“The Arterian ‘military’ is split into three distinctive branches though they all serve overlapping purposes and there are a multitude of sub-units. First there is the Red Guard, a fancy name for Arterian guardsmen or city watch, mainly known for the red uniforms, kinda plain, but given the city’s importance to trade, they’re a notch above even some regular army troops in certain nations. What does become more special is the Trinity Corps, more akin to what one might envision adventurers to be. The Trinites operate at the discretion of Arteria’s council and are elite fighters, archers and mages in equal measure, hence the name. The Clover Legion, known more colloquially as ‘the floral guard’ might be the most interesting of the bunch, formed during the Dark Tide era. They were rumoured to have stayed in the line alongside the local outlanders and who had been inspired to fight to the bitter end amongst a field of four leaf clovers, or so the legend goes. Monster hunters, rangers, scouts, apostate mages, the legion’s traditions hold that all who succeed their trials may join, as long as they vow to serve the legion.”
- Prince Julian Montroi, “Arterian Military Achievements - Chapter 2: Unit Designations and Branches.”
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Sophie forced down the remains of the dry, stale bread. Thankful that the few bites of jerky at least added some flavour as she swallowed the pasty mess in her mouth. They couldn't afford to start fires so brazenly with just the two of them, so she gingerly added a single nut to break the monotony of chewing bread. Every crunch and mushy bite made her regret her choices a little bit more and she distracted herself by looking at her companion.
Aryana, on the other hand, seemed absolutely unperturbed by the lackluster meal, happily munching away as she set her sights on every tree or leaf that seemed different to her. The redhead occasionally twiddled with her braid, only looking surprised whenever she caught Sophie’s wandering gaze and quickly returned to eating, a sheepish look on her face. I’m not that scary…am I?
Sophie watched with increasing horror as Aryana shoved the last bits of bread in her mouth, her cheeks puffing up like a squirrel as she struggled to chew. The bread’s dry as a brick, why would anyone ever do that? Her questions went unanswered as the girl eyed something nearby and made to grab it before freezing mid motion, her head slowly turning back towards Sophie.
“Ran eye wet war.” Aryana mumbled with her mouth full.
Sophie was slightly mortified. Her every instinct that she learned back at the estate about dining manners made her twitch. Holding back her tongue, she pinched her nose and sighed. “Maybe finish eating first.”
Looking a little bit like a child that got told off, Aryana sheepishly chewed her food and gulped it down before pointing back at the horse.
“Can I get more?” The redhead asked after a tiny hiccup.
At that, Sophie was fully struck by terror, the half elf nodding in fear at the voracious appetite on display. Aryana threw a slightly ashamed smile in response and began rummaging through the saddlebag. Seeing the girl search for food however, did bring a modicum of calm to her mind, for it seemed almost normal.
Sophie turned her attention back down the old forest road. The darkness was interspersed by the moonlight on the path ahead. She could see the bend twist and turn up ahead, and her heart beat a little faster at the thought. We should be cresting the last hill in the morning, we’ll be in the Arterian foothills and probably the plains by midday, we’re so close. Just wait a little longer Eva, I’ll be there soon.
“Wuth wuff you fink abut?” Aryana asked with another mouthful.
Sophie sighed and shook her head in dismay at the sight, but gestured for Aryana to take a seat regardless. “Just wondering what happens next. I’m…” She paused before frowning at the redhead.
“Wuh?” The target in question queried.
“Shouldn’t you... eat a little slower?”
Aryana pretended not to hear her and quickly wolfed down the bite, only looking back when she had swallowed the mouthful of food.
“I… oof… I don’t know what you mean.” Aryana coughed.
“It’s just… we’ll be in the city soon, and if we’re lucky, the academy as well. It’d do good for you to be a bit… more mindful… with your manners.” Sophie lectured, but grimaced slightly at her own words. Saints help me, I sound like Hilda.
“Sorry.” The redhead lowered her head.
Sophie just let out a small yawn and turned her eyes to their warhorse, the creature just uncaring of the duo though still flicking its ears here and there, alert for any sudden noises. Paranoid as any good inquisitor ought to be. Though I wonder if Taurox and the church have something planned for me? She shuddered at the thought, nothing good, I bet.
“It’s fine.” She finally spoke up, regaining the redhead’s attention, “It’s just… I worry about how people will see you.” And how they will see Eva if she gets associated with us. She kept the unspoken part to herself.
