Selene, the captain of an all-female mercenary band, sat astride her horse with an evident air of unease. Her experienced gaze was fixed intently on the winding road ahead, betraying her skepticism about their current mission. It seemed like a straightforward rescue, yet the lucrative payment offered was suspicious enough to set off alarms in her seasoned mind. Under normal circumstances, she would have declined such a suspicious assignment outright, but her sister Sylvara's earnest pleas had swayed her decision. Sylvara, marked by memories of past oppression, had a deep-seated compassion that often led her to champion the causes of those in distress, especially women. This trait, while admirable, sometimes led them into complex situations. Torn between her sister's empathy and her own prudent judgment, Selene found herself preparing for a job that strayed from her usual cautious approach.
And truthfully, they needed the coin, desperately. A bitter reminder of Selene's misplaced trust in the Baron on their last job lingered in her mind. Her lapse in judgment, her deviation from demanding payment upfront, had led them here — to a precarious crossroads. They needed to head north, where conflict brewed and mercenary work was plentiful. But opportunities were scarce for an all-female band, despite their proven efficiency and low rates.
With seven of her sisters in arms, Selene waited. The knot of tension in her gut tightened as she recalled an earlier unsettling discovery. Hours ago, their forward scout had reported a worrying detail: the convoy they were intercepting had its own scout, a competent one at that. The presence of a skilled scout meant treating the convoy not as a group of individual merchants but as a coordinated unit, significantly changing their approach. The fact that this scout, a woman, had managed to detect them despite their efforts at concealment was both impressive and troubling. Selene found herself considering the potential of recruiting such talent.
As Selene’s eyes traced the approach of the convoy, now coming into view like a disciplined military procession, her strategic mind began to race. The convoy's formation was meticulously organized: leading the procession were a priest and a commanding woman, likely the leader. Following in their wake were three wagons, each manned by a pair of vigilant figures — one at the reins, the other keeping a watchful eye. Bringing up the rear was a lone rider, a woman whose relaxed posture masked an inherent alertness. With a subtle gesture of her hand, Selene silently commanded her team to patience. Her earlier decision to strategically position her unit along the flanks and further up the road felt especially wise now.
Selene’s eyes flicked back to the convoy's vanguard, her mind weighing their options in light of the missing scout. Turning to Sylvara, she murmured, “Stay focused. Remember the plan.” Her sister's history of impulsive actions had often complicated their missions, and this one was shaping up to be no less challenging.
Selene glanced at Brynja, the only half-giant in their otherwise human band, her towering presence a formidable asset. "What's your read, Brynja?" she asked, valuing the half-giant's keen insight.
Brynja's deep voice rumbled, her words deliberate. "A formidable one leads them," she observed, her gaze fixed on the approaching riders. "Not just a simple convoy."
Selene's gut tightened with the realization. Things were more complicated than they had anticipated.
The convoy ground to a halt, and the two figures at the forefront dismounted. The woman, sporting a mechanical leg that suggested expensive magi-tech, carried herself with the unmistakable air of an ex-military professional. By her side was a priest from the Church of Enlightenment — a clear indicator of magical skill. Selene's mind raced, reassessing the situation. What had initially seemed like a straightforward mission was quickly unraveling into something much more complex, perhaps even dangerous.
As the two women approached each other, there was a palpable sense of mutual respect mixed with the caution typical of seasoned warriors meeting under uncertain circumstances.
The woman from the convoy extended her hand first, her grip firm and confident. "Tammy Wright," she introduced herself. "I run this convoy... and the inn back at the crossing. You folks seem to have us at a bit of a disadvantage," her tone was friendly, yet guarded, hinting at the underlying tension of the situation.
Selene shook her hand, matching the firmness of her grip. "Selene, captain of the Moonlight Sisters," she responded with a respectful nod. "We're not here to cause trouble. Just looking to have a word, is all."
Tammy's eyebrow quirked up, her eyes scanning the group behind Selene. "Oh? And who exactly are you looking to chat with in this fine assembly of ours?" she asked, her demeanor indicating she was not one to be easily fooled or intimidated.
