Given the nature of the Excursion into the Fjorya, Ezekiel found himself with little to do regarding the preparations. Though, he did get surprised when his birthday was celebrated. As it wasn’t something he had put much thought into. The event was small, but fun, and he received a few Artifacts that would be of great use to him during their trip to the Fjorya.
For the most part, however, Ezekiel found himself working at the Church school as usual, and teaching his sisters more combat and survival exercises at home. He also managed to get a few more dates in with Riley and found himself slowly growing more and more comfortable with the idea of a relationship.
He still held concerns that this was a form of hero worship, but he also found the topic hard to broach. Riley would usually clam up and keep silent if he ever mentioned it.
Eventually, the months passed, and a proper route and plan was made for their travel from Tollren to Trimble. Where they would then set out into the Fjorya.
It hadn’t been a wonderful, and easy-going time, of course. Ezekiel had found himself fighting off more assailants in back alleys. As well as helping vet the guards that were sent by the Morse family. Though it seemed like there were none who had questionable loyalties this time.
The fact that they were hired as auxiliary guards belonging to the Morse family helped with that. As it was known beforehand that their loyalties were to the Morse family first and foremost.
They had proven themselves to be quite reliable, however, and were more than capable of aiding in fending off those that had tried to attack the Luminance family in broad daylight. Even though they were only Apprentices at best, the fact that they had numbers, and that it would mean open war if any Adepts or Legendaries from the Morathi Alliance showed up, meant that the enemy’s restrictions evened the playing field.
So, with regard to the people hunting down his sisters, that topic was more or less covered. It was actually the response from the Harkem Cathedral, after receiving Warren’s inquiry, that brought a more disturbing matter to light.
“Twenty-thousand gold!? Who in the hell can afford to put that large a bounty on me?” Ezekiel nearly cried out in shock, just barely restraining his voice to a harsh and raspy whisper.
It was only two days before they were intended to set out. If he were to be honest, Ezekiel had actually forgotten that his father had sent out feelers to look for information regarding the Cult’s stance on him. For a while, since no overt Cultists had come after him, he had thought that they were content to not waste resources on him. Leaving him alone to exist as a cripple.
But given the letter that had just arrived, Ezekiel realized that the Cult had simply decided to use a different means of killing him off. One that wouldn’t get their hands dirty. Not directly, at least.
Worse yet, with their growing control of Tarquessa, they basically had a massive amount of influence on the Underworld. Meaning that they had access to more than a few of the illegal means of getting things done.
“For the Ancient’s sake! They might as well just come after me themselves if they’re offering this much money!” Ezekiel threw the notice onto the table. He stood up in a huff and began pacing the room. Much like the two feline Spirits bonded to his parents.
The slurry of emotions emanating from Warren and Evelyn were great enough that it was affecting their bonded partners. Fortunately, Wendy and Ellen had gone to train with a couple of trusted guards. To better get a feel of their true strength. Rather than being soundly defeated by Ezekiel every time they sparred.
“Given the situation, it seems like they’re actually being more cautious than ever at this point. Meaning that their plans for the Empire are likely coming to fruition.” Warren calmly gathered up the papers back into a neat pile. The movement helped him restrain his own anger.
Evelyn, meanwhile, was seething in her chair. Shadow crawling up and down the walls and poking out of her hair. Her now regrown arm was clenching her chair so hard that its wood was splintering.
A clattering off to the side showed that Shine was also angry. To the point where it seemed they were holding back from literally flying off the handle.
“I’m still going with you.” Ezekiel’s proclamation was a statement of fact. Not an inquiry to be answered. But it still drew the angry eyes of both his parents toward him.
“This just became far more dangerous for you! Your sisters will only be targeted by the Kindled family. As they’re too prideful to ask for help. But with this large of a bounty, you’ll have Underworld Hunters coming after you in droves. Especially since this information includes the fact that you’ve been crippled!” Warren rose to his feet, slamming his hands on the table. Though a hint of fear glittered in his eyes as his face fell into a frown after a moment of thought. “The only reason no one has come for your bounty already, is likely because you’ve been within city limits for the majority of this time!”
