Chapter 11-2
Northern Hills
Lansius and the three squires could hardly believe what they had just heard. Felicity had perfectly described Lord Arte’s features: light brown hair, a charming demeanor, a beautiful jawline, and a small scar on his left eyebrow. This could only mean that Felis had met Lord Arte.
“You saw him?” Hugo inquired cautiously, anticipation swelling in his heart.
Felis’ excitement grew. “I knew it. He’s not just some wandering minstrel. He has a different aura about him.”
“Was he alone?” Anci interjected.
“He was when I met him. He introduced himself as Archie, perhaps a disguised name.”
“And where and when did this happen?” Hugo’s voice trembled with adrenaline.
“Pozna, just yesterday,” Felis replied with a smile.
The expressions on Thomas, Hugo, and Anci were a mixture of disbelief and relief. They had searched fruitlessly for weeks, even venturing to Feodosia in the slim hope that Lord Arte might have been captured and sold as a slave without being recognized. Now, it seemed that luck was on their side.
“Did you talk to this Archie?” Thomas probed.
“Only by chance. We met at the stable while waiting for our carriages. He introduced himself and made a humorous remark when I asked him a question.”
“Funny?” Thomas furrowed his brow.
“He said he was going to whore himself out to save his friend,” Felis giggled.
Her response left Hugo and Thomas dumbfounded. They now had more questions than answers.
“Where is he heading?” Lansius asked at last.
“North,” Felis replied with certainty.
Hugo and Thomas exchanged glances, each trying to come up with a plan. Lansius observed them; while Lord Arte was his master, he didn’t know him well personally. More importantly, he had other priorities at the moment.
Anci broke the silence. “I’ll head north and scout around. There should be only one road, so we can easily find each other. You can gather men and follow when you’re ready.”
Thomas agreed. “A few simple markings should be easy to spot.”
Hugo nodded. “Alright then, Thomas and I will head west to gather our men. You and the clerk should go north.”
Lansius was taken aback and protested. “I beg your pardon, but I must go to Feodosia.”
His response elicited stares from Hugo and Thomas, with only Anci remaining indifferent.
Lansius hurried to explain. “I cannot fight; I am dead weight. You have my purse, so let’s part ways here. I need to find my friend in Feodosia before she’s sold to someone else.”
Thomas looked away, recalling their earlier conversation. He knew Stefi and understood Lansius’ motivations.
Anci snorted, amused by the turn of events. “There’s no need for him to come along. I can handle it myself.”
Hugo sighed. While he felt slightly offended that a retainer would not prioritize his master’s safety, he recognized the truth in their words. “Let’s return to the inn. We’ll depart at first light tomorrow.”
Before they could move. “Do you need fighters?” chimed the lady in a pale blue gown.
The group looked at her quizzically.
“You’re not suggesting yourself, are you?” Hugo asked.
“Well, I’m part of the package,” Felis said casually, then added, “I know capable fighters in Feodosia. Men-at-arms looking for contracts.”
This was welcome news for Hugo, who would take any offer in their current situation. "I need brave stout men, not kids or old men in armor."
"Of course, I'm talking about duelists, watchmen, and thief-takers," replied Felis.
Hugo nodded. "How many can you find and at what cost?"
Felis smiled brightly. “Well, I might be able to gather nine or ten if I can reach them all, but probably less, since you probably need it quickly. As for the price, let’s discuss that later at the inn.” She paused and glanced at Lansius briefly. “We’ll need to borrow paper and ink, and then Lansius can handle the paperwork for us.”
“Eh, why me?” Lansius was taken aback by the sudden mention of his name.
Felis gave Lansius a smug look. “I want this contract in writing, and I’d like to secure down payments as well.”
Hugo glanced at Thomas, who shrugged. “Alright, let’s do it your way,” Hugo conceded. With the arrangements settled, they made their way back to the Swan Inn.
***
Despite their dire circumstances, the squires found solace in the feast before them. Their table was strewn with empty dishes and empty earthen jugs. Even Hugo seemed to be enjoying himself. The unspoken consensus among them was that they might die in a few days, so they ought to savor life while they could.
