Lilly was riding on the back of the wagon, swinging her legs back and forth, watching her zombie follow behind them, as Rebeca drove, and the others rode their horses. The two spare mares had been hooked up to pull the wagon.
They had cleaned up the battle site and carefully stored and sorted the items and gear they had acquired, before leaving late in the morning. Cid was still griping about the delay, but agreed that it was better to have everything sorted neatly, after Nita emphasized that they would be traveling slower anyways; due to the wagon.
“He's really starting to stink! Can we please get rid of him?” Kit complained twitching her nose at the zombie. The heat of the day was just starting, and it was turning into a scorcher of a summer day. Hot enough that Kit complained of her foot pads burning, if she stood in one spot on the road too long. Everyone was sweating hard and the zombie was decomposing quickly.
“Once we get close to the next town. Lilly can try and dissolve it.” Nita said trying to placate her. “She needs the practice, stand upwind or something.”
“What wind?” Kit groused. Looking at the grass unmoving at the side of the road.
“Goddess I can’t wait! Having that thing follow us is unsettling, and the horses don’t like it neither.” Rebeca enthused.
Turning in the saddle to look at the others in the wagon Cid said. “We are only a few week’s out from my father's new keep. I want to encourage you all to be respectful and only speak when spoken to when we arrive. Father is very strict, but fair with his slaves, and I don’t want you to reflect badly on Nita. As you are the first slaves, we have been able to encourage her to take.”
“Fat chance.” Nita said. “And you foisted Rebeca on me, that’s why I didn’t brand her. Lilly had a choice of the noose or collar, and Kit, well kit looked so sad. Don’t take this to mean I’m going to run a build crew for your father, or a contingent of slave guards. I have my morals!” Nita continued. “Besides I like watching your back.” She said quietly
“Really? I seem to recall someone wanting to buy more than one after Rebeca.” Cid said raising an eyebrow.
“Fine! You’re right I got caught up in the idea of fixing some girls!” She retorted. “It’s not often that I can use my magic to that extent, and besides your dad won’t let Rebeca go; look at her! He is at least fair to his people.” She continued trailing off at the end.
“Well you finally got your brand. We’ve been on your case for years about it. Father was right, you should have gotten it for the peace of mind. You know it’s hard to turn an owner into a slave, it will give us a chance to bail you out if you get into a bad situation.” Cid said turning to look forward again. “Slave brands are permanent, a fine is easily paid.” He murmured.
“Yeah, yeah I know.” Nita said rolling her eyes.
“Traveler’s on foot.” Kit said suddenly to get everyone’s attention, as they came around a small hillock, she was squinting into the distance. She moved to the wagon and grabbed a bow and quiver then adjusted her gear. Once she was set, she took off at a quick jog, veering into the brush at the side of the road. Kit seemed to disappear into the grass after a couple steps.
“Stay hidden unless we need you.” Cid called after her. Proud that she had adjusted to their contingency planning so well. It was always nice not to have to remind people of their jobs.
Kit gave him the finger over her shoulder just before she disappeared.
“Damn, it’s unsettling how a, self-professed pirate, can be so good at disappearing like that.” Lilly observed.
“Well cat-kin are natural ambush predators. Her fur coloring works well in this brush and grass.” Cid said. “Plus, born slaves like her learn to blend into any background, as a form of survival at a young age.”
“They look well geared from here. So probably nothing to do with our new wagon. Runners wouldn’t have taken that much gear.” Nita observed as they got closer to the group. she checked her weapons and adjusted her seat in the saddle. You could never be too careful with strangers on the road.
“I make out three adults, and one child; unless it’s a halfling or gnome.” Cid said.
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“We will overtake them in an hour or so.” Nita said looking at the sun to judge the time. “Well before nightfall.”
Turning to the two on the wagon Cid said. “Lilly, hide your zombie in the back of the wagon, use a spare blanket so you don’t make a mess in there. Then make sure your weapons are within reach.”
Just over an hour later they were approaching the travelers. They looked road weary. It turned out to be a small family of four. The group had relaxed when this became clear. Most of the apprehension was due to the possibility that the family may have something to do with the Tinker, but as they passed, the family just waved and nodded with their little girl looking longingly at the wagon.
“Hop up.” Said Nita on a whim.
