Aran decides to stay close to Kara. “She is more than capable of taking care of herself, but she is within reach of those animals. She is also deep in concentration. Those ghostly wings are something to behold, too. He thinks, “I’ve never seen that; her wings are always real; they always faded in a minute or so, except for when we fell from Nexus, then they dissipated into dust.” One of the prisoners scoots closer to her. Aran moves closer, trying not to be noticed; the prisoners watch the one moving toward her.
The prisoner asks Kara, “If I confess and ask for forgiveness, your goddess, this Elirae, she will forgive me, and my soul can rest when I’m dead?” She answers him, “When you confess, and if you truly repent your sins, it will lift a weight from you and open a path for your soul to be redeemed. I won’t lie and say you will go to Elysium for eternal peace. But it will keep your soul from becoming a larva in Hades so the hags can harvest and sell to Azura. If that happens, she will torture you for eternity.” He says, “Then I confess, I confess everything I did. Rapes, murders, selling people into slavery…”
There is a deafening roar as a column of flame hits the ground next to Kara, consuming half of her body. She only has time to glance at it as a greatsword swings from the flame, and the flat side hits her in the side of her head with a crack of thunder. The impact is so hard that it launches her into the bottom edge of the wagon. It feels like a lightning bolt goes through her when the back of her head strikes the bottom corner of the wagon. She thuds to the ground, barely able to move. It feels like lightning is running through her nerves, and she can’t move her limbs. An armored knight with red glowing eyes and black hair steps from the flames, “Sister, you should have stayed gone. We knew you weren’t dead, but you were, at least, not here.”
He grabs the prisoner's hair and holds him on his knees, then lifts the sword point down at the base of his neck. Kara clumsily lifts her hand with fingers outstretched and yells, “Gaelan, please.” he plunges the sword into the prisoner’s shoulder and through his heart. The point of the sword exits his groin. Gaelan pushes the blade forward, disemboweling the man, and then lets the body flop onto the ground. Gaelan looks at her, “No one just leaves Azura. You should know that.” Aran comes leaping from the darkness, his mace drawn back and shield extended. Before he can bring the mace down, Gaelan turns and swings with blinding speed. Barely taking notice of him.
The blade slices deep across his chest from shoulder to waist. Pain surges through Aran. The impact knocks him backward. He knows he screwed up, and this is the end, but as fast as the pain hits, it’s gone.
He slides along the ground on his back, looks down at his chest, and the wound is gone. Aran hears a gasp of pain from Kara’s direction. She holds the same place on her chest as her white shirt turns red. Black veins creep up her neck, and she shouts, “Aran, get back. Keep everyone back.” She grits her teeth in pain. The knight’s eyes flicker, and his face turns into an expression of euphoria. She looks in his direction; Misery is lying on the ground at his feet, “Gaelan, please don’t do this. I can break the control she has on…” he interrupts her, “There is no control, sister, Azura released me fifteen years ago when you abandoned me when you sent your dog to torture me. I follow her of my own free will.” He takes a stutter step back with a look of surprise, “Oh, you have a little bun in the oven. A niece or a nephew? I got a little taste of them…” Kara yells at him, “I named my son after you, Gaelan.” He takes a step back.
Ava comes running up, maul back, ready to strike; Kara yells at her, “No, don’t stay away, Ava, help Aran keep everyone away.” Ava sees Kara leaning against the wagon, blood still pouring from the wound, black veins still spreading, and the right side of her face starting to swell from the first hit. She changes direction, runs to Kara’s side, and lays a hand on the wound to send healing energy to her, but nothing happens. Kara yells, “Move away, Ava.” She puts a hand on Ava’s shoulder to shove her, but it’s too late. He is already on them. Ava hears a wet, sickly tearing sound and feels a slight nudge on her chest.
She looks down and sees a wicked-looking sword protruding from her chest. As the blade yanks back out, she feels a slight pull. Kara shoves her hard to the side, and she flies several feet before she hits the ground and rolls a few feet more. Ava grabs her chest to stop the flow of blood, but there is no wound. She sees Kara grab her chest. Gaelan looks down at Kara and the new wound, “It must be a bitch, protecting both your friends and your unborn child from me. You’re not looking too good. I think I’ll take you back to the mistress with me. She will love to get her hands on that child.” Kara looks at him and says, “Gaelan, I will release you.” Her eyes flare bright white light, and an aura envelops Gaelan as the god-level Dispel Magic contingency spell her Thalos put on her is released. He starts laughing, “I told you, you little traitor. I gave myself to Azura when you abandoned me.” Kara starts crying as he reaches down, grabs her hair, and lifts her off the ground, “I didn’t abandon you, I looked, I…”
Eight glowing bees made of force slam into her brother. Then she hears two thuds as two tiny holes open in his armor, followed by two booms from somewhere behind her. Three beams of coherent light hit him, forcing him to release her, and they push him back several feet. She falls back to her knees. Two arrows follow this, but they each ricochet off his armor.
She hears a war cry in the distance. The other caravan's group is running in their direction. A jet of acid hits Gaelan from the other direction. She sees Persi moving behind a wagon. He steps toward her again. She focuses on a tiny signal point behind him and creates a tiny singularity. He braces against the pull and takes another step as the light and air around him warp.
