While the boys were in the front, Violet and Regina were in the back studying the map. “I hadn’t realized there were so many ancient sites scattered about,” Violet said.
“There are likely more in harder-to-reach places we have not discovered yet. As it is, sites two and seven are partially flooded.”
“Should I make water-breathing enchants for everyone? I should be able to create a necklace for the three of you to use. They won’t last more than a few hours, but I can make multiples to have a backup.”
“It is still hard for me to wrap my head around how much of a monster you are, Vi. Mom provided one artifact for water breathing for us to share, but having one for each person sounds like a much better option.”
“I’m not a monster. The nature guardian even confirmed that my Limitless trait was not unique, just rare.” Violet said with a pout.
“How have I missed it all this time that you can do more than you should?”
After a pause, Violet replied, “Several reasons. I’m sure I’ve messed up over the years and done something I shouldn't have. The human mind sees what it wants to see. You knew I could do Illusion and Healing magic, so when something didn't fit in that box, you subconsciously explained it away somehow. It helps that I didn't screw up too much around you.”
“Yes, well, I am still hurt that you didn't tell me.” It pulled at Violet’s heartstrings to see the pain in Regina’s eyes over the deception.
“No more secrets about my magic. I promise.” After a nod from Regina, Violet continued. “What other dangers can we expect on this trip?”
“We will be able to follow roads for a lot of our trip. We will ride a ferry between sites two and three to speed our journey a little. Many ancient locations have been destroyed and are infested with magical creatures. Those that weren’t destroyed have some kind of barrier around them that makes people sick if they stay inside for too long.”
“I wonder if it is the same barrier like the one I was around in the Dominion.”
“You’ll get an answer to that question in a few days. The first ancient site on our list has a barrier around it.”
“Is there a reason we are visiting the destroyed sites? That almost feels like a waste of time.”
“It will add time on to our journey, but not too much. We need to visit sites one, six, and eight. Skipping site three has merits, but we will discuss it when we get closer.”
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They stopped for the night in a camping area that caravans regularly used. An earthen wall surrounded the space creating a giant “C” shape. The opening to the wall was facing the road and wide enough to fit several wagons side by side. They still needed to keep someone on watch, but it was safer inside the walled-off area.
Near the wall where they stopped was a fenced-off portion with a gate meant to house amberclaws overnight. Raya and Hunter were purring when Rick let them loose inside the paddock. The pair of amberclaws had pulled the wagon all day, yet they still had enough energy to run around a little once released.
“How can they have so much energy?”
“We have been following a road and allowing them to pull at a slow pace. There is no point in tiring the beasts out to reach this place a little earlier. It will get harder for them once we have to leave the road.” Zane explained.
“Dinner is ready!” Regina called out.
Dinner turned out to be cold sandwiches filled with meat and cheese. Regina had packed enough fresh food to last until they reached the next small town on their route. They would restock in each city, but they also had an ample supply of jerky and travel food that would keep well if it was needed.
“Now for the fun part! Come on, ladies, let’s whip you into shape.” Zane said with an evil grin.
Regina groaned and dragged Violet over to the clearing where Rick and Zane started their stretches. “Follow along and do what I do, if we are lucky, he will take it easy on us tonight.”
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“I already know what Regina can do. She will pair up with Rick to spar. Violet, you’re mine tonight.” Zane said.
Once her muscles were sufficiently warmed up, Zane tossed her a stick and began to spar with Violet. He started slow, allowing Violet to show off that she was not a complete newbie when using a sword. Unfortunately, Zane cranked up the difficulty until she was out of breath and had several new bruises. By the end of their match, Violet wondered how she had ever thought he was handsome. Zane was a monster that liked to painfully correct her mistakes. He wasn’t even breathing hard when the spar ended.
“Not bad for someone who didn't grow up holding a blade. We’ll knock some of those bad habits you’ve picked up out of your head soon enough.” Zane said after their bout.
