For four days and nights, Wyatt and company drifted along the Turtle Stream at a steady pace. The river was located deep within Browgan lands, and the Warden of the West made good on his promise to secure their safety. From time to time, the four would spot the sentry assigned to them who ensured that they were not being followed and that everything was secured further along the river's path. When they were almost where the two waters would meet and would now enter the Polifio's domain, the sentry called out saying that his task was fulfilled, and he signaled at them, indicating good wishes on their journey. It was not long after that they finally reached the riverbanks near Gillsberry.
"Quickly. We're almost there." Xhiamas said as the others quickly unpacked their gear and headed toward the clearing to recheck their supplies.
"Let's see...one...two...yes, we still have enough food here if ever slight changes to our route happen again." Cassian proclaimed to the group as Flint carried the other bags from the ferry.
"We're right on schedule. I've traversed this stream countless times; the road ahead leads to Gillsberry, where the Whiteflower awaits. Rest assured, the innkeeper is a good man. You'll find no danger there, provided you behave yourselves and keep your blades." He said as Cassian looked at him.
"I think that only applies to you good sir, as you've noticed--we've been on the run for weeks."
"And I've been on the run for years," Flint responded. "I'm only giving you advice. It depends entirely on you whether you heed it or not."
"He's right. He knows this place better than the three of us combined, Cassian. It would be best to consider his words." Xhiamas said as Cassian looked down, humbled.
"I'll help you with the supplies and have a word with the innkeeper to guarantee your safety. After that, my task is accomplished and I shall meet up with the sentry. From there, we will travel back to Eagleview and report your status to Lord Dunwick." Flint proclaimed.
"We thank you for your assistance, Flint. Please extend our sincerest gratitude to Lord Dunwick when you return," Xhiamas shook his hand in response. "We could not have made it this far without House Browgan's help."
"I'll make sure he gets it. Now let's go and find the inn. It is due time that you be treated to a hot meal with a roof over your heads."
"Wyatt," Cassian called out. The lad stood there in silence as he stared deep into the woods.
"He's been quiet the entire time we left Shire's Eye." He continued as Xhiamas let out a sigh. "Give him time. Even I found difficulty in losing Hawk. Eventually, he will come around." Xhiamas then picked up a bag and shouted at him.
"Wyatt. Get your things. We are now leaving."
Wyatt finally snapped back to his senses. He picked up his war hammer and satchel in silence as he joined the others in their march toward Gillsberry.
It was nearing high noon, and the four of them already spotted the small town in the distance. However, they stopped in their tracks after seeing the Polifio banner and over a hundred footmen resting in Gillsberry. Some found shade under the nearby trees and slept, while others checked on their supplies and barked orders.
"It was to be expected," Xhiamas replied, somewhat annoyed as Cassian looked at them. "I usually do not back down from a fight, but we are vastly outnumbered here. This would be suicide at best."
"What are we to do now?" He asked the rest of them, all of whom had tried to think of a solution.
"...Give me one moment. I may have an idea." Flint headed behind the nearest building he found and signaled them to follow. He rummaged through his bag and smiled as he took out different kinds of clothing. Wyatt looked at a few designs and recognized that these were clothing mainly worn by people from Primera's western and northern regions. There were also others, but they were foreign to him.
"I collected these during my travels as a mercenary, and I think you know what I am hinting at. As it so happens, the great hunt is currently being held, and people from across the land are noted to visit the Whiteflower and Huntingborne lands. We'll blend right in." Flint explained as Xhiamas chuckled.
"A crafty ruse if I do say so myself," Cassian said as he gathered and wore a piece of foreign clothing. "Well then, what are we waiting for?"
The group then quickly changed into their new garments and walked straight onto the road littered with the bannermen who hailed from the lower houses and had pledged loyalty to the golden rose. It worked like a charm, for they walked straight past through the huddled forces without raising suspicion. A few eyes noticed their presence, but none felt threatening as their gazes were mostly filled with curiosity.
It was not long after they reached the doors of the fabled inn. "Well, it certainly does live up to its reputation," Cassian said as he marveled at the design and size of the establishment. "Let's head inside, shall we?"
Immediately after, the doors swung open and a soldier flew out, nearly dropping onto Cassian as he dodged while the man crashed onto the ground. Laughter roared from inside the halls, and a burly figure stepped out.