He struggles to take another step. She is straining to maintain the spell. An arrow hits him in the neck. Kara sees Aran with a bow. Gaelan glares at her, “I will be coming back for you, sister. First, I’ll take each of them from you, one at a time. Then I’ll chain you to the wall and pull that baby from between your legs and raise it to be just like me.” A column of flame appears over Gaelan, the singularity sucks it into its core, but Gaelan is gone. She breathes out and collapses on her side, now trying to focus on trying to hold back the effect of that sword, which is still pulling at her life force. This is more than necrotic. This is pulling her life to feed him. The pain is almost unbearable as Aran, Ava, and Persi rush to her side.
Ava says, “I don’t understand. I tried to heal her, but nothing happened.” Persi tells her, “Bless her if you can; it will help her fight off the effect.” Ava immediately casts Bless. It’s like the dawn shining on her. Kara closes her eyes, gritting back the pain as the black veins continue to spread. Someone shoves their way between Ava and Persi, “By the Allhammer, I offer you life!” A column of light envelops Kara, and the black veins recede. She opens her eyes as the pain fades, and the wounds all close. Everyone looks at the caster. She’s a dwarf. Aran remembers seeing her in the other group but can’t remember her name.
The rest of the other group circles up around them. Caylee asks Aran, “What in the name of all that fucks was that?” Aran and Ava help Kara sit up. The dwarf says, “Take it slow; that blade did more than just cut; it left wounds that are very difficult to heal, and it drained your life by reducing the amount of life you have. You’ll feel like shit until you’re well rested.” Kara looks at them, “Thank you for coming to our aid.” She looks at Caylee, “That was a servant of Archduchess Azura, one of the rulers in Hell. Her cult was behind slavery going on around here. I guess she’s a little pissed.” Caylee says, “Bring your people to our caravan for the night. Then, we can enter Cragcall together tomorrow.” She tells Aran, “I’ll return to my camp and direct everything. You get everyone moving.”
Kara asks the dwarf, “I’m sorry, I don’t know your name?”. “Gorefelynn Worldfury” she answers, “But my friends call me Lynn.” Well Lynn, I’m Karael Vala Elyslynn Proudshard Cinderblade.” Lynn’s eyes get big, “That’s a mouthful.” Kara says, “My friends call me Kara. My protectors here are Aran and Ava.” Kara holds her hand out, Lynn takes her hand and helps her up. Kara picks up Misery and turns back to Lynn, “Thank you for helping me, Lynn; can you do me one more favor?” Lynn nods, “Of course.” Kara leans over and whispers in her hear, “Please make sure my baby is unharmed. I feel okay, but I need you to check.” Lynn is casting before Kara finishes the sentence, “She is fine, completely untouched. Why were you fighting if you knew?” Kara looks at Ava, “Ava, please take those prisoners to the other camp and call for Chomasuke to help you. Aran, bury the one who was killed.” Both nod and set off to their tasks.
Kara guides Lynn a little further away, “I didn’t fight,,, I hate to say it, but I was caught off guard. He only hit me once, that was in the side of the head with the flat of his blade. Those two,” She points to Aran and Ava, “They are young.” Lynn looks at Kara, “Young, child. Have you looked in a mirror?” Kara continues, “I’m older than I look, Lynn. Those two are not, and the person who attacked us was my brother.”
Lynn steps back, “Brother? Was?” Kara looks down, “Yes, he was murdered some twenty-plus years ago. Azura resurrected him and placed a geas on him. I tried to rescue him but failed. He just told me that he serves her willingly now, and I confirmed it with a spell just before all of you came to my rescue. He also sensed the baby and was trying to take me and my child to his mistress. That thing is no longer my brother.” Lynn lays a hand on her shoulder, “What will you do?” Kara looks her in the eye, “Not hesitate the next time, and kill him, or find a way to trap his soul. Hesitating was my mistake tonight. That hesitation nearly killed two of my friends.” Lynn squeezes Kara’s shoulder, “I don’t envy you.”
Lynn and Kara walk to the camp together. Behind them, Ava follows, with the prisoners in tow. One of the prisoners yells out, “You let the boss go. Why don’t you let us go too?” another yells, “It’s not fair. I heard him call you sister, so he gets away because he’s your family?” a third starts to yell something, but Ava snatches the rope, and all of them fall back onto the ground. Chomasuke stands over them, growling. A third one mumbles, “Do we still get to ask for redemption?” Kara and Lynn stop; she looks at all the prisoners, “You are correct; your “boss” is, or was, my brother. I hesitated because of that. If given the chance again, he would be dead or restrained with you now. Ava, when you get them secured at the camp, hear their confessions, if they still want to seek redemption.” Ava gives Kara a “What the fuck” look. Kara says, “You are ready. Just hear them. If they are sincere, Elirae will hear them, too.” Ava says, “But..” Kara’s expression turns into a glare, and Ava seems to shrink some. Kara walks over to Ava and lays Misery down, places her hands on Ava’s shoulders, and then looks her in the eyes. “You’re ready, Ava. Regardless of what they did, it’s part of the path, whether you want to or not. Pay no attention to the others around.” Kara turns her attention back to the prisoners, “Boss? If you truly want redemption, you will tell me everything about your boss.” Fear can be seen on all their faces.
The apparent leader says, “You saw what happened to Jakos. We ain’t saying a thing.” Kara shrugs, “Have it your way. But he will not be back, and you will die no matter what. The only question is what happens after you die. I’ll leave it up to you. Let Ava know if you wish to talk to me about your boss.” Kara places a toe under Misery, kicks it into the air, catches it in one hand, and places it over her shoulder. Kara asks Lynn, “Could you introduce me to your friends? Aran seems to have left a lot of names out while he was drooling all over Caylee.” Lynn laughs, “Oh girl, Caylee would break that boy, and she would crush his hips.” Kara returns the laugh, “I can think of worse ways to go.” They walk the rest of the way, laughing.
