City of IF

[Chinaren]

Chapter 9. Caravan.

It was no good. He would have to risk pawning some of the jewelry. Perhaps he could find some less than reputable citizen to make the exchange. Hopefully there wouldn’t be too many questions about where a farmer had acquired such items if the buyer was black-market. Byrold looked around the small village. Maybe in the shadow of the garrison. The troops were the ones likely to have plunder on them, certainly more so than the average citizens. It was somewhere to start anyway.

He began to walk over, but then paused. To go into such a transaction with no visible means of defense was asking for trouble. Byrold hobbled over to a nearby house, and into the alley by the side of it. After checking it was clear of occupants, he pulled his sword out of his pant leg, not without some relief, and strapped it to his back.

If anyone commented on the fact that someone dressed as he was was carrying a weapon, he could always say he was a mercenary down on his luck. Even good fighters run into hard times. It was thin, bit the best he could come up with.

Stepping out into the street again he was nearly run down by a large wagon.

“Ho there!” Shouted the man at the reigns. “Make way!”

Byrold pressed himself back against the wall as the lead vehicle rolled past, then watched as another eleven rumbled on behind it. Each one was different. Most were obviously laden with goods, but some appeared to carry passengers. Alongside guards rode on horses, or trotted along on foot. Several gave Byrold close looks, seeing the sword he carried. They were dressed in a variety of styles, and obviously came from different backgrounds.

The band slowed as he watched, coming to a stop in front of the garrison. The guards drew up alongside, and there was a flurry of activity as men and women leapt down to secure the horses and their cargo.

A merchant train! Byrold stood still, considering the possibilities. Such an opportunity couldn’t be missed. Traders would be able to travel freely through the land, with no questions asked. But how to join them? His jewelry was not likely to cover the cost of passage, and his magical skills were insufficient, even if they were in need of a wizard.

Then he slapped himself. Of course! He had his sword! He was certainly skilled enough to act as a guard, if they would accept him. Byrold shrugged. Only one way to find out.

Taking a deep breath he marched over to the nearest warrior, a slim half elf dressed in white leather armor with a long bow slung over his shoulder. The guard watched him approach warily.

“I would like to apply for a position,” Byrold said, stopping in front of the fighter.

“You would, would you?” The Elf raised a delicate white eyebrow. His hair matched his armor, and Byrold wondered as to the vanity of such a warrior.

“I have a sword, and I know how to use it,” he said in way of reply.

The guard pointed to a large man in chain mail armor. “Best speak to Forex then. He leads us.”

Byrold nodded and marched up to the headman, who was busy bawling orders, emphasizing his commands by shaking the great axe he clutched in his right hand. He waited for a moment, admiring the commander’s huge bush-like beard as he did so. It crawled down his front like it was trying to escape.

Eventually, just as he was about to say something, the man turned to face him. The force of his gaze alone nearly knocked the king back, but he stayed his ground, and even managed a slight nod. “I wish to speak to the leader of the guards about a position. The white half-elf said that was you.”

The giant man leaned on his axe and looked Byrold up and down with deliberate care, eyes lingering a moment on the sword.

“You look like a farmer,” he said eventually.

Byrold shrugged. “I ran foul of some… unfortunate events in the recent past,” he said. Then deciding that a little bravado wouldn’t go amiss added: “You should see the other fellows.”

Forex nodded and possibly even smiled, though it was hard to tell under his mass of facial hair. “Very well, I won’t deny I could use more men, ‘specially with ‘it’ joining us soon.” He looked around. “Gorer! Get your worthless hide over here, we’re going to have an audition!”

It was Byrold’s turn to raise an eyebrow, but only for a moment. A test of skill was something he should have expected. He turned to see another man approach. The newcomer was not quite as large as the guard commander, but he certainly towered over the king. The size was about the only semblance. Instead of the commander’s chain mail, the guard wore a rough brown studded leather tunic, which came down to his knees, incidentally reaching the top of the black boots he wore. A well worn broadsword swung at his hip.

“What we ‘ave ‘ere then boss?” Gorer eyed Byrold in a decidedly un-friendly way. “Dealing with farmers now is we?”