"A bet is a bet. Pay up or there'll be more from where that came from," He approached the soldier who sluggishly stood up and dusted the dirt from his armor. "Fine. Here, enjoy your gold." The soldier scoffed as he threw a pouch of gold which the burly man happily caught. He turned and glanced at the four of them, his face intrigued and angry. Afterward, the soldier returned to his post sulking while the burly man walked back into the inn to the sound of cheers.
"Quite a charming place, eh? Let's head inside." Flint quipped as he entered, while the others followed suit.
The place was bustling with activity. Wyatt and Cassian stood in awe at the diversity in the room, as it was filled with people from all across Primera and other nations; bearing foreign features and different clothing. Despite their differences in culture and appearance, they were all unmistakably part of an unshakable brotherhood.
"Come, let's go and find Petyr. He should be somewhere around the bar at this time serving ale." True enough, after passing tables and benches that seated hungry soldiers and hunters alike, they found an old man restlessly serving ale and food.
"Coraline! More veal stew for the folks over the far end table!" He barked at a young girl with golden locks as beautiful and bright as the sun. Wyatt glanced at her and admittedly blushed for he found her attractive, but remained silent as Flint approached the old man to conduct business.
"Petyr!" Flint called out to him, and he immediately turned his head and grinned after seeing Flint.
"Flint, good to see you! It's been ages since we last met." They exchanged greetings and shook hands. "How's the mercenary life these days--still making a profit?" Petyr asked.
"You could say that. You look healthy, old man, but it appears that we have more pressing matters at hand." Flint gestured at the three to approach the bar counter. He then spoke a few words into the old man's ear.
"Oh, you're right on time then. All of you, follow me to my quarters." He said as he turned to the burly man from earlier. "Little Tom! I have to attend to something. You have the bar counter. Also, help Coraline out first, would you?" Little Tom nodded in response as he headed towards the kitchen, where the girl from earlier was helping out as well.
The five of them then entered Petyr's room. The loud noises of the inn slowly drowned out as the innkeeper closed and locked the door. For some odd reason, Wyatt felt uncomfortable. He looked at Cassian and noticed that he was sweating and breathing heavily. Finally, he turned to Xhiamas and was surprised to see that despite maintaining his calm demeanor, his face looked troubled; almost as if he was confused.
Out of instinct, he stepped back and gripped his hammer tight, for he knew something felt off.
"Cut it out, old man. That's not a good way to make a good first impression for your guests." Flint blurted out as Petyr turned around to look at the four of them. "I just had to know if the stories behind you were true. Well, you passed. Good job." He smiled, and in an instant, all feelings of discomfort and tension disappeared.
"What in the seven hells was that?" Cassian asked the old man, who chuckled at him. "You're a funny one! I thought you'd already know of this by now."
"That was magic was it not? Lord Dunwick did the same thing to us back in Shire's Eye. The only difference was that his form displayed pure power, while yours..." Wyatt's words failed him, unable to comprehend the sensation.
"Magic? It appears that someone knows of the concept already." Petyr replied.
"Xhiamas explained the concept to us while traveling along the Turtle Stream. I found it difficult to believe, but after witnessing what Lord Dunwick did and what happened just now, I am sure it was a form of magic." Xhiamas smiled after knowing that Wyatt was indeed listening, and was not truly lost after what happened at the two rivers.
"To be more specific, we call that Aura magic. It is an advanced tier of mana manipulation. Anyone who knows magic has it, but only a few know how to use it as it requires a deep understanding of oneself. Dunwick--the battle-hungry oaf that he is, naturally has raw power as his Aura, while my love for hunting turned my Aura magic into something that murderers possess; which would be killing intent. I'm sorry if I caught you off guard--well, almost all of you, as this one over here managed to stay calm despite my efforts." He turned and focused his attention on Xhiamas.
"You must be Xhiamas. There's no doubt about it. You carry yourself differently from these two."
He then grabbed a chair, sat down, and relaxed himself. "Now, I have to ask: where is the head scout of the Arrows headed off to with the son of the Ironclad himself, and a medical practitioner?" Petyr let out a wry smile.
The three of them were caught off guard by Petyr's question. There was no possible way in Primera the old man knew of their identities. Flint was with them the entire time, while Lord Dunwick only promised safety in his borders.
"H-how-" Wyatt began to ask, but was cut off by the innkeeper.
