Minutes turned into hours, and those hours eventually turned into a whole day.
She couldn't have disappeared just like that, right? I said to myself time and time again.
It didn't strike me at first as I followed the winding dirt roads. But I was completely alone for the first time since I arrived in Aesir. I didn't pay much mind to that fact since I was so focused on tracking down Kye.
At first, I had high hopes I would catch up to her... After all, I was just behind her.
I tried following the tracks but lost the trail shortly after finding it... If that was her trail...
As the sun slowly began to set I set up camp a bit farther off the road. There was a small creek where I used to fill up my water supply as well as a place where Phinn can have a drink. When it comes to food Phinn was more than happy to nib on the grass. While I on the other hand had to be conservative...
I lost my bag and all the supplies I had in it. I had no maps nor identification on me, I still had the rifle and some ammunition for it though. A good way to scare off any would-be robbers...
Not to mention the wagon...
On the upside, I still had quite a few Gelders, though they won't be of much use here.
Unless of course, I try to return back over the Lydas.
Thinking about it, I did get what I sought after. I found out more than a few things about my past, for better or for worse. But the main concern I have now is that I have magical capabilities... And I am not so sure how that would pan out if they find out back home.
I can hide it, but it would be to the detriment of myself and mankind as a whole...
There is a whole layer of magic that can be used for the benefit of humanity...
Not to mention I had no identification or documents on me. I can't just rock up to the border and expect them to let me through.
Even if that were an option I don't want to just up and leave. I still wanted to mend things with Kye. She did keep me alive this whole time. And I consider her as a part of my family, sort of...
My mind is a jumbled mess of thoughts and ideas... But nothing concrete... I need to rest.
I can't find Kye by searching for her directly. I don't know this place all too well. All I know is that I am near the southern border. And one of the Turinian bridges should be close by, I think...
If anything I can try my luck there, maybe restock on some supplies then continue from then on. Hopefully running into Kye along the way. I'll avoid towns and villages for now... I can't risk running into another den of criminals...
----------------------------------------
The next morning was uneventful. I used the morning hours to forage around for anything I could, mostly berries, so I wouldn't starve. I didn't want to try hunting alone, I had experience with it but I couldn't risk using my gun, not yet at least. Too much noise...
After that, I got up on Phinn and began to ride to wherever the road would take me...
As I rode on for a few hours my mind wandered.
What if I did something different? What if we left as soon as we arrived at that damned place?
I finally saw something down the road. I quickly pushed everything else to the back of my mind.
A wagon, that is what I saw.
Looking more closely I saw that it was a human. He was middle-aged and looked ragged, though his cloak, greenish in color, was clean. He wore a gray tophat.
I approached the wagon, waving my hand I greeted the man sitting on it.
How isn't he melting in that? Gods almighty... The thought went through my mind, I was sweating in my button-up shirt...
„Hello! Do you speak Weserian by any chance?“ I asked.
The man nodded. „Ye, I do feller.“ He said in a typical northern accent. „How's can I be 'f service t'ya.“
„I am trying to find the bridge crossing back to the Human Realms if you can help me locate it?“ I asked.
„Ye, I knows where it is...“ He paused. „Just got me self back from it, see... Can't cross, they're babblin' 'bout some restrictions. And, feller, you got t'see the shanty town that popped up near the bridge. The devils rocked up and occupied the place!“ He said.
„I... I don't understand. Restrictions? Devils?“ I asked.
„Aye, sorry 'bout that. The Elves, you didn't see 'em come like a rat plague 'cross the border? They yap 'bout some monsters or whatever. Wit' the 'mount 'f'devils arrivin' I reckon they made the right call, innit?“ He explained.
„I guess, yeah. I saw a few of them as well, heard the same thing. You know anything else about that, by the way?“ I said.
„Nah... I read no papers in a month, just word of mouth, see.“ He said.
„I see, if they restricted this crossing don't you think they are doing the same on the other ones?“ I replied.
„Nah, can't tell, feller. But I can try my luck, see. The army's angsty, that's all I can tell ya, I reckon this'll blow over in a few weeks, tops.“ He said.
„Right, anyway...“
„Aye, ye, the crossings thataway“ He pointed from where he came from. „'Bout an hours ride, then turn right on the road. There's a sign, can't miss the darn thing. You's gonna be there in less if that nag's quick, see. Though don't think they'll let ya through, see.“ He said.
