Movement woke me up as Dena tried to detangle our limbs. The small bed could barely fit two people, so Dena had to sleep with half her body draped over mine. As enjoyable as it was to have a naked woman draped over me, my right arm had fallen asleep, and the weight of her body made it difficult to breathe.
She realized my eyes were open and said with a smile. “Good morning, Moon.” She gave a small peck on the cheek. Giving her side a squeeze I said, “It certainly is.” I pulled her closer hoping to have some fun. With a giggle she rolled on top of me. Glancing through the windows, a look of dread end disappointment came over her.
With a panicked voice she said. “Oh, dear I’ve overslept.”
She hopped out of bed and rapidly started dressing.
“Nanette is going to throw a fit if she catches me in the middle of it and not working.”
I gave her appreciative glances as she dressed. She had a smirk on her face when she caught me watching, she didn't seem to mind so I just kept staring. “There’s always another time." I said.
“When will you leave?” She had a small amount of hope in her voice.
“Today most likely.” I said as I stretched.
“Ah I see.” She sounded even more dejected. I sincerely hope she wasn't starting to develop feelings for me. That was certainly something I didn't want to deal with. She put on a braver face then said. “Well, if I don’t happen to catch you before you leave.” She sauntered over to the bed and planted a forceful kiss on my face while massaging an ear. “Thank you for last night.” She turned to leave as I said, “It was my pleasure.” She gave me a small smile before closing the door.
I started wondering where we actually slept for the night, getting up, I looked about the room. The room was sparse, there was a small writing desk, a chest of clothes and a bed. Here and there loose articles of clothing were thrown about the place, they all looked like women’s working clothes. I had to assume that this was probably where Dena lived. I dressed and covertly tried to exit the room. Glancing up and down the hall I could see no one, so I made my way to the stairs. I had a small smile on my face as I reminisced on the night I spent with Dena, and how enjoyable it was not having a hangover from all that drinking.
“Enjoy your time with the human.” Lilian said with disgust. I was beginning to tire of her appearing out of nowhere.
“If you're going to start complaining about me bedding humans, then feel free keep to it to yourself.” Is said testily.
It was disappointing that the only other elf I know has become such an irritant. I did want to know about elven magic and culture. But if she doesn't stop this elven glory nonsense, then I wasn't willing to bother engaging her in conversation.
“Do you even know how other elves will view your actions?” I was mildly curious.
“Oh, please inform me.” I said sarcastically.
With a quieter voice she said, “First you lower yourself to learning human magic, now you are bedding them. If you were a member of a clan this would be grounds for exile.”
“Who I take to bed is none of your concern, let me make this clear.” I said, holding her gaze firmly.
“I do not care about your opinion or the opinions of elves a thousand leagues away. Do not speak to me unless it has to do with my obligations to the bronze spears.” I immediately started walking away. I would probably have to deal with the elves someday and these actions will probably work against me. But if I had enough magical power then they would bend to my desires anyway. Regardless, going celibate on the off chance, I would offend the elves seemed ridiculous to me.
“Moon wait.” She said in an almost apologetic tone. I didn't glance back at her.
After I came down the stairs the barwoman who I assumed was named Nanette came over to me and said.” Ah! Moon. Glad I caught you. Your clothes are ready just head over to the tailors and they’ll get you sorted.”
With a quick glance I noted that none of the bronze spears were present. I wondered where they slept for the night but not enough to try to figure it out, I’m sure they would turn up.
“Where are the tailors?”
She took me over to the door of the tavern and pointed to a single-story building with faded blue paint a few houses down from the tavern. There was a sign outside that said Stitch and Sew in standard imperial. With a nod of thanks to her I walked towards the building. There was some commotion at the entrance to the village as a large train of carriages was waiting. The two guardsmen were talking to a man in full plate armor, polished to a mirror shine. I appreciated his armor for a second and went into the Stitch and Sew. The pale blue door was attached to a bell that rang as I entered.
The room was filled with tables, some containing spools of thread of all assorted colors. On the wall to my left were large sheets of cloth, arranged from pale white to yellow, blues, greens and ending in a dark red. In the center of the room was a sewing station. Near the back of the room surprisingly was a large glass mirror.
