They inspected the road and ground to either side. The merchant guards were standing watch, concern writ deep on their features. Biyu and May were ranging a bit beyond them looking for details. Lady Chelsea and Alan were inspecting the ruins of a carriage, and other Knights were looking at shattered paving stones. Women, children, and a few peasant men with no weapons, all huddled near their own carts. They were spooked, looking at the woods with fear. An incident had occurred here, and it was not bandits, brigands, or an accident of some kind.
May called out, "I still don't see any bodies over here, Master."
"Same," Biyu replied.
Biyu turned to look at the remains of the cart before attempting to backtrack to find traces at what should have been the source of the attack. She was digging into her tracking skills to find any hint of what had happened, but besides some footprints from scrambling Humans there was nothing much. Rain and wind from a storm last night had washed away the evidence. Still, there were small tracks heading into the woods north, and May fell in with her as she moved away from the road. She would watch Biyu's back as she had promised to.
Biyu stopped at a patch of dirt to stare. She waved May over for a look.
May said the crudest thing Biyu had heard from the woman yet. The peasants startled, then turned fearful eyes to learn what had alerted the two women while shuffling in the opposite direction. When Lady Chelsea and Alan came to see what had them excited, they stopped and stared with bitter expressions. A few peasants, guards, and Knights joined them, and they all stared into the dirt at what Biyu had found.
Sir Leon asked hopefully, "Minotaur?"
May shook her head. "Sorry, no. Need another guess, Sir Knight?"
Sir Stuart turned to look at the broken cart and dead oxen. "Why are there no bodies? There's no sign of injuries either. Why?"
Alan said, "Let's ask questions in West Pass. This attack might not be fresh, but the ogre might still be near."
"I was rather hoping no one would actually say it. Yer right, though. If there's an ogre we need Knights. Either we go on to West Pass, or back in Trade Town," Sir Leon said.
"I will track them." All eyes turned to Biyu. "I might find the lair and the people. And…" she looked at May for a long moment. "I can talk to Lily May over a distance. It is a technique I learned that I have not shared with her yet." Revealing this ability would leave May with more questions than answers, but it would allow her to provide intelligence on the ogre to the Orders. May was sworn to her, and those questions were a problem for another day. Ogres were too dangerous not to do all she could.
Lady Chelsea started organizing the caravan while Biyu took May aside to explain the 'technique' to her. Before Biyu could start explaining to May, her retainer said, "This is dangerous, Master. You shouldn't do this. Or, if you must, I should come with you."
"It will be track and observe only. No engagement. No entering choke points where I can be ambushed. I have a feeling this is important. I… have to do this." Biyu frowned and turned to that feeling, examining it, and tried to see the why of it. All she could find was a small core of undirected anger she did not understand.
As she explained the 'technique' to May, she reinforced May's blessing with a bit of the new energy she had gained from the Goblins. Biyu instructed May on prayer and communion, while her retainer seemed thunderstruck at being told to pray to her master. After May prayed for the first time, and Biyu turned it into communion, her incredulity turned into excitement.
"Gonna teach this to Anya too, Master?"
"No. She is under the protection of another god, and I do not wish to attract their attention." She considered a bit more. "Also, you are Oath sworn. While I am sure she would swear Oaths to me, I will not place that burden on her."
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Lady Biyu had left, and Lady Chelsea was finishing organizing the rest of the caravan when Anya came out from a cart and looked at them all with a stretch. "Find out what happened to the cart yet, Lady Chelsea?"
The Knights and May turned to look at her as she looked around. They tensed as she frowned, and winced when she asked, "Where is Lady Biyu?" All eyes turned to Lady Chelsea, leaving her retainer's question for her to answer. After a furious Anya returned to her cart, the caravan once more got underway to the next big city where there was an Order compound.
One of the men asked May. "So who was that woman? Not that Healer, the little one."
May was a little surprised that the man spoke to her. When Biyu was with them, they kept their distance. She supposed that did make sense, and it made her angry. So, she didn't think about it. "She's my Master. A wandering exiled noble Transcendent."
The man looked surprised, then thoughtful. "Well, the minstrel stories have them sometimes, but I always thought they was just stories. Maybe an unnamed Knight-Errant. Ya know?"
"She is the only wandering Transcendent I know, exiled noble or not, and I did my share of traveling."
The man gave a cheerful laugh. "I suppose that means she's a bit odd." He sobered. "Why'd she stay back, then? Can't imagine she's that powerful if she can't get her face fixed."