„Alright, thank you, safe travels.“ I replied
The man tipped his hat. „Aye, to ya as well, feller. Gods be with ye.“
He smacked the reins of the horses and he was off at a leisurely pace. I didn't want to push Phinn too hard but I needed to be there as quickly as possible, at least before sundown. Though I had more than enough time... I had a sense of urgency in me.
With a light gallop Phinn and I began going down the road.
----------------------------------------
I knew I was close, though that right turn didn't appear just yet, I had seen a few signs indicating I was nearing the crossing.
But then I saw something that confirmed entirely that I was close.
I saw the lines of wagons next to the road as I passed by.
Elves.
They made the wagons into makeshift dwellings. I saw a few use basic spells to unload some of the wagons. Though those spells from what I've learned are known by most Elves... I also learned that with magic you can use anything as a weapon.
I understood why we humans expelled them all those centuries ago...
As I stared, they stared back at me. Their faces were neutral and indifferent. That is when it hit me.
Even the most basic spell can be weaponized. Magic was for most of history the most effective weapon against both nature and foe.
From what are they running?
I shuddered for a moment before I forced my eyes to return to the front.
After a few minutes of passing by what was essentially a refugee camp, I finally caught sight of the right turn with a big sign with writing saying – YEAN L'AVANCHE CROSSING – In both Turinian and Weserian
Turning right the lines of wagons continued, but as I was getting closer to the bridge itself I saw that their numbers slowly thinned out until just before the fortification on this side of the Lydas. There was a large empty clearing, made for better visibility I would guess, it was the same on the last crossing I took. I saw watchtowers in the distance and small shapes that were undoubtedly soldiers manning the walls.
The fort looked new and the presence of the military was a lot more apparent. I couldn't tell if this was how it always looked or if it was something new that transpired. Guessing from what I saw the last time I was at a crossing I would guess the situation is the same on all bridges.
There was a stop and search some ways before the gates of the fort itself. There were two soldiers in Turinian military uniforms standing guard. I noticed there was an assortment of barricades in the clearing... I saw some soldiers patrolling the clearing as well.
I stopped to think about how I'd approach this. I had no documents on me, but I am human... For the most part. And I look like a human. But they could also think I am a bandit or something.
A lone armed man on horseback coming from a no man's land during a crisis no less...
I couldn't cross, that's for sure.
I decided to approach and do my best... What could possibly go wrong? The worst they can do is arrest me.
I slowly approached the post. I had my rifle slung around my shoulder, hoping that that would signal to them I was not a threat.
Upon seeing they raised their rifles at me, shouting something in Turinian.
„Hey, hey! I'm human! Don't worry!“ I shouted.
„Get off your horse and drop the weapon on the ground!“ One of them shouted back.
„Alright, alright!“ I responded.
I slowly got off the horse and placed the rifle on the ground.
„Approach, slowly!“ One of them shouted at me again.
With my arms raised I slowly stepped toward them.
When I got close enough one of them lowered his rifle and got up close. He slung his rifle back.
„Hands up.“ He said.
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I raised my hands and arms completely. He patted me down.
Once he was done, he nodded to the other soldier who then lowered his rifle.
„What do you want?“ The soldier asked me.
„I just want to cross back home if that's at all possible?“ I said.
„Papers?“ He asked me.
I sighed.
„I lost them...“ I said.
„Then, I am afraid you can't cross.“ He replied.
„Can I at least go in to buy some supplies at the very least?“
„No.“ He said.
„Listen, I-I am lost. I shouldn't be here and I need to go back home. I am from Weser and I am a student at Weser Polytechnic.“ I said, trying to get some sympathy from the soldier.
He simply stared at me with a blank expression and shook his head.
„Please... At least to buy supplies. You've got shops in there I know that.“ I said.
The soldier shook his head again.
I sighed and nodded. Turning back to get the rifle and get on Phinn again.
Then the other soldier said something in Turinian, I understood two words, Weser Polytechnika. After a brief exchange between the soldiers the one I talked said – „Stop, stop.“
I turned around.
„He says his brother goes to that university. Alanez, do you know him?“ He said.
