Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own.
:}
Tori stretched her limbs. It had been a couple of days of surprisingly hard travel. 'Well, we are going through the wilderness, so I guess it should be hard...' She thought. But the truth was, Robbie was more skilled then anyone guessed. He'd used the first day to estimate the endurance and abilities of the party, and adjusted his pace accordingly. 'I'm just glad we've had shelter each night. Our tents, not so big. Mostly tarps we'd somehow fashion into shelter. Robbie's showing us hunters huts hidden in the wild. Last nights was actually comfortable, once we were able to scale the twenty feet up the side of the cliff, and that was with a ladder. Imagine how hard it would have been if we had to climb it like Robbie did, using only a grapple and rope. Then again, I believe he sent Ryder, so maybe he doesn't fancy climbing like that either.'
Tori looked out over the opposite side from the one they entered on. 'Yea, we had to walk a couple of miles to get here, up a steep series of trails, but we got to the lower side of this thing. I swear...' Her eyes swept out over the small valley to the far end, where a peek rose up over the others. 'All mountains are made up of peeks and valleys. The valley of this side is higher then the one behind us. So we're gonna be higher still when we find our next stopping point...' A hand slipped past her, a single finger pointing out to something in the distance.
"That's where your going." Robbie said. "That's where the wizards keep is. I know, you can't see it from here, cause he chose a very defensible location, and we're a bit to the side. However, that's were your going. I took a more direct rout then usually, cause I could, so we're up on a rise that most people wouldn't come near. Put us off the right trail, but the hut, it was here, and I felt it was worth the detour. Besides, we're gonna make up a little time today. I know a game trail that takes us very close to where we want to be. Ten hours of marching, and we should be there. Good news, we won't have to find shelter for tonight. The bad, you really shouldn't just drop in on wizards."
"Have you seen his magics?" Tori asked, momentary forgetting to use her man voice.
"No, and if I'm extremely lucky, I never will." Rob replied. "And my lord, you forgot to disguise your voice. I'd recommend not forgetting, as that merchant will be looking for anything he can use to his advantage."
"You..." Tori tried to start, unsure what else to say.
"Yes, I knew." Robbie replied. "I may not be good with girls, but I do know center of balance, and yours is a bit off. Having sisters and female cousins who trained with me, I learned the differences in where their centers were, and I can tell you, I realized very quickly what I was dealing with. However, I assume you disguised yourself for a reason, so Ryder and I have agreed to keep your secret."
"Ryder knows?" Tori asked.
"He trained with a knight who knows quite a bit about your family." The ranger explained. "So yea, he knew by virtue of what you and your cousin said about you. Or that's what he told me. For all I know a faerie told him." The man laughed.
"Are fairies real?" Tori asked.
"Real enough, but you rarely see them." Rob explained. "Frankly, given some of their darker reputations, I'd probably scream like a girl and hide if I saw one."
Tori sighed. "Think I have time for a real bath?" She asked.
"Sorry, but we have a long march ahead." Rob said. "We need to leave soon. Tell you what. If we're stopping anyplace that has a tub on the return trip, I'll get Ryder to help me stand guard, and watch over you while you bathe.
Tori smiled. "Rob, thanks." She said. "For keeping my secret. I, um, we didn't want to appear vulnerable while traveling. We have enough problems."
"No problem." Robbie assured her. "So, lets get you ready. I think we're in for a hard trip today."
They maneuvered over to where the others were starting to have breakfast. One of the members of the expedition was finishing the cooking. "My lord, your breakfast." He offered her the plate. It had a few easy to carry provisions, but still managed to taste decent.
"Thanks, Joe." Tori said, smiling at the man.
"What about my breakfast?" Kraven demanded. "Servant, I demand my breakfast."
"Calm down." Ryder said. "They're servants of the Baron of Vordnar. I'd expect them to serve their nobles first. Just relax, we'll get our breakfast soon enough. Jank it, I'll even make sure you eat before I do."
"Of course you will." The aging merchant griped. Burt he quieted down, accepting that he'd get his food soon enough. "So, we'll see Aleister tonight, and I can secure my houses contract with him. With luck, I can even maybe sell him something extra. In the past, we've been able to sell him things, comforts. Hell, there was a time, maybe forty years ago, when we had an annual excursion to his home. But that was before the river master, West, took over Travmort. No, ever since that family took over, we've had to compete with this towns closeness. Aleister can send one of his servants, in disguise, to get whatever he needs."