“This young lad wants to join our merry band,” Forex gestured at the king. “Care to test his metal? Take care not to wound him too badly though.”

Byrold narrowed his eyes, but didn’t respond, choosing to examine his unexpected opponent instead. No doubt the commander had chosen Gorer for a reason, perhaps because of his intimidating looks. Still, Byrold reasoned, one dressed so roughly may well be less skilled. Surely someone good with his sword would have finer apparel.

He stepped back as the other fighters made a circle, along with most of the caravan crew. They were obviously a crude lot, used to a hard life on dangerous roads. Byrold had no doubt they wouldn’t lose much sleep if a stranger’s blood was shed. He would have to be careful.

The impromptu arena was soon ready, and Forex stepped into the middle of the circle, beckoning the two opponents to come closer. “Come on you two, step forward. Stop that mumbling lad, prayers won’t help you now. That’s better.” He faced the two men. “This is a simple test of skill. I don’t want any serious injury or death. Fight until I command stop, or one of you yields. Am I clear?”

Gorer spat and nodded. “Crystal.”

“The rules are acceptable,” replied Byrold in a more dignified tone.

“What’s your name lad?” Asked the commander. “Accidents happen you know, and I would want to be able to carve your moniker on a stone or something.”

“I am, er… Eldembar,” said Byrold, using his almost unknown middle name. These men could possibly have heard of Meeks, though the link was tenuous indeed. Still, better safe than sorry.

“Well Eldembar… fight!” Forex stepped backwards quickly.

It was almost over before it began. Gorer drew his blade and, with a loud roar, leapt forward with speed that Byrold wouldn’t have thought possible for one of such bulk. He hadn’t even drawn his own weapon. Leaping to one side he avoided the crude slash only by rolling in the dirt, which brought forth laughter from the onlookers.

Not a good start, Byrold thought to himself, as he continued his roll to avoid a possible follow up strike. He needn’t have worried; Gorer was still looking surprised that he had missed.

The king bounced to his feet, pulling his sword from the sheath in one fluent motion. He briefly glimpsed Forex staring at the weapon, but quickly drew his attention back to the more pressing concern, which was Gorer’s second attack.

Which was much like the first one. A crude but strong overhead swing, accompanied by a lion’s cry.

Byrold ignored the shout, as he had been taught long ago by Hark. ‘Such noises serve to distract the untrained,’ his old mentor had said. ‘Put them out of your mind and watch what the opponent is doing.’

This advice was easy enough to follow, and Byrold skipped nimbly to one side, sidestepping the swing, though alert for some kind of ruse. None was forthcoming. A third charge by Gorer, and a third swing, this time a horizontal slash at waist level.

Byrold blocked the blow with his blade, the impact numbing his grip and nearly causing him to drop the sword. He made a face.

“Like that did ya?” Growled Gorer. “Well there’s more where that came from!” So saying he launched a flurry of attacks in quick succession, all of which Byrold either blocked or dodged completely.

“Stand still and fight like a man!” Shouted his enemy, frustrated at the king’s constant evasion.

Byrold merely smiled a cool smile, and jumped backwards to avoid another clumsy swipe. This time though, instead of retreating further, he hopped forward, thrusting the point of the sword ahead of him, aiming for Gorer’s leg.

He missed through bad luck. Gorer stumbled and the king’s attack went wide of the target, piercing the man’s side.

“Aarrrg!” Gorer roared as Byrold withdrew his weapon. “He wounds me!”

Byrold had backed off, and was about to turn to Forex to explain when he was cut short. Gorer, now frothing at the mouth, went berserk. He attacks, strong and wild before, were now doubly so, and it was all the king could do to remain unscathed.

Backing off and parrying for all he was worth, Byrold began to sweat. His opponent would get in a lucky hit soon, unless he did something. Up to now he had been on the defensive, not taking the few opportunities to strike because he didn’t wish to seriously injure the other guard. Now he was forced to acknowledge his life was in real danger.

Ducking clean under a swing, he attacked low, cutting at the berserker’s side in a neat slice. The sword bit deep, and dark blood spurted from the wound. Gorer staggered a moment, but then to Byrold’s horror and amazement, continued his attack.

