They reached the cottage after a couple of hours. During the return journey, the crazed elf had tried to run off several times, wanting to return to the compound. Humberto neighed at seeing Lythonian, and he walked straight up to him, patting him and whispering in his ear.
“What are you going to do now you are free?” SJ asked the skeletons while waiting for Lythonian to attach Humberto to the cart.
“I have no idea. I never believed I would be free again,” the archer replied.
“What did you do before as a profession?” SJ asked.
“I was a Gardener.”
“And you two?” SJ asked the others.
“My profession was as a carpenter,” the orc replied.
Looking at the rogue, he looked away slightly and whispered a response.
“Sorry. I didn’t hear you?” SJ asked.
“I was a sweeper.”
“A sweeper?”
“A chimney sweep.”
Considering all the buildings had fireplaces, it made perfect sense that they would have chimney sweeps. “What’s wrong with that?” SJ asked, frowning.
Dave replied, “Chimney sweeps are a forced profession on those caught in townships for theft. It is classed as a criminal profession. A skeletal chimney sweep is very novel, though.”
SJ didn’t push the rogue into elaborating now that Dave had informed her of his profession. Instead, she changed the direction of the conversation: “I suppose now that you have another chance at eternal life, you could learn another profession?”
“Unfortunately, no,” Zej replied. “undead can no longer learn new professions.”
“They could still learn something new even if they can’t level it, though?”
“I suppose it’s possible. I’ve just never heard of anyone doing it before.”
The small well by the cottage had a rope and bucket attached, and SJ needed to refill her waterskin. The two elves had drank most of it. Turning the handle on the well, the wooden gears spun freely, and the bucket did not raise.
“Damn,” she cursed.
The skeletal orc, having seen what she was doing, walked over. “I can sort that out. It won’t take too long to make some new cogs for it. The whole frame could do with being replaced, looking at how worn it is.”
“Could you? That would be amazing if you could. Actually, I have an idea.” SJ said, smiling at the orc and then turning to look at the other two skeletons.
“What?” the archer asked.
“Why don’t you three stop here for now? I know you don’t need food, so it’s not as though you will go hungry, and you can sort yourselves out and decide what you want to do going forward.”
“Whose is this cottage?” the rogue asked.
“Mine,” SJ replied, smiling.
“You would be happy for us to stay here?” the orc said, surprised.
“Yes. At least I don’t plan on living there now, and it needs to be furnished properly. Before considering living here, I must bring supplies from town.”
The archer looked at the rogue and the fighter before returning to SJ. “I think we would all be very grateful to stay here for now if that is ok?”
“Of course. Make yourselves at home. I would ask a favour, though.” SJ said.
“Yes?” the orc asked.
“Would you please tidy the place up a little while I am gone? The garden is overgrown and messy, and the well could be repaired, as you mentioned. There is also a second cottage down the lakeside that could use some attention.”
“That sounds a fair exchange,” the orc said with what SJ assumed was a smile. Even the rogue appeared to be happy with that idea.
“If you go down past the next cottage, there is another abandoned and derelict cottage. I don’t know if there is still a deed for it, but it is in a shocking state. If you repaired that one, you may have somewhere you could even make your own.”
“We will prioritise your cottage before any others,” the archer responded.
SJ removed the key from her inventory and opened the door to the cottage. There was nothing inside of value, so she couldn’t lose anything by them staying here. In fact, it may work in her favour if they repair the well and sort things out.
“What are all your names, by the way?” SJ asked.
“I am Charlotte,” the archer replied, “and this is Terence,” indicating the giant orc skeleton, “and Brian,” pointing to the rogue.
“It is nice to meet you all officially. I am SJ if you hadn’t already guessed.”
Lythonian had finished attaching Humberto to the cart, and with a bit of strong-armed persuasion, the crazed elf was eventually made to climb into it. The other elf sat next to him to try and keep him calm.
“I think we are ready to head back,” Zej said.
SJ walked over to Charlotte and handed her the cottage key. “Here, I will return in a few days and see how you progress.” She said, smiling.
“Thank you, and we will do what we can to sort things out,” Charlotte replied.
The three skeletons watched as the cart moved down the track away from Farleck Cottage. “Very generous of you to let them stay there,” Lythonian said as they distanced themselves.
“I have no need for it at the moment, and if they can look after it and sort things out, it benefits both sides.”
“I agree. It’s just that Legionnaires are not known for being concerned about Amathereans as you are. You are a breath of fresh air compared to many.”
