soon." Brana says from above the edge as she watches them head down the path.
With Halvar's help they hitched the horses quickly and as Jarlam and Micheal were leaving Halvar hands Jarlam some coins.
"Make sure you get her the best paper. And if you need my help just send word." Halvar says with smile.
"Thank you my friend and the same to you." Jarlam says as they leave.
"By Halvar!" Micheal calls while waving at him as they leave. Halvar waves back at them both.
Halvar closes the door to the hidden barn then heads back home.
"You did make sure you put the runes on his wagon?" Brana asks when her husband reaches the top of the path.
"Of course, my love. I also added it to their animal's tack." Halvar answers as he kisses her on the ghostly cheek.
"I am glad you found a friend after all these years." Brana says as they walk back into the house.
"Me too but you are and always will be my best friend." Halvar says to his wife.
Day 21 -Traveling
Road to Mark Hall
The rest of the trip went bye quite nicely as the bandit seemed not to bother with the wagon.
"Why aren't they attacking use?" Micheal asked one time but stop when the bandits came up to Jarlam and bought regular supplies such as clothes, food, spices, and such but no weapons.
"I sell regular goods to most people, and they know they get a supply regular if they don't attack me. I don't sell them weapons. That is the rule." Jarlam answers.
"But they attack people." Michael points out.
"Not all of them do. Many just come out here to leave and hunt. They want no part of the war. Yes, there are those that do attack but they usually don't buy from me as they know my rule. The hunters make sure I am not usually bothered by the bandits. Plus remember what I said about not talking until they know you."
"Yes sir."
"Some of these people don't take kindly to strangers. I am not doing it to make you upset I am trying to keep them from getting upset. Okay."
"Okay. Why would meeting new people set them off?"
"Because the war was not got to them."
"I don't understand."
"War not a good thing and it effect some more than others."
"Soldiers hurt them?"
"Some others were the Soldiers and they hurt others and find it hard to live among people because of what they had to do when they were a Soldiers." Jarlam sadly says.
"Did you have?" Micheal asks but stops as he saw the pain run across Jarlam's face.
"Yeah, that's one of the reasons I left but instead of hiding I choose to help where I could."
"It's a lot to think on."
"Yes, it is."
Most of the time they stayed at farmhouses that were happy to see Jarlam. As he brought them outside news and supplies. The women did fret over Micheal but not as much as Brana had. Jarlam managed to sell some of the weapons to the farmers as a few were worried about strange attacks and wanted more than farm equipment to protect their families. There were only a couple of times they had to campout, but they never seemed to be bothered and Jarlam felt it was strange but figured that it might have something to do with the new designs on his wagon and his horse's tack. He was also varying thank full for the new cloaks as they were the warmest, he had ever had. He defiantly would get Brana the best paper he could find.
Day 25 Evening-Traveling
Mark Hall
Jarlam saw a certain farm and knew it was time to speak with Michael about a couple of things he had been putting off but knew he better address them now or they could become a big problem later.
"Michael, there are a couple things you should also know most people in cities like Mark Hall l think vampires and werewolves are myth."
"But they aren't! They killed my Parents!" You saw! Chrissy killed them!" Micheal angerly stated.
"Yes, you and I both know the truth, but others don't, and they will think we are crazy. So, if anyone asks, we tell them the truth, but we don't say vampires. Okay."
"Why was it okay to tell the farmers and those bandits about the vampires but not there?" Micheal says as he points toward where Mark Hall was.
"Because most of them have lived such sheltered lives behind the gate and walls they can't believe in real vampires and werewolves." Jarlam explains.
"Isn't that crazy?"
"Yeah."
"So what do we tell them?"
"We can say monsters but just do say vampires. Okay?"
"We can we say monsters because it general term."
"Huh?"
"Human's can-do monster acts." Jarlam explains.
"Oh."
"We will be staying at a house owned by a friend of mine. Her name is Rydia and she is a bit different but just treated her as she asked. She is also a priestess. Okay."
"Okay."
It was a short while later that they saw the stone stable barn of Mark Hall.
"Evening Jarlam." A man calls out as he walks out from the stables to Jarlam.
"Evening Ctislav."
"Jarlam, looks like you have a good haul." Ctislav the stable master says as he glances in the rig.
"Not really much more than usual." Jarlam says to the man.
"I haven't ever seen you carry weapons before." Ctislav comments.
"They are from law of bounty." Jarlam answers.
"You really?" Ctislav looks at him in disbelief.
"No couple of my passengers took them out on the way here." Jarlam answers with a shake of his brown locks as he backs the wagon into place.
"I only see the kid." Ctislav points out as he opens the large stall door that Jarl would lock his wagon in while he was staying there, and it had supplies that need to be unloaded.
"One head back to White Run and the other headed out to check on some friends of hers with the horses they got." Jarlam answers as he backs the wagon into the stall.
"So, who's the kid?"
"This Michael. Micheal this is Ctislav he is the stablemaster here. Now why don't you go and start unhitching the horses." Jarlam says.
"Hey kid." Ctislav says as he also starts help unhitch the horses.