"Actually, he can contact many of the mountain men who live out here, and he knows which one's will go get him whatever he needs." Robbie filled in. "You know, that way he has his purchases hidden among the long term purchases of those men who buy in bulk. Makes it easier to hide. Especially given that many of the guys who live out here trade with the Narks."
"Narks?" Beck asked. "Sorry, but what are the Narks?"
"Nark is short for Narkolites." He smiled. "I believe they're called goblins by some."
"Narkilites?" Beck tried the name on. "I prefer goblins. Thing is, I thought they were a viscous, untrusting race that takes what it wants."
"But they can be traded with." Rob explained. "Just, they don't trust people, and lets be honest, we don't trust them either. But in the mountains, it's easy to have places where we have to coexists. That opens the possibility of trade. They make things, want things, so trade happens. Sure, in sufficient numbers, they're raiders. But even the worst raiders can be traded with, under the right circumstances."
"And now I wonder, how safe are we?" Beck asked. His stance was more pointed, demanding. "I mean, goblins are subterranean. That means..."
"They live in the vast cave complexes that sometimes riddle mountains." Robbie finished for him. "But they never seem to be a threat around here. I'm guessing they have their own reasons for not overpopulating around here. Maybe they only have an outpost? Maybe the caves around here just don't go that deep, and they have to live where they can? Maybe they're not thrilled about living so close to a wizard? Who can tell. We have the occasional raid, but for the most part, hunting parties, and trading parties. I've even made a deal with a group of them, leading them out of a valley safely in return for payment. Just be ready for the inevitable betrayal, and you can deal with them. They only respect strength, so never seem weak, and they will try something. I've been told to make sure you get paid, and get away, before they realize they can find their own way from there."
"You live such a wonderful life." Kraven snarled. "However, if there is money in it, we may try setting up a trading post."
"And it'll be raided." Robbie said. "Sorry, but any solid, stationary target will be attacked. They even attacked Travmort a while back." The guide finished his meal. "Lets get going. Regardless of what else they do, goblins hate traveling during the daytime. We're safest if we get to our destination while the suns still up."
The group geared up and made their way out. This time, Robbie pulled up the ladder, then slid down the rope he'd set as a way down. Once down, he pulled the rope loose, and then stored it. "Lets go. We're far enough out from the town that we're vulnerable to the other threats that live out here."
"Wild animals?" One of the group asked.
"Those, and brigands." Kraven stated. "We're out where desperate men may make a living, and while there's poor pickings out here, it's a good place for an encampment. And our group would look like a prize to a camp full of lawless men and wolfheads."
"Lets keep going." Ryder said. "Pity we only have one bow."
"Won't make a difference." Robbie said. "If we run into them, they'll have cover, and we won't. Far better to avoid them completely. If they give chase, then they have to know this territory far better then I do. If we keep a good pace, they'll never catch up."
"And when we return?" Kraven asked.
"You know as well as I do that we can ask the wizard to help there." The ranger said. "Not sure what he'll do, but pa says that your family never has to worry about coming back laden with whatever treasure he pays you in."
"True." Ryder sneered. "I've never heard of your group having any trouble on the way back. Laden with treasure, and kids for sale."
"Leave it." Kraven warned.
"Lets just..." Tori pointed towards the path they were taking.
"Wouldn't brigands use the same game trails?" Beck asked.
"Yea, but they won't accidentally run into us." Rob countered. "You travel fairly quickly on game trails. Trust me they have other things to worry about, like predators. I'm counting on them being wary, while most predators not being interested in us.'
"Good to know." Tori said, but conserved her breath. This was the fastest pace they'd set yet. They hustled for one hour, braking for a short rest, then pushing for the next hour.
They alternated between walking and hustling for the majority of the morning, then stopped to take in a cold lunch. "No fires, just in case." Robbie said. "Last night, I was able to hide the smoke, make it look like it came from the other side of the hill. If anyone saw it, they'll assume that whomever is traveling by the main trail. We should be fine, just as long as we don't draw attention. I'll keep my eyes open for predators. That's our main threat."