SJ blushed, feeling the heat in her cheeks. She believed she was acting no different to how she had always been back on Earth. Yes, it was a different world, but her Grandfather had always told her to treat others as she wished to be treated.
“Thank you,” she replied shyly.
The journey back to town was uneventful. Thankfully, the crazed elf did not try to escape from the cart. As they reached the valley’s top and began to pass through the meadow, the skies began to darken. It was as though someone had instantly turned a light off. SJ looked across the meadow and towards the lake and saw heavy dark clouds building over its surface.
“Won’t be long now,” Zej said, looking at the sky.
“The skies looked clear this morning. How did you know it was going to rain?” SJ asked.
“The temperature, as soon as the sun is never as strong, we know rain is due.”
It wasn’t as if they had a meteorology department sending the latest weather alerts.
“We should be back before it starts,” Lythonian added, spurring Humberto on now they were back on the relative flat.
As they neared the edge of town, the first raindrops began to fall. The air temperature had dropped, and the breeze that had picked up slowly building in force. Dropping Zej at the smithy and thanking him for his help, they continued to the church.
“What do we do with the elves?” SJ asked Lythonian quietly.
“I will need to spend time with the poor one that is still affected, but the other can hopefully return to his village as soon as possible.”
Pulling up outside the church hall, SJ jumped down and helped the elves from the back of the cart. She removed a silver coin from her inventory and handed it to the sane elf.
“Here, take this. It will allow you to get clothes, food, and drink and hopefully get a passage back to your village.”
“Thank you so much for your kindness and for freeing us,” The elf replied, bowing deeply. “If you are ever near the village of Cuopi, please do call in. It’s only a small village, and we don’t have much to offer, but you will always be welcome.”
Congratulations! Reputation with Jasitu increased to Friendly.
“Thank you. If I am ever in the area, I will call in. I wish you good luck,” SJ replied. “I will call in to see you tomorrow, Lythonian.”
“No problem. Thank you for the adventure. It has been a few years, and I enjoyed myself today,” The draconian said, smiling fondly at her.
The side of Lythonian SJ had seen was that of a righteous defender, and his stalwart behaviour and gentle manner had again been shown as hiding a warrior at heart.
Congratulations! Reputation with Lythonian has increased to Popular.
SJ headed back towards the inn, and the rain began to fall heavier as she did. Many of the usual vendors were no longer present on the streets, and many of the usual open stalls were closed or empty. On reaching the inn and entering, she was amazed to see how busy it was inside. Checking her display, it was only mid-afternoon, yet the crowd was already similar to the early evening. Seeing Bert standing by the bar, she waved and went upstairs to her room. The large troll smiled back at her.
Entering her room, she emptied her inventory and placed the items on the table. Zej had given her the chest that had held the Miniature Wyvern Eggs. She opened the lid, looking at the beautiful colour of their shells, the iridescent shimmering drawing her gaze.
“I am trying to find out their value,” Dave said.
“How can you do that?”
“Secret.”
“We have no secrets. We are best friends,” SJ replied.
Silence.
“Dave? Are you there?”
Silence.
“Dave?”
“Thank you,” Dave replied suddenly.
“Thank you for what?” SJ said, confused.
“For what you just said.”
“Said?”
“You said we are best friends,” Dave replied with a sniff.
Not even considering the implication of what she said made her suddenly realise that Dave was her best friend. They were inseparable, after all, and their growing camaraderie and exchanges of trust were continually developing over the time they had now been together. They were both outsiders in their ways, her being an anomalous Legionnaire and him being a thorn in the System’s side by all accounts. Dave was always looking out for her now and guiding her. He had screamed the warning about the necromancer, and he didn’t need to have done so. He had informed her about the Miniature Wyvern Eggs that Lythonian would have been happy smashing. So many small and subtle interactions had started without even thinking about them.
SJ felt a tear roll down her cheek and reached up, wiping it away.
“Are you ok?” Dave asked, concern in his voice.
“I am, yes.”
“Then why are you crying?”
“I am happy.”
“Oh!”
Silence ensued for several moments before they both started talking at the same time. Unable to understand or hear what each other had said, they both laughed.
SJ spent the remainder of the afternoon talking to Dave and reviewing all the items she had collected, including the new loot from the necromancer. Dave confirmed that some of the items would sell well in the auction house or a city where there would likely be people with the coins available to purchase them. It was while they were sitting talking that the heavens opened fully.
