Chapter 21 – On The Road

The conversation died down after Bel’s reveal. Korgan and Liara both brooded on the subject and Francis was still too shellshocked to do much more than stare. The others started to wake up and Francis quickly made his way over to them to ease them into their new situation. Bel felt like a third wheel so he made his way over to where he sensed Solomon and Ignatius.

Turning the corner, he saw the giant man whacking away on the same stone wedges. He was smiling and now that they were closer, Bel could feel the happiness oozing out of Solomon. He was a simple man and the physical labor if not tiring made him happy just by occupying his thoughts and hands.

Bel noticed he heard the work long before he should have normally even if it didn’t travel to the campsite. It seemed his stats also affected his perceptions. He could see, smell, and hear better now.

Ignatius noticed Bel first, his Master burning like a sun in the back of his mind. He hovered over to Bel giving him a respectful nod.

“Master. You seem well-rested and eager.” He said in a neutral tone. He was unsure about how his Master was feeling right now. Things had taken a strange turn quickly and even though he wasn’t afraid of dying again, he didn’t want something to happen to this young man still.

“Thank you, Ignatius. I’m as well as can be expected. What are you doing here?” He nodded toward the eager Draugr.

“The Paladin wanted to seal this area off so that no one could come here and use the ambient Death Mana for nefarious deeds. He was lacking in earth capabilities though so he resorted to the old tradition of smacking the stone until it collapses. I helped him calculate the weak points of the tunnel and now soon we can collapse it all with one stroke. As long as we are on the other side of the tunnel of course.” Bel looked at the skull in surprise. He had forgotten how smart this man was.

“Good thinking there. I’m glad I gave you and Solomon free hands.” Bel turned around as he heard footsteps coming up behind him.

After a moment much longer than what he first expected, Francis turned the corner.

“Sir. The others are awake and Priestess Liara has ordered us to break camp. We are to make haste toward Linchester immediately.” Bel was unsure why but Francis had a bearing and tone of respect more appropriate for the army. Perhaps he was falling back into old habits, Bel thought.

“Sounds good. I’ll be right back to pack my stuff. And don’t call me sir.” Francis nodded but didn’t seem to be listening.

“No need sir. We’ve already packed your small belongings. Bull will bring it to you as soon as we are done.” With a crisp salute across his chest, he walked back to the camp to help out.

“What was that about?” Bel asked Ignatius with a frown.

“Well, sir. He did publicly say he would follow you instead of the inquisition lieutenant, perhaps he only knows how to do that from his meager experience within an organization focused on discipline and compliance?” Ignatius's tone was innocent enough. Bel stared at him in surprise and annoyance.

“Fine. I’ll just try to put a stop to it during our travels. The boy... man... is only a few years younger than me.” Ignatius chuckled at his proclamation but Bel ignored him.

A few minutes later the group approached. Everyone was on their feet and rested. The former inquisitors all had strange expressions on their faces. Most seemed happy and had a glint of excitement in their eyes. John was the odd one out as he had the look of someone who had lost everything. He was the most devoted of them and the loss of his Class must have hit him the hardest. Even if he did it for a good reason.

Bel mulled that thought over for a moment. It was clear they lost their Classes due to disowning themselves from the church and the inquisition. But John at least, he was unsure about the others, was still a devoted man. Why had Dawn done that, he thought. Bel wanted to think that her affinity and teaching were those of good but then he remembered religious people from back home. If you didn’t follow in the way they thought you should, you were a bad person. No matter how much good you did or the kindness shown to others.

He resolved his heart then. There was no divinity here worth following. He didn’t have enough proof of any of his claims or thoughts, but that is the beauty of being human. He didn’t need proof to have an opinion. Knowing it was illogical and wrong he still felt that way.

The lithe elf approached Bel who stood at the tunnel entrance at ease. She doubted he knew how he looked. Like a tall warrior general ready to command or fight at a moment's notice. She shook her head internally. He was still so young and naïve, she needed to get some sense into the man before it was too late. Her hand went to the pack where the dagger lay.

She had found the dagger underneath some bushes during the night. It had shone with white light only she could see and the note left next to it made her shiver still. In case he was wrong, it said. She didn’t know who had left the dagger or how they had done it without anyone noticing. But she was certain who the HE was. In case Devon was wrong it meant.

“Bel. Are you ready to leave?” She asked when they arrived. The dagger was forgotten for the moment.

“You bet I am. I can’t wait to leave this place and never return. It feels like I can't breathe here and the mana is so thin.” She gave him a questioning look. Then the realization hit her. He had ascended and he was used to the dungeon level of ambient mana. There was so much she needed to teach this child.

“Let's be off then.” The party hoisted their packs and made their way up the steep smooth tunnel, their feet moving surely.

