Aiden notched his bow and wheeled around to face the voice.
It was the face of Marshal, Captain of the Hailgrad, who sat upon a horse. His black hair was slicked back and he had a proud grin on his face.
The group looked around frantically for a company of soldiers bearing down on them. They held up their weapons and shields that they had gotten from the guards, but no assault came to them. It appeared that the captain was all alone here in the field.
“You are not bringing us back,” Aiden said firmly with his bow still fixed upon Marshal.
“We have to go,” Maeve said. “I know you do not believe us, but it is true. We have to stop them before it is too late. We have to do it for all our sakes.”
Marshal raised his hand. The group drew back, ready for a command to call riders to surround them. The captain only laughed and shook his head.
“Who would have thought that escaping from prison would lead to a jumpy bunch,” he said in jest. “Odd company for you all to keep. We suspected that one to be a dark mage that betrayed the White Hand, but you now travel with him. How am I supposed to think that you are not in on this whole conspiracy?”
Desmond looked at Markel and rolled his eyes, “A necessary evil to reach a common goal.”
“Hey now, we never discussed terms upon our escape,” Markel said with his hands up.
Cynthia grabbed him and said, “What, you think you would just leave?"
“Uh, well, I suppose yes I did,” Markel shrugged. “You needed me, and now we are even.”
“Ah yes, after you helped an order of dark mages capture the item they needed to take over the kingdom and bring everything to ruin. Yes, we are definitely even,” Aiden scoffed.
Captain Marshal coughed to get the group’s attention back to him. They all stopped their bickering in an instant and looked at the man atop his horse.
“You are not at all curious why I am alone?” Marshal asked.
The group all looked at one another and shrugged. Then, Maeve spoke, “Why don’t you simply tell us."
“Well,” Marshal said, “I do not know what to think about you all. To be honest, I would normally agree with what General Harold has been saying. You are all too involved in your ancient texts and doctrine that your orders should be disbanded.”
“zoo, you think we are crazy?” Aiden asked.
“Not crazy,” Marshal said. “But I do have my doubts that a greater conspiracy is at work.”
“Why are you here alone?” Nia cut in.
Marshal studied each of them carefully. He looked at Maeve. Her face was determined, with her black hair tied back in a tight braid. Desmond looked with a face filled with worry at the captain. His arms were crossed as he looked from Marshal to Markel. Aiden had lowered his bow, but his eyes were still untrusting. Cynthia held Markel’s arm with a stern face as Markel looked about, plotting to bolt at his first chance. Nia stood nervously, looking at Marshal.
“I am here alone because I have to believe you,” the captain said with a sigh.
“Have to?” Maeve asked.
“Look,” he said. “If I am wrong, then Harold and his army will be right behind me. They will take you in, and you will get the justice that you deserve. However, if my trusting you is right, and you are telling the truth, then there is a threat out there. It is a threat that is far greater than any that our kingdom has faced since possibly its founding."
“So you're coming with us?” Aiden asked. “Not what I would have guessed, but I suppose it is better than taking you out right here on this field.
“You could try,” Marshal said of the smile. “Many of tried, but none have succeeded yet.”
“That is all well and good,” Cynthia said. “But how are we going to get out of here? I imagine if you knew where we would be then Harold and his soldiers would not be far behind. We have to move with haste.”
“Where are we going to anyway?” Maeve asked. “We had only thought about escaping. Our heading after was the last thing on my mind."
“What about the goblins?” Nia asked.
“What are you talking? What about the goblins, they are gone,” Aiden said.
“What about goblins?” Marshal asked. “Are you talking about your servants in Hailgrad?”
“No,” Desmond said. “There were goblins that helped to assault the spire in Javailty.”
“That was not in any of the reports,” Marshal added. “No one saw any goblins leaving the spire after it fell.”
“When the mages turned on the White Hand, a legion of goblins came out of the sewer grates,” Nia explained. She shuddered as she thought about the attack. “Maybe that is our next clue. Maybe they are down in the sewers. If we go down there, we might find a path leading to their stronghold.”
Markel shook his head, “No, they are not down there.”
The group all looked at him curiously. The traitor was quiet as he looked out to the West. To Desmond, it seemed that he was anxious to get away as quickly as he could.
“So you know where they are?” Desmond asked. “You know how we can find them?”