Ava looks at Caylee and then motions to the prisoners. Caylee motions to a place under a wagon and comes over to help. Caylee asks, “Can these animals be covered? We do have some children in the caravan. I don’t want to see their junk, and the children most definitely don’t need to see their junk.” Ava uncertainly shakes her head, “Maybe, Kara is the one who stripped them, though. She says prisoners aren’t allowed clothes and should be shamed. I don’t know, maybe, if you brought some rags for them to use as loin cloths? Worse case, she rips them off.” Caylee notices two of the prisoners staring at her in a manner she doesn’t like. She pulls a dagger and motions like she is reaching between their legs and slices with the dagger. Both prisoners immediately look away. Caylee says, “I’ll be back shortly.” Then walks away.
Ava starts to tie the ropes to the wagon when the self-appointed leader shoves her and runs, expecting to push the small inferi off balance, but Ava braces and yanks the rope, snatching him and two others off their feet and landing them face first on the ground. She says, “Hogtied it is then.” She grabs his arms and roughly doubles him over to move them behind his back, then proceeds to tie his hands to his feet. He protests when she introduces his jaw to her fist and says, “If it’s not a confession or information about your boss, shut up.” She then finishes tying them to several points on the wagon as Caylee returns with dirty rags. She tosses the rags to them, “Here, cover yourselves.” Ava sits down just out of their reach, against a tree, and props Dawnbreaker beside her.
She sits beside Ava, “Caylee, by the way.” Ava realizes she hasn’t properly introduced herself and blushes, “I’m so sorry, I’m Ava.” Caylee holds a hand out to Ava, “Hello, Ava. I assumed before that Aran was your leader; now it seems I was wrong?” Ava says, “Technically, it’s Kara, but she keeps placing us in the leader role as we go. Where we’re from, she is most definitely a leader.” Caylee gives Ava a curious look, “And where are you from, Ava? Your accent is unfamiliar. The only one that remotely sounds like anything local is your Kara.” Ava says, “I don’t know if I should say, and I doubt you would believe me.” Caylee responds, “Try me.” “Well,” Ava says, “did you see that big meteor a few weeks ago?” Caylee’s eyes get big, “No, no way.” Ava smiles and nods, “Yes, that was, or is, our home. We fell or got sucked off and ended up outside of Everwind. Now we’re headed home. It landed somewhere on the other side of the sea.” Caylee punches Ava’s shoulder, “You’re shit’en me. No. Oh shit, you’re telling the truth, aren’t you, fuck. Where did it come from, how?” She makes a motion of what would be assumed to be Nexus shooting through the sky. Ava says, “Long story short, it’s called Nexus. It guards or guarded the boundary between the Prime Realms and the Far Realm. Something happened, the boundary collapsed, and we escaped here. Kara saved us from falling to our deaths.” Ava gives an uncertain smile while Caylee sits and stares at her.
Aran walks around the tree, “Okay, he’s buried.” He freezes when he sees Caylee, “Yep, all done. I’ll go check with Persi and get everyone settled.” Then he turns and stumbles but catches himself and strolls off casually. Caylee nudges Ava, “You hitting that?” Ava gives her a confused look; Caylee says, “You know, tapping that, okay, are you fucking that piece of meat?”
Ava turns bright red for the second time tonight, “NO! I mean, we kissed once, I didn’t feel anything, and that was it.” Caylee gives her a diabolical grin, “So, he’s on the open market?” Ava shrugs, still blushing, “I guess so; I mean, I don’t. How am I supposed to answer that?” Caylee laughs, “I’ll leave you alone, but don’t get mad at me if he’s sore or can’t walk tomorrow morning.” Caylee says, as she stands, “Well, I’d better make sure everyone is settled.” She gives Ava an exaggerated wink and walks off in the same direction Aran went. Ava glares at the prisoners while hoping Aran does hook up with Caylee. Maybe he’ll stop staring at her constantly as if he's hoping something will happen. She thinks, “It’s not like I hate him staring. I don’t think he’s the one. He’s more like a…… brother.” Ava pulls out her journal and starts writing.
Persi helps the former slaves settle in for the evening. Several are asking what will happen when they enter the city tomorrow. Persi tells them, “Tomorrow, when we enter the city, we’ll make sure you are taken care of; I’ve been checking over what we took from the slavers. We’ll see what is of use to you. If any items belong to you, we’ll ensure they are returned. We will sell and distribute the funds evenly for the rest of you so you can start rebuilding your lives.” He doesn’t see that Kara and Lynn have stopped watching and listening to him. They continue walking before he takes notice of them. He feels a tug at his coat and looks down. It’s two very young boys, “Mister, we haven’t seen our Pa since they took us, and they took our Ma. Have you seen them?”
Persi kneels to be level with them, “I’m sorry, I haven’t. We’ll find someone for you.” He looks around and sees Kara walking away, “You see that blonde girl in the white coat?” They nod, “Well, she’s an angel, and she’ll make sure someone is caring for you. She has children, too, and she’s been separated from them, but she won’t give up on finding her children, so don’t you give up either. Do you know where you were going before the bad people came?” One says, “Riber?” The other says, “Rebmer?” Persi says, “We’ll figure it out.” He looks around and sees a woman watching him interact with the two boys. He takes their hands and walks over to her. “Excuse me, Miss?” “Chennol, sir.”, “Miss Chennol, these two fine young men seem to think you need their protection. Would you allow them to complete their quest?” The two boys’ eyes get big as they leave some of their problems behind. Chennol says, “Of course.” She takes Persi’s hand, lowers her head, and places the back of his hand against her forehead, “Thank the gods above for you and your friends. Suppose you hadn’t come along. I can’t imagine our fate.” Persi stands there, stunned, thinking, “This is why she does it. This is better than any treasure.” He sees Chennol returning to the place she has prepared for the night with the two boys in tow. He says, “Riber or Rebmer, I hope Kara understands that language.” Then returns to helping the people get settled. None of them have said much since being freed. It's nice that they are opening up some now.