“Moon my dear. I just finished up your order.” I didn’t even get to say hello as she dragged me over to the mirror and pulled out some clothes that were hanging in a closet at the back of the room. The same bald man from last time came out from a door leading further into the house and left a pair of dark boots on the floor. Then walked away without sparing a second glance. “Oh, don't, mind him my dear husband isn't much of a talker.” She said in a cheerful voice.
“Here we are,” she said. She brought over a paper barrier like the one I used in the bath, to give me some privacy. I changed into the clothes then looked in the mirror.
She had done an excellent job. She handed me a pair of white underwear and a pair of black socks long enough to reach my knees. She gave me a long sleeved dark blue shirt that while cut close was quite comfortable and didn’t impair my movement. The material was thick and felt well made. The pants were dark gray and made of thick cotton. Instead of string to hold them up there were loops for a deep brown belt that she gave me. Tucking my pants into the boots as I have seen most people around town do, I gave myself a once over. These clothes were of far superior quality than what I’ve seen of most of the village’s wear. The boots would need some breaking in, but they fit and were just snug enough that I could see myself walking in them for some time.
The woman had a grin on her face as she watched me giving myself appreciative glances. Reaching in the pockets of my old pants. I gave her the 4 sterling I owed her. “Your work is exceptional.” She brought out a pair of deep brown leather gloves. putting them on I realized that they fit nicely.
“The gloves are on the house. I had them made for a client that never picked them up, so I figured you could use them.” While the rest of the clothes were freshly tailored the gloves were showing signs of age. I was still appreciative of the gesture.
Now with new clothes, I bundled Tanners and Lilians borrowed clothing in my hands and returned to the tavern. By this point the large caravan dominated the central street and villagers were going about their day carving a wide path around the armored knights. Upon close inspection I noticed that adorning their breast plate was the emblem of the empire. Each of the 12 armored knights wore a cape that also had the empire’s symbol embroidered in gold thread. A few of the passersby gave me curious glances and children pointed at me in curiosity. But for the most part, people were more concerned with the caravan in the street. Once I entered the tavern, I noticed most of the bronze spears were sitting at a table. While another man in armor talked to Sten by the counter. He had that same serious expression he wore every time he was negotiating. Sarah and Lilian were nowhere to be seen, but I was sure they would turn up at some point.
I took a seat between Mark and Breala. All of our equipment lined the floor around them including the goblins sack that held most of my meager belongings. Breala handed me my pouch which still contained two Geldings and a couple sterling. I gave the borrowed boots back to tanner and stuffed the clothes in the goblins sack to give to Lilian Later.
“What’s Sten up to?” I asked mark.
“Sniffing for coins, I think. Some noble’s passing through to Vernon. They like taking on mercenaries as meat shields. Seems like they know about the bronze spears so we might be getting some easy pay.” Mark explained.
Several serving girls brought over steaming bowls of more stew and set them in front of each person including myself. The rest of the company dug into their food and had a small conversation about who the noble inside of the largest carriage could be. I saw Dena carrying some drinks to a table with a few men sitting and bustling back into the kitchen. She gave me a smile and a wave that I returned.
“Moon you dog.” Mikah said excitedly. “Is that where you disappeared to.”
I choked on a piece of meat as Mikah said this, all but admitting that he was right. “What ever could you mean?” I asked a bit too quickly.
“Oh, come on now I know that look on anyone.” The entire group was staring at me at this point. And I just shrugged smugly.
“Ha! I knew you liked her, so tell me how your first taste of human was.”
Downing the last of my stew is said. “It was delicious.” There was some joyous laughter at that. They asked for more details, which I refused to give.
“Elves almost never bed the other races.” Breala said with a searching look on her face.
Thinking back to Lilian I said. “Their loss I suppose.”
Sten returned at the same moment and announced. “Alright people were doing guard duty to Vernon. 10 sterling a man, it's not much, but there is no chance we'll be attacked; we leave within the hour.” A few of the members seem excited about the easy money.
“Who’s the noble?” Bast said. The scarred man barely talked, his voice had a sharp edge to it that spoke of danger.
“Baroness Ruben, she may be visiting her daughter or something. The Etheric knight, Richter, over there wouldn't say." Sten pointed to the man in the shiny plate.