Selene, recognizing the no-nonsense nature of the woman before her, decided that a direct approach was best. "It's Ava I need to speak with," she replied straightforwardly, her gaze steady. "I assure you, our intentions are honorable. Just a few questions that need answering."
Internally, Selene knew they were walking a fine line. While they had the advantage in numbers, it was clear that they were not the only capable fighters here. She didn't want to risk an unnecessary confrontation, especially with someone as straightforward as Tammy.
Tammy sized up Selene, weighing her words. She looked at the priest who after a moment nodded. "Alright, I can arrange that. But just so we're clear, Ava's under my protection, as is everyone else in this convoy. Any funny business, and we'll have more than words to exchange," she warned, though her tone remained friendly.
Selene offered a slight smile, appreciating Tammy's directness. "Understood. No funny business. Just a conversation."
Tammy nodded, her expression a mix of curiosity and understanding. "Alright then. Let's have her join us. Signal your team to stand down and let her pass. We'll talk more when she gets here."
Selene's mind raced as she processed Tammy's words. "Wait, Ava is your scout?" she asked, a hint of surprise coloring her tone. The pieces weren't fitting together as she had expected. They were supposed to be rescuing a lady oppressed by a cruel master, not someone freely scouting for a convoy.
Caught a glimpse of her, did you? I'm not surprised. Ava's just starting out as a scout, but she's got a real talent for it. Has a way of being noticed when she tries. She’s still learning the ropes, but she’s picking it up fast. She'll be here shortly.
As they waited, Tammy's gaze sharpened with a question that had clearly been on her mind. "By the way, who sent you? I'm guessing this isn't a recruitment drive," she inquired, her tone light but probing.
Selene let out a short laugh, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. "Recruiting her did cross my mind, I admit. She's impressive. But no, we were hired for a rescue. It's starting to look like we might have been misled about the circumstances."
Selene shot a quick glance at her sister, who stood slightly behind her, mirroring the priest's stance. Her sister’s expression had shifted; the earlier anxiety now replaced with a resolute firmness Selene knew all too well. That look often meant Sylvara was digging in, ready to stand her ground on a belief or decision. This only added to Selene’s growing nerves, especially considering the crossbow strapped to her back, loaded with a bolt rumored to pierce any armor and magical shield. They had acquired it long ago, a precaution never yet called to use, said to be effective even against wizards.
Turning her attention back to Tammy, Selene broached the subject that had been nagging at her. “I’m not entirely sure who's paying us, but I have my suspicions. You weren’t surprised to see us, were you?” she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Tammy’s response came with a shrug. “Not surprised at someone showing up, no.”
Selene's attention darted briefly to the priest, a sudden realization dawning on her. "And all of you are here to protect him," she said, her tone laced with accusation and curiosity.
Tammy’s gaze shifted to the priest, a thoughtful look crossing her face. “And you’re here thinking he’s behind it all?” she asked, indicating the priest with a subtle nod.
The most likely scenario in Selenes mind now when she saw the force in front of her, was that the Church had forced Ava into servitude. It was a well-known tactic; the Church often took in talented children from families unable to provide for their magical training. “So, he's her new master, then?” Selene asked, a tinge of disdain creeping into her voice. The idea of such forced servitude went against everything the Nightfall Sisters stood for.
Tammy’s expression didn’t change, but her eyes held a glint of something unreadable. “Why don’t we wait for Ava to join us? She can clear up a few things herself,” she suggested, a calm assurance in her tone that seemed to hint at more beneath the surface.
Selene nodded, she looked closer at the figures atop the first wagon, her seasoned instincts kicked in, reading the subtle cues of experienced fighters. The men exuded a quiet confidence, the kind born from numerous confrontations and battles. Their posture was relaxed yet alert, eyes scanning the surroundings with a vigilance that spoke of preparedness for any imminent threat.
One of them, in particular, caught her attention. His movements were too precise, too calculated. It was the kind of grace that came not just from training, but from an innate understanding of the body’s capabilities. A realization dawned on Selene – he wasn't just any skilled warrior; he was an elf. His presence in a human convoy was unusual and signaled a complexity to their situation she hadn't initially anticipated.