„I- ugh...“ I stammered „It sounds familiar, do you know the surname by any chance?“ I asked.
„Lagadec is the surname.“ He replied.
„Ughh... Ohhh! Yeah! I shared a few classes with him!“ I lied.
The first soldier translated to the other, they exchanged a few words.
„He asks if you can name the classes you shared, just to confirm.“ He said.
Now that's difficult...
„If I remember correctly... Physics? Maybe some other classes as well.“ I said.
The first soldier translated to the other. The other soldier nodded his head and said a few things after.
„He asks if you know the name of the professor from physics.“ The first soldier said.
„Yeah, Professor Madden, and Professor Chrisler before him.“ I answered.
The other soldier said something.
„He heard the names, you are from that university.“ He said.
The two had further conversation which I couldn't understand. But after about a minute the first soldier turned back to me.
„He says that one of the students went missing a few months ago. He can't remember the name, but his brother was telling him something about that over letters.“ He said.
„My name is Wyatt Rosallyn if that helps?“ I said.
The other soldier nodded and said something.
„He thinks that's the missing student's name... Were you kidnapped?“ He asked.
„No... It is a long story... What now?“ I asked.
The soldiers conversed amongst themselves again.
I waited for some time, staring at them as they exchanged words.
But after some while the other soldier raised his rifle and shouted.
„Wh-what's going on?!“ I raised my hands.
„No! No!“ The first soldier said, raising his rifle as well and gesturing me to go to the front.
Confused I look back.
I see a group of four Elves approach on foot.
The soldiers shout at them, presumably to not get any closer. The Elves shout back in Almagandan while pointing to the fort and to the back.
As the Elves approached one of the soldiers shot off a warning round into the air. Phinn was startled by the shot and ran off into the field, I quickly lost sight of him.
Then I saw one of the Elves look to the ground.
My rifle!
The moment I noticed what he was looking at he was already on top of it, grabbing the gun. But before he could do anything else with it – BANG
Another round was shot from the soldiers hitting the Elf square in the chest, he collapsed to the ground. That prompted the other Elves into action, one of them rushed to the Elf that was shot and started dragging him back.
Another Elf took a stance and made a quick gesture with both of his hands. A rapid burst of air punched into the soldier who took the shot, knocking him back a few meters. The other soldier opened fire.
I quickly ran behind one of the barricades.
I saw that the commotion got the attention of the patrols in the field, and they started rushing in. I heard shots pop off in the distance.
I took a quick look at the other Elves. The one who knocked the soldier back was on the ground, bleeding out. The other two ran off, leaving the first Elf that tried to grab my rifle on the ground as well, dead.
As the other soldiers approached I saw other Elves emerge from the forest.
Fireballs started flying.
I saw one soldier who just arrived and was hit in the leg. The force broke the bones and the heat charred his flesh, he looked down at his leg with confusion.
He was hit again, right in the head before collapsing to the ground. Smoke rose from his exposed skull.
„FUCK!“ I yelled.
The rest hid behind the barricades and took potshots when they found an opening.
As the skirmish continued I saw that they were at a stalemate.
The Elves hid in the treeline making them hard targets. The soldiers continued to shoot into the forest.
Another patrol rushed in, but they were different, they were armored. Steel helmets covered their faces and cuirasses covered their chests.
As they approached one of them was hit by a fireball right in the chest. He was catapulted off his feet, I thought he was dead for sure. But to my surprise, another soldier grabbed him and hit his helmet a few times. The soldier got up like nothing happened.
They began crawling to the barricades.
The exchange went on for who knows how long, I lost track of time in the chaos.
I didn't know when this shit would end...
But then, I heard whistles.
I saw the soldiers shout and drop to the ground, and the gunfire stopped.
Then I recognized one word that is very similar in both Weserian and Turinian.
„ARTILLERY!“
I dropped down as low as I could and covered my ears.
Whistles
BOOMBOOMBOOM
In quick succession, the shells hit dangerously near us. I heard as wood snapped and dirt was flung into the air. Dirt and pieces of wood flew, dropping on me.
After a few seconds, there was utter silence.
I saw as the soldiers slowly got up and peered up from the barricades. I got up to see the damage myself.
As the smoke cleared I saw the entire treeline was gone, and dozens of trees were decimated.