“You, sir, are a monster.” Violet groaned.
When she looked over at Regina, the girl was covered in just as many bruises as Violet was. ‘So much for taking it easy on us.’ Violet thought while using her magic to heal her sore spots. She then walked over to where Regina had dramatically fallen and healed her as well.
“Thanks, Vi! You’re a lifesaver!” Regina said from her position on the ground.
Rick just shook his head, grunted, and walked away at the princess’s antics.
“Neither one of them even broke a sweat. We need to do better, Vi,” Regina said with resolve. She then started sniffing the air and made a face. “Could you do something about the smell?”
Within moments, dirt, grime, and sweat began to fall off the girls. Their clothing was once again pristine if a bit rumpled. Violet grinned at Regina and whispered, “Let’s see how long until the boys beg to be clean.”
“Do you know nothing about men? They would roll in mud and wear it for a week if we let them. Go clean them up, even if it doesn’t look like they need it. The jerks.” The girls were laughing when they joined the other two at the campfire.
“So mom had you sign a secrecy contract. One of the secrets you two will need to keep is the fact that our dear Violet here is special.”
That statement resulted in looks of confusion from both Zane and Rick. “Well, I know she isn’t special with a sword. So please tell us what we have missed.” Zane replied.
Regina was about to respond when Rio began squawking loudly, “intruder! Intruder!” Violet had almost forgotten the bird was still around.
Zane nodded to Rick, and the beastkin sprinted off in the direction that Rio was flying. The furry man was a blur of motion as he ran to catch the intruder. What surprised Violet was the intruder managed to outrun Rick and get away from him. When Rick returned, he was still breathing heavily.
“Chased one, lost in trees.”
“Well, this complicates things. It appears our trip was not kept a secret for long. We will need to use the perimeter stones tonight, so we have a warning if anyone comes near.” Zane said.
“I’ll take first watch, then Zane, Rick, followed by Violet. With the perimeter set up, we need to keep an eye out for anything odd. We will share secrets when we get on the road tomorrow and are less likely to be overheard.” Regina said.
Violet and Zane chose to place their bedrolls underneath the fold-out beds. Violet’s was placed under Regina, while Zane placed his underneath Rick. There was enough clearance below the beds for them not to feel claustrophobic.
Violet cooked porridge for breakfast while she was on watch. In addition to what they had packed, Violet conjured raspberries to go in their morning meal.
“Oh wow, Vi! This is amazing. You just earned yourself cooking duties! I don't even remember raspberries being in our food supplies. Wait, raspberries aren’t in season this time of year.” Regina looked at her sideways.
“I needed to practice, and I didn't think anyone would complain,” Violet replied.
“No complaints here!” Zane said with a giant smile. “I’m always happy to travel with a nature mage.”
Surprisingly it was Rick who spoke up with a grunt. “Violet is Illusion and Healing, idiot. Is this how you are special?”
She nodded and replied, “Yes, I am Illusion, Water, Spatial, Healing, and Nature. I only have one aspect for Nature, but I am working on getting more. Before you ask, I have nine aspects in all but Healing and Nature.”
Zane’s response was, “Well, your training just got a whole lot harder. I will push you until you are using as many of your aspects as possible to protect yourself. You will hate me worse than Regina does when I am through with you.” He said, chuckling at his joke.
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The next day and night on the road were uneventful. On the third day of their travel, they stopped overnight in a small farming town. The town only had a tavern with an inn attached and a general store. All of the other buildings were houses for the farming families.
Violet was pleased to find the inn was in good repair and relatively clean. They ate dinner in the tavern and rented two rooms for the night. While the beds looked clean, Violet made sure to cast cleanse on all of their bedding before they slept for the night. Thankfully, very little dirt needed to be removed.
After leaving the town, they made good time to the first ancient site on their list. They elected to camp right outside of the barrier before going further on the second night. It was late, and nobody wanted to stay any longer than they had to inside the ancient border.