"Hi." Micheal gentely says.
"Where's his parents?" Ctislav asks.
"Dead."
"Damn. Why do you have him?"
"Bringing to see his family if wants him if not, I'll take him." Jarlam answers.
"Didn't know you were into kids." Ctislav smirks.
"No, I am not into kids! and I'll kill anyone who tries that in front of me!" Jarlam snarls Ctislav. Jarlam thankful Micheal was on the other side of the team as he didn't want him to see his outburst, so he calms himself and says. "I want a son. I think Micheal will make a good one."
"Sorry, I just thought with you know the way." Ctislav says.
"I get it." Jarlam says as he closes the stable doors on the wagon and locks them.
They spend the next little while tending to the horses first by feeding and watering them. They also gave them a good brush down so that they could relax. When they were done, they headed inside the gate.
When they go inside Micheal was in shock at the stone building but not in a good way it felt confining to him. He couldn't see any trees and he could barely see the sky. It was even hard for him as not just the buildings were blocking the sky but the people were too. Then there was the smells that were just too strong of people's body order and stench of human wastes. Micheal almost step in the open streams of water combined with human wastes.
"Jarlam?!" Micheal worried cried out as he began to panic.
"I am right here." Jarlam answers the asks. "What is it?"
"I feel like everything is closing in on him." Micheal timidly tells him.
"I know what to do." Jarlam takes his hand then pushes his way through the crowd of people in the open-air market to a large stone temple. Without thinking Jarlam rushes Micheal into the room but there were still too many people and Micheal was shaking bad. Jarlam picks the boy up then rushes up all the stairs.
"Jarlam?" A voice calls out.
But he doesn't answer as he is rushing up several stairs until he finally reaches the top of the temple and opens the door.
"It's okay Micheal there isn't anyone up here. You can open your eyes and see the sky." Jarlam tells the boy.
Micheal does as he is told looks up. And is thankful to see the blue sky.
"Jarlam is everything alright." The voice askes from behind them.
"Now it is Rydia." Jarlam says with relief.
"What happened?" Rydia asks.
"Micheal here is a county boy and being suddenly crammed into this city was a pit much." Jarlam answers.
"Yes this is quite a bit much." Rydia smiles. "If you would like some water there is some over on the table there."
"Yes please." Micheal timidly says and then is directed to the table were he pours himself a goblet of water and sits down on the bench then looks back up at the sky.
"So, what happened?" Rydia asks.
"Long or short?"
"Short for now." Rydia smiles at him.
"Bandits attacked; passengers killed the bandits we went to make camp found Micheal down a well. Passengers saved him and we went to take him home. Parents were being killed as we got there. Passengers killed the murders which turned out to be Vampires and yes, they were I saw them. Now I brought him to his family here. If they don't want him, I am going to adopt him. I also have some new items for you to sell at the shop and they are from law of bounty."
"That was the short?" Rydia laughs. "I am glad you are back with items to sell as we were getting quite low, and business hasn't been well. You two can stay at the usual place."
"Well, it should pick up as the stuff I got from law of bounty you can put a High price on it. And the place hasn't sold?" Jarlam asks.
"No, I haven't sold it. So far, the only ones that want it is." Rydia says with huff as they step back inside for a moment and close the door behind them.
"Silverbone."
"Yup. And why can I put a high price on the items. If I want them to sell?" Rydia inquires.
"The one who killed most of the bandits was the Dragon Born." Jarlam reveals with a smile.
"So, it is true! I felt the Grey beards calling out to him. Then the courier shows up with the news that the Dragon Born is a Thane of White Run. Oh my, the Jarl was mad. That he was shown up by the Jarl of White Run. The Silverbones of course are claiming that the Dragon born is part of the family."
"They aren't part of HER family." Jarlam smiles.
"OH my. The Dragon born is a woman?" Radia laughs.
"No, a girl."
"Even better." Radia laughs even harder.
"Micheal is a Silverbone."
"What?" Rydia says shock.
"His mother was an illegitimate and they didn't claim her." Jarlam informs her.
"Oh, so Micheal will be easy to adopt." Rydia says with a huge smile. "Did you tell him about us?"
"Not yet. And he doesn't know about his family being Silverbone either."
"Well still we can adopt him together."
"There still maybe a problem."
"What?"
"Micheal's parents had land."
"So?"
"A lot of it."
"Those greedy bastards will try and take it by keeping him."
"He couldn't inherit he isn't old enough. Micheals' parents left the place to one of the passengers. Passengers promised to keep it for him until his is old enough."
"That is good news, but they still may try and hold him tell they get it. Do they know about anything yet?"
"No but I have to tell them with in the week." Jarlam sadly says.
"Well, I know the prefect Solicitor who can help, I happened to know a few things that could be in your favor."
"You're a priestess and you aren't supposed to share what is confessed."
"In the temple. Outside of the temple is fair game." Rydia smiles with an evil grin.
"Let's do it legally first if that doesn't work well then." Jarlam says as just before he kisses her then head back out to check on Micheal.