After another night of camping, we find our trio set against the incline of a hill beyond the stretch of the woodlands behind them. The horses were left along the tree line so the three could set off on foot and investigate the surroundings. Once moved up the hill, they were able to make out the shape of a small town erected in a field off in the distance.
From here, Christoph could see a few buildings rising up over a seemingly sturdy wooden wall. It rose up about five meters with four towers at the rectangle’s points. There were two or three buildings that even reached up several stories to block off the distant silhouettes of mountains.
They were probably five hundred meters from the wall of the town. It was much grander than the hovels that Christoph had grown up around. He’d never seen Carmoss before, and he wasn’t sure the layout of the buildings, the population, or what the surrounding environment was like. At least, on this side he saw a few flatlands. He was standing on the last of the small hills that led to the open zone where any would see the approach.
“A splendid place.” Calzion’s nose wrinkled a bit at the sight of humanity’s consumption of lumber.
Christoph nodded, ignoring the half-elf’s attitude, while examining the town. “I see in the distance,” he pointed out toward the northern side of the walls, “that there’s a river or lake.” It didn’t seem to stretch on too far in any direction. Trade by means of water didn’t seem to be a strength of the town. “Only two gates.” One to the north and one to the south.
“Are we sure they’re here?” Calzion wasn’t asking so much in disbelief while looking at the stilled town. He wanted to confirm his suspicions. There was a stillness in the morning light where the half-elf fully expected to hear the distant bustle of the humans within the wooden walls. Staring out with his elven eyes, he even noticed an odd marking on one of the towers. “There.”
Following his finger, the two beside him saw a blackened scar on one of the towers. It was difficult to see with the sun burning down so brightly, but there was an obvious burn across the right side that reached up toward the top.
Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.
“It could be new.” Christoph spoke in a low tone. He considered what it would mean. “And it seems quiet. Gitma, what do you smell?” Utilizing his guards’ abilities made the two servants feel necessary to this operation—something they appreciated deeply.
Though, it mattered little to Christoph how they felt of this operation.
“The trail we followed is strongest out there.” Her whining voice screeched in response though she tried to remain as quiet as she could. There wasn’t much of a chance that someone would hear them from the distance, but it was still the best course to take fewer risks. “Say the word, and I shall devour them for you, Master.”
Christoph’s unquenched rage on the topic made him nod in agreement. He respected her willingness to assist him; a friend found in an ignorant servant. It almost made him feel shameful using her to such selfish ends… but the undead could hardly be bothered to care.
“We will try to approach from there.” Christoph angled toward the south. “We’ll be downwind of them. We’ll see what has happened first. Should we enter and there is a struggle, we’ll handle them at that point.” He was throwing caution into the wind. It wouldn’t matter what happened to him. His life in its entirety had been decimated… he felt he needed to return the payment in kind.
As Christoph prepared himself for the trip, his claws reached out, “Arcane Disguise.” A flicker of light and magical runes caused the dragonkin to once again seem as though he were human. This time; however, he didn’t bother to tuck his tail away or hide his tools. He kept the blade out to the side of his cloak so he could easily unleash it.
A breeze came toward them. It was gentle and refreshing in the heat of the day—though Christoph barely realized it. His cloak fluttered behind him as he readied himself for war.
“Master,” he turned to look at Gitma who sniffed at the air. Her eyes were darting all manner of directions; a frenzy at the scent. “I smell meat. Lots of meat.”