I had to ask. “What’s an Etheric knight?”
“Their knights that use Ether to enhance their strength and reflexes. They're not mages but they're damn dangerous in a fight. “Sten replied. Bast grunted at that statement.
I wanted to know more but I didn't want to derail the conversation.
A brief discussion on traveling accommodations, was made then we began to prepare.
It was only a day’s travel by horse and carriage, but the baroness’s dislike of bumpy travel made it 3. During the night we will aid the guarding and defending the Baroness on the off chance there is an attack. There was no mention of defending the servants or anyone else in her retinue. I certainly wasn’t willing to die for some random servant, so I said nothing.
We assembled outside with the rest of the large carriage train, half of us at the head of the carriage. The rest of us, taking up the rear. The heavily armored knights were close to the large carriage, elaborately decorated in blue, red, and gold. No doubt it was where the Baroness was residing. I couldn’t see anyone inside since the curtains for the windows were pulled closed.
The rest of the carriages were far more utilitarian, and the farther back in the line, the cheaper they became. I counted 18 in total. There were 12 men and women in the last carriage, all packed in like sardines. There was little space for their feet as the floor of the carriage was covered with bags. They all wore servant uniforms similar to what the tavern workers wore. Except the colors, which were reds and blues. I had to assume that they were the baroness’s colors.
I carried up the rear with Tanner, Mikah, Bast and Brandon. Sten and Mark were near the Carriage the baroness was in and were in the middle of a conversation with one of the Etheric knights. The rest of the mercenaries were taking up the front. Soon enough the train of 18 carriages started moving. I glanced at the door of the tavern once more. I was slightly disappointed that I didn’t get to see Dena again. As we left the Village of Mistle behind I focused on our path ahead and put her out of my mind.
After a few minutes of walking, I struck up a conversation with the rest that were behind me. “So, what do guys know about Etheric Knights?” Both Tanner and Brandon looked to Bast.
“Like Sten said, they use some kind of magic to enhance their body. Nobody knows how they were made, but combine beyond human strength with enchanted armor and weapons you have a deadly enemy.” He spoke as if he had faced them in combat.
“How are they able to use Ether if they are not mages? “I asked. Bast looked like he was about to answer then Tanner butted in.
“Better off asking Sarah, mages don't like sharing stuff like that with us lesser folks.” Tanner said. I guess that's something I'll have to figure out later.
“Speaking of Sarah, what is her deal? She's a noble but why is she working in a mercenary Company?” I asked.
Tanner seemed happy to answer. “Oh, it was a big thing a year ago. The Newmans are some minor nobles whose names are barely worth shite, but when Sarah over there became a mage lots of noble men wanted her as a wife. Her father sold her off to the highest bidder and she refused; he ended up disowning her for that.”
“Who ended up trying to purchase her hand? “I asked.
Mikah piped up eager to get in the middle of some gossip. “Denerif Mason.” he said as if that was supposed to sound impressive.
“Is he someone important?” I asked.
Tanner let out a small chuckle and said., “They say his family shits gold and pisses wine. He’s the heir to Vendalia’s Central Bank.”
“Sounds like some man. If he’s so rich as to own a bank why did Sarah refuse.” I asked.
“He doesn’t just own a bank; he owns all the banks in the empire. Everyone with any amount of coin stores their money in the bank. Hells he has a 40 strong force of Etheric knights, 10 mages and a small army to protect his businesses.” Mikah said.
“Surely someone who's that powerful would be the ideal husband to a noble woman.“ I still didn’t really understand why she wouldn't accept but I’m a stranger to this world and its customs.
“No one really knows, some say it’s that he’s 10 years older or that he’s not a noble, either way she said no, and her father disowned her.”. Mikah said with a shrug.
I asked some follow up questions on the banking system. Apparently, most baronies have a branch of the bank in their capital city. Clients are only accepted through recommendation, and they are given an identity card that was magically enchanted to be unique. Using this, coins can be deposited, withdrawn, or transferred to another with a card. One could even take out loans. Fraud of any kind was met with either death by the sword or if they were a noble, they would be excommunicated from the banking system. That would be an economical death sentence for any noble man or wealthy merchant. As they would have to rely on transporting their coin which was fraught with danger and much slower. The emperor who was named Margrave Vandalia the V was their biggest client and benefactor of all the taxes.
