1: Shomstream
A biting blizzard rolled in over the now fortified town of Shomstream. The soldiers had set up wooden shelters and barricades along the town’s walls and it’s perimeter, overlooked by the erected wooden-structures for watch. Most of them had come down with a brutal cold, coughing and sneezing while they are huddled up in the conscripted homes and tavern rooms.
Warmly spirited amidst the whipping winds of the icy breeze is Perry Tallocks, a young armed soldier who signed up for the Triantian army when the troops liberated Shomstream. His family had moved to Triant for much needed security, but he had a great deal of bravery backing his decision.
Due to his weak endurance and his nature to be clumsy most times, he never claimed a rank higher than a simple recruit. He was often given the simple chores of carrying supplies, scraping mud off the soldier’s boots after dark, and killing off the rats in the cellars. He didn’t mind these chores, but he often wished he could be of more use.
He arrived with great haste late one morning to his superior officer: Galiot Braze. Galiot was no knight, but he was a respected captain – an officer in the ranks of Triant. He led the troops to victory during the liberation of Shomstream. Now he overlooks the defense of the city, examining maps and charts that have been prepared for him.
“Sir!” Saluted Perry as he came to a halt at the entrance to Galiot’s tent.
“Perry?” Remarked Galiot in surprise, “Your late.”
Galiot stood formally, adorned in his suit of plate armor, mildly decorated with emblems of Triant. His blue cloak drapes loosely down to his ankles, also bearing the royal crest of Triant across it. Perry looked up to Galiot with honest respect and loyalty.
“Sorry, Sir.” Apologized Perry, still standing at attention; “One of the locals prepared a meal and some tea for me when I woke.”
“Well then…” Preceded Galiot sarcastically as he lifts a brow, “Are you full?”
“W-well…” Stuttered Perry, “I wouldn’t mind a bowl of soup at this hour.”
Galiot could only sigh and shake his head. Perry never really had an unusual sort of appetite, but he often thought with his stomach rather than his head. Galiot’s question wasn’t a serious one.
“Perry!” He commanded, “Travellers not of hostility have been spotted approaching from the south. They are permitted entry, so you are to watch them until they leave.”
“Yes, Sir!” Replied Perry with a salute. He quickly turned and started his jog across town towards the south gate.
* * *
“What have we got left?” Asked Aladane to Ingelri after the noon had passed that day. They were nearing the town, and his stomach was a little weak with hunger.
“Here.” Answered Ingelri, tossing a light near-empty pouch to Aladane, “That’s the last of my share. I can hold out until we get to town.”
Ingelri and Aladane were travelers familiar with the Broken Mountains of Thaves. They were born and raised in this land in a town called Merdrig southeast of Vanadict. They had been friends since Ingelri got to swing an axe.
Unlike Ingelri, Aladane was a young land human that was raised by one of Ingelri’s uncles, Cresage. While Ingelri was a trained fighter in the dwarven axe of war, Aladane was inspired by the wilderness, and learned the land under the tutoring of Cresage. He learned to watch his footing, and exploit the concealment of shadows. He also inherited a keen sense of hearing capable of rivaling most high elves.
Ingelri never talked to his uncle much. He was too busy learning to swing an axe by Charner Firebroth – a retired Vanadictian soldier. To this day, Ingelri still relies on his axe, like a living companion in the heat of battle.
Before the winter overshadowed the land and when Ingelri and Aladane were destined for adventure, they started south on their journey towards the port town of Argride, nestled in the sweet serenity of Grider Woods. No better home to the born adventurer was the mystery-ridden forest, cooing with the soft echoing sounds of distant creatures.
There they met Bella, an outcast from a barbarian tribe. Bella was the product of a human and an orc. As a result, Bella never knew her blood parents. Her human parents disowned her and she never knew the orcish creature that impregnated her mother. As a result, Bella ended up in a crude barbarian tribe south of Grider Woods in the Ricrac forestlands before she came to Argride.