Ezekiel nearly flinched at his father’s words. He hated to admit it, but the man was almost certainly correct. Outside of one or two other trips into the wilderness, Ezekiel hadn’t left the city at all since arriving at Tollren.
As long as he made it to Trimble, he would probably be just as safe. But the problem was the week or more that it would take to get there. Though not as much as the weeks they’d be spending in the wilderness of the Fjorya.
Beside Warren, Evelyn’s shadows were now crawling towards Ezekiel. Not threateningly, but as if the protect him by shielding him from harm. They weren’t sharpened points of death for an enemy, but wide-open palms meant to hold and cradle. While she looked just as angry, she also seemed wary, and sad. Her eyes were softer than Warren’s. As if she knew that nothing would persuade Ezekiel otherwise.
“If I don’t go, you’re guaranteed to be outnumbered.” Warren and Evelyn both looked away, while Ezekiel continued to stare at them, utterly undeterred. “The contract has already been signed. Wendy and Ellen were both elevated to Tier two, just last week. We know that the Kindled family will have at least two Legendaries. Probably more if the reinforcements we expect them to have are already here. If I’m not there, then the best you can hope for is that mom and Wendy die, rather than being tortured.”
The thought of Wendy dying was the final nail in the coffin, Evelyn shattered the armrests of her chair, while Warren’s hands bled from how hard he was clenching his fists. They both knew Ezekiel was right. But they also knew that, if any Legendary Hunters were after him for his bounty, they would probably be outnumbered anyway.
The Underworld Hunters would take on Ezekiel, while Warren and Evelyn would have to fight the Kindled Hounds. So, ultimately, nothing changed, beyond the low possibility of even numbers, if Ezekiel came. Something all three of them knew.
But Evelyn and Warren could both see that Ezekiel wasn’t willing to just let things go and remain in the city while his entire family went into danger.
Ezekiel’s eyes widened momentarily as he remembered something. One of the few belongings he had that hadn’t been utterly destroyed. Though it had been greatly damaged. To the point where it had been barely recognizable as anything beyond debris.
“I might have something that can help.” Ezekiel ran out of the room, returning to his bedroom and bringing out the cracked and charred badge that he had received from his first foray into the Fjorya.
The damage to it was so extensive that it was considered to be just one of many pieces of trash that had suffered from Ezekiel’s foray into the nascent Desolate Lands north of Harkem.
The five feathers on one side were fully scratched off. But the white and blue coloring was still quite clear. Its overall structure was also quite sound. With none of the cracks going too deep.
Ezekiel brought this piece of enchanted magical permafrost back to his parents. They both looked at it in confusion. Reya and Theo also looked at it in bewilderment. Shine, however, moved over to float above it. They lightly tapped it with their hilt.
“... This could work...” Ezekiel sighed in relief, as he was concerned that the enchantments might’ve been broken. The fact that the Artifact didn’t use Runes had given him hope that it wasn’t, but he needed to be sure. Shine’s words just now confirmed it.
“With this, I can guarantee that we’ll get more reinforcements than we could ever need on this Excursion.
Sitting down as Ezekiel explained in further detail, Warren and Evelyn just gaped in shock. Yet, as Ezekiel’s tale came to an end, they both had confident grins spread across their faces.
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The days after Ezekiel brought his Feather Peaks badge to his parents were somewhat frantic, but not enough to make things difficult for anyone involved. Thus, the assorted guards that had gathered had been able to leave on time and were now well on their way to the south.
Gathered together into a traveling caravan, the guards and Luminance family were moving more like merchants and traders than any sort of expedition or defensive force. A cover that they hoped to keep up for at least a few more days.
“So, how are you two liking the trip so far?” Ezekiel rode beside one of the carriages in the middle of the caravan, which was being driven by his father. “I know you both traveled from Harkem to Tollren, obviously, but that was with the Alkena’s. As well as much more worrisome than this trip.”