The group exited the tunnel a few minutes later and Liara turned toward the mouth. She looked at the Draugr and the same revulsion as before came over her. She didn’t let the emotion show and instead, she gave the command. The giant thing raised his large mallet and struck a red-tipped wedge at the edge of the tunnel. With a mighty heave, he slammed down on it and a sharp snap rang out. Several more cracks appeared, spreading quickly. A large rumbling could be heard and then the entire tunnel collapsed spewing forth a cloud of dust and debris.

His job was done and Solomon stepped back with a smile. The others were looking at the collapsed tunnel with different emotions. There were a lot of friends buried on the other end, as well as hope and dreams. Everyone was thinking deeply about what had happened these few days, everyone but Bel. He was standing with his back against the mountain looking out at the sight before him. It was breathless.

A vast field of swaying grass surrounded the lone mountain. A huge forest of pines and spruces started after the grass ended. The sight could have been that off Earth. The colors were the same, the sun shone bright and white as well. The familiar sight drove a stake of longing and homesickness into his chest and all he could do was take a deep breath. He entered meditation without thinking about it, his emotions roiling within him. It was so ordinary this view, but still majestic and peaceful.

The others had woken from their reverie and started to make their way down the mountainside. Bel followed a few moments later. He had put his helmet back on to hide the tears in the corner of his eyes. Sharp elf eyes see everything was a saying on Eshander, and it was true to a greater extent than people knew. Liara said nothing as she joined the procession.

The trip down the mountain was quick and uneventful as was the walk across the field. Bel had forgotten just how much harder it was walking in the wilds even wilds as tame as these. He was a city person and had almost no experience with the wilderness. His stats made the travel easy though and he was far from affected, he did trip a few times to the amusement of the others.

Thirty minutes later they stood at the edge of the forest, the thick canopy casting shadows all over even with the sun burning brightly. It was a warm and pleasant day at the start of summer. Korgan had informed Bel during their walk that summer had just started and the Seers had predicted a warm and sunny summer in this zone this year.

“This forest is lightly populated by hunters and beasts. There are a few higher leveled creatures but they are located deeper in the forest and should leave us alone.” Liara was speaking to everyone but they knew it was on Bel’s behalf since the others knew very well the dangers of the forest.

Moving in singles or pairs the group made its way toward the closest town of Linchester. Bel stuck out like a sour thumb in his black and dark green armor to the other's white clothes and leather armor. Luckily the forest was dark enough to hide them somewhat from faraway eyes. Not that they expected to meet anyone before reaching the other side of the forest, hunters rarely ventured this deep.

As they walked, Bel spoke with the others, trying to get to know them. They were generally amiable enough. Only Francis showed that odd amount of respect and John didn’t like Bel even if he chose to stand up for what he believed was right.

Bel shifted the conversation to their new classes, both because he needed to know what they could do and also to have something to talk about. He was as bad as ever at small talk.

Everyone had gotten new classes as they suspected. Sara and John had both become Knights. A defensive Class focusing on heavy armor and protecting others but with a good mixture of offensive capabilities as well. They both seemed happy with their classes as did the others. Francis showed off his new skills by teleporting short distances while swinging his two daggers, weapons he had taken from the dead to replace the halberd they all had been issued before.

Bull had a Class called Ironmonger. It was an almost purely defensive class that let him change and control the armor he was wearing. His current armor was too much leather to be used by his new skills and he felt somewhat useless at the moment.

Alexandra had gotten the simple-sounding Class of Healer. It was all but according to the others. The healer was amongst the most sought-after Classes since they were so rare and useful. People needed to have a very specific set of affinities and mindsets to get that Class, as they would have to be generally willing to help others. Bel understood why it was a rare Class if people here were the same as back on Earth.

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The trip was uneventful for the most part, a few animal tracks could be seen but nothing dangerous. Liara spotted the tracks of a wolf pack but she and Korgan were sure that they wouldn’t bother them. Animals and monsters could sense humanoid levels and tiers to a greater degree than humans and the other races. The closest they came to a conflict was when Bel crested a hill next to a small stream and bumped into a brown bear with cubs. Mama bear could sense the strength of the party but her maternal instincts kicked in.

Animals didn’t have levels and tiers in these zones but a 500-pound mama bear could do some serious damage even to Bel if she wanted. They slowly backed away with their hands in the air. Not that the bear understood that gesture.

A few hours later and after a quick rest the forest started to thin out. The ground became grassier and then turned into a smaller dirt road. Bel got a strange feeling seeing the first glimpse of civilization on this planet. It made things more real. He had almost forgotten their predicament during their brisk walk.

When they saw the first farm Korgan and Liara called for a stop. They needed to plan their next moves.

“You can’t just walk into Linchester wearing that.” Liara said while she gestured toward Bel’s armor.