And I saw bodies among what remained of the treeline. The armored soldiers were the first to stand up and began to walk to where the shells hit.
I felt someone tap my shoulder.
A soldier spoke something in Turinian.
„I-I don't speak Turinian sorry.“
Before the soldier could respond another approached, the one I first spoke to. He exchanged a few words with the other soldier before turning back to me.
„We are bringing you in...“
----------------------------------------
The handcuffs were tight and my wrists began to hurt as I, alongside a few other soldiers, walked up to the open metal gates of the fort.
The soldier I spoke to walked beside me.
„I apologize for the handcuffs, it is procedure. We don't take any chances.“ He said, I simply nodded to that.
As we approached multiple soldiers on horseback emerged from the fort and galloped past us. I could see that there was commotion inside the fort and more soldiers were manning the walls and towers.
Entering the fort itself I saw there was pandemonium inside. Soldiers ran back and forth, everyone was tense.
We were ignored by the rest, save for a few soldiers that spared a glance, as we quickly made our way inside one of the buildings. The outside of the building might've looked minimalistic but the interior was sure as hell well decorated. Yellowish wallpaper with ornate wooden decorations and various paintings adorned the walls. There was a spiral staircase leading to the other floor.
I was led up those stairs to the second floor and told to take a seat on a bench just outside of another room, some sort of office.
One of the soldiers knocked on the door. Shouting was audible from behind the door.
After a few moments, the door opened. The soldier who knocked saluted and said something in Turinian. A person, told by the uniform, was some kind of officer, walked out. He had a solemn expression on his face. He ignored us as he quickly ran downstairs.
The soldier who first talked to me entered the room. He spoke for a few seconds before I was beckoned inside the room.
I got up and entered and stood beside the soldier. The room was an office, well decorated and reeking of tobacco. The door closed behind us.
I could use a smoke right now...
Sitting in a leather chair behind a large wooden desk was an older gentleman with glasses and in a uniform adorned with a few medals. His gray hair was long and messy but his mustache was well groomed. There was a half full ashtray on the desk next to a bunch of paperwork.
He put his glasses down on the table and looked at the both of us. His gaze peered right into us.
The silence was deafening, thoughts and ideas ran through my head, none of which were positive.
„My name is General Leon Kalon... You were there when the attack commenced I understand?“ He said in accented Weserian, looking at me.
„Yes, I was...“ I nodded.
„You are from Weser, yes?“ He asked.
I nodded.
He turned his eyes to the soldier.
„Private Mongxe you do not have an issue if we continue this conversation in Weserian?“ He said.
„No, sir.“ Private Mongxe replied.
„Good, take a seat both of you“ He said gesturing to the two chairs in front of us. „Private, start from the beginning.“ The General said once we took a seat.
For the next 10 minutes, Private Mongxe retold what happened in detail. From my initial approach and out conversation to the moment when the Elves approached and grabbed my rifle and the subsequent skirmish that happened.
The General simply stared at the soldier as he kept talking.
After he was finished the general asked Private Mongxe – „Where's the soldier you were with? Private Lagadec?“
There was a pause from Mongxe before he answered.
„He is K.I.A, sir... Deceased.“
The general nodded, his expression changed for a second as he stared at the table. Then he retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket.
„Smoke?“ He looked at me and Private Mongxe, taking out two cigarettes.
„Yeah... If I may.“ I said. Private Mongxe agreed as well.
The general put the cigarettes on the table.
„Take his handcuffs off.“ He added.
Private Mongxe nodded and grabbed the keys from his belt, getting up from the chair and unlocking my handcuffs, removing them. I massaged my wrists for a moment, thanking them for the hospitality...
The general retrieved another cigarette for himself and gave us a box of matches to light up. After we did he lit his cigarette, taking a long drag before exhaling. He looked at me.
„Now, what's your side of the story? From what I hear you are a civillian from Weser. As Private Mongxe mentioned you arrived armed on a horse. You aren't a trader or merchant that's for sure.“ The general said.
„I am not what you suspect I am...“ I began, thinking about what to say next.
„I am not a bandit or criminal...“ Should I be at least partially honest?
„Then what are you? Other than a student in Weser Polytechnic.“ The General asked.