"She's one of them. In her Path, she wants to play the hero. Like in minstrel stories." To distract the nervous people, she regaled them people with the story Lady of Biyu rescuing her. That seemed to calm the peasants and commoners. Although she had already heard the story, Anya came to listen as well, even though she was still upset. By the time night had come, they were maybe a week away from West Pass by oxcart. Some of the people with them could easily outpace the cart, but with the threat of an ogre no one felt brave enough to run off alone.
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Biyu moved quietly through the woods, following the near non-existent trail. She had a few hours of daylight left, and she had decided at the outset she would take shelter for the night. This place was foreign to her, and she lacked experience navigating forests and brush safely in the dark. It was less about her personal safety, and more concern she might alert the ogre to her location if it was nearby in the dark.
As evening came, she stopped and waited to feel May's prayer. It came later than she expected. She could have been the one to reach out, but she wanted May to secure herself before contact. Making May suddenly catatonic might cause the frightened people to panic.
Master, May sent, are you alright?
Everything is fine my adorable cultist. I have stopped for the evening. I wanted to make sure you made yourself safe, so I waited for you. Currently, I may be safer than you are. I am one person in the woods. You are many people on a well traveled road.
There was a long pause before May responded, with more excitement than Biyu had expected, I am adorable, My Lady?
I was copying my Master.
May projected feigned tears in her response. Oh. My Master does not care for me. There has been nothing of concern so far. We are continuing to West Pass. To quicken the journey we will be traveling through the night. The peasants and commoners are taking turns sleeping in the cart, and we are resting the oxen as little as possible when necessary. Lady Chelsea has her servants switching with the peasants as well, so we are making good time.
I see. Thank you for accepting being my relay to them. Keep safe, May. I do not like to say this, but your life is more important. The ogre is not killing, as far as we can tell. Abandon the people if you must, and flee to the Order, Biyu replied.
Thank you for your concern, Master. And for joking with me. I hope we can do it more in the future. She paused. Before I go, how far does this communion go. Can we see each other? Or, you know, share memories? Can you force your way in? Would I know?
I have only communed with my friend before, so I have not tried fancier things. Also, I am stronger now than I was then. We can try it. Or do you want me to revoke it, afraid I will read your mind?
No, Master. I trust you.
Why trust me so much?
You've been honest, and I'm sworn to you. If I don't trust you, then what's the point? Also, I want you to feel like you can share your secrets with me. I do have bad news.
That is?
Anya is upset you left without seeing her first.
Biyu winced.
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In the morning, Biyu trailed after the large footprints and breaks in the brush. They were more obvious the further from the road she went, as though they no longer made the effort to hide their tracks. She kept her ears peeled, and took frequent breaks to survey the area for landmarks and hints of the enemy.
Until early afternoon she found nothing of note, which is when she found a devastated village. Huts were destroyed, the wooden walls collapsed in several places. A few watch towers, small stout affairs that did little more than allow one to look over the walls, were all collapsed.
Biyu rummaged through the wreckage, and there were signs of small scale fires. Broken weapons laid on the ground. There were no remains, but she found blood in a few places. There were a few trails leading from the village. Considering her options, she elected to report her findings and seek advice.
Finding a discreet place to hide, she reached out to May. After giving her the equivalent of a tap on the shoulder, she waited.
Yes Master? Communion began.
I will be trying something new. Please let me know if it works or not. At the affirmation she recalled all the landmarks she saw with rough directions from one to the next. Report received?
That was neat, Master. Received and understood. Is that all?
Biyu replied with the village and the notable damage. She found it interesting how she could annotate her memories for Lily May. I have found signs of people fleeing. Give me your opinion: Should I continue along the ogre's trail, or should I look for refugees?
One moment. The link severed. Biyu checked her surroundings, and chose to find a better spot. I asked, and Alan suggested you take two hours to look for refugees. If none are found, return to trailing the ogre. Don't follow any trails that lead back to the road. The others agreed. Anything else?
I miss you, May.
There were no words, just the feeling of a smile and happiness sent back.
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Biyu searched two trails, but both eventually turned toward the road before her time expired. She checked in again, and considered the sky. She had maybe four hours of daylight, but she would camp in two. Securing her campsite and preparing a meal would take some time, and she could not do the former before nighttime.
The trail of the ogre remained easy to follow, but she noticed that the trail branched. She checked each, and concluded she had reached its major trail. The path led east and north. She spent a half hour exploring each direction, keeping alert. Once in a while, she would even scent the air, looking for any new nuance other than earth, damp, and vegetation. Done, she looked for a secluded place hidden from the road to make her report.
Found a major path for the ogre, going north to east. Want to see it?
Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.
