Chapter 21

Two days later Pherein found himself leading the expedition for Professor Horsewood, heading towards the Latrellan border to Umgar. This time there were no students and no rich benefactors with them. This was hopefully going to a be quick in and out mission to get the artefact the bandit gang known to function as intermediaries for stolen goods held. But they were prepared to fight for it if necessary. The conflicted fighter wondered again at the wisdom of this mission. Yes, the relic was critical to the academic's study of mind flayer lore and heritage but was the potential price worth it? He had never seen the usually mild mannered academic so exercised about anything. Yet this particular item had brought out a near obsessive fixation. He must have it and there was no other discussion. So, they were moving quickly, all, including the professor, were on horseback and they had only one pack horse with them. Speed was to be of the essence.

Horsewood hoped to get in quickly and get out. His plan was to offer a fair price for the item and failing that snatch it and be gone before others became aware of their interest. The professor knew enough about the artifact that when word of this got out there would be private collectors who would jump at the opportunity and have no scruples as to how it was acquired. He figured it would be straightforward. Pherein hoped he was right.

But it was in Umgar.

Umgar was an unforgiving land. Wholly tribal in organization it was populated by humans, orcs, and ogres along with half-breeds of all variety. Though a bastion of independence, poor farmland and a lack of industry meant its raiders were common along the borders of Latrellus, Astanna and Taskanda. It was a rugged land of hills, valleys, and forest, of barbarians, ruled by chiefs, all of whom owe their allegiance to a high chief. Though not an evil land per se, Umgar was a land of strength and personal credos rather than traditional laws. One problem for Professor Horsewood's quest was Umgarians despised Latrellus and its king's claim to represent Latrell's will. They also had contempt for the more developed nations perceived 'soft living.' No, this was not going to be easy.

So now Pherein led the way along with Theme Winchell, Cony Farr plus three other former soldiers he hired for the expedition. Even with six seasoned and well-armed fighters the experienced warrior knew it would be a close-run affair. Any hesitancy he might have borne out of years of missions of this nature on behalf of his native Delorgan was chased away by Professor Horsewood's infectious enthusiasm and his desire to get out of the city. Lauren had tried to connect with him several times which he did not respond to because, as she had told him, she had left the next day. Things were still confused with Lily, and he did not want to become more jumbled in his thoughts so had avoided her too, which likely had sent the wrong signal. His already complex life had become a greater mess. So, he did what he seemed to be doing a lot of lately, he ran.

Storm Fury snorted and looked back at his troubled master; the powerful black stallion seemingly able to read the man's mind.

"Easy, my friend," Pherein responded, patting the powerful destrier's thick neck. "This is of my own making."

The party was following the main trade route east along the Dragontail Mountains seeking to move as quickly as they could through their native land. While the road was well travelled it was also known to draw both robbers and monsters looking for prey. The seasoned warrior figured they were safe as a heavily armed party that only had one civilian and pack horse with it which was likely an unappealing target. Still, vigilance was in order so all covered their arcs as they travelled to a cave the Delorgan knew would be their defensible home for the night.

The party made their way there easily and without incident. The next day they would cross the border into Umgar and based on the information Horsewood was able to receive their objective would come in sight soon after since the bandit gang typically made camp near to the border so as to raid easier into the land to the north. So, they thought to rest thoroughly this night since it might be their last for several days. They set a two-man watch and after a meal of trail rations the remaining lay down to rest.

"Pherein, a word if you please." Professor Horsewood had spoken little to the man since they had left, allowing his friend to be alone with his thoughts for a time. But the Delorgan knew at some point the kindhearted academic would want to talk.

Pherein grabbed his pipe, lit it, and gestured with his head for the Professor to follow him outside the cave and to an overlook a short distance away that allowed them to look back north from where they had come.

"Beautiful sight, isn't it?" Horsewood declared, a slight smile on his face.

It was hard to deny the land that lay behind them was lovely. It had fertile farms, rich land and prosperous cities. It was altogether a handsome land, the crown jewel of the north of Appia. Yet for Pherein MacDiarmidson it held a checkered history. He had come from his native land to find himself and get out from under the shadow of his legacy and yet he seemed more lost than he was when he had arrived.

"What do want to talk about, professor?" Pherein declared, uninterested in small talk.

Horsewood chuckled. "Always to the point, eh, my boy?" The wise university professor looked more closely at the man he had been watching these several days and saw how he was hurting. "I know of Lauren's departure. She came and told me herself and told me to watch out for you."