Aran sees Persi talking to one of the women they rescued, with a couple of young boys holding on to his coattails when he feels a hand grasps his shoulder and yanks him around; he’s standing face to face with Caylee. He didn’t realize she was a little taller than him. She’s also looking at him like he looks at a piece of merchandise, judging whether it’s worth the price. She says, “I like to live like it’s my last day. Do you see that wagon over there with the shelter under it?” He looks to where she is pointing and nods, “I want you there in thirty minutes, and I want to pretend tonight is our last night in this life.” He squeaks, “why?” She grins, “I’m going to break you. I know someone who can heal you in the morning if you don’t. Do you understand, Mister Wandering Mountain?”
He nods, unable to form a word. He sees Kara and Lynn walk up behind Caylee. Lynn clears her throat; Caylee looks over her shoulder but doesn’t release Aran, “Yes?” Lynn says, “Caylee, meet Kara. Kara, Caylee is our fearless leader. Once she has a target, she doesn’t stop until said target is thoroughly defeated.” Lynn eyes Aran. Caylee says, “Hi, Kara; nice to meet you.” Kara grins at Aran, “Nice to meet you too, Caylee,” she looks at Aran, “Oh, whatever will I tell the children?” Caylee says, “What?” Kara says, “Just joking? Please don’t kill him, or if you do, the Raise Dead is on you.” Aran has the most excited look they have ever seen as Caylee turns him toward her shelter, “Thirty minutes, or I come hunting.” She releases him and walks toward her shelter. Lynn says, “She’s not joking, boy; go have some fun.” Aran stumbles off in a daze. Kara asks, “Will he be okay?” Lynn shrugs, “Probably; I doubt he will be the same.” Lynn starts walking toward three men: a nightsylvan, a wood elf, and a human; no, his eyes are glowing; he’s a seraphin.
As they get closer, Kara can see that the nightsylvan is armed with a saber, a longbow, and a few other weapons. The wood elf has pistols on slings under his arms, and a long rifle leans against him. The seraphin wears robes with no noticeable weapons, but a shadowy mist covers his body. A fourth appears to be sleeping in the wagon. The nightsylvan seems to be watching Kara very closely as if he’s trying to decide if she’s a threat. Lynn says, “Everyone, this is Kara. Kara, this is our ranger,” motioning to the nightsylvan, “Kalannar” he bows, “Kal, my lady.” Lynn motions to the wood elf, “Our gunslinger, Zaos.” he also bows. Lynn motions to the seraphin, “Our warlock, Aelgir,” Aelgir takes her hand and kisses its back. Lynn motions to the sleeping person in the wagon, and Kara can see he’s a human. “Valovar, The Lazy, constantly whines that he can’t get enough sleep.” Kara says, “I can relate to that.” Valovar mumbles, “But I can cast a mean spell, so you love me. Hello Kara.” Kara says, “Hello, and thank all of you for coming to my rescue. If there is anything, within reason, I can do.” Kal says, “A song once you get settled for the night.” Everyone, including Lynn, nods in agreement. Kara says, “Such a high price for such an insignificant life. A song it will be, then, don’t say you weren’t warned. Let me go check on my protege, then I will meet all of you at the fire.” Kara walks off in the direction of Ava. She doesn’t notice the nightsylvan walking slightly behind her until he speaks.
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“About fifteen years ago.” Kara stops and turns to him, “a young girl sacrificed her life to save not only me but also my people, and my home. The world barely knows it happened outside of the Dynasty. Oh, the story was told, but it quickly became nothing more than myth, except for the people who were there. I met her once before that battle. I entered that ritual chamber just in time to see her hurl herself against Tiamat. It was the most amazing thing I had ever witnessed. No hesitation whatsoever. She had decided that if The Dragon Queen appeared, she would take the Dragon Queen with her to death. Her name was Karael.” Kara turns to continue walking, and Kal follows her, “It seemed like the right thing to do, Kal, and it was. My life here ended; my life began somewhere else. I must ask you to keep this to yourself. I’m not trying to make my return here a secret, but I don’t want to advertise it openly. My brother has discovered I’m here; that’s bad. If others find out, it could get worse. Right now, I’m just trying to get home. Once I do that, I won’t care who knows.” Kal says, “For you, my lady, anything. But shouldn’t the Night Queen be informed?” Kara looks at him, “Give the Night Queen some credit. She knew within a day of my arrival here. I was probably still unconscious and lying in a bed when she found out. Q’Athdrye knew I didn’t die in that battle; I returned in secret for a short time after Tiamat. It was thanks to her then that I’m alive now, but that’s another story I don’t want to tell today.” Kal thinks for a few seconds, “You know, the Dynasty celebrates that anniversary every year now; part of the celebration is to review our lives and help others. Not to morn you, and this is by decree of the Night Queen. She knew you were alive and declared it a day to celebrate, not morn?” With embarrassment, Kara can feel herself turning red, “I did not know about the holiday. I knew a statue of me was standing in the courtyard, but a holiday, too? That is… thank you for telling me. I’m not worthy, but I’m honored. I’ve always felt that Shadowbel was my home since I first walked through the gates.” They come within sight of Ava and the prisoners. Ava sits on the ground against a tree while the prisoners sit with their backs to her. “Kal, would you stay by my side for a little longer? I’m about to do something stupid, and you may not like it. Please don’t interfere. Follow my lead.”