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This gave the Mason family near complete autonomy to do their business. However, there were very few mages born to the Masons. Other imperial families have been selectively breeding the best mages for generations. Coin only goes so far to buy influence. Cross the wrong noble mage family and not even all the coins in the world can stop their wrath.
We traveled at an easy pace throughout the day. Tanner and Mikah shared stories of their meetings with Sarah Sten and the others. It seemed everyone at some point in time ran into Sten by coincidence.
Being the opportunist, he recognized the potential of the individual and brought them into the mercenary company. Sten and Mark originally started the company. Since Sten was from a family influential enough to have a last name, he had more education than most mercenaries and built a reputation for properly fulfilling a contract and never breaching it. He pays the company well for their time and never took a contract that was outside the bounds of their skill.
Tanner and Mikah spoke of Sten with some admiration. They did note that he was very particular with contracts and quite coin hungry. But in the 3 years Tanner was contracted she had never felt that she wasn't getting paid her worth. Bast had even gone on to say his contract was due to be up in several months and he fully intended to re-sign under Sten. Even Breala was under a second contract since her first expired last year.
This conversation alleviated some of my worry about signing a contract with someone I’ve only known for a little over a week. I wouldn’t actually sign the contract until I had actually been trained. So, at the end of my training with Garrett I could simply refuse to sign and go about my way. Sten had not shown himself to be acting in bad faith at any point in time and no fishing I did with Tanner, Bast, Brandon or Mikah gave me anything to worry about.
Eventually the day started to wane, and it was time to camp. Since the area we traveled was mostly grassland there was plenty of room for the carriages to exit the road and create a circle in a large clearing. The servants in the carriage kept mostly to themselves and when we finally stopped, they hopped out. Over 40 men and women got to work assembling a large tent no doubt for the Baroness and of course the colors were red and blue. It took over an hour to assemble. I stood from a hundred feet away and watched as a male servant in finer reds and blues opened the baroness’s carriage.
A man walked out, his hair was a deep brown and slick back. His gray eyes scanned the area like a hawk. At his arrival the servants stiffened and bowed even from this distance, I could tell the man was a mage. He radiated a power that I couldn't really describe. Similar to how I felt around Sarah, it wasn’t the Ether, just his very presence spoke of power. On his left hand was what had to be an amplifier. It was a gauntleted glove with a softly glowing red gem smaller than the one on Sarah's staff embedded into the plate on the back of his hand. This stone, however, glowed brighter than Sarah’s did.
A woman then came out with her red hair tied into a bun. Her presence was far less threatening than the man’s. She also had an amplifier in her left hand. This one was embedded with a clear crystal that glowed white. Was this a light mage I wondered? Were the amplifiers only for a specific attenuation for ether?
They both wore red and blue uniforms embroidered with gold. Each wore a cape that showed the symbol of the empire with the exception that behind the man's emblem there was a fire on and a sun behind the woman’s. My assumption must be correct then.
A striking, tall black-haired woman in a stunning blue and red dress with a waterfall of diamonds around her neck stepped out of the carriage. She had small streaks of silver in her ink black hair that only added to her elegance. Her knights, ever attentive, ushered her into the tent. Followed closely behind by the two mages. It was curious that the servants seemed to bow lower to the mages than the baroness.
The rest of us, including the lower servants huddled around campfires to chase off the chill of the night air. 3 days of slow traveling passed without issue. Until we could see a high wall just cresting over the horizon. As we traveled closer to the wall, dirt became cobbled roads and slowly the number of people we began to pass increased. Eventually the road became wide enough that two of our largest carriages could travel abreast. Further down the road there seems to be a system where travelers heading towards the city would travel on the left and those leaving would travel on the right. Our carriage train, however, simply barreled forward. People were being forced to move their own carts and carriages out of the way.