The squires knew little about their adversaries, but rumors circulated that the illegal slavers were influential and powerful, with enough sway to undermine the Imperium’s authority. Engaging them in battle would likely be suicidal, which perhaps explained the group’s merry demeanor.
Beneath the soft glow of tallow candles, a wandering minstrel played his string instrument. The crowd requested a lively, humorous melody to lift their spirits. Meanwhile, the servers bustled about, providing more ale and food, their work clothes stained from a long day’s labor.
Thomas had passed out, his head resting on the table. The old man carried a heavy guilt that he kept to himself, unwilling to share.
The atmosphere grew rowdier when five women entered the inn. Most of the guests became boisterous at the sight of them, with some making bold advances. Hugo was among those flirting, focusing his attention on a woman in a pastel white and dark green gown, her full lips and long, wavy hair capturing his interest.
Lansius, however, felt hollow and disconnected. His guilt prevented him from enjoying the festivities, even in the presence of the beautiful blonde, Felis, who sat beside him. It didn’t help that his evenings were usually quiet, filled with suspicion about who might be sharing the communal sleeping space.
Noticing his gaze, Felis smiled. “Pozna wenches. They’re shy compared to the ones from Feodosia,” she commented.
Lansius simply nodded.
Felis leaned in closer. “Don’t you want to join in? I could help you pick a good one.”
Lansius knew she wasn’t teasing. “Maybe next time,” he politely declined.
Felis giggled and drank his ale. She then turned to Anci, who sat at the next table, and tapped his back gently. The noise and music were loud.
Anci craned his neck and gave her a questioning look.
“Come, let’s head outside. I need to talk to you about something,” Felis said.
Anci furrowed his brows. “About what?”
“About things that’ll involve you too,” she replied cryptically.
Anci thought for a moment before standing. As he did, Felis gestured for Lansius to follow. They went outside, not far from the entrance where two large lanterns provided illumination. Another lantern hung near the wooden fence by the road.
The sound of music was now replaced by crickets.
“What do you want to talk about?” Anci asked, guarded, while Lansius remained silent.
“Well, I want you to talk some sense into your friend here,” she began.
The two were intrigued. “What do you mean?” Lansius asked.
“Well, you’re looking for your friend, right? A female fighter.”
“A female squire, yes. Why?”
“Lans, I doubt she’ll make it to Feodosia,” Felis said gently.
Still, Lansius felt alarmed by it. Now his plan was in jeopardy.
She continued, “I’ve never seen female fighters in Feodosia. They’re popular and in demand as guards for the Eastern Kingdoms’ harems or as bodyguards.”
Lansius was baffled. “So... wait, didn’t you just contradict what you said earlier?”
“No, listen carefully. Female fighters are in demand, but we never see them in Feodosia. From what I’ve heard, someone always snatches them up first and it’s not traders from Feodosia.”
Lansius and Anci exchanged glances.
“Who is this someone?” Anci asked.
Felis shrugged. “Nothing but a bet at this point, but I think it’s the same group you’re going up against.”
Lansius drew a deep breath, finally understanding her intentions. “You want me to go north?”
Felis nodded. “That’s my suggestion.”
Lansius hesitated before a large, rough hand patted his shoulder.
“Looks like you’re coming with me, clerk.” Anci flashed his predatory grin.
Lansius questioned Felis, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, “Felis, are you absolutely certain?”
“Without a doubt,” she responded with conviction. “I’m well-acquainted with many people in Feodosia who are involved in these matters.”
Lansius sighed in resignation and later whispered, “But don’t you need company to Feodosia? Hugo just gave you a down payment, remember?”
Unfazed by the extra silvers in her purse, Felis giggled. “I’ll persuade Thomas to accompany me. It shouldn’t be too difficult, after all, I could easily disappear with all your coins,” she teased.
Anci stifled his laugh while Lansius gazed at the night sky, uncertain about the consequences his decision would bring.
The following morning, as the first light broke, the Arvenians, one Midlandian, and a foreigner gathered. As agreed upon the night before, Thomas would accompany Felis to Feodosia, so they parted ways at the inn.