Ava sees Kara approaching with a nightsylvan in tow. She thinks to herself, “Crap, she has that look.” Ava speaks before Kara gets close, “Caylee asked to cover them, so…” Kara interrupts before she can finish, “I don’t care about that. Have they said anything, and why is that one hog-tied?” Ava holds her hands crossed in front of her, rocking on her heels and biting her lower lip, “He tried to overpower me, so I made sure he wasn’t going to move. No, none of them have said a word.” Kara kicks the wagon hard enough to rock it; all the prisoners look at her, “I need information about your “Boss.” Who’s going to talk?” They look at each other, and a couple shake their heads, mainly at each other. The one Ava tied says, “We’re not saying anything, no matter what you do to us.” Kara asks, “What if I allowed you to go free?” Now, all of them are looking at Kara, including Ava and Kal.
She says, “I like making deals. Here is my deal for you: you choose any weapon here,” Kara swings Misery from her shoulder and sets the point on the ground, then looks at Dawnbreaker and the array Kal has, “and I fight you unarmed. If you win, you go free, I’ll personally undo your bonds and let you go, I will not stop you or come after you.”, Ava almost yells, “You can’t do that after….” Kara turns her glare to Ava, “Quiet!” Ava is wondering if Kara is relapsing, like when they had to stop her from killing the prisoners, but she looks down at the ground and stops talking. Kara looks back at the prisoners, “That is my deal, me unarmed, you with any weapon you want to use. Any takers?”
The hogtied one says, “If I win, you let us all go, or your pretty little friend here lets us all go because you’ll be dead. Plus, you have to take off all that magic stuff.” Before he says anything else, Kara says, “Deal! I’ll fight you wearing nothing but rags. Ava, untie him.” she leans Misery over to Kal, “Kal, let him choose any weapon he wants to use, please.” Kal remembers seeing her throw herself against The Dragon Queen; he grins, “Absolutely, my lady.” Ava starts untying the prisoner; he says, “Oh, don’t look so disappointed little girl; maybe I’ll find you later and give you a good fucking to take your mind off of your dead girlfriend.”
Ava holds back on striking him and does as told. Kara grabs a blanket and removes the Girdle of Trials, her boots, rings, bracers, and even the Crown of the White Dragon. She lays each one down. Then her clothes change from the nice clothes she’s been wearing into rags. A red mark hasn’t completely healed below her neckline, going from shoulder to waist. She tells the prisoner, “My clothes do nothing more than change in appearance. They offer no benefits of protection or otherwise.” He looks at her suspiciously, “I’ll accept that.” He walks over to where Dawnbreaker leans against the tree. Ava starts to say something, but Kara says, “Any weapon.” He picks it up, then sets it back down. He walks over to Kal and smiles at him, “I’m going to kill your little girlfriend, you piece of shit.” He wraps his hand around Misery’s hilt and tries to lift it. Kal says, “Having a problem getting it up?” The prisoner grabs his scimitar and snatches it out of the scabbard, “This is much better. Do I get to keep it after I’m done gutting her?” Kal shrugs, “Sure.” Kara has her back turned to look at the items she just removed.
The prisoner lunges at her with a wide, overhead swing with no warning. She steps to the side to look at one of her items on the blanket as the blade passes harmlessly. He brings it up to the side and swings at shoulder height; Kara bends at the waist to adjust something on the blanket as the blade passes over her. She turns, “Oh, you started. You should have said something so I could get ready.” Ava asks Kal, “Is she really going to let them go if he wins?” Kal looks at the fight, then to Ava, “Do you think there is any possibility of her losing? Plus, she said, “She” will not stop them. She didn’t say we won’t stop them. I don’t think they are too bright, and she spent a lot of time learning Dynasty politics.”
They look back just in time to see him thrust the scimitar toward her head, to which she turns her head and watches it pass. It almost looks like she is admiring her eyes in her reflection on the blade. The prisoner yells at her, “Stand still, you bitch, or at least fight!” Kara takes a step closer, and there is a low-sounding thump as her fist connects with his gut; then she steps back, “You said to fight.” The prisoner exhales all the air in his lungs and doubles over.
Aran comes running up, shirtless with his mace and no shield, like he’s going to jump in; Caylee is behind him, half undressed with no weapons. Ava steps in front of him to stop him, “Stay out of it unless you want her pissed at you.” Ava sees other people approaching to see what’s going on. She looks back in time to see the prisoner make a wild swing diagonally across Kara, but she leans back, and the blade misses her by millimeters. Ava says, “I love watching her fight.” She looks at Kal, and he says, “I only ever got to see her fight once. It's as if her body is moving independently for defense.” Ava smiles, wondering if she'll ever get that good.
Caylee leans up to Aran’s ear, “This is making me horny.” Aran doesn’t know whether to look at Caylee or watch the fight. The prisoner throws a sidekick at Kara’s left thigh, which impacts her with a smack; she doesn’t seem even to notice, but she says, “I think this is what you intended.” Then she throws a sidekick; it lands with a sickening smack on his thigh, and the shock wave can be seen traveling through his body as his legs fly out from under him. He lands on his shoulder with a loud grunt.