At the moment, Ellen and Wendy were sitting atop the carriage that Warren was driving. While not particularly safe, they had been cooped up inside the carriage for two days now. As had Theo, who was still inside, hiding. Surprisingly, it had been a very quiet journey so far. But, given the number of preparations that had been made, as well as the precautions to make sure that their departure was a secret, this was not entirely unexpected.
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Everyone involved had been required to sign a contract well beforehand. They had also been given an incorrect departure time. So, when they had left the city in waves, meeting up later on, it was something that neither of them had expected. Not even Lance, the one who had hired them for this excursion.
“We’re good. It’s a lot quieter than we thought it’d be.” Wendy replied as she laid next to her sister on the carriage roof. “But why aren’t we rushing? Shouldn’t we be moving faster so we can get to the city sooner?”
Next to Wendy, Ellen had her eyes closed, basking in the light of the midday sun. While she wasn’t meditating, it was obvious that she was enjoying the presence of the Light that was shining down on them.
“Well, that’s mostly because we’re keeping ourselves disguised. For as long as we can anyway.” Ezekiel replied. Thinking back on it, Ezekiel could think of a number of things that would’ve improved their chances of being disguised. But the steps that had been taken were the best they could take with such short notice.
“Is that why the Alkena’s had people pretend to be us for a while?” Wendy sat up and turned around to look at Ezekiel.
Ezekiel gave his father a look but received a shrug in reply. He figured that was good enough for approval.
“Well, more or less. It’s also why all of us needed to be disguised when we left, and why mom hasn’t left her carriage since then. As well as why dad and I changed our hair color and clothing.” Running a hand through his now bright blue hair, Ezekiel was still amazed at how effective the dyes they used were.
Next to him, Warren shook his own, red, dyed hair. He also reached up to scratch his cheek, which was covered by a fake mustache and beard. The extensions used to make his hair longer and shaggier also added to the disguise. A small earring and set of glasses that Warren and Ezekiel wore also changed their eye color with the enchantments imbued into them.
Wendy and Ellen had also dyed their hair. Both went for a very light brown that was several shades lighter than their usual hair color. They also both had hair clips that sat just above their foreheads. Creating a minor Light based illusion that changed their eye color.
Finally, in order to complete the disguise, Evelyn had been totally hidden, not once making an appearance. Something had made the twins unhappy, as they had wanted to spend time with their mother on the trip as well.
“... It seems like a lot of work...” Wendy muttered before going back to lying on the roof.
Ezekiel let out a light chuckle. He agreed with his sister’s opinion. But he also knew that this was a necessary deception. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have managed to get more than a couple of hours away from Tollren before they were attacked. If they were lucky.
Now, with their deceptions, they had hoped that they would be able to make it at least another two days before they were caught by the Hounds that were hunting them. Not to mention the potential bounty hunters that would be coming for Ezekiel.
They also hoped that they would be running into any of these groups separately. So, they hoped to make it so whoever was after them underestimated them.
“It’s only for a couple more days. We’ll probably make a break for it once we reach the sixth day. So long as nothing unexpected happens.” Ezekiel hoped for a reply, but silence was all he received. “At least things should improve once we get to Trimble.”
“That’s not necessarily a good thing.” A deep and rumbling voice spoke out next to Ezekiel. A pin on Warren’s collar vibrated as he spoke. Altering his voice through Tempest Enchantments.
“Just remember, if you can’t make contact with the clan, get back to Trimble as soon as possible.” Warren narrowed his eyes as he looked at his son. “You will not be running around without backup when you’re being hunted.”
“I know, dad. I know.” This was one of the things that Ezekiel had agreed to when his parents had been putting together a plan. After arriving at Trimble Ezekiel would secretly make his way out of the city, and after activating the Badge he would wait for a day at most, before he needed to report back to the group. Retreat was also a priority, in the event that he came under attack.
“Chief!” A voice called out from the front of the caravan.
Riding atop a large red lizard, Riley was dressed in a guard uniform with the emblem of a well-known trading house. One with ties to the Morse family but wasn’t known to be involved with any of the Alkena family businesses.
