It had been maybe: one and a half years since Arthur had set foot on this newly discovered land, and yet, he was already preparing to return home. The last leg of their journey along the regularly travelled roads was mostly uneventful, as the kingdoms were incentivized to protect the major trade lines. Thankfully, the caravan guards allowed him to join their hunts and patrols, giving him a chance to challenge the occasional bandit or wild beast to ease his restlessness.
God had clearly shone favorably on their group, as Arne had just docked his large trading ship a mile or so offshore just as they arrived in town. Although their skin had tanned over the months exposed to the harsh sun and the priests looked far more tired than when they had left, their former sea captain immediately recognized them. It was relatively simple to secure passage back to Portugal and Arne knew of a few ships that regularly sailed towards England. He would make the necessary introductions required to get his remaining delegation back home. All for a fee that Victoria would easily cover.
In the evenings, Arne and his officers would often seek out Victoria and Leo to exchange stories of their travels or lament the fall in efficiency of the port. Apparently Kahina's presence with-in the docks, though minor, did ease the workload of many senior positions. Her proactive approach to work had resolved many of the problems they faced before they surfaced into something larger. Often using the weight of her master to prod the less-productive managers to act certain tasks. While one or two people had noticed the fall in efficiency with-in a few days and had asked around for their former contact, it took several months to realize the flow on effect one person leaving had on their collective work.
The few merchants who noticed the impact that her diplomacy had on the docks, immediately started approaching her when a few people spotted her walking the city streets. Several had offered to buy her from Victoria, ironically through Kahina, only to find that she had been freed months prior. Many, including Arne, had offered to hire her at a very competitive rate. However, she had declined and instead wished to travel north towards Mecca with her former client.
All too soon the night before their departure had arrived, signaling the end of their long and arduous trip. Jaali's mercenaries had completed their contract, with Victoria choosing not to renew it for her return to the Songhai Empire. She had been invited to continue with their previous caravan back to the border, so she no longer needed their protection in if they needed to linger as part of the church's investigation. The merchant from Timbuktu was awaiting their return, having already seen profits from trading with the supernatural.
Jaali, along with his mercenaries, arrived at their lodgings near sunset. Victoria had summoned them for one last time, giving Kahina and her familiars a chance to say goodbye before going their separate ways. Only Victoria and their priests were not invited, either due to their own cultural prejudices or their own professional ethics. They were escorted by the native warriors to the equivalent of a tavern, where good food and palm wine flowed freely.
Despite the supernatural dangers they had faced during their tenure, all of the mercenaries mostly praised their experience with them. If they ignored the attitudes of the three priests, each of their members was an ideal client. Without resistance, they had followed to their commands, fairly divided the camping duties and treated them as more than expendable muscle. Compared to other merchants, whose ego far surpassed the priests, they were extremely hospitable. They had become close to Kahina, whose talents as an intermediary resolved many issues before they had arisen.
Jaali had actually been the first person to approach Kahina with a job offer just before town, having seen the value of her social skills. Leaving her to deal with the clients, while his team focused on keeping them alive, would dramatically improve their morale and efficiency. She had politely declined, wishing to see the wider world with her newly found mentor instead of working in the area surrounding her former home. Marka and Amne had both tried asking her to reconsider, but both were politely turned down. All knew that she deeply appreciated the offer but saw a different direction for her future.
During the festivities Arthur pulled Kahina aside for a quiet chat, to a series of lecherous cheers from Jaali's men. A quick shake of the head quickly deflated the cheers to mocking jeers. “I know I will see you again tomorrow before we set sail, but I wanted to give you this.” Arthur said as he took off his hand crafted wooden cross and placed it into her hands. “You probably don't know the meaning behind this symbol, but I pray it will protect you in your journey as it has protected me. Your road will be long and filled with turmoil, at least you have a capable Shepard to guide the way.”