“Nor can you bring two undead into the city. The guards know us and we will probably not go unnoticed during our visit, no matter what we do. The church works fast when it wants to.” She continued.

“Solomon and Ignatius will have to stay outside and meet us in the wilds to the north of the town. The closest town is several weeks away by foot, that’s why we need to risk getting a ride here. The rest of you should be fine as long as we don’t draw too much attention to ourselves. Any questions?”

“What do we do if there’s an inquisition presence here or someone attacks us?” Bull asked in his soft voice.

“We defend ourselves with minimum casualties and collateral damage. We won't be here long; we’ll catch a ride to Dunhaven first thing in the morning.” Korgan answered.

The others nodded in understanding but Bel was frowning. He felt naked without his armor, vulnerable. Korgan saw the young man's expression and walked over to him.

“I know that look and I understand it. Gear and equipment can feel as close as a family sometimes, especially after it saves your life countless times. There’s nothing wrong with feeling the way you do but you mustn’t let it control you or your fear. Have faith that we will have your back as well.” He clasped the much taller man on the shoulder.

A warm sensation spread within Bel and he nodded at the old Dwarf. He started to remove his armor and a familiar smell permeated the area.

“Remove the garments as well and jump in there.” Korgan grinned and pointed to a small pond of water by the side of the road. The water looked somewhat clean at least.

Bel didn’t object but he blushed when he stood there naked. Alexandra smiled wickedly at him while Sara and Liara blushed and turned away. Bel still had a killer body but he was embarrassed anyways. He jumped into the pond that barely reached his ankles and he rolled around in the freezing water. Thankfully his constitution helped him but it was far from pleasant. Korgan threw him a block of something that Bel realized was crude soap and he cleaned himself for the first time in months.

After fifteen minutes he felt much better and got out of the not-so-clean pond shivering somewhat but the summer heat soon dried him out and he got dressed quickly. Had his garments not had the enchantment they did then he would never have put them on again. But now it felt like putting on freshly laundered and dried clothes of fine silk. Bel wasn’t sure but he thought he made quite a dashing figure now that he was clean, clad in expensive clothing, and his hair was combed and put in a ponytail. The others seemed to think that as well. Both Alexandra and Bull gave him wolfish smiles and the others just stared at him.

“Let’s go.” Bel said his eyes dark from embarrassment. He ordered Solomon and Ignatius to meet them tomorrow at noon on the northern road from Linchester. Ignatius promised to keep an eye on Solomon and that they would stay out of the way of any travelers or adventurers.

The party started walking down the road again and soon more and more farms appeared in the distance. This place seemed peaceful enough but they saw a few lookouts on the roofs here and there. But no one called out to them or seemed to deem them a threat. Adventuring parties traveled this road often according to Korgan.

An hour later they crested a hill and Bel got his first glimpse of Linchester. He was immediately both disappointed and unsurprised. The town looked exactly like a medieval town should according to his experience. He had hoped for some magical place but instead, he saw dirt roads that were probably mud any other time of the year and houses built close to each other behind a wide oval palisade.

There were only two features worth mentioning. A building on the northern part towered over the town and that was the Church of Dawn according to their guides. It was remarkably similar to a Catholic Church back on Earth. High windows with spires and vaults.

The other feature was the town hall/tavern located on the other side of the square between the two buildings. The rest of the town was mostly two-story tall buildings with a few open areas where the workshops of the town lay.

Bel could smell the town from here and he almost regretted bathing earlier.

They made their way into town and soon more and more people noticed them. A few gave them more scrutinizing looks but to most of the townspeople, they looked like an adventuring party led by a noble carrying a terrifyingly large sword and shield on his back.

Trouble started at the gates. When the party arrived at the gates to town they had to wait in line as several merchants and farmers had to pay the toll and be checked for contraband, something that was a standard in any frontier town like this. According to Liara, the bigger cities had artifacts or even people with specialized classes check travelers so their entry and exits went more smoothly.

As the group arrived at the gate, four guards in chainmail, wielding spears blocked their way. A quick Identify, and a level in the skill later, Bel could tell that these were simple men with the Town Guard class and their levels were between ten and thirteen.

“Hold it right there, elf. The church has warned us of your plans. You are barred from entering Linchester and when the Necromancer shows himself the militia will take him into custody.” The leader a middle-aged man with a potbelly spoke with what he thought must have been an authoritarian tone. No one seemed to think Bel could be the big scary boogeyman and he was grateful for that. Maybe they could go unnoticed after all.

“There has been a misunderstanding between the inquisition and the church. Here are my credentials as a Priestess of the Order of Dawn. This is a letter signed by the Highest One of the Dawnstriders himself, giving me and anyone accompanying me the authority of his seat. Please step aside.” Liara showed the man two pieces of paper and spoke in a no-nonsense tone.