“We need you at the front. There’s something you need to see.” Warren and Ezekiel shared a look. Receiving a nod from his father, Ezekiel stood up and jumped to the ground as the rest of the caravan slowed down.
“I’ll be right there!” Ezekiel called out.
As per the arrangements made beforehand, Ezekiel was currently also disguised as the young chief in charge of the Caravan. Thus, he was also in charge of dealing with Lance, and directing the other guards. Something that he wasn’t comfortable with but was willing to do as needed.
Arriving at the front of the caravan, however, he realized that this was going to be an issue that he might not be able to deal with.
“So, what is it this time?” Ezekiel’s voice was utterly monotone, showing no respect at all for the man in front of him.
“Such insolence.” The guard in front of Ezekiel scoffed in derision. “Why our master is willing to go through with your pointless deceptions is something I will never understand.”
Ezekiel snorted in amusement. It was clear to him that the guard captain didn’t know what sort of insults he had opened himself up to.
“That’s why he’s the boss, and you’re the servant. You have no clue how the world actually works. Now shut up and let me speak to your master.” Off to the side, Riley and another guard covered their mouths to stifle their laughter.
“You worthless little-” “That’s enough!”
A voice called out from inside the carriage that was being protected by Riley and the Morse family guard captain. Holding open the entrance to the carriage, a hand waved towards Ezekiel. The guard captain tensed up. His face pulling back into a sneer. But Ezekiel couldn’t help but think that he looked constipated.
“Do not forget that you are already on thin ice. Especially after what you did regarding the guards that we referred to the Alkena family. If it wasn’t for the fact that you won the random draw, I would never have taken you on this excursion.” Lance glared at the guard caption through the open door. “Now, Chief, please come in. There are a few more details that I would like to go over for when we arrive. Specifically in regard to the accommodation that will be available to us.”
“As you command, Master Patron.” Nodding his head in deference, Ezekiel lifted one leg over his mount and stepped into the still moving carriage. Handing the reins off to Riley to handle for the moment.
Settling himself down to discuss and make note of their future plans, Ezekiel mentally sighed. Once more regretting his agreement to take on the cover as the one in charge of the caravan.
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It was the sixth night of their journey when Ezekiel and Warren both woke up with a startled gasp. They had received an alert from their Spirits that something was coming towards them. Given that they had been expecting an attack for the last few days they weren’t too surprised.
Next to them, Ellen and Wendy stirred in their sleep, but didn’t otherwise wake up.
“How many are coming for us?” Ezekiel asked as he quickly dressed. “Shine can sense several presences creeping closer, but not an exact number.”
“Theo told me that there’s at least a few dozen. According to what Reya told him. But apparently, there are only Adepts and Apprentices.” Warren also dressed in his armor.
While a group of Adepts and Apprentices weren’t too much trouble for Legendaries on their own, Warren, Evelyn, and Ezekiel also had to take into account that they were protecting a large number of Apprentice Mages. Their combined forces only consisted of four Hunters as well. So, if the people that were coming after them were also Hunters, then that meant that they were even more outnumbered than what their current expectations indicated.
“I’ll go out first. Me and mom can take down more of them before any alarms are raised than you can. Your magic would be extremely obvious at this time.” Warren grimaced at the thought of being held back but didn’t dispute Ezekiel’s words. “Think of it this way, you’re the one that’s protecting the girls.”
Warren let out a light chuckle at that. Knowing that, if things went well, then there wouldn’t be any need for him to do anything. Even if he was there to protect the twins.
“Keep safe.” Warren whispered. Ezekiel didn't reply as he disappeared from the carriage he shared with his father and sisters.
Concealed by a Shroud brought up by Shine, Ezekiel snuck past the sentries keeping watch and made his way to where Shine was sensing the strongest mana in the area. It didn’t take long for him to reach an incredibly dark shadow. While it looked no different to anyone else who might’ve seen it, Ezekiel felt confident as he approached.