"How do I know your identities? Quite simple, to be honest. About four or five days ago, some man washed up on our riverbanks and we nursed him back to health. Let's say he had quite the story to tell me." He explained.
The three felt relieved that Hawk was still alive, but a thought crossed their mind. Wyatt and Cassian immediately raised their weapons toward the old man.
"What did you do to him? Where is he now?" Wyatt asked angrily, almost as if he demanded an answer.
"Why are the young ones so eager to die nowadays? I just cut someone's throat yesterday and had him fed to the monsters in the Huntingborne fields. Do you want to follow in his footsteps?"
The two were beyond angry, but Xhiamas immediately stepped in between them and punched the two, knocking them down on the ground. He then turned to Petyr and bowed his head. "My sincerest apologies for that, good sir. All of us are still weary from the travel, and they simply allowed their emotions to get the best of them--I also admit that I too, was taken aback by this."
"I jest! No need to apologize. It was in bad taste for me to make light of the situation as well," Petyr responded as he stood up and approached the far side of the room, near a candlelight laid on top of a padded surface. "I gave him my bow and sent him to Duskenvale Coppice to hide from these folks," Pulling the candlelight off, a dusty and cramped passageway appeared.
"At the end of this passage, there should be an abandoned town with a broken marble statue. He is waiting for you there."
Wyatt approached Petyr and bowed his head down and apologized. "I was a fool. Forgive me for earlier, sir. We are indebted to you." Petyr patted him on the shoulder in response. "Indeed, you are. You can repay that debt immediately, however, by at least staying for a meal. The Turtle Stream is known to sap a man's strength due to its distance. You folks must be starving."
True enough, all four of the group's stomachs rumbled at the mention of food, resulting in a burst of laughter from Petyr. "Well! That settles it. Stay for dinner. I'll be sure to provide you with the best we have to offer--free of charge, of course."
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And so it was that they decided to stay for a while under the hospitality of the innkeeper. The four were provided hot food and cold water, which were enough to replenish their strength and increase their morale for the journey ahead. Xhiamas and Cassian ravishingly ate their share and asked for more. Flint and Petyr were lost in conversation while Wyatt was the odd one out; eating his food by his lonesome in a quiet corner of the establishment without uttering a word.
"Is the food not up to your standards, good sir?" A female voice spoke behind him. It was the girl from earlier. Wyatt stared deep into her bright blue eyes, which reflected his image. "I can go and ask the cook to fetch you something else if--"
"No! Please! The meals are delicious. I can guarantee that, milady." Wyatt cut her off mid-sentence, embarrassed at his demeanor. "Apologies if I seem too distant at the moment. My mind is fixated on other things." He then quickly turned and gobbled his food, almost vanishing within mere minutes.
The girl giggled at his behavior. "You're quite an odd fellow! You remind me of someone who passed here not too long ago, but at least you have proper manners. Oh! Speaking of, my name would be Coraline of House Applewood. Nice to meet you." Coraline extended her hand while Wyatt looked at her, hesitant to introduce himself.
"Well...does the man have a name?" She asked as she waited for his response.
"Ahh..apologies. My name is Wyatt, and I'm from Shire's Eye." He shook her hand after an extended wait. "It's nice to meet you, milady." Wyatt was careful with his words for he already recognized the Applewoods as a lower house loyal to the Polifios. Although known for their welcoming nature and kindness, he could not risk revealing too much of himself.
"Nice to meet you too, Wyatt. It's nice to see that the Whiteflower receives guests from even the lands of Lord Browgan. Quite an impressive weapon you have there." She glanced at the war hammer created by his father. "Is this yours?"
"It is now. My father was a blacksmith by trade. He gave this to me as a parting gift before he recently passed."
"I see...I'm sorry for your loss. I'll be sure to pray to the Divine Mother for his safe travel across the rivers of the Lady Death." She responded somberly, feeling genuine sorrow for Wyatt's loss. Wyatt's fondness for her grew ever stronger after witnessing such compassion, something he had almost forgotten ever since his world turned upside down.
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"The tales about the Applewoods are true. You are indeed too kind, milady. My company and I thank you."
"Oh, hush. It does not take much to show kindness to others. Place yourselves in their shoes and look at the world through their eyes. If only everyone were like this, the world would be better now. But alas, the race of Men never seems to change." She stared across the room, out toward the sea of hunters and soldiers and her eyes fixated on a certain spot, almost as if remembering an event.