No one voiced any complaints. I imagined the heavily armed guards were a warning enough not to be foolish. There was a line of people waiting to enter the city. The entrance was guarded on both sides of the river. On our side there was a fort with two guard towers and a portcullis that was currently open guarding the entrance to the bridge. The bridge itself seemed to be lowered by large iron chains as thick around as my thighs. I couldn’t imagine how heavy it must be to need such large chains. There were guards with bows monitoring the travelers, looking down as people were checked by even more guards. From the back of the chain of carriages I could see a guard speaking with Sten and the One Etheric knight he seemed to be friendly with. In less than a minute we were waved to enter. The wooden bridge didn't so much as creak as the baroness’s carriage that was by far the largest, rolled over it into the city.
The city itself was massive, the 30-foot-wide paved roast was lined with building after building. On the sides of the street people shouted, trying to sell whatever wares they were offering. There was everything from books, paper, meat on sticks, fresh baked pastries. I watched in fascination as one old man was blowing glass. A particularly large group of people gathered around a person who was spitting fire. The sight of so many people in one place was jarring when compared to the quiet emptiness of the forest.
At every hundred feet or so the main street branched off to our left and right. Down those streets I could see even more shops and stalls. After at least half an hour we reached another wall even taller than the last. There were significantly less people entering this section. Unlike the guards at the bridge. These guards were dressed in pristine plates polished to shine in the sun. At our approach there was another conversation with the same Etheric Knight Richter. Richter gave Sten a pouch of coin then both men saluted each other by crossing the arms across their chest then they parted ways.
It was clear that we were not going to enter that part of the city, perhaps it was for the upper class. We stepped off to the side of the road after the last carriage went through the entrance. Before the portcullis could be lowered down, I could see even farther down the paved road another wall blocking another section of the city. Sten began giving out 10 sterling to each member of the company and significantly more to Sarah.
Once everyone was paid, he announced. “Ok people, here's the plan for the next job. According to Richter the baroness is going to be heading to the imperial capital in the next fortnight. So, you have that long until we'll be heading off to another job. The price is 2 Gelding for the trip to the capitol and another 1 and a half to escort her back to Ruben all agreed?”.
The entire company announced “Agreed.”
“Good now it’s through some bad lands so there might be encounters with bandits and even some beasts here and there but with her personal mages and the Etheric knights there's not likely to be anything we can't handle. Call it two and a half months before you get home so make your arrangements. “Sten announced.
Sten only announced how much a standard member of the company would make after subtracting the price of keeping Sarah on contract. Assuming she makes a third of the entire price that is over 17 Geldings of this one journey. Though escort contracts might be significantly less since there is a much lower chance of combat.
“Two weeks! That's barely enough time for my darlings.” Brandon announced.
“Yes, I’m sure the whores at Gardenia’s miss you.” Tanner said, with some bitterness in her voice. The rest of the company chuckled. Apparently, Tanner had something of a crush on the handsome archer, so this was apparently a common occurrence.
“The 18th of Loria we meet at the grassy grove at high hour. Everyone dismissed you’re officially on leave.” I didn't know the names of the months, so I made a mental note to ask for some explanation.
The company started to disband, some heading back the way we came, Caan, Brandon and Mikah waved their goodbye as they headed down a side street. Breala and Lilian after some hesitation looked at me and headed back in the direction we came. Sarah went to the Gate and after a short conversation with the guard gave him a pouch of coin. He led her into a small metal door on the side of the entrance.
Once everyone left Sten said to me. “Come. I bought a room at a decent inn a while back. And they won’t have a problem with you being an elf.” I nodded to him, and we went down a street to our right. I was fascinated by the sights and sounds of the city. I could probably spend months browsing all of the shops and stalls. Eventually we made our way to a larger building.
We entered a building that was clearly an inn. Near the entrance sitting at a desk was an elderly woman with hair almost as white as mine. As soon as she saw Sten she said, “Sten my dear! Back from another contract. I hope you're all in one piece.” She said with a smile.
Sten returned the smile then said, “All is fine Aunt Nettie. My room is still here?”
“Of course, of course. Who is that you have with you.” She said squinting at me.
“Just a new recruit. They'll be needing a room for the night.” Sten said, urging me forward. As I got closer, she said. “Oh, are you a pretty thing? Sten what are you doing bringing such a sweet elf into combat. She shouldn’t be rolling around in the muck with you and Mark." I withheld a sigh and said.