“Nita! Lilly’s little friend!” Cid cautioned.
“Oh, come off it, we can just have her try and dissolve it now.” She reasoned. Then turning to the family, she asked. “You don’t have a problem with necromancers, do you? Lilly woke to her power last night and we have her practicing on a goblin.
“Uh no, that’s ok I guess...” The father said uncertainly.
“Lilly get your guy out, it's time to see if you can manage a corpse dissolve.” Nita said cheerily.
“Kit, you can come out now, I don’t think they are going to cause any trouble with their young daughter here.” Cid said to the open air. Kit seemed to materialize from nowhere then hopped up onto the side of the cart frowning at Cid, startling the family regardless of the warning.
“So where are you all headed?” Nita inquired.
“Riverhead. We heard rumors of work for masons there, so I packed up the family and we headed out.” The man said with a shrug. “There wasn’t anything left to do in the small hamlet we spent the last two years living. Moving just seems to be part of the trade.” He reasoned watching warily as Lilly’s zombie climbed out of the back of the wagon.
“What's your names? I'm Nita, that’s Cid Galloway.” She said pointing at Cid. “The others are, Lilly, Kit, and Rebeca.” She continued, pointing out each in turn.
“Masons huh? Well the rumors are true. My father Count Galloway is overseeing the construction of the new border keep there. In fact, that's where we are headed, if you want too you can travel with us, and I'll get you an interview with one of the overseers.” Cid said. “No guarantees, however. Getting a job is on you.”
“I'm Philip Anderson, my son is Philip Jr. We call him Lip. My wife is Susan and my daughter’s name is Bethany. It's nice to meet you all.” Philip said respectfully, bowing to Nita and Cid.
“So, are any of you, mages?” Nita asked cutesy.
“No milady. We are simple bricklayers.” Lip spoke up quickly.
Nita rolled her eyes dramatically. “None of that nonsense, I'm no lady! Me and mine just guard this big lug here.” She said slugging Cid in the shoulder.
“Hey! You’re supposed to guard me, not hurt me, you oaf.” Cid said rubbing his shoulder. “I swear you forget how strong your flesh magic makes you!”
“Aww…do you need me to make it all better!” Nita groused back. Moving to put a hand on his shoulder in mock sympathy.
“Back off! Wanton woman.” Cid said backing up while fending her off.
“At first, I thought they were perfect for each other, but I’ve since realized they're like a close brother and sister.” Rebeca said quietly to Lip giving him a head to toe appraisal, then smirked at the fit young man. He returned the appraisal and grin.
“Mistress permission to have a little fun?” Rebeca suddenly asked Nita giving her a grin and then looking back at Lip.
“Oh, you slut!” Nita said with a smirk still trying to chase down Cid.
“You’re not intact, are you Rebeca?” Cid interjected with a question still dodging Nita.
“No milord. not since I was 14!” She responded.
“Well I guess it's fine for you to have a little fun, don’t forget to use an amulet. There are a bunch in the wagon.” Cid continued. “As long as you don’t mind master Anderson?”
“Na its fine, let them have a little fun, Goddess knows Rebeca’s probably had a tough go of it, looking like that.” Philip replied eyeing her up and down. “Maybe Lip will learn a thing or two.” He smirked, then frowned as his wife slapped his forehead. “Hey!”
“Nope! That’s where you’re wrong! Rebeca is all my work!” Nita sprouted proudly, sticking her chest out.
“So how old is Bethany? Has she had her awakening yet?” Nita asked excitedly.
“She’s 11, so not for a couple more years. Why?” Phillip asked worriedly, eyeing Nita and her slaves.
“Oh, don’t look at me like that! I’m not going to steal your daughter! Lilly just awoke last night, as a necromancer! Well, obviously.” Nita said rising her eyebrows as she built up momentum. Then glancing over at Lilly who was slowly succeeding in having her pet dissolve into a puddle at her feet, before turning her gaze back to Philip.
“Anyway, I have this theory.” Nita said warming more to her subject.
“Oh, Goddess please don’t get her started!” Kit groaned.
“Not you to!” Nita shot her a look of consternation. “Anyway, I have this theory about inheritance.” Nita repeated turning back to Philip.
“…” Cid huffed looking up at the sky.