Before Gregor returned to his wagon, he crossed the clearing to the knight who was just mounting his horse. “Sir knight, a question if I might?”
“If I can answer it, I will.” He said as he finished mounting.
“Why Sir? Why all the traps? If he could kill us all with his magic, why does he do this?”
“Hmmm, I think I can answer you. Because he’s tired and doesn’t want to fight anymore. Given the stories and his reputation, there will always be groups, like your Hawks, who come seeking him out. The traps reduce their numbers and sometimes he doesn't have to fight at all. Some have died before reaching him. Those are the easy ones. The Hawks are proving hard to kill.”
“Do you want us dead?”
“No,” he sighed. “It’s too late now for you to turn back. Someone would talk and others would know more of what to expect and be able to bypass or be ready for the traps. He’s lived a long time and Raytheda may be tired, but he’s not ready to die.”
“Will you fight to defend him when we get there?”
“No, as I said, I will not aid him and unless you attack me, I will not kill you.”
“Then some have attacked you?”
“Yes. As I am still here and alive, they are not. Not all parties who have entered the swamp have been as noble as your Hawks. Some tried to kill me for my armor. There were never enough nor were they skilled enough to succeed.”
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“Your man Stefanos was watching us through the window even though we didn’t see him. He helped you?”
His smile and laughter at Gregor’s question was real. “I like you, young Gregor. You are smart, observant and you fight well. Stefanos had three arbalests loaded and ready to shoot. Your leader would have died before he realized he was a target. The bolts are enchanted to break through the archer’s usual love of missile deflection. I believe your Tanadon’s armor has that enchantment. He’s probably good with a blade, too.” The knight sighed and his shoulders slumped. His age and hard life showed on his face. “It’s too bad you’ll die today. Stefanos wants to retire to his farm and family, and I could use a suitable replacement. If you hadn’t entered the swamp, you seem worthy.”
“Thank you, Sir knight. I hoped to earn enough to retire and start a family. If you’re right, I won’t live until tomorrow. I might have taken you up on that had you offered it.”
“Who knows what the day will bring? Perhaps today is the day Raytheda will die? Mount your wagon. The Hawks are waiting and Raytheda is waiting for them.”
Gregor did as he was told and gave his future much thought as the party continued onward to the fate that awaited them.
The next two hours passed unevently. They found no traps, and outside of the ever-present insects, no creatures tried to attack them. The path meandered back and forth from island to island in the swamp. The ground had been built up sometime in the distant past to create a road, and the journey was easier. When they stopped for a cold meal, there was no attack.
“Sir knight. Is Raytheda trying to kill us with boredom?” Tanadon demanded to know.
“I believe there are worse ways to die,” he replied, laughing. “Dying of boredom is not a death I wish, but I would like some others much less.”
“Aaahhh….” Tanadon threw up his hands, his feet stamped the ground as he left, muttering about something or someone under his breath. The knight just smiled at his retreating back.
A short time later, everyone had mounted again and they continued on their way to find Raytheda. The swamp grew darker and more menacing as the day finished changing from afternoon to evening.