As Thomas’ horse-drawn cart headed east, Hugo, Anci, and Lansius set off west toward Pozna. Upon arrival, they quickly marched to the stable, where Hugo paid a deposit to rent a horse.
“Take care. I’ll meet you in two days,” Hugo said after testing the horse just outside the stable.
“You know my patience. Don’t take too long,” Anci half-threatened.
Hugo laughed heartily. Despite his eyes still reddened from the previous night, he exuded confidence.
Anci approached the horse and gave it a firm pat, urging Hugo to leave. He set off at a brisk pace, racing west to gather fellow Arvenians.
After Hugo’s departure, Lansius followed Anci on foot as they set off to the north.
And so, the trio separated, and their plan was set into motion.
***
The hill range separating Midlandia and Rhomelia was teeming with birds flying freely. Despite being in the middle of summer, the land remained lush and green, dotted with ponds and marshes in the lowlands.
Lansius and Anci had traveled on foot for a day to reach this hill, where they spotted a suspicious manor surrounded by a palisade wall on the adjacent hill. They spent the remaining daylight constructing a crude tent. Neither was skilled in craftsmanship, so the shelter was poorly built.
After a fireless supper, Anci took the first watch. Nothing happened during his watch, so he woke Lansius, who took turns watching until dawn. The night was quiet, too quiet for Lansius’ taste.
At dawn, as the wind blew, and the fog dissipated, Lansius could see the walled manor house perched on the hill, surrounded by farms and cottages. However, even a glance revealed that it was fortified. Aside from the palisade wall, it had guards and even an outer gate.
With spare time on his hands, Lansius drew a map on the ground using sticks and pebbles, depicting the manor’s defenses.
It looks like a mini fortress… walls on each side, fences, patrols, and checkpoints.
It looked like a mini fortress, and Lansius felt that attacking such a place would be suicidal. But knowing the Arvenians, they would most likely attempt it anyway. As he sighed, he couldn’t help but ponder how this would all end up.
⠀
Chapter 11-2
Northern Hills
Lansius and the three squires could hardly believe what they had just heard. Felicity had perfectly described Lord Arte’s features: light brown hair, a charming demeanor, a beautiful jawline, and a small scar on his left eyebrow. This could only mean that Felis had met Lord Arte.
“You saw him?” Hugo inquired cautiously, anticipation swelling in his heart.
Felis’ excitement grew. “I knew it. He’s not just some wandering minstrel. He has a different aura about him.”
“Was he alone?” Anci interjected.
“He was when I met him. He introduced himself as Archie, perhaps a disguised name.”
“And where and when did this happen?” Hugo’s voice trembled with adrenaline.
“Pozna, just yesterday,” Felis replied with a smile.
The expressions on Thomas, Hugo, and Anci were a mixture of disbelief and relief. They had searched fruitlessly for weeks, even venturing to Feodosia in the slim hope that Lord Arte might have been captured and sold as a slave without being recognized. Now, it seemed that luck was on their side.
“Did you talk to this Archie?” Thomas probed.
“Only by chance. We met at the stable while waiting for our carriages. He introduced himself and made a humorous remark when I asked him a question.”
“Funny?” Thomas furrowed his brow.
“He said he was going to whore himself out to save his friend,” Felis giggled.
Her response left Hugo and Thomas dumbfounded. They now had more questions than answers.
“Where is he heading?” Lansius asked at last.
“North,” Felis replied with certainty.
Hugo and Thomas exchanged glances, each trying to come up with a plan. Lansius observed them; while Lord Arte was his master, he didn’t know him well personally. More importantly, he had other priorities at the moment.
Anci broke the silence. “I’ll head north and scout around. There should be only one road, so we can easily find each other. You can gather men and follow when you’re ready.”
Thomas agreed. “A few simple markings should be easy to spot.”
Hugo nodded. “Alright then, Thomas and I will head west to gather our men. You and the clerk should go north.”
Lansius was taken aback and protested. “I beg your pardon, but I must go to Feodosia.”