Markel looked at each of them cautiously. He studied all of their faces. It seemed to them that he was trying to determine if he could trust them. On the other hand, he might have been thinking about whether he could betray this group when the time was right.
“If I did know where they were, could you guarantee my safety?” he asked.
“What do you mean guarantee your safety?” Marshal asked. “If you are truly a part of a group of dark Mage, justice will come to you. If you decide to help us, it may help your case at the end of this.”
Markel’s face grew more worrisome as he said, “If I lead you to them, could we come to a deal?”
“What sort of deal?” Marshal asked with his face hardening.
Markel shrugged, “An opportunity to start a new life somewhere? It is clear that two outcomes lay before us. Either they will win and defeat your people, or you will win and defeat them. No matter what, if it were to come out that I helped you, I would have no place among them, and likewise, now that you know that I have betrayed my kind, I do not have a place among all of you. No matter how I look at this, I ruined everything. The only hope I have is for a fresh start somewhere else."
The defenders looked over to Marshal for this decision. The captain stared hard at the traitorous mage from the White Hand. Desmond tries to guess what is going on in the captain’s mind.
He has a lot at stake, he thought. He looks lost and not sure who to trust. I cannot say that I blame him. This is an impossible situation.
Finally, the captain shrugged and said, “If everything that you all say is true, and you help us to capture these traitors to the kingdom, then you might find some redemption. I cannot say you can walk away without any reproductions, but we could try to work something out.”
Markel paused for a moment as he thought one final time about whether or not to give up his fellow mages. Then, he took out a small parchment within his robes and unrolled it. It was a map of the Western parts of Hailgalad. There is a small mountain range a bit southwest of Javailty. The map had a path traveling westward from Javailty to the mountain range. It ended at a red circle.
Mark pointed at the circle and said, “They are here. It is the same cave that Astrid and the other mages were assigned to go and investigate a few months ago.”
“That cave where the goblins were capturing people and sacrificing them to Dyurkan?” Nia asked.
Markel nodded, “After they went missing for some time, I was sent with a few other mages to find them. When we went into the cave system, we quickly became lost. Goblins shamed us, and we were captured in short order. After a few days in the darkness, Astrid was able to turn us by convincing us that bringing back the power of Dyurkan was in the best interest of everyone. She told us that they had plans for a grand reformation, but they were not ready yet. She urged us to go back to the White Hand and to report that nothing was found at the scene. That way, she had more time to finish whatever plans she had brewing in those dark places. Evidently, that included obtaining the artifact that your group had found not long after.”
“Great," Aiden said. “We have our order without our leader. A new recruit who is still a kid. Then, we have the traitorous mage to lead us to their den of the enemies. Now we have a captain in the Royal Army of Hailgalad turning sides to help us escape from capture by that same army.”
Desmond slapped the ranger's shoulder and smiled, “Seems like a recipe for a grand adventure, Aiden.”
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
Cynthia looked around the seas of grass that stretched as far as they could see, "The only thing that I do remember about adventures, however, is that they span long distances. Given the fact that Marshal says that Harold's army should not be far away from us, we are going to need some horses. Does anyone have any ideas on how we can get a few of those?”
“Well,” Marshal said. “I have that covered,”
The captain gave a high whistle. Quickly after they could hear the galloping of hooves. Then six horses who were fully settled and laden with provisions ran up to the companions.
Marshal smiled, “Like I said, I thought that I would find the six of you here.”
“We are grateful,” Maeve said. “Grateful that at least someone listened to us. All we needed was someone to make a leap of faith.”
“More than a chance,” Marshal said. “If this does not turn out, I suspect that I might find myself in a cell right next to all of you. But if that happens, at the very least I can rest easy making sure no stone is left unturned. What is more, something tells me that we will need you all if we find something there.”
Maeve grunted in frustration as she went through the pack on her horse.
“What is the matter?” Marshal asked.
“I was hoping that you have taken our weapons back. We are going to be needing them,” she said.
“Sorry, they were being held in the palace armory. I did not have time to grab them, but I see you have some from the guards. I have also gathered a few additional swords,” Marshal said and he presented one and tossed it to Maeve. “They are not as special as your own, but they will have to do.”
“Well,” Markel said as he mounted one of the horses. It was a strong steed that was black as midnight. It snorted and reared its legs into the air as Markel pulled at its reins. “It looks like we are in this together. We better get moving”
“He is right,” Marshal said as he looked around nervously. “We have already waited here too long. Let move out.”