Bella didn’t have much to do since her husband and child died when the tribe was slaughtered. She buried most of her painful emotions with the ones acquired from having no knowledge of her parents. When she met Ingelri and Aladane in Argride and heard of the war that was ensuing across the land, the three decided to journey east towards Triant, until their journey took an unexpected turn.
When they happened upon the murdering of a young carrier of documents, they decided to learn more by going to Shomstream where the carrier was headed.
“How is your wound?” Asked Bella.
“It’s much better now.” Answered Ingelri, “Hardly a scar left.”
It’s been four days since their encounter with the Vanadict soldiers. Halfway into the fourth they had arrived at Shomstream to be greeted by guards standing by the south entrance. While they had no Triantian citizenship, the guards had permitted them entry under watch.
As it so happens, the one whose duty was to watch them was Perry Tallocks, arriving as they just depart from the guards who had permitted them entry. His clumsiness revealed to them as he stumbles a bit through the snow.
“Hail, travelers.” Remarked Perry.
Aladane merely gave him a passing glance, and then kept going onward, the others with him. This caused Perry to stutter as he then quickly stepped in front of them to halt them.
“H-Hey!” He demanded, “Hold on just one minute. You can’t just wander in here. I need to know where you’re from!”
“We just told the gate guards where we’re from.” Replied Ingelri, “Go ask them.”
The group began to move again, but Perry persistently charged in front once more.
“Stop!” He commanded, “I have been instructed to keep watch over you, and to bring you to my superior.”
“Oh?” Began Ingelri curiously, “And who would that be?”
Bella gave Perry a threatening glance. They ran out of rations a whole day ago, and they haven’t had a decent drink since they left Argride. Perry could only gulp and step away from the frighteningly strong-looking half-orc.
“H… His name…” Perry stuttered, “His name is Galiot Braze… He’s currently stationed near the north gate.”
“Look.” Began Aladane, “We’ve had a long trip, so why don’t you go tell him that we’ll be in the tavern and he can come see us instead.”
With that, the group began to continue on towards the tavern, but Perry quickly intercepted them again for a third time. Bella had started to become very frustrated.
“I insist that you come with me to meet him!” Demanded Perry.
Bella, having been exasperated beyond her patience, had decided to start towards the tavern on her own. Perry could only run after her.
“Stop!” He shouted, “Quit ignoring me! I warn you. I have a sword.”
Perry immediately unsheathed his sword, but his clumsiness got the better of him. The short blade had inherited from the leftover pieces of equipment had slipped from his hand and fallen to the ground. He quickly bent down to pick it up, but he was met with Aladane’s hand that had grasped it first. Aladane stood up and held it slightly pointed towards Perry.
“You know…” Began Aladane, “One could get hurt with these things.”
Aladane flipped the sword around, holding it by the blade with the handle towards Perry.
“Hold on to this end.” Instructed Aladane.
Perry took the sword hesitantly, and then sheathed it slowly. His eyes juggling glances at each of the three until he finally decides to leave with a fit of anger in his expression.
“Let’s go get drunk” Said Ingelri, “Been too long since I had a nice cold drink.”
“Take it easy.” Added Aladane, “We need to keep our wits about us tonight.”
“Bah!” Remarked Ingelri, “The moon’s almost up already, we can afford to down a few pints.”
Bella had shoved the large wooden door of the Shomstream local tavern with ease, peering into the dimly lit yet cozy home to the liquor-lusting soldiers who had been given a break from their duties. The tavern owner seems to be writing at his table and counting coins, constantly busy with handling customers. With a toss of a few coins, the three had paid for their drinks and table.
It gave them a moment of relaxation, and the three had reaped and exploited such a moment by letting down their protective senses. They let out their held breaths and stretched out their nimble-ready legs. Their dirty snow-covered boots would twitch and turn in the longing for breath of their own, a revitalizing freedom of comfort, not that their boots were ever uncomfortable.