His response elicited stares from Hugo and Thomas, with only Anci remaining indifferent.
Lansius hurried to explain. “I cannot fight; I am dead weight. You have my purse, so let’s part ways here. I need to find my friend in Feodosia before she’s sold to someone else.”
Thomas looked away, recalling their earlier conversation. He knew Stefi and understood Lansius’ motivations.
Anci snorted, amused by the turn of events. “There’s no need for him to come along. I can handle it myself.”
Hugo sighed. While he felt slightly offended that a retainer would not prioritize his master’s safety, he recognized the truth in their words. “Let’s return to the inn. We’ll depart at first light tomorrow.”
Before they could move. “Do you need fighters?” chimed the lady in a pale blue gown.
The group looked at her quizzically.
“You’re not suggesting yourself, are you?” Hugo asked.
“Well, I’m part of the package,” Felis said casually, then added, “I know capable fighters in Feodosia. Men-at-arms looking for contracts.”
This was welcome news for Hugo, who would take any offer in their current situation. "I need brave stout men, not kids or old men in armor."
"Of course, I'm talking about duelists, watchmen, and thief-takers," replied Felis.
Hugo nodded. "How many can you find and at what cost?"
Felis smiled brightly. “Well, I might be able to gather nine or ten if I can reach them all, but probably less, since you probably need it quickly. As for the price, let’s discuss that later at the inn.” She paused and glanced at Lansius briefly. “We’ll need to borrow paper and ink, and then Lansius can handle the paperwork for us.”
“Eh, why me?” Lansius was taken aback by the sudden mention of his name.
Felis gave Lansius a smug look. “I want this contract in writing, and I’d like to secure down payments as well.”
Hugo glanced at Thomas, who shrugged. “Alright, let’s do it your way,” Hugo conceded. With the arrangements settled, they made their way back to the Swan Inn.
***
Despite their dire circumstances, the squires found solace in the feast before them. Their table was strewn with empty dishes and empty earthen jugs. Even Hugo seemed to be enjoying himself. The unspoken consensus among them was that they might die in a few days, so they ought to savor life while they could.
The squires knew little about their adversaries, but rumors circulated that the illegal slavers were influential and powerful, with enough sway to undermine the Imperium’s authority. Engaging them in battle would likely be suicidal, which perhaps explained the group’s merry demeanor.
Beneath the soft glow of tallow candles, a wandering minstrel played his string instrument. The crowd requested a lively, humorous melody to lift their spirits. Meanwhile, the servers bustled about, providing more ale and food, their work clothes stained from a long day’s labor.
Thomas had passed out, his head resting on the table. The old man carried a heavy guilt that he kept to himself, unwilling to share.
The atmosphere grew rowdier when five women entered the inn. Most of the guests became boisterous at the sight of them, with some making bold advances. Hugo was among those flirting, focusing his attention on a woman in a pastel white and dark green gown, her full lips and long, wavy hair capturing his interest.
Lansius, however, felt hollow and disconnected. His guilt prevented him from enjoying the festivities, even in the presence of the beautiful blonde, Felis, who sat beside him. It didn’t help that his evenings were usually quiet, filled with suspicion about who might be sharing the communal sleeping space.
Noticing his gaze, Felis smiled. “Pozna wenches. They’re shy compared to the ones from Feodosia,” she commented.
Lansius simply nodded.
Felis leaned in closer. “Don’t you want to join in? I could help you pick a good one.”
Lansius knew she wasn’t teasing. “Maybe next time,” he politely declined.
Felis giggled and drank his ale. She then turned to Anci, who sat at the next table, and tapped his back gently. The noise and music were loud.
Anci craned his neck and gave her a questioning look.
“Come, let’s head outside. I need to talk to you about something,” Felis said.
Anci furrowed his brows. “About what?”
“About things that’ll involve you too,” she replied cryptically.
Anci thought for a moment before standing. As he did, Felis gestured for Lansius to follow. They went outside, not far from the entrance where two large lanterns provided illumination. Another lantern hung near the wooden fence by the road.
The sound of music was now replaced by crickets.