***
The group rode west across the vast expanse of the Fields of Aeros. The flat way forward helped the company make quick time across the grassy seas. When they had started their journey, the day was already old. In short order, the sun went low and let out an orange haze. The warm glow of the dying light enveloped the land.
They passed along a series of back roads that ran beside small clusters of homes and pastures. Their horses were sure-footed as they leaped over babbling brooks and the uneven terrain.
Marshal was adamant that they took the back ways.
Whatever time we might gain on the main road, the scouts of the royal army will find us that much faster, he told them when they started out.
The group moved with all the haste that they could muster. After a few hours of pushing their steeds to their fullest extent, Desmond let up a bit.
“Shall we make camp?” Desmond asked. He had to yell over the loud clopping of the horses. “We still have a long way to those mountains. We could maybe reach them by tomorrow night, but there is not much more we can do today.”
Aiden nodded, “Especially after the day we had, I think saving the world can wait.”
Markel looked behind his shoulder anxiously, as did Cynthia and Nia.
“We should probably keep going,” Markel said nervously. “If that army catches us before we can make it to the mountains, then this is all for nothing. Our adventure will be over before it starts. They will catch us, and they will drag us back to the jail. We will all truly be criminals at that point. We will not get an audience with any governor, or the King and queen. They put us away for good."
“I thought you were fine in that cell,” Nia said as she stared daggers at her old friend. “I thought the great and powerful Astrid would save you. If we get taken back and everything you said comes true, they will never know you tried to betray them.”
“Quiet,” Markel said with a roll of his eyes. “You know I am right.”
“Marshal,” Maeve asked. “What do you think? Do we power through the night or do we take a break?”
Marshal brought his horse to a stop. She looked to the West and then back to the East. He also seemed to be conflicted about what they should do. Then he spoke to the group.
"We should take a rest for the night,” he finally said. “General Harold's host will take some time to organize. He may bring out a few companies of scouts to start, but with the chaos in that city, gathering up soldiers will be difficult. Many of them are busy working long hours to clean up the wreckage that you all caused.”
“He caused,” Aiden cut in.
“Whatever it may be,” Marshal said sternly. “I think we could risk resting tonight. We will have to eventually rest the horses. They cannot go on forever.”
The group all agreed and dismounted their horses in a small clearing. Cynthia started a fire using some of the lumber that Marshal had already packed onto one of the horses. In no time, the seven companions were warming themselves around a roaring blaze. Crickets chirped as the wind gently blew through the tall grass.
“You really thought of everything huh?” Maeve said as she took out a strip of dried meat.
“Like I said,” Marshal shrugged. “I had a feeling that this might have happened. Besides, these are the horses of the company that I brought from Hailgalad. We already had most of these provisions stocked up in the case of making camp, but we ended up pushing through. We made it to Javailty just in time for your little light show over at the spire. After we got your group into the cell, I had a strange feeling that you might try to escape, so I waited outside the jail and made my wait to the cave exit when you locked up the guards.”
“Hm,” Cynthia said as she munched on a strip of meat. “You are either an idiot or have some gifts of clairvoyance.”
Marshal only smiled as he leaned back on a stone.
“Well, whichever it is, we thank you for it,” Aiden said as he munched on a bit heinbrood.
As the group was busy eating, Desmond took off his golden chest plate of armor. The weight off of him was welcomed as he dropped back onto his bedroll with a sigh. The paladin’s back was cold from the sweat on his tunic, and his breath slowed and body relaxed. In a matter of moments, he was breathing easily, and his eyelids almost instantly became heavy as he scanned the night sky.
“It has been a long time since I have been out of the city,” Nia said. “The stars seem to be endless are the blades of grass in these fields.”
Desmond smiled and breathed in deeply as he smelled the fragrant fumes coming from the campfire.
“Despite everything we have had to go through right now, this is quite a peaceful moment,” he sighed.
“You mean besides the murderous mages that are trying to take over the world? Not to mention the army that without a doubt amassing behind us. Yes, this is quite comfortable and quite cozy. We should do it again more often,” Aiden said with a chuckle.
“How large of a host can Harold muster in this short of a time?” Markel asked nervously.
“Why are you afraid of your little group getting squashed?” Cynthia said with a smile as she took another bite of her meat.
Maeve was busy pouring her and Nia some tea that she had just finished boiling on the fire.