Kara walks over to Ava, takes her water skin, and takes a drink while he stands back up. Ava says, “If the Princess finds out you did this..” Kara replies, “She’ll probably skin you alive for letting me.” Then she throws the water skin, hitting the prisoner in the forehead and staggering him back. Before he can recover, she is in his face with an uppercut that launches him into the air. He lands on his back, dropping the scimitar.
Kara picks up the scimitar, twirls it, then presents its handle to the prisoner as he stands back up. Kara asks him, “Do you submit?” He grabs the handle, “Bitch!” and then he shoves the blade before she can move. All anyone sees is the blade protruding from her as he smiles. Then his expression changes to that of extreme pain, and a loud thump is heard as nearly a ton of force is applied from her knee to his nuts. The prisoner leans over Kara as she steps back and removes the blade from between her arm and side. He continues to lean until he topples onto his face, where he lies holding both hands between his legs, gasping for air. Kara hands Kal’s scimitar back to him. Ava sees her heal a shallow cut on her rib cage as she hands the scimitar back.
Persi runs up to Kara, “What in the hells do you think you are doing? Do you know how much could have gone wrong? Do you understand what the Princess would have done to us if something went wrong?” Kara hugs him as her clothes return to their usual appearance, “She would know that you had no choice, and we won’t find out because no one here will tell her. Clear?” Persi looks angry with Kara, “I nearly killed myself to save your life once before; it’s not just your life anymore. From now on, if any fighting needs to be done, we will do it..” Kara starts to say something, and Persi holds a finger up to her lips, “Clear?”
Kara looks at him in shock. Ava and Aran look like they are bracing to get hit; Kara looks down and away, then says. “Clear.” Persi straightens his coat and then stomps off as everyone starts to disperse. Kara returns to the blanket with her stuff and puts it back on. Ava and Kal go over to her. As Ava quietly starts helping her, Kal asks, “Not just your life?” Kara looks at him and says, “Do you need an explanation?” Kal says, “Oh, oh, shit. What were you thinking? I wouldn’t have just stood there if I knew that. I would have fought for you.” Kara says, “Look at yourself; if you were a doomed prisoner, about to fight for your life, would you rather fight you or some little girl who shouldn’t be able to swing a dagger, much less a fist, against an armed opponent. It had to be me or Ava, and I’m sorry, Ava, but I’m not sure you would’ve been able to handle it yet.” Ava looks down, “I’m sorry I’m not good enough.” Kara puts an arm around her, “It’s not that you’re not good enough; it’s you’re not experienced enough yet. He was swinging hard, to kill and wild. I couldn’t take a chance with you about this. How about this, maybe Kal? By the way, Kal, meet Ava. Ava, this is Kal. But maybe Kal can spar with you some tonight. Right now, would the two of you look as intimidating as possible?”
Kara grabs the still-moaning prisoner and drags him to the other prisoners, flanked by Ava and Kal. She throws him down into the middle of the rest, “You heard the deal, now talk. How long have you been here?” One says, “About nine months.” Kara asks, “To whom have you been selling the slaves?” Another says, primarily to nobles and well-to-do families, some to the orcs in the swamp.” Kara asks, “Why? Explain the purpose. This is far more trouble than it’s worth.” The first one says, “We plant evidence that it’s nightsylvans from the Dynasty, then sell them and keep the money. The boss never asked for any of the loot.” Kara asks, “How many other cells of Azura’s cult are there?” One who hasn’t spoken yet says, “We don’t know; we never met any others. The boss found each of us and asked if we wanted to have some fun and make some gold. We signed a contract. Then he brought us out here.” Kara says, “You idiots. Did you sign this contract with your blood?” All of them look at each other and nod, “You fucking idiots, you can beg and plead for mercy and redemption till this world turns to dust. You’ve doomed your souls to eternal torment unless Azura decides to have mercy and releases you. Trust me when I say this: she has no mercy.”
Kara reties the moaning one and tells all of them, “Pray the magistrate sentences you to a life of hard labor in the mines so you can have a vacation before you go to hell.” She walks off, motioning for Ava and Kal to follow, “Ava, keep an eye on them. Try to listen to anything they say to each other without looking like you’re listening. I’ll contact Valas and let him know. Kal, let your people know. It does sound like Azura still has plans to destabilize the region. Letting the Ostralor Empire and the Rrostarr Dynasty know is the best defense. Hopefully, they won’t fall back into her trap. She has another host in her sights, or my brother will be her Regent.” Kal says, “Brother?” Kara looks at Ava, “Catch him up. I’m going to talk to Valas.”
Kara walks to a place with more privacy and pulls out the Sending Stone. She lays a thumb on one of the runes and speaks, as simply and with as few words as possible to convey the message, “Cult of Azura operating again. Slavery. Making it look like Dynasty. Brother running it, maybe new host in her sights. At Cragcall tomorrow, have prisoners.”. She sits down and waits for the reply. The voice that comes back is not Valas. It is the Night Commander, Narcelia Rrostarr, “Thank you for finding this, Kara, it will help, I hope. I know your situation, please be careful. Welcome back, find your way home.” Kara sits back and closes her eyes, “It was nice to hear from Narcelia, but why does everyone feel the need to stay out of trouble? I know that; trouble finds me.”
Kara stands and walks over to the fire. Lynn is telling a story about a boy tracking a wolf that turns out to be a shape-changing dragon. The story has all the children mesmerized, including most of the adults. When she finishes, she sees Kara and says, “Now, for everyone’s enjoyment, Kara has agreed to sing a song for us.”