“He is perfectly fine with rolling around in the muck.” I said putting emphasis on ‘he.’ “What are your prices?”
“Ahh.” she said. “Well, it’s not like anyone can tell you elves apart anyway. And with my eyes it’s even worse.” She said completely unapologetic.
I suppose she does have a point. “The prices.” I said, reminding her.
”15 shillings for the night, 5 for a bath and laundry, 5 for dinner and breakfast, 20 if you want something from Darren's cuisine”. She said as if she had repeated this speech a thousand times.
“You'll want to get your food from Darrens,” Sten said.
Shrugging, I put down 3 sterling on the counter. She vanished them away then gave me a key with a number 3 sewn into a white cloth attached to it and said. “The bath will be in your room after you have dinner. Just leave the buckets outside your door and someone will take them away. Breakfast will be brought to you an hour after sunrise. Leave any clothes you want laundered in the basket.”
“What will you be having to eat then?” Nettie asked.
I glanced at Sten.
“Just get the usual for both of us Aunt Nettie.”
He gave her a few coins then started towards the main area, where only a handful of people were sitting, eating, and drinking.
Before he could enter fully, Aunt Nettie asked. “Have you gone to see the girls?” Sten stopped in his tracks and without looking at her said in a soft voice. “No.”
Nettie looked disappointed then said. “It's been years since then Sten, you should see them.” With an even softer voice, just barely a whisper, so Aunt Nettie could hear what he said. “No Aunt Nettie, it's for the best.” He continued walking and I followed leaving Aunt Nettie to only sigh and stare at Sten's back.
He started towards a table in the far corner, and we took a seat. It was mildly awkward as the mention of whoever these girls were had brought a cloud over him. I wasn’t going to ask him any questions unless he brought it up. We sat for a few minutes then with a large sigh he said.
“Here is what I’m thinking: if you're as smart as I think you are, Garrett can teach you the basic light magic spells, healing, barriers and whatever else I can bribe him into teaching you.” Sten said, getting back to his normal self.
“Are you so sure he will? From what little I’ve learned; the magical institutes don’t like people outside of their control learning magic. “I said.
“They don't like it, but it's not a crime. You might have some friction with them in the capital if you decide to get a noble patron or try to enroll.” He explained.
“Garrett isn't concerned about any friction? “I asked.
“Not likely, he hasn't been to the Capitol in years and he's not likely to return.” He said with confidence.
We went over some more contract details with Sten taking notes. He plans to visit the House of law for a written contract after he drops me off at Garrett’s tomorrow. This is the part where he would have to trust that I would sign it after my training. Once my abilities are verified, we will return to the city and officially sign the contract where an official copy is made. My name and likeness will be taken down and sent to every other house of law in the empire. The process takes months but if I ever wish to make another contract with someone enforceable by the empire’s laws, a visit to the house of law is required; contract breakers are not welcome for 15 years if they ever maliciously break the terms of a contract.
At this point our food came. A young boy, perhaps 13 years old, came balancing a large platter on each hand. He set them down staring openly at me, likely being the first time he’d ever seen an elf. It was something that happened often, particularly with the children I saw. Both Sten and I gave him a few shillings, he bowed and left. On the platter was half a roasted chicken, a bowl of soup that smelled of cream and mushrooms, a small tart, and an assortment of roasted vegetables. There was proper silverware, Sten raised an eyebrow as I used the silverware as properly as he did. I didn’t really care why that was something to note, as I enjoyed the roasted chicken, the mushroom soup, and vegetables.
After our dinner Sten said, “Ahhhh now that was a proper meal.” We both sat with challises containing wine another servant had brought during our meal. It was slightly sweet and spicy. I had no clue of its quality or value but what I know is that it was delicious. We said our goodnights and went to our rooms. Sten said he intends to rent a carriage to make the journey to the village tomorrow so as to not waste any time. I cleaned myself with the two buckets of water that was in my room and dropped my clothes in the basket to be laundered then changed into Lilian's old clothes. She didn't want then back and there was no point in throwing them away. They were inferior quality, but they were clean. The room contained a bed, writing desk and a chest for belongings. The only thing I had was my goblin pack and the sword. After putting them away I fell into the large bed and immediately fell asleep.