The king was forced on the defensive once more. This time though, he didn’t restrain himself. He used his openings and struck where he could, pushing back when possible. Finally he gained enough room to carry out his reserve plan. His duel with Brone had given him the idea of using his magic as a backup, and he had been taught to use any advantage he could. Making a quick gesture with his left hand, he completed the spell he had started before the fight. A simple telekinetic ‘tug’.

Gorer fell over, apparently tripping over his own feet. Byrold was ready, and his blade was at the berserker’s throat before he could recover. “Yield!” He cried, panting hard.

For a moment it was touch and go, and Byrold was afraid he would have to run the man through, but slowly Gorer subsided, dropping his sword and flopping back into the dirt.

“Well done! Well done indeed!” Forex strode over and clapped the king on the back, nearly knocking him down. “Someone get Gorer some bandages, help him back to his caravan!”

Byrold looked around in a daze, then for something to wipe the blood off his sword.

Forex held out a rag. “Use this,” he said.

Byrold, no Eldembar now he reminded himself, wiped the blade clean. “Thank-you,” he said.

“That was some fight,” Forex steered the king over towards one of the wagons. “I was going to stop it when you wounded him, Gorer can be lethal when enraged, but you seemed to be handling yourself well enough. Perhaps a bit lucky at the end though, eh?”

Eldembar didn’t rise to the inquiring tone in the commander’s voice. “Indeed,” he replied. “I take it I have passed your test, or do I have to recover a couple of Hydra heads too?”

Forex laughed then, a loud and deep sound. “No lad, I would say you can hold your own.”

“Will he be alright? He took some nasty cuts.”

“Gorer? Yes, one reason I use him for this sort of thing. His berserker body heals fast and well. He will be up in a day or so.” The leader looked about and called to the half-elf Byrold had met before. “Hey Whitey, get over here and show our new boy around. I have to make ready, we head into Charredal as soon as our guest arrives.”

The king absorbed this information as he followed the white elf towards another wagon.

>

“Hey, Eldembar, you will want to see this.” Whitey stuck his head through the door in the back of the caravan.

Byrold looked up from where he was sitting on his bunk. Forex had supplied him with some leather armor, to be taken out of his pay he had been warned, and the king was attempting to trim it down to size when the half-elf had interrupted. Several other guards were snoring in bunks crammed into the small cabin.

Putting down the leather with sigh, Byrold stood up and strapped his sword on before climbing out into the evening gloom.

The camp was quiet. Most of the caravan crew were resting. Forex had made it clear they would be moving off once their mysterious guest was present, whatever time that would be. Hence they had prepared a basic but filling meal, which Byrold had had two helping of, and then settled down to wait.

Whitey was standing near the horses. He gestured at him to approach, and Byrold did, walking quietly up to where the half-elf was standing. “What is it?” He whispered.

“Look,” the elf replied, pointing. “Our guest.”

Byrold looked and gasped. Standing outside the garrison gates was Forex and a smaller figure. The two humans weren’t what commanded the king’s attention though. Another shape, distinct even in the evening light, dominated his focus.

It was as tall as a horse, and nearly twice as long. The upright part of its torso was almost human shaped, though it was black as the night. Four sets of long thin arms sprouted out of the side, ending in strange looking finger-like claws. The head was unnaturally large, and feelers of some kind waved back and forth above the hairless scalp. Eight small red eyes glared out over an obscene black gash that it had in place of a mouth.

Byrold eyes traveled down, to the main part of the body, which was attached to the upper half centaur style. This was no half-horse being though. Black chitin, scaled and overlapping for flexibility covered most of the main torso, which resembled a centipede out of nightmares. It had six main legs, each the width of a man’s thigh, with joints that bent in un-natural angles as the creature rested its body on the ground. A wicked looking tail tapered off into what appeared to be a scorpion like sting.

“A Centic,” breathed Whitey. “And our guest.”

“What is it doing here?” Asked the king, his eyes fixed on the almost legendary creature. “I thought they never left their homeland.”

“It has been to see the People’s Council, according to Forex. Now it travels down to the dark wizard lands. That’s all I know. It can’t bode well though.”