A few minutes passed, and the doors to the inn swung open. The sulking soldier from earlier barged into the halls accompanied by a few other men.
"They're still here. I'm sure of it." He said to his companions. "Lock the doors. Every able-bodied soldier in this room, I command you to search every civilian. I've received word that the troublemakers from Shire's Eye have already made their way here. Lord Caine wants their heads on a spike by the end of the day."
The hunters were caught off guard as they were suddenly questioned while they were stripped of their weapons immediately.
"What's the meaning of this?" Petyr stepped in and demanded an answer from the soldier who had issued the order.
"This is a direct command from Lord Caine Dewblossom. An abandoned ferry was spotted near the riverbanks of Gillsberry. Its design perfectly matched the description provided by the eyewitnesses at Shire's Eye. The ferry was used by wanted criminals who caused an uproar, resulting in the deaths of thirty or so foot soldiers. We are to question each person present and execute the culprits if found. Lord Dewblossom wants these people dead, trials be damned." He explained.
"Well, that complicates things then. You see, the Huntingbornes founded this establishment, and has been marked as a haven for all races. I'm afraid you'll have to stop this madness, good sir." Petyr responded as he glanced at Xhiamas and company, almost as if to send a signal that they had to leave immediately.
"We do not mean to intrude on your hospitality, innkeeper. We are following orders on behalf--"
"I wasn't asking, son. I was issuing a command. Stop this at once or I guarantee you, things will get ugly."
As if on cue, every hunter in the room gathered their weapons and immediately prepared for a fight. The tension in the room was palpable, as the soldiers backed off but were prepared as well, for they already had their weapons at the ready. The foot soldiers outside outnumbered the hunters three-to-one, but not a single hunter budged.
"We should go, now. I'll get Wyatt and we'll slip through the passageway." Cassian whispered to Xhiamas, who silently nodded. Just as Cassian was almost where Coraline and Wyatt were, the soldier spotted him.
"You two, grab a hold of that man and relieve him of his weapons. We are not leaving here until business is settled, innkeeper. Men, continue the search!" He blew past the innkeeper and joined his fellow soldiers.
Petyr sighed at the soldier's behavior. He tapped his shoulder and immediately delivered an elbow to his face, which knocked him out cold as the soldiers pulled out their swords in retaliation. The innkeeper stood up on the bar counter and called out to the hunters present.
"Fellow hunters! Since our adventure has been put on a temporary hold, what do you say we teach these bastards a thing or two about following the laws of the establishment? I'm sure you all are just itching for a fight!"
The hall echoed with the roar of excitement and enthusiasm from the hunters. The soldiers quickly rallied outside and called the others to stand in formation, while waves of warriors slowly stepped out of the inn either bare-knuckled or with weapons.
"Good day to you all!" Petyr announced to the Polifio footmen who were now gathered in formation. "I am sorry for the unexpected turn of events and for the thrashing that most of you will be receiving. You'll have to thank your dimwitted leader here for that." He singlehandedly dragged the still-unconscious soldier and threw him onto the ground, who was then immediately carried off by his fellow soldiers. Wyatt, Xhiamas, and Cassian were at the doors, protecting Coraline who watched intently as she stood behind them.
"Men, let's put down some rules first! None of you are to kill a person intentionally. At best, try only to knock them out. If they get too rowdy for you to control, then let's say it was a happy accident."
The footmen were not pleased at all. Their pride as soldiers was already wounded, and hearing the old man's words felt like adding insult to injury. Immediately, they drew their weapons and slowly began to approach the hunters.
"You're all going to die today, foreign scum!" A soldier cried out. "Let's start with the old man!" Said another.
Without a moment too soon, the two parties met in open combat. The sound of steel clashing with one another rang throughout the grounds of Gillsberry, accompanied by the shouting of both soldiers and hunters alike. Wyatt observed that while the soldiers groaned in agony, the hunters seemed to relish in the chaos; welcoming every wound or beating as if it were an old friend.
"Incredible. Outnumbered by almost three-to-one, and yet it seems like they might win against the bastards," Cassian blurted out after seeing how the hunters fought against the footmen. "You should see them in the fields when they're in their true element. These soldiers are ants compared to the monsters we usually find out there." Petyr stepped in out of nowhere, which scared Cassian, Wyatt, and Coraline while Xhiamas and Flint looked at him with blank expressions on their faces.