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“The LORD is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall lack.” He said, placing a gentle hand on the cross he had placed in her palms. “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me to tranquil streams. He restores my soul, guiding me in paths of righteousness so that his name may be glorified. Even though I wander through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are at my side, with your rod and your staff that comfort me. Psalms, Chapter 23.” Tears formed as Kahina embraced Arthur, thanking him for the gift. She likely knew the emotional weight of the idol, even if she lacked the religious understanding, and that it was something priceless to him.
“Thank you, Arthur.” She said, carefully placing the cross around her neck. “I also bought something for you.” From under her boubloveous* she produced a small metallic blade. “I had this commissioned from the iron works a few days ago. The iron workers had it blessed by a follower of Ogun, the Orisha of War. Given your... tendency to … eagerly… engage in combat, I thought this would be fitting.” While it most certainly went against his church's teachings, it considerably moved him. The blade was not merely a heretical object, rather it was a meaningful gift that was tailored to his lifestyle.
It was now his turn to embrace the translator, the small, sheathed dagger still in his hand. When he had a chance to examine the blade, he found it to be a basic, yet well forged weapon. The iron knife was slightly smaller than the ones back home, with green, black and red ribbons interwoven on the handle. On the base of the blade was a strange symbol that resembled a lattice of rhombuses which ended in palm fronds. He assumed it was the marking was that of Ogun, something that he would later commit to memory.
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Arthur returned late into the night, partially welcomed by Victoria who had stayed behind to silently write notes with-in a leather-bound book. She had nearly reached the end of bound book, the quill scratching some final notes. “Ah, you are still awake.” He said, still feeling the effects of palm wine. “I wanted to speak with you before we left.” Victoria quietly finished what she had been working on, Closing it with a gentle touch.
“Despite your vast contributions in this trip...” He started, trying to find the words that he was not used to making. “I don't think that I can officially thank you in any capacity, even if you have an Angel endorsing you. Even so, thank you. You helped us gather information, kept the pious priests in line and have generally been an integral part of this mission's success. I know that you are not of our faith, but God has blessed us with your presence, guiding us on the right path.” She simply nodded in reply, “It was a pleasure working with you.”
“I also should pass on the words of: Benedict, Crispin and Peregrine.” He said, taking a seat beside her. “Each one wanted me to pass on their... appreciation for your dedication to the mission.” While the sentiments were technically true, their pride turned their begrudging feelings of gratitude into demeaning religious insults. A single eyebrow twitched with doubt but was suppressed and merely accepted as truth.
“This is for you” she said, handing over the small book she had been working on. “This is my own summary and notes from the journey. It was not part of our agreement, but I am sure that it will be appreciated by Nicholas.” Her rather unique world view, which was most certainly heretical, was far more likely to contain information that was practical as opposed to the more sensationalized writings of the priests.
Arthur extended his hand, which was in turn firmly grasped by Victoria. “This... thank you.” It was unusual for her to do such a thing, going beyond what was needed. Likely it was due to his partial acceptance of her, even if he drew the line at offering up his own blood. This acknowledgement of her 'humanity', or at least her symbiotic lifestyle, likely contributed to her parting gift. Unlike Kahina, who was technically a neutral party, offering the blessings of a God whose followers disdained her existence would only be seen as insulting. “I will sing your praises on my return; you deserve nothing less for your efforts.”
Grabbing a stool, Arthur sat down to have his last late-night discussion with the vampire. Over the last year or more, they often debated the nature of the supernatural in the late hours of the night. It mostly involved Arthur pitching hypothetical strategies had against known, and unknown, foes from their own experiences. Victoria would often listen and point out flaws or alternative approaches, often favoring strategies which minimized risks as opposed to the risky gambits that he preferred.
-
With the early morning sun shining on the bay, Arne and Arthur loaded the last of the cargo onto the row boats. The priests, practically jumping at the chance to leave the continent, had boarded the first vessel they could. Kahina, along with the Niqab wearing familiars, standing on the pier to see them off. Shouting their final good-byes as he floated further and further away towards the Arne's ship.