By mid-afternoon, they'd had to divert off the trail once, to avoid a bear. Tori had known about bears for a while, but the sheer size of that monster was frightening in it's own right. "That had to be ten feet tall, right?" Tori asked.
"Eight." Robbie said. "But that's okay. Eight feet is plenty. Better to avoid, right? Won't cost us much time. We were ahead anyways."
"When will we reach the tower?" Kraven asked. The old merchant was soaked with sweat. He wasn't used to such hard travels. Tori and Beck were also exhausted, but their father insisted they be ready for forced marches should one be needed. They were far better off then the old merchant, despite his surprising endurance.
'Show the troops your willing to do what you ask them to, and they'll happily do it.' Tori reminded herself. Their party was making good time because she and Beck pushed so hard. "Um, if we're ahead, then maybe we could rest?" She asked. "I think some of our number are ready to fall over."
"Then lets rest, but not here." Robbie said. "There's water not far from here. Obey the laws, and we'll be fine."
"What laws?" Ryder asked.
"Even among the animals, watering holes are neutral ground." Robbie said. "We drink, and leave other creatures free to drink, and we're fine. As long as we neither get to close, or allow something to get too close, we can coexist."
It was less then half a mile later when they came to the small waterhole. Once there, Robbie found them a place to rest where they had minimal exposure. "So, about how far?" Kraven asked, taking the time to fill his water skin.
"Maybe a couple of more miles." Robbie said. "We'll be leaving the trail soon, so that should take us a couple of hours. However, I'm positive we'll get there soon enough."
"How far have we traveled?" One of the expedition asked.
"As the falcon flies? Maybe thirty miles. But overall, we've covered a bit more, like fifty." Robbie estimated.
"We're working so hard, and covering so little ground." Joe moaned.
"Mountains can be like that." Beck said. "We're making good time. We'll probably make more up before we're done. Fifty miles in three days is great." He looked at Robbie. "When your ready..."
"I think we have a couple of people who need more time." Robbie stated.
"Not too long." Tori cautioned. "We can rest when we get there."
"Let them digest their water a bit." Robbie insisted. "We'll make it before dark. And, best part, I know where we can stay if he won't let us in."
Fifteen minutes after arriving at the small pond, they set off again, determined to make up the distance. Robbie, however, despite setting such a hard pace, often stopped them to check out a noise or movement. Despite the many hesitations, they were close by the time they were ready for dinner. "So, how much further?" Beck asked.
"We're almost on top of it." Kraven said. "Not used to coming at it from this angle, but I know this part of the territory. We're close."
"Less then a quarter of a mile." Robbie said. "Another hour and we're there."
"Then lets push forward." Kraven said. "We can eat when we're there, bunkered in and safe."
The group pushed on, walking more quickly now, and before they knew it, they were emerging from the forest into the last part of their trip, a series of switchbacks that scales a sheer cliff to a fortress that dominated it's small part of the landscape. "Okay, that's the majority of our time." Robbie said. "We ready for the climb? No shame in waiting for the morning."
"No." The old merchant said. "I don't care if it takes us all night, we're getting to that castle."
The expedition slowly made their way up the switchbacks, cutting their way up the mountain. It took them fifteen minuted to scale the cliff, but the trail slowly rose up the distance, gaining another two hundred feet of altitude. They were exhausted beyond their memories, but they reached the walls of the castle, and skirted to a small door.
Beck and Ryder had been carrying the old merchant for the last ten minutes, hauling him up the majority of the trail. Placing him down next to the doorway, Beck asked the first question on his mind. "So, how do we let him know we're here?"
"No idea." Kraven said. "I've never entered from the postern before."
"I'd say look for some kind of signaling device." Tori recommended. Then, a panel in the door opened and one of the oldest men she'd ever seen in her life stood there, looking at her.
"The master is expecting you." He said. "But polite people come to the front door."
"We didn't have the extra four hours." Robbie stated. "Um, can we come in?"
"I'm opening the lower half." The old man told them. Beck and Tori both knew what that meant, and bowed their heads as they bent over and entered the castle. One by one everyone else followed suit. Once inside, there was more walking to the main house, where they hoped to find refuge. "We're going to the tower." The old man informed them. "The master wants to know your business before he lets you stay here."