Selene's thoughts whirled as she processed the elf's presence among the convoy. Elves, with their notable combat skills, keen intelligence, and deep magic knowledge, often stood apart from the Church of Enlightenment. Their inclusion in what appeared to be a church-affiliated group was not just unusual but outright contradictory. Before she could delve deeper into these conflicting elements, a series of familiar whistles broke her concentration. It signaled the approach of a lone rider, undoubtedly their scout, managing to slip behind them undetected — a disconcerting yet impressive feat.
As the scout halted beside Tammy, Selene scrutinized her with fresh eyes, seeing Ava for the first time. She was younger than Selene had anticipated, yet there was an undeniable air of seasoned experience about her. Ava's hair, a dark cascade of practicality rather than style, was pulled back into a no-nonsense ponytail, with a few stubborn strands framing a face that told of exposure to the elements. Her attire was that of a scout: functional, earth-toned garments, worn but well-kept, indicating days, perhaps weeks, of travel.
Through her [Mana Sight], Selene observed Ava, but nothing registered – a rarity that piqued her curiosity. Ava's large hazel eyes, alert and scanning the surroundings, revealed a vigilant and experienced traveler. Her posture was relaxed yet ready, showing an ease with her horse that spoke of extensive time on the road.
This young woman before her was an enigma – youthful in appearance but carrying herself with the poise and confidence of someone accustomed to the rigors of travel and the subtleties of scouting. The absence of any magical signature was intriguing. Ava seemed to be a blend of natural adeptness and learned skill, a combination that made her stand out even more in Selene's experienced eyes.
“This is Ava Wildwood,” Tammy introduced, “You had questions for her, right?”
Selene hesitated, her usual directness softened by the situation's delicacy. “I need to confirm, are you Ava?” she inquired, her tone laced with apology. It was crucial to identify her but equally important not to cause offense.
Ava nodded, a flicker of confusion in her eyes. "Yes, I'm Ava. What's this about?" Her voice carried a mix of caution and curiosity, betraying her unease at being the center of attention in this unusual gathering.
Selene took a moment to choose her words carefully. "We were hired for a rescue mission," she began, watching Ava's reaction closely. "We were led to believe you were in need of help, possibly being held against your will. But it seems we may have been misinformed."
Ava's expression shifted, a blend of surprise and amusement flickering across her features. "Rescue me? That's...unexpected." She glanced towards Tammy, who gave a reassuring nod. "I'm not a prisoner, nor in need of rescue. I chose to be here, with the convoy. They're more like family than captors."
Selene's eyebrows rose slightly, her gaze shifting between Ava and Tammy. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place, but there were still gaps in the story. "If you're here by choice, then why the secrecy? Why the elaborate protection?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly, trying to read the truth in Ava's demeanor.
Ava took a deep breath, her gaze settling on the ground before meeting Selene's eyes again. "It's complicated. I can't say much, but it's not what you think. The Church of Enlightenment, they're not...they're not my captors. I'm here for reasons of my own, reasons I can't fully disclose."
Selene, sensing honesty in Ava's tone yet finding her answers evasive, knew she needed confirmation. "May I use my identification spell on you, just to be sure?" she asked cautiously.
Ava gave a slight nod, her face betraying little emotion. "Sure, go ahead," she agreed, her voice steady. "But, please, let's keep this between us."
Selene focused, invoking her [Identify] skill, a tool she'd relied on in countless situations. It was a discreet way to verify identities and intentions, crucial in her line of work.
Name: Ava Wildwood Title: Apprentice Class: Healer Level: Citizen
As the information materialized in her mind, Selene's confidence wavered at the last detail. A Citizen? The realization hit her with force – this was no simple rescue mission. They were potentially being used to abduct a Citizen, and the hefty payment they had received was now cast in a sinister light. "Damn," she muttered, her thoughts spiraling.
Tammy, sharp as ever, had been observing the exchange closely. Stepping forward, she wore a knowing look. "You've confirmed it's Ava, but something's off, isn't it?" she inquired, her smile tinged with a hint of triumph.
Selene's response was a mix of frustration and confusion. "Yes, she's Ava, but this... this is not what we were expecting," she admitted, her mind racing to piece together the implications of their actions.