"How kind of her," the fighter retorted bitterly, taking a pull from his pipe, and looking away.

"Listen Pherein, I am not experienced in the way of love so I'm not trying to give you advice."

"But…"

"But what's done is done. I believe Lauren had little choice in the matter. Her father and mother were insistent."

"With all due respect, professor, we all have a choice," Pherein spat back. He thought of his own departure and the heartbreak he had caused his mother and embarrassment to his father. Unwilling to acknowledge the similarities in circumstance he chose to add, "She chose the easy path."

The academic looked at him carefully, as if assessing what to say next. The awkward silence that ensued was finally broken when the professor declared, "That may be so, but know you have a friend in me. If you ever want to talk, gods know it is not in your nature, but if you do, I am here for you. And know this, there is no one I would want on this expedition other than you."

Pherein turned as quick as a snake, startling Horsewood, a sharp retort on his tongue. Yet the genuine look of affection and concern on the academic's face caused it to melt away. "Thank you. It is well met. And I am glad to be here with you."

Horsewood said no more but instead patted the Delorgan affectionately on the shoulder and went back to the encampment deeper in the cave.

Pherein was again left with his thoughts.

She had little choice.

Did she? The professor's words bore into his mind like a termite. Was that the case or just the easy way out? He was unsure. Did he take the time to seek to understand her position or what she was feeling? No, he had not. Instead, he had reacted with anger and shut her out. Conviction that he had been unfair assaulted him, condemning him.

And then there was Lily.

Of late he had begun to regret the decision to leave the islands. The desire had been to find freedom from responsibility and yet in that he had lost that which had been an anchor to him. He was a ship adrift, with no rudder, no purpose, and an uncertain future. What a legacy for the great Raid Captain of Delorgan. Things needed to change but first he needed to look to this mission which as they got closer seemed less wise.

Sleep would be scare this night.

The next day dawned overcast and damp. Clouds hung heavy in the sky threatening rain, and all wore cloaks to ward off the cold dampness. They party crossed the border from Latrellus into Umgar and Pherein was again surprised by the lack of patrols or any kind of military presence from the King. It was as if this part of the land was being left entirely to their own. Then again that should be of no surprise to the seasoned fighter. They were not that far from the village of Tyreel he had protected, and this territory had seemed to be abandoned by the Lord of the land those months earlier. Why should he expect anything to have changed? Without saying anything, each adjusted their weapons for ease of access as they crossed into the wild and lawless land.

The rain held off and the party moved deeper into the land without incident as midday drew nearer. Pherein was considering where to stop to eat as he expected to reach the area of their quarry by late afternoon. Uncertain when they would get a chance to eat after that the idea of grabbing a meal when they could made sense. He looked about for a spot to stop, his gaze moving forward to where Theme Winchell was riding well ahead of the party scouting to their front as the area became more thickly wooded and hilly. Then he saw the ex Latrellan soldier riding back with a sense of purpose.

"Pherein, to your front and right," Theme Winchell called out urgently.

The warrior looked as did all the others in the party as dozens of heavily armed barbarians came out of the thick forest. Professor Horsewood recoiled in fright as the others in the party put hands to weapons bracing for a fight. It was clear the fur clad and armored barbarians were on a course to intercept the party starting to fan out to envelope them.

"Can we fight our way through, or should we retreat?" Horsewood asked urgently.

"We canna fight that," Cony Farr answered. "There's too many of them. We need to find another route."

"But there is none," the academic shot back. "Or at least there are none that will not add at least four days to our journey." The man's voice inflected at the emotion of the reality their mission may be one of futility.

The others in the party looked around and began debating options as the barbarian tribe continued to advance. Pherein though stayed silent and kept his hands on the pommel of his saddle. There was something familiar about this clan. And then he saw it. In the center of the advancing group of barbarians was a fierce looking female warrior standing six feet tall, carrying a deadly looking great axe and with flaming red hair.

It was Tress Boarslayer.

"Hold your hands," Pherein commanded in a loud voice. "These are friends."

"What do you mean, Pherein?" Horsewood retorted. "Look at them, they seem prepared to attack."

Pherein snorted. "That is their way of saying hello. If they had meant to attack us they would have charged already and most of us would be dead." The warrior thought back to the time he had fought with the temperamental barbarian and her tribe defending the border village of Tyreel. "Stay here, let me talk to them."

