The fortress they passed through was impressive despite still being under construction. Apparently the border had moved in the recent campaign and the humans were fortifying their new position. Gloe remembered the entrenching tools on the boats they’d sunk and wondered if the demons had been planning on doing the same, or perhaps launching a siege?

Again the guards just waved them through. Was Conrad a big deal or did security just suck here? Or perhaps both. Someone probably should have questioned Emokha’s presence at the very least. Conrad’s patrol certainly hadn’t left with a Viluota in their party.

“Here we are. Isn’t she a beaut?” Conrad beamed as if he’d invented the thing.

“A train? I was unaware they exhisted in this world. Huh.” She looked at it a moment, then turned back. “I suppose this is where we part ways. Thankh you again for your assistance.”

“Right then. I’ll show you to our seats. Constellation has arranged a private car for us. And don’t fret about your erstwhile companions. My associates will ensure they get to the Legion.”

Emokha blinked, then settled back into a wary stance. “I believe there has been a misunderstanding. Although I appreciate your assistance in exhtrakhting us from hostile territory I do not intend to follow you indefinitely.”

“My dear, I’m so sorry. Given all the excitement I believe I forgot to explain fully. Here in Nalost we have an academy of sorts for sojourners. That’s where I’m taking you. Given what we’ve witnessed Constellation is eager to sponsor you. You’ll be cared for, trained up and prepared so nothing like this tragedy ever happens to you again.”

“That is…khind, but as you khan imagine there were many developments recently, and I have important business to takhe care of.”

“I’m certain, I’m certain, but my dear, you must understand, there’s a limit to what you can achieve without proper training. And, although I hate to bring up uncomfortable subjects, I’m afraid it’s illegal for unlicensed sojourners to operate in Nalost. If you were diplomatically credentialed it would be different, but given that you are not I’m afraid you would be politely detained in short order.”

Various emotions flashed through Emokha, but she was still dead tired, barely operating through sporadic use of her ability, when she wasn’t too exhausted to even activate it. Clearly she could barely think straight, much less talk her way out of this situation. “Very well. We will akkhompany you.”

“Excellent. Right this way.” As Gloe moved to follow Conrad’s chosen stepped in his way, their hands straying towards their weapons.

Despite her fatigue Emokha still caught the motion. “My khomrades naturally will akkhompany me.” She did not make it a question.

“My dear, the academy is for sojourners and high-level chosen, not aberrations of dubious provenance. Especially not those who just scurried out of a demonic prison in the wake of a highly talented sojourner.”

Emokha blinked. She was clearly having trouble staying awake. “I will not abandon them. They aided my eskhape. Greatly.” She blinked again. “We have a khontrakht. I will not breakh the khontrakht.”

One of the other sojourners began to speak, but Conrad gestured him aside. Once there the sojourner began to speak quietly but passionately. Gloe had little difficulty making out what he was saying through a combination of superior hearing and impromptu lip-reading.

“We can’t just allow this riffraff to drag behind us! Imagine what everyone would say if we show up with this detritus!”

“I understand your concern dear boy, but we must consider the source. The Manties are obsessed with contracts, bless their little hearts. If we want her we’ll have to put up with them, for now. And we do want her. A battle-tested sojourner with her raw ability? She could help push Constellation over the edge.”

The subordinate considered, then nodded reluctantly. “She was impressive. If it’ll help Constellation…”

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“That’s the ticket my boy!” He slapped him on the shoulder, then leaned in conspiratorially. “Besides, there’s certain to be opportunities to right the ship at a later date, what?” He nodded genially, then re-approached the group.

“I apologize Lady Emokha. We didn’t realize you’d taken them on. It’s a bit unorthodox, but for the time-being we’ll view them as your party members.” He gestured towards the train once again. “All aboard!”

...

The private car was lavishly appointed. Emokha clearly felt out of place. “I wish I khould khlean up a bit.”

Gloe couldn’t really empathize. At this point in his life he was accustomed to simply accepting his surroundings, whatever they might be. That didn’t mean he didn’t understand her feelings. He vaguely remembered feeling that way, in a past life. “If we have time I could run and pick up some things for you” he paused mischievously before adding “my lady.”