“Hmm,” Aryana tilted her head, “I’ll keep it in mind.”
“That’s all I ask.” Sophie rescinded half heartedly, her mind already distracted by worries about the future. What happens to Aryana and the others? Are they joining me at the academy? Are they going to be students? I doubt they’ll become maids like me, though I don’t even know if I could do that anymore given everything that happened. I wonder if Eva is doing alright? What if she’s already replaced me? She wouldn’t, right?
“Sophie.” Aryana called to her, the redhead’s brows wrinkled in contemplation.
“Huh? Yeah?”
“Go sleep.”
“Sure… what?” Sophie’s brows knitted in confusion, “What do you mean? Why?”
“Your face.”
“My face?”
“You’re thinking about something, you look angry. Also tired, very tired.” Aryana stated matter of factly.
Tired? Angry? I don’t look angry when I think…right? It can’t be? “It’s fine. Really, I can-” She began before she was cut off.
“Rest first. You’ve protected me enough this trip. For now, go get rest and I’ll take first watch. You seem like you’ll need your energy soon enough.” Aryana pursed her lips.
“Huh? But-”
“Sophie. Please. Let me do this for you. I…I don’t know how to express my thanks for you guys not leaving me behind. I’m scared. I was scared, like really really scared…but you guys came for me. So I-”
“Aryana.” Sophie quickly interjected, seeing the redhead was once again jittering with nervousness.
“Y-yes?”
“You’re okay now. I’ve got you, and so does Anna. So please, don’t be afraid.”
Aryana seemed to shrink slightly, though her muscles did relax a little. “Okay.” The redhead softly whispered.
Sophie flashed her a slight smile and feigned an exaggerated yawn, drawing the redhead’s gaze and giving the girl a nod.
“If you so desire, then fine. Take the first watch, I don’t mind.” Sophie said.
“R-really?! I mean of course!” Aryana quickly flipped her mood.
“Just don’t go wandering off while I sleep, okay?”
“Of course not!” The girl complained shrilly.
“Okay, okay.” Sophie smiled, more genuinely this time, “In that case I’ll take a little nap.” She stretched her arms and got up to wander over to a relatively clean looking tree, settling back down as Aryana anxiously watched on. “See? I’ll be right here.”
“Uhn.” Aryana affirmed.
Sophie let out a small giggle at how enthused the girl now seemed and waved, “Good night.”
“Ah!” Aryana yelped in surprise, “G-good night!”
With that, Sophie leaned back and relaxed, letting out a deep sigh and letting one last thought roam across her mind, onwards to Arteria. Settling semi comfortably against the tree, she gave her body permission to finally surrender itself to fatigue.
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
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The sun hadn’t even risen when they had to part ways with the warhorse, Taurox’s sigil on its armour glowing softly as an indication that it was being recalled. Sophie had hurriedly unloaded most of their supplies before the mount left, the two bidding it a quick farewell before it galloped away. Maybe Taurox though we’d have crossed the border sooner, fuck. Was it because I let us just nap on the side of the road? Damn.
Unfortunately for the duo, that mishap of time management meant they had to now lug more than a few dozen extra pounds each.They were only mildly thankful that most of their camping equipment and other supplies traveled with the main caravan, a small consolation prize in not having to lug it by foot. Still, as Sophie glimpsed the setting moonlight she reasoned they weren’t far from daybreak, and though their speed had more than halved, as long as they kept it up they would reach the crest by the afternoon at the latest.
She was a tad groggy from the panicked awakening she received when Aryana had shaken her awake with fear in her eyes. To only discover that it was the warhorse being recalled brought a momentary relief before that emotion too was overtaken by the panic of needing to unload the supplies. Though Sophie did beat herself up a little at having overslept, she couldn’t help but feel a little miffed at her companion, Aryana didn’t just take the first watch, she took first, second and third. On some levels though she did offer a silent thanks. Her body and mind was still barely recovered from everything that happened in Melisgrad.
“Sophie.”
“Uh..hmm?” Sophie snapped out of her thoughts.
“How far did we have to go?” Aryana asked cheekily.
“Like I said before, until we crest the hill we shouldn’t be too relaxed.”
“But how far is it?”
“When the forest ends and the plains begin.”
“Mmm.” Aryana grumbled.
“What? Are you tired already?” Sophie asked.
“Of course not. I’ve lived in the Frostwinds my whole life, this is easy.” Aryana thudded her chest.
“That’s what you said the last five times you asked.”