“Quiet,” Markel said as he put his hand up to reject her offer of the team. He angrily flopped back onto his bedroll.
“Well,” Marshal said thoughtfully. “In Javailty, they do have quite a large garrison stationed there. I think in this amount of time, given everything that has happened in the city, and the size of their army, I would say four thousand. He could probably have that many soldiers riding out of the city by nightfall tonight. I imagine that is about the number that will be coming after us. Obviously, as a small group of seven, we will have speed on our hands. But make no mistake, he will ride his army hard and fast so they can keep up with us. We will not have much breathing room as we make the final sprints to these caves that you pointed us to.”
“Good, Cynthia said with a nod, “we will need them with what we will be facing when we get there.”
“Exactly my point,” Marshal said. “It was the only option. Either we catch you all at the end of the line, or we have a host of Hailgaladrian soldiers at our back to face these traitors.”
“So what are they trying to do over in those caves, Markel” Aiden asked. “Are they attempting to summon Dyurkan's power, or the god himself? What are they trying to do?”
Markel was solemn and quiet. The mage did not say anything. He only stroked his short brown beard as he looked up into the stars. The man was silent as he shifted uncomfortably.
“He does not even know,” Nia said. Anger flared in her as she stood up and pointed at Markel. “He betrayed us. He betrayed everything he knew for nothing. He does not even know what they want to do up there. He does not know what this power is or who Dyurkan is. I would bet that he had never even talked to Astrid about her plans in detail. Now, he finds himself lost and alone. Just a scare boy that turned against the people that gave him everything.”
“Pity me all you want,” Markel responded, “But the white hand was doing the world no favors. We lost touch with our people. We let chaos develop in our world. Now look at us, we ou arare a lost kingdom in a lost world that is filled with conflict. Ye right I am not sure if Dyurkan himself will be summoned, if that is even possible, or if his power will be summoned. What I do know is that I trust Astrid. I did speak with her for quite a long time, we all did. She explained her grand plan to bring order to this world and I have done my part to see that through.”
“And now you are helping us?” Aiden said. “Real sound actions you are taking."
“Our of necessity,” Markel scoffed.
Cynthia looked at Markel curiously as she said, “You know, you did show us that map. I am willing to bet we can find that cave on our own from here.”
Aiden smiled as she stood up, “Or we could just take that map now.”
Markel stood up and a ball of fire appeared in his hand. Aiden notched an arrow and raised it to the traitorous mage.
“Stop!” Maeve said as she stepped in between them.
“He will betray us the first chance he gets,” Aiden said.
“Maybe he his,” Maeve shouted to Aiden. “But we will deal with that when the time comes. I will tell you one thing for certain, we will not solve this with more killing. Only through mercy and honor will we win this fight. If we cannot keep that, then why even fight the evil.”
Aiden pulled his bowstring back and hardened his gaze at the mage. The fire in Markel’s hand swelled. After a moment, Aiden lowered his weapon and sighed.
“Sometimes, you paladins really get on my nerves,” the ranger said as he slumped back to the ground.
Maeve then stared at Markel, who slowly went back to his bedroll. After everyone was settled, she said, “Well, Graham put us together for a reason. We balance each other out.”
“I cannot wait to get the old man back,” Aiden said.
When everyone had settled down, Desmond turned to Markel, “It is all false, you know. If they are, in fact, dealing with Dyurkan you know that he will not share his power with you. That is if Astrid is not deceiving you to try and amass a following under the false promise of Dyurkan’s power.?
“We will see,” Markel said with a shrug. I do not know what the future holds, but I know that I will follow Astrid.”
After their discussion, the group all sat in silence. Each one of them was busy studying the starry night sky. They were lost in their thoughts that swirled with anxiety and doubt.
As the fire began to crumble down to coals, Marshal yawned, “Well, I do not know about the rest of you, but it is time I turn in. Oh, and if any of you are looking to escape on horseback, I will have you know that these horses are quite well-trained. None of them will leave the group without my order. If you decide to leave on foot, I can guarantee that the Royal Scouts will track you down.”
The group all looked at one another and especially to Markel with untrusting eyes.
“With that, get comfortable and get some rest because we have a long day of traveling tomorrow,” Marshal said.
Each of the companions laid back onto their bed rolls. Before long, they were fast asleep under the vast open skies under the Fields of Aeros.