The warrior left his party and rode the short distance between the two groups, nimbly jumping off his horse.

"Pherein MacDiarmidson, what are ye doing here?" Tress asked, giving the man a bone crushing bear hug. "When my scouts described the armed party coming towards us led by a formidable warrior wearing battle helm with nose guard I wondered if it was you."

Of course they were being observed. They likely were spotted right after they crossed the border. It was foolish to think that the border of Umgar would not be being watched despite appearing to be undefended. Pherein said a quick prayer of thanks to Latrell that it had been this group from the tribe of the Elk and not some other since he had not thought of this reality when they had begun this quest.

"It's good to see you, Tress," Pherein answered genuinely, extricating himself from the tight embrace. The muscular woman gave a chuckle and leering look at she allowed him out of the clench.

Another barbarian came forward, one with light blonde hair and double plaited beard. It was Tress' co-leader and sometime consort Leif Alesmasher.

"Well met, Leif," Pherein greeted the stocky warrior grasping his forearm in salute.

"Aye, and you too, MacDiarmidson," Alesmasher returned the greeting.

Professor Horsewood and the others rode over to join Pherein and the barbarian tribe. Each dismounted but stayed silent, obviously intimidated by the large, aggressive force.

"So, what brings a son of Delorgan to our land," Tress asked curiously, sizing up each in the group with a predatory gaze.

"We're looking for a bandit gang that has an item of interest to this man," Pherein answered, nodding to the professor. The fighter was amused by the actions of the attractive woman, unsure if the interest was genuine or she was using it to unsettle the men in his party. Either way, it was working.

"And what might that be, little man," she asked Horsewood, giving Pherein a smirk since it seemed she could read his mind, or body language at the very least.

"Well, it is…uhm…I mean…it is something that was stolen," the academic stammered in embarrassment as the fierce but ruggedly attractive woman moved closer to him.

"A stolen artefact you say?" Tress asked, giving Pherein a wink as she enjoyed the discomfort of the teacher.

"Yes. It is…"

"No need," Tress cut him off, switching in an instant from playful to all business. "I know which gang you seek."

"You do? Excellent!" Horsewood beamed.

And do you plan on fighting for it?" the barbarian asked pointedly.

"We want to avoid that, but will, if necessary," Pherein interjected into the conversation.

"With this party?" the tribe leader asked derisively.

"Latrellan fighters all," Cony Farr retorted proudly, irritation evident at the comment.

"Well now, that is a bit of a contradiction, ain't it?" Tress snorted. "Latrellan fighter."

The proud Latrellan's hand went to his sword in outrage. A half dozen barbarians did the same thing.

"What's your point, Tress?" Pherein asked, ignoring the jab, and seeking to defuse the situation but also taking a step between the two.

The Umgarian ran a hand through her thick red hair seductively and laughed at the former Latrellan soldier who now stood awkwardly, unsure what to do. "I know this gang. They have no affiliation other than coin. That is what holds them together. They move a lot and they also normally number between twenty and thirty."

"Twenty to thirty?" Pherein looked at Horsewood accusingly. All the academic could do was sheepishly look away.

Tress caught the look and paused, assessing the situation, and weighing her response. Though she and Pherein had clashed the last time they were together the barbarian had a genuine respect and even affection for the big Delorgan despite her flirting. "It seems there is much you do not know about this gang, Pherein MacDiarmidson."

Pherein sighed heavily, wondering what he had gotten himself into here. But he knew. His friendship with Professor Horsewood and the academics singular focus on the artefact plus the troubles with the two ladies of late had clouded his better judgment. In the end he likely still would have gone but his preparations would have been different. "Yes, Tress, it does appear to be so," Pherein answered, giving Horsewood an accusing look. For his part, the teacher looked away, face reddening in embarrassment at the situation his ambition had put this party in to.

The observant barbarian caught this and declared, "Come, join us for meat. We will discuss this afterwards."

"Shouldn't we…," Horsewood began, eager to continue on.

"Thank you for the offer," Pherein cut the academic off, not giving him the option. "We would be honored to have a meal with you and your tribe."

Tress turned to her comrades and called out heartily, "Back to camp!" Turning back to Pherein she clapped him on the back and declared, "It's good to see you again!"