“What do you want to talk about?” Anci asked, guarded, while Lansius remained silent.
“Well, I want you to talk some sense into your friend here,” she began.
The two were intrigued. “What do you mean?” Lansius asked.
“Well, you’re looking for your friend, right? A female fighter.”
“A female squire, yes. Why?”
“Lans, I doubt she’ll make it to Feodosia,” Felis said gently.
Still, Lansius felt alarmed by it. Now his plan was in jeopardy.
She continued, “I’ve never seen female fighters in Feodosia. They’re popular and in demand as guards for the Eastern Kingdoms’ harems or as bodyguards.”
Lansius was baffled. “So... wait, didn’t you just contradict what you said earlier?”
“No, listen carefully. Female fighters are in demand, but we never see them in Feodosia. From what I’ve heard, someone always snatches them up first and it’s not traders from Feodosia.”
Lansius and Anci exchanged glances.
“Who is this someone?” Anci asked.
Felis shrugged. “Nothing but a bet at this point, but I think it’s the same group you’re going up against.”
Lansius drew a deep breath, finally understanding her intentions. “You want me to go north?”
Felis nodded. “That’s my suggestion.”
Lansius hesitated before a large, rough hand patted his shoulder.
“Looks like you’re coming with me, clerk.” Anci flashed his predatory grin.
Lansius questioned Felis, emphasizing the gravity of the situation, “Felis, are you absolutely certain?”
“Without a doubt,” she responded with conviction. “I’m well-acquainted with many people in Feodosia who are involved in these matters.”
Lansius sighed in resignation and later whispered, “But don’t you need company to Feodosia? Hugo just gave you a down payment, remember?”
Unfazed by the extra silvers in her purse, Felis giggled. “I’ll persuade Thomas to accompany me. It shouldn’t be too difficult, after all, I could easily disappear with all your coins,” she teased.
Anci stifled his laugh while Lansius gazed at the night sky, uncertain about the consequences his decision would bring.
The following morning, as the first light broke, the Arvenians, one Midlandian, and a foreigner gathered. As agreed upon the night before, Thomas would accompany Felis to Feodosia, so they parted ways at the inn.
As Thomas’ horse-drawn cart headed east, Hugo, Anci, and Lansius set off west toward Pozna. Upon arrival, they quickly marched to the stable, where Hugo paid a deposit to rent a horse.
“Take care. I’ll meet you in two days,” Hugo said after testing the horse just outside the stable.
“You know my patience. Don’t take too long,” Anci half-threatened.
Hugo laughed heartily. Despite his eyes still reddened from the previous night, he exuded confidence.
Anci approached the horse and gave it a firm pat, urging Hugo to leave. He set off at a brisk pace, racing west to gather fellow Arvenians.
After Hugo’s departure, Lansius followed Anci on foot as they set off to the north.
And so, the trio separated, and their plan was set into motion.
***
The hill range separating Midlandia and Rhomelia was teeming with birds flying freely. Despite being in the middle of summer, the land remained lush and green, dotted with ponds and marshes in the lowlands.
Lansius and Anci had traveled on foot for a day to reach this hill, where they spotted a suspicious manor surrounded by a palisade wall on the adjacent hill. They spent the remaining daylight constructing a crude tent. Neither was skilled in craftsmanship, so the shelter was poorly built.
After a fireless supper, Anci took the first watch. Nothing happened during his watch, so he woke Lansius, who took turns watching until dawn. The night was quiet, too quiet for Lansius’ taste.
At dawn, as the wind blew, and the fog dissipated, Lansius could see the walled manor house perched on the hill, surrounded by farms and cottages. However, even a glance revealed that it was fortified. Aside from the palisade wall, it had guards and even an outer gate.
With spare time on his hands, Lansius drew a map on the ground using sticks and pebbles, depicting the manor’s defenses.
It looks like a mini fortress… walls on each side, fences, patrols, and checkpoints.
It looked like a mini fortress, and Lansius felt that attacking such a place would be suicidal. But knowing the Arvenians, they would most likely attempt it anyway. As he sighed, he couldn’t help but ponder how this would all end up.
⠀