Yes, Master. I've been reviewing the stuff you showed me. It's still pretty clear. I think this is going to be a big deal! I mean, except I guess this stuff is all secret so we shouldn't tell anyone we can do this.
Call me Biyu.
… you've said that before, Master.
I would still rather you call me Biyu.
I can't! It's wrong, ya know? I'm just a merc girl you picked up, and you are an exiled Transcendent noble. So, ya know? There was a pause. Are you really exiled?
Biyu made a decision, and shared a little bit of her life with May from her perspective. First, a moment of study, and her desire to learn. Next, a moment of dance, and the joy of moving her body. She followed it with the leer of a tutor, and unwanted attention. After that, a moment free of her room, in the town, and the faces of the villagers full of lust, envy, or hatred. For the finish, she shared the trip to the swamp as clearly as she could recall, until Shishi appeared to her.
… well shit. Yeah, fine, Biyu. Dammit. Was she crying? Let's see, if you go north that should take you to some land supposedly no one lives on. Never been there, but I can't remember any roads all that close on any maps. East there's a buncha villages, and it meets back up with the road. I'll double-check. Don't wanna waste yer time. A few moments. Yeah, we all think north is good. We got a map out. Looks like there are supposed to be hills and ridges that way. Good place to hide things.
Thanks May.
Hesitation. Hey, Biyu? Is it safe to talk a little bit?
Biyu considered her surroundings. Ogre could pass by. I think I am safe from discovery, but I want to keep an eye out in case it comes this way.
Um, just real quick?
Biyu had a feeling it would be quicker to agree. She let the exasperation bleed through. Go ahead.
Embarrassment. So, you don't like hugs, right? Like, especially with the grabby hands thing?
Grabby hands happened a lot, yes.
Can you get used to it? Or like, get used to me doing it? And Anya.
Why?
Because I want to hug you right now, and I can't !
Biyu still had to tell May about the Elf village, and Indu. I will try to pretend you are someone I used to hug. Go ahead.
And then Biyu was hugged. Not just the pseudo-physical hug communions allowed, but with emotion too. May transmitted a wish for Biyu to be happy, and she felt herself collapse into it. Something in her relaxed, and it was like a muscle she never knew she possessed had suddenly unclenched for the first time in a long time. After a bit too long, Biyu commented, We should have done this after I got back.
With a grin, May replied, You think I'm not hugging my Biyu when I see you again?
Your Biyu? Anya will claw your eyes out. I must go.
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The man was staring at May with raised eyebrows. She was almost bawling a moment ago. "You alright?"
May replied, "Oh, Master just shared something personal."
People looked on with interest.
Lady Chelsea, on Anton's back, asked, "You trust Lady Biyu a lot, don't you?"
"She saved my life. And she let me tag along. I don'…" May blinked, then looked at her companions again. "I don't have anywhere else to go. My village is a dust hole mining town in the mountains, and I'm not going back except maybe to visit. I got friends in places, and they might help me out, but I have to get to'm, y'know? And we merchant guards are all over the place. No way am I traveling the roads alone, or sitting around waiting for a caravan with people that know me to just show up one day."
She sighed. "I owe Lady Biyu a lot, and she hasn't asked me for a thing. Hells, I might be her companion, but I need'er more than she needs me." She glanced at the other people. "First time I met her I told you about. She has had a cockup or two, yeah, but… she ain't weak. An' she ain't stupid. I know a secret or two of hers. Why? Because I had to, so I can convey her messages."
May turned to Lady Chelsea. "I know you people don'…t like all that poison stuff. Dishonorable and untrustworthy, and she is into that sneaky stabby stuff. Why she's out there in danger, and we all are… well, in danger, but trying to get away from it. I watched her kill Goblins from a tree. She just screams assassin an' maybe she is. But she sees ogre sign and her first thoughts is finding their lair. AND she sends me off, her companion, so we can let the Knights know."
Lady Chelsea sighed. "I admit she's not a bad sort. Quiet, mysterious, wears funny clothes, keeps secrets, and is far too reckless. Still, I'm sure she has her reasons."
Another man spoke up. "Her first instinct is to act. To remove the threat. Not a bad sort for a Transcendent hero, is she? And she doesn't just do it like some mindless minstrel hero, where you wonder how the man ain't dead." The man laughed. "Think she needs some more hands in her band?"
May gave a little shrug. "She isn't much for trust, ya know?"
A woman spoke up. "That… that is a good point. Is that why she's out here dressed like a peasant when she's a Transcendent exiled noble?"
May shrugged. "Her goal is to live life, and I guess this is her way of doing it. Just wander around, looking for things to do and people to meet, and not just guesting with nobs and ignoring the peasants."