„I inherited a piece of land in Aesir. I unfortunately lost the paperwork... Including every other piece of identification... All in all, yeah, that's the reason I came here, to see what I inherited. And one thing led to another and well... Here I am.“ I explained.
„Where did you cross initially?“ The general asked.
„The Merk Crossing, I believe.“ I replied.
„Then there should be some documentation proving you crossed. I'll send an inquiry up north to the Merk Crossing as well as an inquiry to Weser. Once we confirm that you are who you claim you are, you'll be free to go back home from where I stand... Unless of course those with more authority than me choose otherwise. Or we find that you are somehow involved in the attack.“ He explained.
„Involved? I don't have anything to do with them, the Elves.“ I said.
„If you are innocent you don't have anything to worry about.“ He said, I nodded.
„In the meantime, you'll be detained here. It should take a day for us to confirm if you crossed at Merk. And about a week until we hear back from Weser. You will be held in jail, if you want you can take a walk around the fort, just ask. You are not under arrest, yet.“ The general explained.
„Okay... Thank you for the information.“ I said.
„Any other questions?“ The general asked.
„No... Actually, yes. Can I get the latest newspapers, preferably in Weserian? I'd like to get up to date on what's happening.“ I asked.
The general thought for a moment before replying – „Yeah, sure. We'll get you some papers... Anything else?“
„No, sir. Thank you.“
„Then, you are both dismissed. Mongxe, show him to the jail.“
„Yes sir!“ Private Mongxe
Getting up from the chairs, Private Mongxe put handcuffs on me again before we left the office.
After exiting the building he led me to the back of the fort to another building which was the jail. On the outside I saw the panic subsided mostly, the gates had been closed. But I could still feel tension in the air.
Upon entering the jail I saw it was just a short hallway lit by gas lamps, Mongxe talked to a guard sitting inside, the guard gave him some keys. On either side were cells with iron bars, there were a few prisoners sharing some of the cells. But I noticed most fo the cells were empty.
Mongxe led me to an empty cell, he unlocked it and opened it. Before I went inside he removed the handcuffs off my wrists and told me to enter.
Once I got inside I heard the iron door close, and then Mongxe locked it.
Inside was a single gas lamp, a bed, a sink, and a toilet.
At least this place has proper plumbing...
Turning around I saw Mongxe look at me as he put the keys back onto his belt. I could see that his hands were shaking.
It took a toll on him... I thought to myself... Surprisingly, I felt rather calm even after what transpired.
„I hope you get out of here quickly.“ He told me, putting his hands behind his back.
„Why's that?“ I asked.
„I think the answer is obvious... You saw that the situation outside is not, how do you say it in Weserian?“ He looked down in thought for a few seconds before continuing „Stable... The devils sure are aggressive.“ He said.
„Why do you think that is? From what I hear there is some conflict in Almaganda that is pushing them to the Lydas.“ I said.
„Not just in Almaganda but even in the Eastern Elven lands... See, there is also a rumor that the Southern Elven states, at least one of them, have fallen. They are the only ones with whom we have frequent contact, for all the hate there is against the devils, without them we couldn't have our morning coffee, you know. Though the merchants always had a knack for inventing stories for their benefit... I think that an entire country falling is taking it too far. Not to mention the fact there are other Elves other than the Almagandans out there. It looks like the entire damn continent is going to shit.“
„Aren't the papers writing about it? I see that the border is being strengthened. Hell, you said you were called up from the reserves.“ I said.
„No, the papers aren't writing anything about it. Just your everyday bullshit, especially with the protests in Turin...“ He said with a sigh. „But if the merchants are telling the truth... We'll feel it alright, prices will start to rise. Word will spread, if it hasn't already. They can't keep hiding the fact something is going on. The governments already know, they wouldn't have invested this much into the border if they didn't.“ He said.
I heard someone call from the end of the hall. Mongxe responded in Turinian.
„I need to go, good luck.“ He said before he quickly left, leaving me alone in the cell.
I sat on the bed, which was not as comfortable as I'd imagined... But still an upgrade to the cold hard ground.
I stared at the wall for minutes on end. My mind wandered.
I felt the weight of everything start to pile up all at once. My mind finally getting out of fight or flight.
I laid down on the hard mattress and put the pillow on my face.
I wept.