Catching their attention was a dwarven stranger that approached their table. He wore no decoration or any emblems that would distinguish him to be a Triantian soldier. He brought a cheerful face and a full-foamy mug of dwarven-brewed ale.
“Hail, friends.” He greeted, “You are awfully brave to be journeying in these parts during this war.
“One must travel when one must.” Replied Ingelri.
Dwarves always looked at each other as though they were brothers. With the Middle Mountains broken and the Underway Tunnels collapsed, they were all they had for relatives. It was comforting to know that one’s own kind still forges a life out of the remnants of their precious beloved home.
“Aye.” Agreed the dwarf, “But with war, ye always risk a seizing and a death if ye ain’t careful.”
“Together we’ve been able to handle most problems.” Said Ingelri.
“And we always have.” Added Aladane.
Aladane continued to look about the tavern suspiciously. His eyes met the glance of a stranger from across the tavern, which looked away when their glances met briefly.
“The name is Dugenis.” Continued the dwarven friend, “It’s good to see a fellow dwarf these days. Not many of us left in this pile of rubble, aye?”
“Aye.” Replied Ingelri, “Damn gnomes.”
“Aye.” Agreed Dugenis, “Damn true too. Ye won’t find one in these parts, I tell ye that.”
“The name is Ingelri.” Ingelri proceeded to introduce, “And these are my comrades, Aladane and Bella.”
While Aladane had nodded his hello, Bella was too busy guzzling her full pint of ale.
Before the conversation could continue, a tall man dressed in the finest suit of chain armor, tailored with the emblems of Triant and decorated with a highly respected rank, had pushed open the doors of the Tavern with ease. The entire room grew silent. The soldiers turned to look at their leader.
“Take it easy, men.” He ordered, “Enjoy this fine day to it’s fullest. Tomorrow you will be facing a fierce battle. Word has come that Vanadict soldiers are approaching from the northwest. They are due to strike noon tomorrow.”
“Great!” Remarked Ingelri with a sigh, “We’d best finish our drinks and be out then.”
The officer had noticed Dugenis at their table however, and decided to approach with interest. It became clear now who this man was when Dugenis made the first remark.
“Sounds like bad news, Galiot.” Spoke Dugenis, “Looks like I’ll be leaving early in the morn.”
“I’m more surprised you’re still in town.” Replied Galiot, “And who are your friends?”
“We just met.” Answered Dugenis.
“We were just going for a walk.” Spoke Aladane.
“A bloody long one too.” Added Ingelri.
“Oh?” Inquired Galiot, “I see. Well, the name is Galiot Braze. I’m in charge of operations here in Shomstream.”
“A fine day for friends then.” Replied Aladane, “My name is Aladane, and this is Ingelri and that thing there whose mouth is covered in booze is Bella.”
Bella finally set down her mug to smile her crooked smile.
“A fine day it is.” Agreed Galiot.
At that moment, Perry had just entered the tavern, jogging toward his superior officer. He’s practically out of breath as if he had been running around the entire town.
“Sir.” He began with a salute, “There you are. I was looking for you.”
“Perry.” Said Galiot with mild surprise, “Didn’t I tell you to watch a group of travelers coming in from the south.”
“But sir.” Began to explain Perry, “That is them right there. I tried to bring them to you, but they refused to listen to me.”
“Yes, well.” Started Galiot, “They found me well enough it seems. I have suddenly a more important chore for you now.”
“Yes sir!” Said Perry, regaining some strength and saluting once again.
“The stable-boy has reported the presence of a foul creature deep inside the back of the stables.” Explained Galiot, “It emits a foul intoxicating scent, and must be removed at once!”
“F… Foul creature, sir?” Inquired Perry.
“Yes!” Stated Galiot sternly, “I am entrusting you with this dangerous quest. Your country is depending on you.”
Perry was stuck just staring at Galiot as if it was some kind of joke. He had been given chores like these enough times now to be able to recognize the nature of the quest.