“That would be…but we likhely do not have time, nor the resources.”

“Nothing I can do about time, but I know where Oresus carries the warchest. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind. My lady.”

Conrad’s emotions spiked momentarily, but never showed on his face. “I believe we have a bit of time my lady. My chosen are remaining here, but I could have a few escort your man quickly before they move on to other duties.”

Her head drifting for a moment, Emokha nodded vaguely. “’d be nice.”

Smiling broadly Conrad nodded in return and stepped aside. “I’ll give them their instructions immediately.”

As he headed outside Gloe made a show of carefully settling Oresus, but the moment the door closed he rushed over to put his ear to the crack so he could eavesdrop. It was worth the effort.

“Lady Emokha’s aberration manservant is heading out to make some purchases for her, using all their available funds. Make certain to take good care of him. If something happened Lady Emokha would be alone and without resources, forced to rely completely on Constellation. You understand?”

Gloe certainly did. He scurried back to get the goods before Conrad returned, turning over contingencies in his mind. Worst case scenario…he’d get to find out if he could get going fast enough to catch a moving train. That actually sounded kind of fun.

...

“Alright, here looks good. End of the road freeloader.”

“No it’s not” Gloe insisted earnestly. “See, it keeps going down that way, over the river and through that narrow dark alley. Or is this not the way to the market? It’s okay if you got lost. We all make mistakes.”

“He’s not just ugly, he’s stupid. Terminally stupid.” The group all laughed. After a second Gloe joined in. “I think we’re actually doing him a favor. Demons must have ate his brain. Take care of it.”

“No, my brain’s actually intact” Gloe clarified before turning thoughtful. “Although demons did eat some of my fingers. One took a bite out of my calf once too. I might still have the scar, lemme check.” He tried to pull up his rags while hopping on one leg. “Whoops!” Overbalancing, he tipped off the bridge and into the icy water below.

Hypothermia was almost instantaneous, but what else was new? Kicking his way down to the bottom he began moving along with the flow of the water. At least he was getting a good wash-off. He’d been starting to stink. Real bad.

...

With a jolt the train began to move. The motion shook Emokha awake and Conrad approached with a distressed look on his face. “My lady, I’m afraid I have bad news. My men tell me the aberration gave them the slip in town and vanished with all your valuables. I’m terribly sorry. Constellation will make this right.”

Barely heeding him she stood and began stretching carefully but vigorously, her exoskeleton creaking slightly under the strain. “I am certain it is a misunderstanding. He’ll khatch up. He always does.”

That sounded like a cue. Gloe hung down from the roof of the car and knocked on the window. Several of her eyelids twitched wryly, but Emokha pulled it open. “Ah there you are.” She turned. “See Khonrad? No reason for khoncern.”

“I’m afraid there is Lady Emokha” Gloe said tearfully, slithering through the aperture and slumping against the wall. “I’ve failed you. This benighted frontier town didn’t have clothing suitable for your magnificent form, and I was unable to remedy this in the time available. All I could was buy you some shirts and pants, along with sashes to adjust their shape.” He looked up pathetically. “I remembered how much you love sashes.”

Carefully facing him directly (and away from Conrad,) Emokha determinedly tried to control her mandible twitches. She was seconds from bursting into laughter, a problem made more serious by the fact that she was still exhausted. Gloe stared back at her, his face that of an innocent child. At least he didn’t keep laying it on though.

After a couple touch and go minutes she was able to respond gently “It is fine Zekhow. Not your fault. Your khommitent to duty is touching. Did you remember to find something for you two?”

“Yes Lady Emokha.”

“Good work. Kharry on.” Turning serenely she gave Conrad her most beatific smile. “When you khan stay on schedule while demons hunt you khatching a train is a minor affair, as I am certain you have experienced yourself. Is there somewhere I khan khlean up? I am afraid I am a blight on your fine khar.”

“Not at all, not at all.” Conrad banished the bewilderment from his face. “The bathroom is right over here, and quite well appointed, if I do say so myself.”