"Yeah, but the mask…"
"That… that is its own thing. Hey, I've got a story about man who made fun of her wearin' a veil…"
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Biyu had strange dreams last night. They were dreams of terror, pain, and twisting shadows demanding vengeance for their tormentor. Sometimes she could make out faces twisted in torment and anger. Their eyes burned with black fire, and their voices screamed in rage. Their eyes bore into her, expectant, waiting, demanding. Biyu said a prayer on waking to Lord Nightmare, offering her only sweet roll in a futile effort to appease him. Afterwards, she checked the trail for signs of use in the night before providing May with her morning check in.
The trip was slower going, now that she was on a frequently used trail. She chose to parallel it from the woods, to reduce the likelihood of being spotted by the ogre rounding a bend unexpectedly. When she heard any new noises, she stopped and waited until she had either identified the source, or enough time passed without danger for her to risk moving forwards.
Biyu also made a point of informing them that she was spacing out her reports, since she perceived she was at greater risk if she was inattentive. She continued her journey throughout the day, only taking the time to eat meals.
In the early afternoon, Biyu heard a wail and something stumbling through foliage. She took cover immediately, and only when she was sure she was hidden did she peek out to take in the scene. Three large creatures were walking along a path. Behind them followed a long line of villagers: men, women and children. Some showed signs of injury, but none were bleeding.
Looking at the ogres, she was unable to tell their gender despite their nakedness. All three were over ten feet tall, and Biyu found she never understood just how tall that really was until faced with it. Their shoulders were half their height wide, and their muscles did not so much ripple beneath their skin as threaten to burst it open.
One was red with long black hair and dagger-like sharp teeth that prevented it from closing its mouth fully. Another was yellow and had a sheen of mucus on its skin. It made wet sounds as it breathed, and spat up thick phlegm to the side of the road. The last was green and completely bald. It had no eyes, and lifted its head to sniff the air. It paused a moment, and Biyu felt her stomach plummet. A scent tracker? Then it sneezed, and the column continued to Biyu's relief.
She watched the procession until it had left her sight, then waited until she could no longer hear them. They were heading the same direction she was. She waited, to see if there were stragglers. An hour later, when no more came, she reported. She gave May the entire memory of the procession.
I will continue tracking and perform recon. By priority: Where they lair and estimation of defenses, further confirmation of numbers, regular activities, confirmation of abilities if possible, and finally what they are doing with the villagers.
Are you sure, Biyu? Not too great a risk?
We already know there is more than one. We want to know if there are more. We also need to know about their hideout to make plans.
You aren't going to enter any caves, right?
Not unless I'm captured. They are not killing out of hand, so I hope the villagers are safe. I will not be able to rescue them safely. If they have a castle or manor, I'll try to get through the windows, but I'll use care.
Biyu waited.
I understand. I think you can stop now. We will arrive in another two days, and an army will be raised. No need to risk yourself further.
Biyu considered, then shook her head. No. This information is necessary. I believe there is something important we have yet to discover. I will use caution.
Biyu, will I know if something happens?
You will lose the blessing when I die. So, yes.
But I won't know if you are in trouble?
It really should only work the other way. Who wants to know their god is having a bad day?
Biyu…
No. But… we can see if that can change when I get back.
Okay.
Do you want to break your Oath? Maybe I can free you, Biyu asked.
No. This is fine, Biyu.
I want you to be happy.
I want you to be happy, too.
I will be contacting you less often. Mornings and evenings only, unless I have something important to report.
Got it. May the gods favor you.
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Biyu leaned against a tree in a copse. This area was rather awful for ranged observation, but it provided her with easy traversal for her. It was a bit surprising ogres would hide out here, because much of it was closely spaced trees full of vines and brambles. Green pervaded the small cleft between two adjoining ridges. There was the smell of water, but the ground was full of stones and rock and the earth itself was bare beneath shrubbery.
There was a tower hidden here, the sides covered in so much ivy that it looked like a poorly maintained giant topiary. She had done a brief look around from the trail, careful not to go anywhere easily visible, and now she was delivering a quick report. It was the middle of the night, but she would not wait until morning to report.
As she reached out to her 'cultist', she suddenly felt hands grab her and pull her down into communion. Biyu found herself staring at a scene she could not quite comprehend. Lips kissed hers passionately, and she heard moans and groans. Biyu pushed her way out of the grasping arms with a feel of disgust, and found herself looking at a completely naked Lily May. Behind her was a… well, she did know the mechanics, but the unexpected visage left her speechless. She willed distance between them, and gave Lily May a spiritual slap.
