The next day, the rains came on the wings of a cold wind. The darkness of the sky found us, blotting out the light of the midday sun. Then there was a torrent, a veritable deluge of water that fell from the skies. The rain beat relentlessly, with a continuous roar, against the giant oiled canvases that covered the camp.
Ankhset was called, and she and her family sat cross-legged on a mat in the center of the camp. Hand-in-hand, they began to chant a beguiling tune, and behind the notes of their song I heard the sounds of a faraway ocean. Weather warding, Laes explained to me. The family’s spell acted as a way to repel most of the water away from the camp and had to be recast every day to maintain its power. It was at times like this that Ankhset felt her call most strongly, commented the caravan master.
The deluge continued incessantly, and I could understand why Laes had chosen the hills to weather out the storm. Without the ward we would have been completely at the mercy of the storm, or so I was told. Life continued under the canvas, albeit muted, and the festive air had long gone, drowned out by the heavy sound of the relentless rain.
I spent some of the time with Catalina, both of us finding mutual comfort and shelter from the storm in each other’s arms. Even in the sorrow of the gods, happiness could be found.
One evening, she looked at me in the gloom and half-whispered to me with a smile, “Who are you, Gil?”
Looking at the ceiling, I smiled. “Here, I am Gilgamesh of Uruk.”
Her brow furrowed at my reply. “Here? Here implies a there, and I have never heard of a place called Uruk.”
“It is a place where men travel many miles in the belly of long snakes, and metal birds fly in the sky,” I chuckled to myself.
“You mock me? Or is this another one of your stories? Your words have more weight than you think, you should not play with others so,” she chided prettily and punched me playfully.
“If I were to tell you, you would not believe it. The wonders of my wor… land,” I replied wistfully, drawing her closer to me to silence her. She resisted, trying to push me away with a giggle, but soon yielded, and our lips met.
For the moment, I was content. The grand quest for an eternity forgotten and replaced with the needs of the now. Though the voices within protested, I soon lost myself in her yielding softness.
*****
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
Once I was done, I started to chew some minty leaves to wash out the taste of her. The plant was called Payana Leaf, a common plant that the people here used as a form of dental hygiene. The payana plant had some minor medicinal properties, and I found that, when ingested directly, restored a single Health point. More importantly, the herb stopped our mouths from smelling like a gutter. I would have much rather preferred some toothpaste and a good soft-bristled brush, but when in Rome…
I spat out the leaves into a bucket and looked down at her sleeping form. It almost made me believe that she was more than just another character in a game. Knowing that she was recently widowed, and needed the money, I left a few coins with her to help her out a bit.
There might be a greater reward later if I kept building my reputation with her. For now, the physical rewards were certainly worthwhile. The other guards had joked around the fire about how they sometimes took whores as they did boys. I wondered if my Charisma was high enough to persuade her to perform such an act.
It might be putting the cart before the horse, but eternity would be a lonely road to walk alone. If she refused me... well, out there were surely better, more suitable characters than a widow with baggage.
*****
After one of the evening meals, Laes, and Khalam, of all people, came to find me. Khalam was carrying a small wooden case. I almost licked my lips in anticipation.
Laes looked at me with a smile and instructed the Guard Master to open the case. “I hope this meets your satisfaction.”
Khalam opened the case, revealing the weapon I had purchased with my hard-earned gold. It was a marvel of engineering, masterfully crafted from metal, horn, and wood. Taking it out of the case, he showed me the iron sights along the rail that would allow even an inexperienced user to line up shots more easily.
The Guard Master instructed me in his no-nonsense manner on the weapon’s use. The crossbow was also toolless, requiring no separate gaffe lever or windlass, and the limbs could be spanned and drawn taught by pulling a long lever along the bottom. The limbs were a composite of horn and wood, and were clamped in place. If necessary, this part of the weapon could be replaced and removed. It was, in essence, a small, but powerful self-cocking crossbow.
Cradling my weapon like it was a newborn child, I was more than happy to hand over the three gold pieces. “This was very much worth the money, and more. Thank you Laes,” I replied, in genuine thanks.
Khalam paused to study me. "That seems more like a noble's hunting tool than a genuine weapon of war," he observed. "It's practically a toy. A sturdy bow would be more beneficial to you." He straightened up, adding, "And remember, you're on duty in the next turn of the glass. It might be wise not to bring that with you. An unfamiliar weapon can often benefit the enemy more than oneself."
“As you say, Khalam. I will take those words to heart,” I answered him formally, doing my best to keep the frustration at being treated like a child out of my voice.
“Don’t worry, Khalam, sir. We’ll be keeping an eye on him to make sure he’s on time—don’t you worry!” Elwin decided to add, patting me on the shoulder and drawing an annoyed grunt from the older man.
Khalam gave me another pointed look before Laes bowed and took his leave, dragging his Guard Master with him.
“That one’s got the sense of humor of a brick,” quipped Elwin, and I found myself thoroughly in agreement.