While the rest of the Latrellan's remounted and followed the barbarian war party on horseback Pherein remained on foot and walked with Tress and Leif Alesmasher while Storm Fury followed him. Entering the dense, ancient forest it was a shorter trip than expected to the camp of the Tribe of the Elk. Surrounded by towering, centuries-old trees with their gnarled branches forming a natural barrier, their camp was a harmonious blend of nature and necessity. A circular clearing, about fifty feet in diameter, marked the center of the camp and seemed to serve as the central gathering space. The forest floor in the circle was covered in a thick layer of moss, providing a soft and damp surface for the camp's inhabitants. Stones, logs, and tree stumps encircle the clearing, forming makeshift seating and tables. In the center, a bonfire was already roaring, its flames dancing in the shadows of the thick canopy the trees provided. Scattered around the clearing were simple but sturdy shelters, constructed from the forest's abundant resources. These huts were made from interwoven branches, animal hides, and thick layers of leaves, camouflaging them within the natural surroundings.

While most of the tribe were with Tress' party a good number had remained in camp cooking and mounting guard, so a hearty greeting was shouted and returned at the arrival of the party which became even more animated when they saw Pherein and the Latrellans with him.
After getting settled a meal was served since it was already late in the day. Torches were lit as it got prematurely dark in the thick forest as the sun dropped so the bonfire became the focal point for the camp. A meal of roasted venison with cheese and fried mushrooms from the woods was served along with some surprisingly tasty bread baked in the camp. All was washed down with tankard of cold ale and sweet mead. It was an altogether excellent meal, one the Latrellans had not expected to experience at this point in their quest. As they ate Tress began to inquire in more depth about the nature of their trip into Umgar. At first Professor Horsewood tried to be vague but Pherein instructed him to share everything with the temperamental but honest barbarian.

Tress listened attentively, a glazed clay glass of mead in her hand. "You're in a tough spot," she declared bluntly.

"How so?" Horsewood asked.

"You can't sneak into the camp, it is too well guarded, trust me I know," she said, giving a knowing wink to Pherein, "and you can't fight them without taking heavy casualties. Likely that would include you, little man," she said bluntly, looking hard at the academic.

"Well…I…I mean….," Horsewood blustered, unsure what to say.

"What are you thinking, Tress?" Pherein interjected.

"I think you should turn around and leave Umgar. But I suspect this one will not allow it," the fiery barbarian responded pointedly looking hard at Horsewood. "So, it seems your only option would be to ride in and offer whatever gold you have for the item."

"But?" Pherein asked, knowing the warrior had more to share.

"But this gang may just take your money and then kill you before you cross the border and keep the item."

"They wouldn't, would they?" Horsewood blustered. "That would be…. that would be…"

"Dishonorable? They're bandits, good teacher," Tress retorted dismissively at the naïve comment.

Pherein nodded his head in understanding at the accurate assessment and swore at himself for agreeing to this foolish quest without better preparation. He knew better. He could have told Horsewood the same thing himself back in Grantsbend. He knew this land and the type who inhabited it. Instead, he had gone along with it, blundering into a no-win situation. Again, his distractions and turmoil were clouding his judgment and thus putting himself and others at risk. "So, I ask again, what should we do?"

"I like you, Pherein," Tress confessed, a twinkle in her eye. "You're an honorable man and a good fighter. You'd make a great addition to my tribe. The rest of you, well, you're not. So, for your sake, and since I don't want to see your pretty head mounted on a stake, we will join you when you ride in try to make your deal."

The other Latrellan's bristled at the comment, but Pherein held his hand up to silence them.

"So, you will fight with us then, if needed?" Professor Horsewood declared enthusiastically. "That is most generous of you."

"Hardly," Tress snorted derisively. We will join you and make sure there is no treachery. You will go in, try to make the purchase, and then leave. If they say no, you ride directly for the border and don't return."

"But…" Horsewood began to protest.

"That is very generous, Tress Boarslayer, thank you," Pherein cut him off. "We will do as you say." The fighter gave the teacher a hard look showing he would brook no opposition to the offer. In truth, they had no option, and this was very generous all things considered.

"Good! Then tomorrow we go after your trinket. It is settled. But tonight, who knows what will happen?" The sensual barbarian gave a leering look that caused her tribe mates nearest to break out in laughter. Pherein did not take the bait. He was just happy to be in a place where they could truly relax, knowing they were under the protection of the tribe of the Elk. The next day, who knew? But for now, he would sleep well, his first in many days. The distraction had been welcome and had taken his mind off the troubles he had been having of late, giving him pause for thought.