Blinking, Lily May became lucid. Staring at Biyu for a long moment, she suddenly panicked as understanding bloomed. The man disappeared, and May was clothed once more. Biyu was busy settling herself and smoothing her clothes. Her mask completely covered her face. May flinched at that, but she made no attempt to comfort her. With Lily May's lucidity, the dream faded away as did their physical projections.
I am… I'm sorry Master.
Later, Lily May. The woman flinched again at her full name. Biyu gave May a full account of how to reach the lair and what she had seen so far. Not much, since she prioritized reporting the location. Just a little look around, to get the lay of the land and pick a place to hide.
A wizard's tower? More minstrel stories come to life. There was a bitter humor to Lily May's words.
Biyu perked up. I never read those stories. I do not know how to find magic traps or surveillance. I will try to report back in the morning. If you do not hear from me by tomorrow evening assume I am incapacitated or captured. Do not reach out to me no matter what. Ignore me after the deadline. If there is a mage, we do not want him to use me against you.
Yes, Master.
May?
Hope. Yes?
Do you want to kiss me?
… I thought I was kissing a man. Two men was something really fun I did once, so I dream about it sometimes.
I see. I shall have to remember to tell everyone.
Nooooooo! Relief.
Biyu ended the communion, and she began to scout in earnest. She had yet to see the ogres at night, so that was when she moved despite her own discomfort. If she moved with the rustle of the wind, she had little fear of making unnatural sounds. She stayed high up in the trees where the tightly-knit branches made it easy to move. All she had to be careful about was that the branch could hold her weight.
Biyu took note of the quiet. Even the insects were muted, though there were still a few. There were frogs, but they silenced at every crack of a branch, most caused by squirrels running away from her in the trees. She hoped that would not give her away.
Most of the area was full of nothing but trees and brush. There was a small pond in the back, along one of the ridges. An overrun garden suggested that this was a relic that had been re-inhabited. The garden was poorly planned, as it would only get noon day sun at most.
With the vast overgrowth, there were trees with branches pressing up against the side of the tower, but the upper levels were above the treeline. After observation, Biyu elected to climb up the tower. She tested the heavy vines, and when it held her weight she climbed up to an arrow slit. There was no light within, but she could see that from a ways away. Instead, she listened and sniffed. There were no sounds or smells. Satisfied there was nothing there, she climbed to the next arrow slit up. Here she could glance into the structure and saw a spiraling stairway and an open floor. The lighting was still too weak to make out any more details. There was the faint hint of sleep, a few muted sobs, and the smell of Human waste that was left to sit too long.
Biyu climbed, but slowly. She was approaching a lit floor, and she made sure to be quiet. When she reached the floor, she looked in. Illuminated by candlelight, she made out another floor. Her breath caught at what she saw.
There was a middle-aged man, probably a peasant, kneeling in a circle drawn on the floor. A man in long robes, too elaborate for a rustic old tower, stood beside a table covered in books, papers, candles, and glowing gems. The man considered his book, then the circle. Satisfied, he raised up his hand and began chanting. There was a flash of light, and the peasant's flesh turned a putrid purple and sloughed off rotten bones. He collapsed into a mess, and the robed man gave out a perfunctory expletive.
The well-dressed man inspected a gem in the ritual circle which had started to glow with a soft light. He picked it up, inspected it, then tossed it into the pile. The Wizard or mage went to inspect the circle itself.
"Let's see, where is the problem? Is it this here? I could swear that part is right, but maybe I have to… Squibs, clean that garbage up." The yellow ogre stepped into the light, and began to lap up the mess and crunch the bones. The circle was perfectly unblemished when it was done, the man's remains gone.
Cold anger filled Biyu. Rage she had never felt before. She did her damnedest to clamp down on it, but she wanted to curse the man dead. A curse of such power that all his fortune would turn rotten, boiled grains would give him food poisoning, and he could break his nose on soft pillows. However, she did not do it. It would be stupid, and with his evident power it would not work. Instead, she stayed silent and watching. She waited, because she needed to see his face. She would burn it into her and May's minds so that they could ensure he died.
Biyu wanted to mark him, but she was sure a Wizard of his skill would be able to find the curse and trace it back to her. That was, if she could mark him to begin with. That was a risk she could not, would not take. His face came into the light, and her grin was feral as she left the tower. She would find a spot on the ridge over the tower to hide out before sunrise. She apologized to May for the moment of horror her retainer would witness. His face had to be remembered. He had to die. She knew it deep in her bones.
Then, once it was done, no one should remember it.