“Horse… Dung… Sir?” He double-checked.
“Are you questioning my orders?” Asked Galiot sternly.
“N… No, sir!” Replied Perry miserably, “I’m on my way, sir!”
Perry quickly turned and left the Inn. Ingelri managed to comment after the young soldier had departed.
“Poor dumb lad.” He said.
Galiot proceeded to ordering ale and joining the group at the table. The five began to engage in mild conversation for the time being, drowned out by the talking of soldiers from other tables. That suspicious soldier across the tavern from them continued to eye them suspiciously, sitting at a table with a few of his less-spoken friends.
“I don’t trust those three.” Said the suspicious man, “They came in eight days after Kanack left town.”
“Relax, Whalack.” Replied one of his comrades, “If we stick to the plan, they shouldn’t matter at all.”
“Fool!” Shot back Whalack, “Keep your voice down! You’ll make things worse if you talk about it.”
“Look.” Continued his comrade in a more silent tone, “If your that nervous, I’ll take care of them myself tonight, don’t you worry. It’ll be swift and subtle.”
“You better not make a scene.” Replied Whalack, “Or else I’ll make your death swift and subtle, I assure you.”
Whalack returned to his drink calmly as Ingelri’s table roared out in laughter after the passing of a little history amongst them. These were the things that made you forget the hatred of eyes that could be watching you. The blessing of talk and tale, words filled with good times and bad that let loose the bellows of joy within one’s soul.
“So why the watch-dog, Galiot?” Asked Aladane, changing the subject.
“I was curious to know what your doing here.” Answered Galiot, “Your both from Vanadict territory, so I was concerned you might have been spies.”
“Spying is dishonorable!” Shouted Ingelri, standing to his feet, his outrage aided by his drunken stupor, “I think you should apologize for that insult!”
The whole table only chuckled, knowing how a drink could get one’s blood rushing.
“I meant nothing by it, friend.” Proceeded Galiot, “But one cannot be too careful during war.”
“It is not our war.” Stated Aladane calmly yet honestly.
“Aye.” Replied Galiot in defense, “I dislike war as much as you all do. Unfortunately, I have to defend my country and my people.”
“Defend your people?” Questioned Aladane.
“Yes.” Answered Galiot with finality; “It was my duty to liberate Shomstream from Vanadict’s power. Their brutal ways and acceptance of murderous punishments cost the local Thavien priest his life.”
“I see.” Began Aladane, “We ran into some of them south of here too.”
“Hm?” Mumbled Galiot in question, lifting his left brow.
“Ehh…” Hesitated Ingelri, “You must forgive him, his drink’s gone to his head.”
“You met Vanadict soldiers south of here?” Questioned Galiot.
“Well…” Muttered Ingelri, “Meet isn’t quite the word.”
“You had a fight then?” Asked Galiot.
“True.” Answered Aladane.
Galiot began to ponder this happening. He had to battle the fragments of his confusion through the impeding effects of his drink.
“Why did they attack you?” Asked Galiot.
“General bastards, I guess.” Answered Ingelri, his lower lip bunched with feigned clueless-ness combined with his shrug, “Although technically, we attacked them first.”
“Oh?” Questioned Galiot.
“They threatened.” Explained Ingelri, “I charged.”
“Perhaps they took you for Triantian soldiers.” Suggested Galiot.
“They must’ve had bad eyes then.” Replied Aladane.
“Well, they really didn’t bother to ask either.” Added Ingelri.
Dugenis started to become puzzled in all this conversation. He sensed there was a deeper hidden reason behind this engagement. He turned to Ingelri and nudged him firmly with his elbow to get his attention.
“Eh…” Started Dugenis, proceeding to talk in the dwarven tongue, “There must have been some sort of motive.”
“They killed a boy.” Replied Ingelri in the same tongue, “And we reacted.”
“How young?” Asked Dugenis.
“Too young.” Finished Ingelri.