The man was unprepared for the encounter going in this direction and he read the papers in a slow manner showing that he wasn’t very proficient with reading. After a few minutes, he looked up and his face was both angry and unsure, he looked over his shoulder.

“Jeremy. Get the Cleric and the Mayor here. We’ll let them sort this out.” He resorted to the common thing a low-ranking person would do, bump it up the chain of command.

Liara's eyes clouded as she looked at the man before him. He had the decency to blush at least but they still barred their way, causing the other people in line to grumble. No one seemed to have heard his first proclamation at least.

A few minutes later a procession of people made their way to the gates. There were at least a dozen more guards and they were led by a man in plated armor. Bel identified him as a Knight-Sheriff and he was level 16.

Behind him, a portly man in fine clothing with a large golden chain walked. He was the mayor which was a Class as well but a civilian one instead of a pure combat one. Next to him, a man in white priest robes walked. Everyone could tell that the man was an old fighter who had probably retired. His arms were bulky and his robes almost burst at the seams. His hair was short-cropped and scars adorned his face.

Bel identified him, and got another skill level, as a Warpriest of Dawn level 26. He was bronze tier and Bel could tell. Not just by his level but the sheer presence of the man. Bel hadn’t thought about that until now, he was so used to being in the presence of lower leveled people. This man felt more real as if he was more than the world around him.

Liara smiled as she saw the priest. Her demeanor shifted to that of someone seeing a friend. She stepped passed the guard and he didn’t stop her.

“Conrad! What are you doing here? Did you finally take your pension?” She extended her hand and the priest grabbed it with a smile. His hand encased her much smaller limb and he looked her in the eyes.

“It’s good to see you as well Liara. Too many years and too much war since we saw each other last.” He spoke in a deep but kind voice, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Suddenly he raised his left hand while still grasping her right one. A white glow emanated from the palm of his hand as a Skill sprang to life.

Bel reacted without thinking, the Necro-Blade seemed to almost fly to his hand and he leveled it over his left arm, tip pointed toward the priest. He noticed that none of his companions had moved or drawn their weapons. Korgan looked at Bel and shook his head slightly. Bel frowned and lowered his weapon a smidge.

The guards weren’t as forgiving and they all leveled their spears against the group while screaming for him to drop his weapon. Chaos ensued behind them as the commoners tried to both see what was happening and run away.

The light touched Liara who just stared at Conrad with a sad smile.

“Really? You think I would fall that far?” She asked the large man before her.

“I had to be sure. The Apostle was clear in his report even if I thought it sounded a little... forced.” He lowered his hand and released her. As he did, he looked over the other members of Liara’s party. He looked at Bel last, the only one armed and threatening and his face fell. He looked at Liara with a betrayed look.

“It’s not what it seems. It’s much more complicated than you think. Can we take this discussion in the church perhaps?” She tried to appease the large man. He looked at her for a moment before nodding. He turned toward the mayor.

“These weary travelers will come with me to the church. Have your men return to their duties, good sir.” Conrad smiled a gentle smile but his tone brokered no argument. The church had much influence in this town. To his surprise, the mayor straightened his back and answered in a harsh tone.

“I think not Mr. Gillroy. These people are deemed heretics by the Inquisition and so they shall be put in jail until a contingent of Inquisitors can take them to the capital.” His voice cracked at the end.

The Warpriest looked at him with a questioning look. The mayor was the authority in this town but he had always deferred to the church and the priest was not someone you wanted as an enemy.

“I will vouch for the heretics until sunrise tomorrow, you may post guards outside the church and take them into custody then. Does that satisfy the mayor’s honor?” His voice had hardened and he stared at the mayor.

“I... yes. That will suffice, that will let me contact the proper authorities.” The mayor stuttered and pulled back from the priest. He called out a few orders and the guard dispersed except for six guards who followed the party to the church.

“What was that about?” Liara whispered to Conrad. Something strange was going on.

“The church is not as strong as we used to be. The Paladins and the Priests are diminished while the Inquisition grows in strength. Several cults and villages have turned to the darker paths and the Watching One has the ear of the king. Or so they claim at least.” He didn’t say anything else, keeping quiet as they moved inside the church.

The double doors were carved oak with several depictions of angels and priests tending to the wounded common folk. The craftsmanship was excellent and Bel took the church in, it was a beautiful building. Something was wrong in this town; Bel could feel it. It was more than what was going on with him and the others. He turned as the doors behind him were closed by two young boys in priest robes. Six guards stood at the square looking at him with angry eyes, but he looked past them. At the edge of the square, there was an alley and at the mouth of the alley, a robed figure stood. There was something wrong with the way it stood. Like it was hunched over and trying to look smaller than it was.

Yes, something was very wrong here he thought to himself. He was going to sleep with one eye open tonight.