Byrold muttered a few words under his breath, using a simple cantrip to enhance his hearing. Suddenly the smallest of sounds grew loud in his ears. He focused his attention on the three figures ahead of him, noticing for the first time that the smaller one beside Forex was a young woman.

“…payment does not cover the additional dangers your presence will bring,” Forex was saying to the giant insect.

“The People’s Council of Vestrel has guaranteed safe passage through the Wall,” the Centic replied. Its voice was a strange airy one, though perfectly understandable. “Beyond these lands the Dark Wizard country will be no more threat than they usually are, with or without me. My presence here has been a carefully kept secret. Besides, we are at war with no-one.”

“This may change soon, from what I hear,” said Forex. “Word from the east is that the dragons, the trolls and the elves are massing on your borders. Why do you think I am not traveling into Iswyle like I usually do? War is coming to the Fractured lands.”

“We are not concerned with the actions of a few young species. Our forces will deal readily enough with any invaders, should they be foolish enough to encroach onto our territory. Indeed, their corpses will host a new generation of eggs.”

The woman next to Forex shuddered visibly at this, and spoke for the first time. “Still, it seems you may have enemies. Enemies that could put our expedition in more danger than usual.”

“Bah! You warm bloods and your obsession with gold!” The Centic hissed. “Very well! Another bag of metal, to be added to the first. Will this satisfy your greed?”

Forex nodded. “It’ll do for a start. Come on then, we need to get going.”

Byrold jerked. “They are coming back!” He said, nearly deafening himself in the process. He cancelled his hearing spell.

Whitey looked at him in surprise. “You have the ears of an elf my friend.” He looked up. “Still, you are right. Back now, quickly!”

The two sloped quickly off into the dark.

>

Byrold hung onto the back of the wagon and looked out into the night. There was nothing to see. They had long since past beyond the village, and were well into the country once again. The convoy moved in darkness, trundling slowly along the road to the south. He peered backwards. Somewhere to the rear was the Centic, moving easily with the caravan, those six strangely jointed legs scuttling along like something out of most people’s nightmares.

What was the creature doing? Byrold tried to think things through as he bounced through the night. Forex had said that Iswyle, Glormp and Etherial were going to attack Centic. Was that true? If so, what would Yroth do? Presumably Eldra was running the place in his stead. He sighed. Knowing the ambitions of his step-mother, she would either join the assault, or try and take advantage of the situation in some other way. In any case, the situation looked precarious.

There was a general slowing, which brought the whole caravan to a crawl. They had hardly been moving fast in the first place. Byrold leaned over and looked around the side of the carriage. Ahead was a line of light. Torches, strung out into the hills, as far as the eye could see. The dim illumination lit up the Wall. He raised his eyebrows in surprise. No wonder Vestrel boasted about this thing. It was monstrous, towering high overhead. If this truly ran the length of the border, it was a formidable defense indeed.

The Wall grew larger as they approached. After a brief stop, no doubt to clear their passage with the guards, the wagons rolled on. Byrold gaped as his rumbled through the massive gate, through the fortress passage of the barrier, and out the other side. Into the dark lands of Charredal, the land of the Necromancers. Squinting out into the blackness, Byrold couldn’t see any difference.

The convoy kept going. Only stopping when the horses were laboring, exhausted from pulling all day and night too. The wagons formed a circle, and camp was broken, though no fires were lit.

Byrold was eating from a tin bowl he had been given when Forex approached him. “As a newcomer you take middle watch,” he grunted, before disappearing once more.

Sighing, the king finished his meal. He visited the hastily dug latrine, then stumbled into his small bunk and into a dreamless sleep…

>

…to be woken two seconds later by rough hands. “You’re on,” a gruff voice said, before passing by to wake others.

Trying to keep his eyes open, Byrold stumbled forth, pausing only to retrieve his crown, wrapped in the bundle of his old farmer clothes. He couldn’t risk leaving it here where someone may find it. A shadowy figure of another guard led him to his post, where a dwarf he hadn’t seen before gave a brief salute. “All quiet,” the short warrior said, and departed back to camp.

Byrold yawned and flapped his arms about, trying to keep warm and awake. His area was on top of a small rise, near a small copse of bushes. He moved to one side, near a tree, for cover and found a stone to sit on. The rock was suitably uncomfortable, which would keep him awake.