"You should really ought to stop doing that, old man," Flint exclaimed with a worried look on his face. "Remarkable as your talents may be, your age is a concern. Too much usage of mana will be the death of you."
"I agree. You were lucky to survive one incident, Petyr. Please do not try to let your twilight days go to waste." Coraline chimed in.
For a moment, Wyatt forgot that she knew of magic. It was a rare sight to see a noble naturally be amongst the presence of commoners, much less work for them. It only proved to be another testament to their family's humble and down-to-earth nature.
Out of nowhere, a few soldiers burst out of the crowd and directly headed toward their direction with weapons raised. Xhiamas and the rest quickly moved to protect Coraline but Godric stepped forward without hesitation and took down the two with minimal effort by using the blunt front of his war hammer and hit them on the stomach, knocking the wind out of their breath. A few kicks and punches later and both of them were laid out flat on the ground.
"Turns out that lump of metal is not just for show. Where'd you learn to fight like that?" Petyr asked him, genuinely impressed.
"When you've spent time being constantly hunted down, you get to learn a thing or two," Wyatt responded as he picked up the daunting war hammer from the ground with almost little to no effort. Another footman rushed toward him with his sword drawn after seeing his fellow soldiers rendered unconscious.
"Wyatt! Look out!" Coraline shouted. He managed to dodge the strike in time and retaliated by swinging his hammer with such force to the soldier, caving his chest in and leaving him dead on the ground. Coraline and the company were relieved as the innkeeper approached him.
"I didn't know you had that in you, lad," Petyr said as he kicked the dead soldier in the head. "It seems that you are indeed your father's son. May I?"
Wyatt offered the old man his weapon, who was eager to test it against a poor soul, but was left dumbfounded after the war hammer immediately dropped to the ground with a loud thud that caught the attention of nearby hunters and soldiers, putting the melee between the two parties on hold as they stared at Petyr and the rest.
"What in the..." Petyr attempted to lift it again but to no avail. "Well, I'll be damned, who would have thought that you would be carrying along a marked weapon?"
"I'm sorry--a what?" Cassian asked, seemingly caught off guard as Xhiamas nodded his head up and down. "I see...quite an interesting turn of events."
"Can somebody in the seven hells explain what is going on? What is a marked weapon?" Cassian continued to ask but was left ignored. He turned to Coraline for an answer, who had a troubled expression. "Wait...that cannot be..." Coraline blurted out of nowhere, confusing him even more.
"Archers!" A voice shouted in the distance. It came from the head soldier from earlier, who had already woken up and was already in the middle of issuing a command for attack.
"Loose!"
Arrows immediately blotted out the sun and were aimed directly at Petyr and Wyatt, who were wide open
"Bastards!"
The hunters screamed as they went into a frenzied state. They immediately rushed the soldiers who were waiting in formation, shields raised. Sounds of splintered wood and wailing echoed on the far end of the field as Cassian immediately pulled his shield and rushed toward the two while Xhiamas pulled a worried and screaming Coraline inside the inn to protect the girl from stray arrows.
As for Wyatt and Petyr, there was no time to dodge as the arrows were already a few seconds away from their intended targets. Wyatt stood in shock as he had no way out, while Petyr rushed to his position to attempt to protect the boy from being hit.
What happened next immediately caught all present off guard as an intense heat was felt all across the battlefield, burning the arrows and turning them into ash while the smell of smoke filled the air. The sweltering high noon heat, which was already punishing enough, was nothing compared to the heat that every person felt. Those who wore metal immediately removed their armor in pain, as it began to cook them alive.
Wyatt, Cassian, and Petyr were left lying on the ground and covered themselves. When they came to, all they saw standing was a man who was covered in flames. It looked as if they danced around his body, flickering in and out. He turned, and what they saw left them with even more questions.
It was Flint himself, who breathed in and out. His hair was burning brightly as if it were blessed by the sun, while the flames retreated to his arms, almost as if they were an extension of his body.
"Flint?" Wyatt asked him, still shaken. "You can use magic as well? Who are you?"
"No one of value. Quickly, while everyone is preoccupied." Without hesitation, all three rushed into the large establishment, where Xhiamas and Coraline waited for their arrival. For the first time in nearly three centuries, the Whiteflower had again barred its doors from the public, shunning all people from its services as Wyatt and company locked themselves in.