“I know! But I just-”
“Miss riding a horse, so you want to be done with walking. I get it.”
“Grrr.”
Sophie nodded at the girl’s growl, checking off the sixth time they’d repeated the conversation. On one hand, she understood the excitement that could come from riding horses, especially in that the Frostwinders likely wouldn’t have the capabilities to so reliably raise horses. On the other hand, despite the large warhorse offering more stability, Sophie could still feel her stomach churn just a little bit more every time she rode a horse. How everyone can so casually ride without psyching themselves out is beyond me.
Even if she was technically the more experienced one at adventuring and traveling like this, she had to admit, Aryana adapted effortlessly. Her life in the Frostwinds likely adapted her to harsh weather conditions and the loneliness of the wilderness, whilst building up her knowledgeable survival skills. Compared to Sophie herself, she was just glad nothing they did recently required any demonstration of her actual wilderness survival skills, for she had none.
The two continued their hike up the hill, the twilight hours fading into daybreak as the moon seemed to finally set. The darkened greenery lightened up with life as little arrows of orange pierced through the treeline. The demented screeching of monkeys and hoots of owls turned into silence as the creatures of the day slowly filled the hills with their own cacophony. Another night had uneventfully passed and Sophie was almost thankful for the fact, when her ears perked up at a rustle.
She thought nothing of it when another rustle, now closer, came from ahead and she quickly sprung into action. She wordlessly pushed Aryana behind a tree, the girl barely having enough time to let out a surprised “oh” before Sophie clamped her hand over her mouth. Sophie quickly motioned for silence and listened again, a few more rustles coming from the brush ahead of them. Aryana’s eyes widened as Sophie moved to hold her sword’s hilt, ready to draw when necessary.
“Halt, who goes there! We’ve already seen the two of you duck behind the trees, no use hiding.” A heavy voice barked from up the road.
Her hands tightened around her sword, the sweat starting to coat her palm. Fuck, I knew I heard something. She steadied her breath and turned towards Aryana. “Aryana, if something happens, run.” She hissed.
“I…what? What do you mean?” Aryana asked nervously.
“I’m going to figure out who's there, if they aren’t friendly, I’ll hold them back and you'll run. Got it?”
“W-wait…but-”
Sophie left no room for questions, she stepped back out onto the road, her hands held up above her waist, her palms facing forward yet ready to draw the sword if necessary.
“I’m coming out.” She announced to no one in particular, her muscles tensing as she swore she could hear bowstrings being drawn.
“Where’s the other?” The voice barked.
“And who are you?” Sophie snapped back.
“No need to get testy now…” The voice argued, but Sophie could hear it drop lower, just beyond comprehension as it talked to a few others. Shit, there’s definitely more than a few out here, are we surrounded? If they fire I’ll have to jump left into the trees, then…maybe just run? I think-
“I-I’m coming out too.” A shaky voice announced from behind her.
Sophie could barely hold back her sigh upon hearing the redhead’s footsteps on the dirt road, the nervous gait in her step as she formed up behind Sophie. So much for saving her if things go wrong.
A small smattering of voices came from ahead, and as the two waited the first voice finally addressed them once more.
“Are you two familiar with a Ryo or Analyst?” The heavy voice asked.
Hearing that, Sophie turned to Aryana and both of them sighed in relief.
“Yeah, we’re with them.” Sophie declared, “Also it’s pronounced Annalise.” She added snarkily.
A burst of activity exploded from the treeline, cloaked figures hustling forward within both sides of the treeline, three bravely presenting themselves on the road even as more rustling came from deeper in the forest. Shit, we were surrounded. Damn good thing they’re the good guys…I think.
“Save your sarcasm for yourself. We’re rangers of the sixth company. We’ve been expecting you. Your companions informed the border guards a day ago. We’ve been told there should also be a minotaur?” The central cloaked man with a heavy voice stated.
Sophie shared a look with Aryana, the girl looking marginally less frightened now. Satisfied, she turned back to the guards and started lowering her hands to a rest. “He’s back at Foreach rallying templars and the guard. We ran into some orc troubles along the way, and found an entire colony of them in the caves.”
“Templars? Church business after all…” A quiet murmur came from the left most of the rangers.
“Hold up. Madam, did you say orcs from a cave? Did you encounter goblins as well?” Heavy voice asked.
“Aye, there were loads of them as well.” Sophie answered.