He settled back and waited, pondering the situation he now found himself in.

Time went by. Nothing stirred.

Eventually the king felt the call of nature, and stood up stiffly. He moved into the nearby bushes, and was about to relieve himself when he heard something. He ducked down, peering through the branches.

Someone was moving slowly away from the camp! Stepping carefully out of the bush, he crept through the dark, hand on his sword.

There! A shape! It was a person he was sure. They were crawling along the ground slowly, heading out into the country. Byrold pushed himself against his tree and waited, watching as the figure moved near. It past his position without noticing him. Tensing, Byrold drew his sword and leapt out.

“Hold!” He said. “What the? What are you doing here?”

“Please! Please don’t call the guards!” The young woman that Byrold had seen talking to the Centic rolled over on to her back.

Byrold frowned, his sword held ready, but he didn’t shout. “Explain yourself.”

“Listen, I can’t tell you everything, but I must get away. I must warn people about the Centic!”

“So you are a spy? Who are you working for?” Byrold moved his sword slightly.

The woman, who was very attractive the young king couldn’t help noticing, looked left and right in desperation.

“Listen, come with me! I can help you. You want money? I can get it. I have connections, but I can’t explain here. I must hurry. You can come with me. Trust me, I have information that could help against the Centic. What do you say?”

Byrold held his sword firm. This was interesting. Here was obviously some kind of agent. But who was she working for? And what was her agenda? He had to get back to Yroth, perhaps she could help with that. Of course, an enemy would be delighted to get their hands on him.

A night bird leapt into the night with a low moan, making him jump. Below his sword, the woman watched him, her life in his hands...


>>>>>>

Okay, finally made it. Sorry for the delay.

What to do? Let’s hear it folks, and… Happy Xmas!

<<<<<<

[JezSharp]

Hmm, very interesting.

Regarding the spy, I'm guessing she is from or works for Iswyle as spying is one of their specialist areas. In which case if she knows a way over the border, going with her would be a good plan. It may well be easier to pass into Yroth through Iswyle than through Charredal. On the other hand if the merchant caravan is going to head into Mordor or Yroth then that is probably a safer but less interesting option.

[LordoftheNight]

I don't see anything to gain by going with her. Of course, she might help him get back, but she could just as easily betray him.

The merchants he's with right now have no reason to suspect him, and he can simply slip away from them later. Currently he's making friends with the group - Whitey didn't have to show him the Centic, but did so anyways.

Of course, that doesn't mean he has any need to bring the woman in, apart from earning credit with Forex. So yeah - take her to Forax, showing that he's loyal to the caravan. Stay with them until a better oppurtunity presents itself.

[Pattern]

Alright, I haven't had time to read this chapter yet chinaren, but I'm printing it right now so I can read it when I get the time.

In the last chapter you asked how many pages it was, I printed from chapter 4 - 8.5 on paper, and it was about 6-8 pages a chapter. So... over 30 pages.

I'll get reading this chapter when I can.

[DELETED]

DELETED

[dinranwen]

f5 to Lordy. Take her to the captin. It makes no sense to leave with her, especially when you don't who she is, where she is from, and what she really wants.

Besides, leaving your post is never a good thing, no matter what happens, and might be seen as betrayal, also not a good idea.

[solus.serpen]

Hmmm, Interesting chapter, China! I liked it :mad:
Heeheehee.

Well, I think it might be safer to stay with the caravan people for now.
Are we certain that she is going to die should he take her back to the camp?
If not, I think it is worth the risk. Either that or let her go, but definitely not to go with her! Wandering around, even with a companion, is not really what I would like to do in such a dark and dismal land!
Ah well, that was a novel path to take - I think it would have made more sense to follow the wall round until he got to Iswyle and try and pass through the gate there. Then pass through there to Yroth.

~Solus

[Jack_D.Mented]

Coolness.

I'd say turn her in. Now.

The risk of helping her far outweighs the benefit.

[Mother Goose]

I agree with everybody else. Just because she's young, pretty, and of his race, doesn't mean she's trustworthy - she's a spy! He did accept employment as a guard; is he going to run off with the first challenge to his guardianship? Take her to the captain!