Kara looks around and sees a minstrel with a drum; she walks over to him, bends down, and starts tapping the drum steadily, then motions for him to take over. As he takes over, she begins singing a song she calls “Take Me Home Tonight” in a canter and beat most people here are unfamiliar with. Other minstrels with lutes and flutes join in. It seems well-liked as everyone begins to stamp their feet or clap with the beat. She allows the song and the rhythm to take her as she dances and spins to the music. For a few minutes, she forgets all her problems; from the looks of it, everyone else does, too. When she finishes, everyone stands and applauds; she takes a bow, and then Valovar, The Lazy, yells out, “Encore! Encore!” all his friends look at him, amazed that he’s awake.
Kara walks back to the minstrel and leans down to whisper something to him, then she starts the beat again, a rising and falling tempo; as he takes over, she begins singing about how only love can save her, how the world is spinning out of control. Once again, everyone knowingly or unknowingly joins in with the beat and even starts singing with her during the second chorus. Ava stands back with the prisoners, watching and listening. Aran and Caylee stick their heads out of their shelter to listen. Even the prisoners lift their heads so they can hear better. After the applause, Lynn calls an end to tonight’s festivities, then escorts Kara to a tent they have set up. Lynn insists she takes the most comfortable-looking mat and does not get up until sunrise. Lynn catches her as she begins to fall. She’s asleep before she touches the mat. Lynn checks her to ensure it’s just the day's exhaustion and seems satisfied she’s just sleeping.
The following day, she awakens and sees Ava sleeping next to her. She notices Ava’s clothes are starting to look somewhat ratty, then realizes none of them have bathed beyond the occasional rain and few splashes in streams. She remembers that Cragcall has some renowned hot springs, and hopefully, they can find some glamour weave for Ava. She reaches out to touch Ava’s shoulder when Ava’s eyes open. They both quietly go outside and quietly recite the tenants not to wake anyone up. When they finish, they walk around the camp. Zaos is on watch and near the prisoners. Zaos holds a hand up in greeting to show that he is not armed, even though Kara knows those pistols could be out and ready to fire in the blink of an eye. Zaos walks over and bows to Ava and Kara, “Good morning. I hope you slept well. May the sun shine on you today.”
Ava replies, “May the sun shine on you today also.” She sees Kara looking at her; Ava says, “What? I talked to a few people about local customs and greetings.” Ava looks at Zaos, “Have they given you any problems?” He sneers at them, “Other than whining about being cold, they’ve caused no problems. It will be good to be rid of them today.” Kara asks, “Have you ever been to Cragcall?” Zaos answers, “We live there. Are you looking for something?” Kara says, “Maybe a place to buy glamour weave clothes, a tattoo shop, and are the hot springs as great as I remember?
Zaos thinks briefly, “Yes, there is a tattoo place. If I remember right, it’s near the inns, and it’s called “Heart on my Sleeve.” I do know there is a clothier there; he specializes in heavy clothing, but I did buy some glamour weave there once,” as he says that, his clothing changes from a dark gray to a pattern that blends more with the grass to a bright yellow “and yes, the hot springs are incredible, you can use the public baths with everyone else or rent a private bath for yourself or a few.” Kara looks at Ava, “I’ll get us a private bath for you, Persi, Aran, and me; I can’t wait to feel clean again.” Ava says, “All of us? In the same bath?” Kara says, “Of course, they stink as bad as we do. Like I said, we are doing this together and will be very close for a while.” Zaos says, “Can I be close too?” Ava starts to say something, but Kara beats her to it, “Of course, all of you are welcome.” Ava blurts out, “All of us naked? Together? Oh, gods. Why don’t you have any modesty whatsoever? Never mind, don’t answer that.”
Kara gives her a curious look. Zaos asks, “What time?” with a big smile. Kara and Ava speak simultaneously, “Six bells this evening”/” Never.” Zaos says, “We’ll see you at six bells. I’ll excuse myself now.” Zaos trots off before anyone can change Kara’s mind. Ava looks at Kara open-mouthed. Kara says, “What? I don’t understand this modesty. Clothes on, clothes off, I don’t get it. I understand it’s considered proper to wear clothes when you’re out in public, but it’s hard to do so when trying to bathe.” Ava says, “Everyone will be staring.” Kara replies, “So? Stare back. Come on, you’ll love the baths. They are so relaxing. Plus, I’m making it an order. Remember?” this time, Ava gives Kara a curious look, “I broke you out of your shell; I’m the Dawn Breaker.” Ava rolls her eyes, shakes her head, and walks off. Kara stands there, softly laughing to herself.
Aran crawls out and limps over to where breakfast is being prepared. Ava looks at him. It seems like he’s in pain but happy. She walks over to him, “Feeling okay?” He jumps at the sound of her voice, “Yeah, fine. Why?” She pokes him in the lower back, and he jumps again, “Hey!” She laughs, “Good to see you’re still alive; I was told we may have to carry you to a temple for a raise-dead ritual.” He says, “I’m fine, better than fine.” He looks like he’s almost drunk. She asks, “Where’s Caylee?” He replies, “I don’t know, she was gone… Why?” Ava holds her hands in front of her, smiles, and sways, “Nothing, I just want to talk to her.” She looks past him and sees Caylee talking to Kara and Persi, “Oh, there she is, see ya.” She walks over to them, leaving Aran standing there. Persi is explaining about the two young boys from yesterday. Kara is saying “It sounds like they were headed to Rivermire.” Caylee says, “We’re headed that way in a week or so with some of this caravan. Maybe they can tag along. Perhaps this Chennol can watch them until then and maybe go with them there.” Persi replies to them, “I’ll go check with her. Then, I’ll finish that inventory of the items from the slavers. We’ll still need to find out if any of those items belonged to the slaves, then sell the rest and distribute the funds to them.”