Letting up his Shroud, just enough to let his footsteps be sensed, Ezekiel shivered as his shadow reached up and wrapped around his face. But as he kept himself entirely still, he knew his mother would know it was him. Slowly, the shadows receded.
“Do we know who it is?” Ezekiel quietly asked the shadow.
“Mercenaries. No Guild markings to be seen. Nor are the equipped like Hounds. They might have been overlooked as travelers; much like us. If they weren’t so well organized.” A light and airy whisper drifted through Ezekiel’s ears. “I can confirm that none of the ones nearby are of any true danger. But my range doesn’t reach into the air. Though we can kill these ones without any consequences.”
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow. While they weren’t sponsored and supported like Guild were, Mercenary groups were still used by businesses and families that wanted to hire cheap help that had fewer restrictions. Killing them off was therefore frowned upon. Unless they were Underworld mercenaries. Which meant that there were more than a few wanted criminals involved in said group.
“Do we know which group this is?”
“It seems like it’s something new. I heard the names of several wanted criminals that were a part of different groups. It seems like they’ve teamed up to get your bounty. They mentioned a pay day, as well as being careful not to harm the young master, so that they might be able to get more jobs later on.” Evelyn’s whisper took on a solemn tone as she became even more quiet. Ezekiel knew that she was worried for him. Given that the mercenaries were after him, in particular.
“You said that they’re all Adepts at best, right? While the majority are Apprentices. Then don’t worry. My stealth is just as good as yours, so I’ll be able to take them out without issue.” As Ezekiel unsheathed Shine, the opalescent blade of the Void Spirit gleamed in the barely shining moonlight. “Now, let’s be done with this.”
Disappearing under Shine’s Shroud once more, Ezekiel moved with the full speed of his Tier four body. Surpassing the physical might of any other Tier four Mage, or Hunter that wasn’t wearing Spirit armor. His footsteps were silent as he moved through the night. Coving an immense amount of ground as he went after the Mages and Hunters that were moving in on them.
Trusting Shine’s senses, Ezekiel went for the largest groups first. Taking a swing that sliced through the necks of two or three Mages at once. No screams were heard as they died in an instance. Those that had Spirits followed their partners into death an instant later.
Within a couple minutes, Ezekiel had killed two Adepts, and nearly a dozen Apprentices. Just under half of the forces that had been encircling their caravan. If Shine’s senses were accurate, Ezekiel’s mother had also taken out just as many mercenaries as he had.
A sad smile crossed Ezekiel’s face as he cut down another group of Mages. No Spirits to be found in this one.
For a moment, he paused in surprise. At this point, he had expected that there would’ve been at least one group that would’ve managed to call for help. But it seemed like the difference between mercenaries and official Hunters from a Guild truly was steep. These mercenaries wouldn’t have been worth even a small team of a dozen Hunters from a Guild. Even though their numbers were nearly four times higher.
“That’s all of them...” Shine’s voice cut through the silence of the night. Nodding in understanding, Ezekiel moved back to where he had originally met up with his mother.
“How is your mana?” Ezekiel whipped Shine to the side, causing all the blood that was on them to fly off. Picking up a piece of torn cloth from one of the dead men, Ezekiel wiped Shine down to make sure they were clean before placing them back into their sheath.
“I’m almost out... You moved fast... Your strength also... made things easier... for you...” Ezekiel smiled as Shine grumbled at the speed of their slaughter. “Are you sure... you’re crippled?”
“The only reason this went so well, was because they were both unprepared, and unable to break through our stealth. This wouldn’t work in an active combat zone. Let alone against the Cruor that are far stronger, physically, than any Mage.” Ezekiel knew that they had an easy time with this, but in a real fight, things would be far more difficult.
Especially if he had been facing a Legendary. If that happened, he would basically be dead, no matter what he did.
Walking back to the shadow where his mother had originally been hidden, Ezekiel stood there waiting. A few seconds later, he felt his mother step out of the shadows. Seeing her worried look, he smiled a little before heading back to his carriage. Though, not before checking over the camp once more. Just to make sure there weren’t any unwanted surprises waiting in the wings.