The rangers seemed to huddle and confer amongst themselves for a moment before bringing their attention back on the duo, “Regardless, many thanks for the information. We’ve thought the goblin menace cleared after the adventurers and guard struck their cave but evidently not.” The man nodded before pointing at them, “Now, approach slowly, you might’ve gathered that we’ve got you watched from all angles, so no use trying to run.” Heavy voice casually warned.
Sophie just shrugged and beckoned for Aryana to follow, the man was right about one thing, no use trying to run now. The duo shuffled closer and she could hear the movement of bushes around them as presumably more rangers adopted a wide arc around the road.
“Sophie, I’m scared.” Aryana whispered.
“Too late now.” Sophie tutted, much to the redhead’s displeasure.
Once they were within conversation range, the rangers too seemed to relax a little more, their cowls still blocking most of their face besides their eyes. Heavy voice had blue eyes, though unlike Sophie’s own, his was paler, lighter and certainly far less lustrous compared to her jeweled orbs. Perhaps sensing the gaze upon him, the man turned to offer a furtive bow to the duo.
“Pardon the frosty reception, few travelers are willing take this path and we must ascertain your intentions first. At least neither of you don’t seem to bear any ill intent.” The man paused and looked them up and down, as if studying the threat the duo posed before nodding to his subordinates who slowly moved to the side. “Off you go then, we’re just to acknowledge your arrival and assess the situation.” He ordered before stopping them once more, “Hmmm...a moment please, how far back was this cave entrance?”
“Two days by horse at least, past a stream and up a mountain pathway. Err...you’d have to ask Tau-the minotaur for better directions. I just followed him.” Sophie replied.
The man’s eyes seemed skeptical and Sophie noticed how he turned to Aryana who only quietly nodded in confirmation. Having seen the redhead nod, the man sighed to his comrades, “Two days by horse…piece of piss, that’s Ascaran lands isn't it?”
“Yeah. You reckon we go infiltrate in and out? We could…” The other ranger began before pausing and pointing at the duo with his head.
Heavy turned back over and just waved them along, “Alright, we’re done here. Enough listening, you two. Keep moving then, and make sure to register your arrival at the checkpoint.” Heavy voice rudely dismissed them, turning back to his companions without as much as a glance.
Sophie just rolled her eyes and gave Aryana’s sleeve a tug, urging the still confused girl ahead. Together they pushed forward, meeting a few more straggling rangers who ran down the road ahead of them, only a few cursory glances spared before the mysterious band of troopers joined up with their comrades.
The duo kept deathly silent until they finally passed a few bends and the rangers were definitely out of sight, the rustling sounds nearby less heavy and likely just forest animals once more. Sophie swallowed her doubts and turned to find the redhead had gripped her sleeve in a vice grip. The girl’s pale hands turned another shade paler from the effort, her mop of red hair huddled low as she stared at the ground.
“There, there. We’re safe now… I’m relatively sure.” Sophie reassured her.
“Relatively?” The redhead mumbled.
“They haven’t shot us yet. It’s pretty painful, you know. Getting shot by an arrow.”
“I…I guess…but…wait, you got shot by an arrow?” Aryana perked back up, the curiosity managing to push through the fear.
Sophie just hummed her affirmation and pointed at where she remembered her old wound was, giving it a solid pat. “Right here, in fact. Oh! Got stabbed here too.” Sophie tapped her chest.
She noticed the girl’s green eyes filled with a glimmer of awe and her grip loosened slightly, her focus now thrown back onto Sophie.
“We’ve got about an hour’s left and we’ll be in the region of Arteria officially. So if you could... keep smiling at me till then, I’ll tell you all about it. No fun ranting to someone who won’t look me in the eye.” Sophie teased.
Aryana shot a small scowl at her, but relented and matched Sophie’s pace as they hiked forward, the hints of a smile slowly showing off the dimples on her cheeks. Sophie quietly sighed in exhaustion. She knew Aryana’s nerves were still a little frayed from their encounter with the orcs, but trying to lift people’s spirits had never been Sophie’s strong suit, much less socialising. Still, it brought her some peace of mind to have the girl be at ease. Poor company means poor travel, and I’m thankful that Annalise and the others have always been at my side. Aryana deserves as much, I think.
“It’s actually how Annalise and I met, you know? She said they, her former party that is, were hunting some bandits in the Mistveil…” And Sophie began retelling her tale once more as they marched forward, together. I'm allowed to embellish a little... am I not?