Kara sees Ava, “Come on over. Maybe you can talk to the former slaves. We’ll need them to stay together so we can take care of all this. I think they trust you and Persi now, so between the two of you, you should be able to get them to listen. See if you can get a feeling if any of them will be willing to testify if need be.” While Kara is talking, Ava moves around so she can see Aran. He is standing with a plate of food, staring at them. Persi says, “I’ll start getting them ready to move out; just join me when you can, Ava.” Ava nods to acknowledge him. Persi leaves. Caylee and Kara look at Ava. Caylee speaks first, “Need something more, Red?” Ava says, “No, unless you want to look at Aran over there and make him squirm.”
All three look at Aran. He does his best to try to move behind a wagon. Kara says, “Don’t make him feel bad; have your fun, but don’t take it too far. Don’t forget about the baths tonight.” Caylee says, “Baths?” Kara says, “Yes, I’m paying for all of us to get a private bath tonight at six bells, Nameless Shields and Wandering Mountain.” Caylee says, “I can’t wait.” She winks at Ava, “You’re pretty cute too, Red. I can't wait to find out if it's natural.” Ava looks at Caylee, then Kara, and heads in Persi’s direction, “I gotta run.” She looks back at Caylee one more time.
Caylee and Kara start to walk around the camp together, checking on travel preparations. Kara says, “Don’t break my protege; I need her clear-headed.” Caylee asks, “Do you have a thing for her?” Kara replies, “No, my wife is across the sea, and I have no eye for anyone but her. I’m just not sure of Ava’s experience, and I don’t want her to feel pressured into anything. I know Aran was curious, and it looks like he had fun last night.” Caylee smiles, “I won’t pressure her. I’ll take it easy. If she is not interested, I’ll take Aran again tonight. He was pretty good. Not much experience, but I kinda likey.” Kara pushes her in jest, “You only want one thing.” Caylee smiles, “Yeah, and since you’re not on the menu, I’ll sample the appetizers.”
Kara asks, “Have you ever sampled your menu within The Nameless Shields?” Caylee looks almost aghast, “No, that’s best left professional. I don’t need any personal feelings like that in the group.” They stop to help a merchant load a heavy box. Kara says, “Understandable. One of my best friends fell in love with a fellow adventurer. It almost destroyed her, but she’s happy now.” Caylee slides the box to the front of the wagon, “So, she’s happy now and settled down?” Kara says, “You can say that.”
Caylee looks at her, “There’s much more to this story. One day, I want to hear it.” Kara tells her, “Come to Nexus, in AeZuan, west of Mosshore. Then I will tell you the story, and you can meet my family.” Caylee says, “You trust me, meeting your wife?” Kara says, “She would break you.” Caylee gets a big grin, “That sounds like a challenge. I can’t turn that down. If I can’t bed you, maybe I’ll be able to bed the both of you together.” She gives Kara a little push, and Kara laughs as they round another wagon and see Aran peeking around the other corner. They walk up behind him; he sees neither of them as they close on him; at the same time, Caylee says, “Oh, Aran. By the gods prime.” He turns with a wide grin, sees Kara with Caylee, and turns red. Kara says, “I think you need to be helping everyone get ready to move out.” Caylee says, “See you in the baths tonight. You better be ready.” He nods, and then they walk on by; Kara says, “He didn’t hear a word we said.” Caylee laughs, “But he’s eager, so fucking eager.”
Kara finds Ava with the people they freed, and most have agreed to stay with them in Cragcall; she has started making a list of items that were taken by the slavers so they can get their property back to them. She asks Ava, “What should we do about Chomasuke and Fearless?” Ava says, “As cool as it would be, it’s probably best to drive the wagons. Crownsguard may not like the sight of a marrowfang stalker and a nightmare.” Kara lays her hand on her shoulder, “Good when we get to the city, the Crownsguard will have questions about the prisoners. Stay close and listen. I’ll fiddle with my holy symbol if I want you to say anything. Odds are, they will take the prisoners to the dungeon then and tell us to see the magistrate tomorrow. What about testimonies from the people?”
Ava says a few are more than willing to testify. Some may if they need to. The rest, they want to try to forget and move on.” Kara says, “That’s understandable. It’s easier to try to forget than to deal with the past. You know that, so no pressure. Speaking of pressure, well, never mind.” Ava says, “What?” Kara says, “Well,,, Caylee may have a thing for you. But it’s your decision.” Ava starts to turn red, and Kara smiles. “As I said, no pressure, enjoy the attention. Don’t do anything you don’t want to.” Ava says, “But she was just with Aran.” Kara shrugs, “To her, it’s fun, and it is fun with the right person. That’s your decision, not hers, not anyone else. I’m just warning you. To her, it has nothing to do with feelings. It’s pure pleasure. Enjoy the conversation tonight; if you’re uncomfortable, slide over next to me, and I will pull you out if that is what you want.” Ava whines, “Do we have to go to the bath tonight? I mean, I’m…” Kara stares at her, “People will look to you for the rest of your life as a leader. You must be comfortable in any situation. Consider it part of your training. Paladins are fearless. Plus, you should have seen the fear on Aran’s face. Why don’t you tell Persi? Be ready to catch him if he faints.” Now Ava feels better as she looks for Persi. To think, “Someone is interested in me. No, absolutely not, but she is nice to look at. What is this feeling?”