“Anyway…” Began Galiot, wanting to get them all conversing in the same language again, “Where are you all headed? I take it you travel with them, Dugenis?”
“Goodness no!” Remarked Dugenis, “I have no plans of staying here in these mountains.”
“We’re going to Ehrnar.” Answered Aladane, “Way north of here through Gyre’s Valley.”
“Quite a ways north.” Noted Galiot, “Vanadictian soldiers have secured Terropp, so your journey will not be so safe.”
“Never is safe out here.” Replied Aladane.
“Well…” Started Galiot, still not satisfied, “Why are you headed there?”
Ingelri and Aladane were concerned. The contents of the rucksack were not safe to disclose to anyone, including those of high rank. However, they needed to learn something about these documents and the quest the young carrier had been on.
“There are too many ears in here to talk freely.” Replied Aladane, “Is there a place we can speak privately.”
“There is a back room we can go to.” Answered Galiot, “Come this way.”
Galiot got up with Ingelri and Aladane. Bella and Dugenis decided to stay at the table to finish their drinks. The three had chosen to discuss everything in an empty room that wasn’t being used.
The two travelers explained their story to Galiot in full detail, telling about the poor young carrier who was slain by four Vanadict soldiers who managed to cross the borderlines. They showed him one of the sealed letters.
“This is marked by the royal sigil of King Travis of Triant.” Replied Galiot, “I heard word that this was due to arrive. You must be very quiet about this. Only me, my brother, and the King know about these documents.”
“Your brother?” Inquired Aladane.
“Yes.” Explained Galiot, “My brother headed north to secure a reconnaissance camp not far from Terropp.”
“We’ve decided to take up the lad’s request.” Explained Aladane, “We’re going to head to Ehrnar with these documents.”
“It will be very dangerous.” Said Galiot, “You realize your life will be in danger the moment you leave Shomstream.”
“We were heading that way anyway.” Lied Ingelri, “And I’m sure we will be ready for any danger that meets us.”
“Very well.” Finished Galiot, “Come… I will arrange for your departure.”
Galiot led the two back out into the main room of the tavern. Bella continued to sit at the table, talking to Dugenis about her tribe and how she met her friends. When Galiot had finally left the tavern with Ingelri and Aladane, Perry had just jogged up to them.
The foul stench of the lad, having been shoveling horse manure the whole time, forced the three to cover their nose in defense. Repulsed from the horrid fumes of the hard-working lad, Galiot had to struggle to speak.
“What in the name Brashnique is that smell!” He remarked.
“Sir.” Replied Perry, “The stables have been cleaned.”
“Yes, yes!” Said Galiot, “Now, go take a bath! You’ll be joining these two in the morning.”
“Pardon sir?” Questioned Perry.
“You will be following these two north to Ehrnar tomorrow.” Explained Galiot, “Now, for the love of Thavien, go take a bath!”
Perry always respected Galiot, despite being put to do petty chores instead of real soldier duty. Galiot would listen to him, even when it was just nerve-easing ramblings. He couldn’t imagine being constantly ignored by this small group of travelers.
“With them, sir?” Proceeded Perry, “But… I could be better used to aid the defense tomorrow.”
“That’s an order, Perry!” Demanded Galiot, “Now go take a bath right away!”
Perry sighed and stormed off, once again frustrated with his powerlessness.
As Perry left, Galiot turned to face Ingelri and Aladane again.
“Try not to be too hard on him.” He said, “He signed on because he wanted to help his country. I’m sure he has good intentions, if only he wasn’t so clumsy.”
Galiot noticed the mistake in his last sentence. Odds were really good, Perry would not be enough, or worse, Perry would only be counter-productive to their quest. He decided that the group could use more help.
“Kurtis!” He called out to a nearby soldier under his command.
Kurtis was a very secluded individual. He never liked anyone, and most of all he never liked boring tasks. Ever since the liberation, he’s been edgy and looking forward to his next fight. But it’s been several weeks, and still nothing but unexciting guard duty.