They made their way up towards the tower, up a ramp, across a short draw bridge, and into the tower proper. Once inside, they were led to a meeting room where they were instructed to wait. Seconds later, the lights went out, darkness seeming to envelope everything. Seconds after that, the light, such as it was, returned, and the old wizard was standing there in his regalia. With a wave of his and a few magic sounding words, he conjured fire to the touches that lined the room. Next, he seemed to as much hover as walk to his thrown, and sat down.
Then a young woman walked out form behind a carpet that hung on the wall, dressed in some kind of semi-fancy armor, more ceremonial than functional, and carrying a staff. Almost as notable as the equipment she carried were the streaks of blood red that broke up the night of her long, dark hair. Striking the staff on the ground, she cleared her throat. "Aleister the great and powerful will now hear your petition as to why you've come seeking his aid." Her voice was soft and melodious, like a singers. Her eyes, colored like the ocean, gave her an air of mystery. Tori found it hard to look away, even as all other eyes were drawn to the mage.
"So, Lord Becket, what brings you so far from home?" Aleister asked.
"Before we get there, you know me, right?" Kraven asked. "I just want something to eat, and to talk business once your done with these people."
"Yes, Kraven, I know you and your house. We can talk business later, but I'm afraid this is very important. You see, these fine people are going to try and convince me that they have a dragon problem." The old wizard smiled. "And once I've seen what they have to show me, I'm going to have to decide which of the many possibilities I've scried is the best solution to their problem. Frankly, the only part of this I understand is what they're going to pay me. But, as they don't know that yet, I suspect we'll have to discuss that too. I hope you don't mind staying the night? We may be able to squeeze our discussion in sometime after breakfast. Oh Bert, please show this man to the main house. Have them find him a room, food, that lot."
"Ryder, come." Kraven commanded.
"Oh, I'm sorry, but he's a part of this now." Aleister interrupted. "So, my young one, tell me about this dragon..."
Ryder, however, couldn't take his eyes off the Young woman. It had been eight years, enough time for most thing to change. However, those eyes, betrayed, hurt, angry the world, they somehow stayed the same. He opened his mouth, searching for the words, only to find his merchant master urging him to depart. Then, the wizards words sunk in. 'Wait, what? I'm a part of this? What this? I'm just here to maybe rescue my sister. And I swear, that's her. Same eyes. That has to be Jade. My gods, she's grown into a stunning young woman. But her eyes. How much pain did this monster put her though?'
Beck stepped forward. "If you'll pardon, but I'm sure it's a dragon. Killed two of our best knights, almost got the lady Trina. She got away, but at the cost of Miles, her intended. He died in the beasts fangs."
"And yet you were able to recover the bodies, right?" The old wizard more said then asked. "No, this wasn't a dragon. Dragons must eat, and this one, it kills, but never seems to eat the remains. What you have is an artificial dragon. Not saying it's any weaker. If created right, one of those can be as fearsome a foe as any true Wyrm. No, my friend, why you have is the weapon, a dragon like creation, but that's not your enemy, just the face they chose to show. You need help. Magic, of course, but also the aid of a friendly Drake."
"Wait, what?" Beck asked. "Are you telling us that not only is the thing we're facing not a dragon, but we need to find and ally ourselves with a dragon? Do we really need such an alliance? Can't we slay this creature with out asking a great beast like that for help?"
"You could forgo that course of action, I suppose." The wizard started.
"Good." Beck said.
"But why would you when it would not only vastly improve your odds of success, but cost you so little. I mean, don't you already have an alliance with a dragon?" Aliester continued.
"So how are we going to..." Beck held his tongue. "I don't know any dragons, let alone have alliances with one of those inhuman monsters."
"Azurban." The ancient mystic said. "You have a deal with him, to watch your frontier, in return for some tribute."
:}
Hay, they found a dragon. Do I produce or what. Also, they've spoke to the wizard, AND met Jade. Only Andre left of the main group, and I've even mentioned him. Things are coming together, right. Now we just have to get them back to civilization, make a deal with a dragon, deal with that fake dragon, and fix their lands. Simple, right. And oh yea, we may have a couple of complications along the way.