[D-Lotus]

Now that was a good chapter. Especially the Centic. The Centic was awesome. Perhaps the DP would have been better if you had explained more about the girl and where she's going, though.

Thinking as Byrold, I would not see any reason to follow her- all she's offering is money. Of course, she could lead Byrold through Iswyle to Yroth, but we don't really know if she's from Iswyle.

Of course, I don't think Byrold is very sympathetic to the Centic, and he is a compassionate dude (he didn't kill the traitor, instead turned him into animal), or at least he seems so to me, so I'm not sure he would tell on the girl. Before he can make judgment, he must find out more.

Tell her to reveal everything or he'll turn her in. After all, she's not in a very good position right now, and if Byrold turns her in, they'll find out everything anyway. So tell her its her only choice. If she is from Iswyle as we suspect, and she can guarantee true protection and passage to Yroth, then go with her.

[Kalanna Rai]

I agree with D-Lotus. You've got to find out more information before making a decision. I wouldn't let the girl go just yet, but I also wouldn't turn her in without knowing all the facts. He's got no love for the Centic but he's also got no reason to ditch the caravan...he's got to make a wise choice base on ALL the information.

[Pattern]

Printed this chapter out and it was 9 pages, except the 9th page was just the last part of your comment not the actual story.

I really enjoyed this chapter china, especially when he had to fight Gorer. It was cool how you made his character sort of rage, very enjoyable.

As for the decision, I would say to maybe find a little more information first. If I were Byrold, I'd be quite afraid of the Centic from the description you gave. Very well put. I think that he should somehow find more information, maybe talk to the girl, and if she says something too hard to believe try to research into it.

I agree with D-Lotus on how Byrold is compassionate and should somehow trick her into telling all the truth of what she knows, or maybe use some magic we have not seen yet (but is not too complicated since he is not that experienced at magic) to find out more, or persuade her or something. Keep the chapters comin'!

[Argonaut]

I don't understand why anyone thinks she's from Iswyle simply because she is a spy. Iswyle is populated with lizard people, and every country has spies. In any case I'm inclined to go with the spy even though it's the least safe option. Of course that's mostly because I think it would be more interesting, but I guess not necessarily what Byrold would do.

No, I think like my previous suggestions, what Byrold need is information. The more he knows about what is really going on the better of he'll be. It's looking to me like the Centic are going to be the real main conflict of this story, so I think he needs to find out what the girl knows. If he needs to capture her so be it, but he can't let her get killed, especially if she's only trying to warn the other races of some Centic plot.

[shadowofthetiger]

Nice story here, china, and might I say, congrats on winning the SGotM for October. Good show!

SotT

P.S. Cant wait for the next chap!

[Kalanna Rai]

Indeed, I'm eagerly awaiting the next chappy myself...*pulls out a Where's Waldo book that has been converted for use for China*

[Masterweaver]

I'd f5 rai, but I've been banned from making simply "that's cool" comments.

So instead, for my trditional (if somewhat cheesy) response:

Throw in a giant chicken.

[LordoftheNight]

China would like to point out here that he is still alive, just currently unable to access IF properly. (Blame the Chinese internet - all sites outside China are so slow they're practically non-existant).

[Pattern]

well, I hope china gets his internet soon because I'm afraid of forgetting the whole story when chapter ten comes out.

[Key]

I just got email from chinaren and he says he won't be able to get access for at least another week, possibly longer. But he asked me to put up a poll in the meantime.

So I did.

:-)

[Key]

Tie vote - looking for some more voters...

[Chinaren]

OKay then, poll is closed. Thanks for all the votes people, and your patience in waiting for the next chapter.

I will review the story so far, with all my information and stuff and start work on the next part...

[D-Lotus]

Wohoo! Winner option! :D

[Chinaren]

Despite the fact I am quite drunk, I have finally started the next chapter of LaL. Hopefully it will be out soon. Thank-you once again for your paitience.

[The White Blacksmith]

[quote="chinaren"]Despite the fact I am quite drunk [quote]

Have you been to another one of those 'parties' Chinny? *sighs*

[Chinaren]

okay, the next chapter is going up in a few minutes, at long last, so locking this one down.