“Yes sir?” Asked Kurtis as he started towards them from the idle corner of a nearby building he was killing time at.
“New assignment for you.” Began Galiot, “You will be joining these gentlemen.”
“With them?” Asked Kurtis.
“Yes.” Answered Galiot, “A chance for you to go somewhere. You’ll be escorting this group to Ehrnar on an important quest.”
Kurtis wasn’t like Perry. He wasn’t going to complain about the instruction, but he also didn’t want to be traveling with this small group for something so petty.
“Yes sir.” Kurtis agreed with a sigh.
“Go set them up with a cart and some supplies.” Instructed Galiot, “You’ll need enough for five people.”
Kurtis nodded and saluted accordingly, retreating to go follow his instructions. Galiot turned to face Ingelri finally.
“I will have a room and meal prepared for you this evening.” Said Galiot, “There is just one more thing before you head off.”
“What would that be?” Asked Aladane.
Galiot pulled off his glove, revealing a shiny emerald-encrusted silver ring. He removed it gradually and it began to glitter with a faint green hue, emanating a sharp yet subtle magical aura. He held it out to Ingelri, who accepted the ring willingly.
“That emerald bears the crest of Triant.” He explained, “Make sure you take care of it. It will protect you from harm.”
“Thank you.” Answered Ingelri, “I will take good care of it.”
The evening had come and went like the coming and going of a single ocean wave of a summer coast. Ingelri, Aladane, and Bella had all slept easy for now.
* * *
Somewhere touching the northernmost part of Grider Woods was a Vanadictian encampment cleverly concealed. Only a Vanadict soldier would know where to find it. One such Vanadict soldier who had barely escaped with his life had hastily arrived.
Grack – A vanadictian half-orc officer – was in a sour mood that day. Things were not going so well for him. The dispatches he sent out to Shomstream had been reported dead. When word came that there was a survivor from Kanack’s group, Grack was very angry indeed. Kanack had apparently failed his mission.
The weary and tired soldier was brought weaponless before Grack and his tent. He saluted respectfully despite his short breath, and knew he was in a lot of trouble from the sight of Grack’s frown.
“Sir.” He stuttered to explain, “I uh… Well… You see…”
“Where is Kanack?” Demanded Grack in a low tone.
“He…” The soldier gulped hard, being the bearer of bad news, “He was slain, sir.”
“And the carrier?” Asked Grack hopefully yet calmly.
“Dead as well!” Replied the soldier eagerly; hoping for a chance he might be spared knowing there is some good news.
“Excellent!” Exclaimed Grack with a grin, “Where are the documents?”
A cold chill ran down the soldier’s spine. His eyes darted between the several guardsmen around him. He tried to stop his trembling by biting his lip hard.
“They were lost.” He answered silently.
“What?!” Shouted Grack.
“We were attacked.” Explained the man quickly, “By three travelers. They were very skilled. We couldn’t defeat them, sir. By the time I drew my weapon, Kanack was already dead.”
Grack drew his weapon, causing the soldier to go very silent. He proceeded to circling the poor fighter, speaking in a rather calm yet frightening voice, concealing a faint threatening tone.
“You say that all four of you were defeated by a group of three travelers that were conveniently passing by?” Asked Grack, “Just by coincidence?”
The soldier quickly nods in reply.
“Tell me…” Grack proceeded to ask, “Who were they?”
“I don’t know.” Explained the soldier, “A… A dwarf, a human, and a half-orc.”
“Where were they headed?” Asked Grack.
“I don’t know.” Replied the soldier, “Maybe Shomstream. I’m not sure.”
By the time Grack had got his last answer, he was standing back in front of his tent, facing the soldier who was now sweating and trembling with fear.
“Good.” Finished Grack, “You may go home now. You are officially relieved of duty.”
With that, Grack had sheathed his weapon. He spun around and returned into his tent, plotting his next move. The soldier could only light up with joy, knowing he has been bestowed mercy.
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