Tammy's smile remained, but there was a noticeable shift in her demeanor, her eyes reflecting a harder edge. "Seems like you're in a bit of a bind now, considering you've already accepted the down payment, haven’t you?" she asked, her tone suggesting she understood more than she let on.
Selene gave a reluctant nod, the weight of Tammy's words undeniable. "Yes, we accepted the down payment," she admitted, a hint of frustration in her voice. "It appears we've been unwittingly dragged into someone else's scheme. But I want to make one thing clear: we never intended harm to Ava or anyone in your convoy."
Tammy's stance eased a bit, though her gaze remained fixed on Selene, assessing her sincerity. "I believe you," she replied. "But this complicates things. The person who orchestrated this won't be happy to see their plans unravel."
Selene let out a slow breath, considering their next move. "We have to proceed with caution. Our problem isn't with you or your people. We've been deceived and we'll return the payment to dissociate ourselves from this deception."
During the exchange, Ava had been a silent observer. Now, her voice cut through the tension, firm yet tinged with concern. “This is Lord Chandler’s doing, isn't it?“ Seeing Selene’s lack of recognition, she clarified, “Chandler Latimer.”
Recognition flickered in Selene’s eyes. “Yes, our task was to...escort you to the Latimer estate. Though the reasons behind his request weren't made clear to us,” Selene responded, her tone reflecting her dawning understanding.
“It must be that foolish boy,” Ava muttered under her breath. She raised a hand, signaling a pause in the conversation. Her eyes briefly lost focus, a clear indication of mental communication. Despite the intensity of this silent exchange, Ava showed no signs of strain, suggesting a high level of proficiency in this form of telepathy. This only deepened the enigma that Ava represented, adding layers to her already mysterious persona.
"Divinarian," Ava began, her voice laced with a subtle urgency. "Would it be alright if I took Arden along for a quick visit to the Latimer estate? I need to confront Chandler about this situation. Perhaps, Selene, you could guide us to the temple afterward?" She turned to Selene with an expectant look.
Selene hesitated, keenly aware that Sylvara would vehemently oppose any involvement with the Church. Yet, Ava's proposal offered a way out of their current predicament. "Of course," Selene replied, her tone respectful. "We'd be honored to assist, my lady."
The formality of her response slipped out, revealing perhaps more deference than intended. Tammy's sharp glance confirmed her suspicion, but Ava seemed unfazed, her demeanor shifting to one of almost playful command. "Splendid! Arden, would you switch with Mother? We'll accompany the Sisters."
Laughter echoed from the elf as he observed the unfolding scene. Selene's attention then shifted to his companion, who was now clearly identified as 'Arden.' She watched as Arden reluctantly descended from the wagon, a palpable tension evident in his demeanor towards Ava. The interaction between them was charged with an unspoken history, one that Selene couldn't quite decipher but felt intrinsically significant, adding yet another layer to the complex tapestry of their current predicament.
This moment of observation gave Selene a glimpse into the nuanced relationships within the convoy. Arden, evidently more than just a simple companion to the elf, seemed to be embroiled in a deeper narrative with Ava, one that Selene could sense but not fully understand. It was these subtleties, these hidden undercurrents of relationships and histories, that often spelled the difference between a straightforward mission and one mired in unseen complexities.
As they prepared for their departure to the Latimer estate, Selene realized that this journey might uncover more than just the truth behind Ava's situation. It might also reveal the intricate connections and hidden stories of those they were now entwined with. With this thought, she signaled her team to ready themselves, a sense of cautious anticipation settling over her as they set off.
It wouldn't be until they had settled in for the night and the day's events replayed in Selene's mind that a particular detail, initially overlooked, suddenly sprang to the forefront of her thoughts. Ava had referred to the lone rider as 'Mother.' This realization sent a jolt through her – Ava was a Wildwood. Could her mother be Lila Wildwood, the renowned sorcerer known as the King's Death Whisperer? The implications of this connection sent a shiver down Selene's spine.
Lying in the darkness, Selene felt a wave of unease wash over her. The thought of how perilously close they had come to engaging with Lila Wildwood's convoy gripped her with a fear she hadn't felt in years. For the first time in a long while, Selene found herself whispering a prayer before sleep took her, a prayer for guidance and protection in the tangled web they had unwittingly stepped into.