The window to the room had been open since she had arrived, and she had never bothered closing it. The rain had started to get heavier as the skies continued to darken, and the natural light was still enough with her improved vision to allow her to see even from the darkened skies. The sudden clap of thunder made her jump out of her skin as she hadn’t been paying the weather any attention. On standing and looking out of the window, the rain bounced off the cobbled street below. The town square was empty, with no one in sight, and most of the buildings had all their windows closed, and some even had shutters pulled across them.
The inn’s roof overhang protected her window from the rain, and she leaned on the windowsill, resting on her elbows with her face in her hands, as she watched the rain gather in pools amongst the cobbles. The streets didn’t have grids or a sewer system to carry the excess water away, and she noticed the small rivulets of water that had started to run down the streets towards the lake.
There was a bright flash off across the lake to her right, and she saw the lightning dispersing that must have hit the lake surface, followed in moments by another deep boom as the thunder rolled in. The intensity of the rain increased, becoming even heavier. The rain was almost vertical, and the weight and size of the drops striking the barrels and crates lined up by the roadside sounded like war drums beating. The awnings of the vendor stalls, which usually kept the intense sun off the wares, were filled with pools of water.
“This is one serious downpour. It reminds me of my last day on Earth,” SJ said.
“It’s quite a heavy storm. I have no idea how long it will last.”
“I am going to get some food.”
Making her way downstairs, the inn’s crowd had grown even further. Moving to the corner of the bar, she waited to be served. As she waited, she listened to the locals’ various conversations.
“This reminds me of the storm fifteen years ago,” a male half-elf said to his companion.
“It does. I expect it will last a while,” his female companion replied.
“It’s a good job we packed up when we did, or the clothes would have been ruined,” he replied.
It appeared that many of the usual vendors had migrated to the inn, and as she stood waiting, the bard appeared on his small stage by the fireplace. Soon, the inn was filled with music and laughter, and he began to tell his tales. SJ was caught up amidst the singing, having picked up a couple of the lines from previous evenings when the inn door flew open. Gary stood in the doorway, water dripping from his clothing as he bellowed.
“Hobs are advancing.”
The music stopped instantly, and SJ stared at him, not quite comprehending his comment.
“Hobs are advancing. All those able are asked to accompany the guard to the town line.”
He immediately turned again, running back outside. Murmurs were soon replaced with shouts and cries as patrons began to finish their drinks before leaving the bar hurriedly. SJ watched as the crowd started to thin out, them braving the torrential rains to go and defend the town. SJ hurried back upstairs and grabbed her cloak from her room. Throwing it on, she left the inn with her hood pulled up and began to move towards the barracks.
Many of the streets had now been turned into rivers, and she sloshed through the water-covered streets against the heavy drumming rain. There was no let-up in the torrent that was hitting the ground. As she neared the barracks, she could hear the shouts of orders over the drumming of the rain. She watched as the mage she had seen previously walked onto a platform next to where Mayor Maxwell now stood. The crowd anxiously looked at him as the mage’s voice cut over the storm.
“THANK YOU FOR COMING. USUAL POSITIONS FOR PRE-CONFIGURED GROUPS. ALL STREET ENTRANCES ARE TO BE BLOCKED BY WAGONS, AND HEALERS AND MAGES ARE REQUIRED AT EACH LOCATION IN SUPPORT OF ARCHERS AND FIGHTERS.”
The crowd was splitting into groups, and SJ watched as the first started moving away from the barracks, heading towards the Southern edge of town. Where the field finished, so did the town boundary. SJ noticed Lythonian and Zej in the crowd, wearing the same attire as their recent quest. As she went to head towards them, they began to jog off with another group.
SJ walked towards the platform, where Mayor Maxwell and Captain Broadaxe were in deep conversation. A large gnoll approached her. “Where are you assigned?”
“I am not. I am new, so I have no idea where I am needed.” SJ replied.
“Join the group on Timber Street if you can. They are down a mage,” the gnoll said.
SJ was about to reply she wasn’t a mage when the gnoll turned to talk to another who had just arrived, ignoring her.
Turning and moving away, she headed towards the edge of town, having yet to learn where Timber Street was. Across all the streets she came to, large wagons had been drawn as she reached the edge, blocking the roads. These were not standard wagons and had been fitted with wooden panelling which covered the open underneath, and archers were now standing in the backs of them looking out across the field. The rain had not eased, and there were shouts and calls as people still made their way to whichever group they needed to reach.
A young-looking kobold was running past her towards the closest group, and SJ called out, asking where Timber Street was. He pointed and called, saying that it was two streets over. Shouting her thanks, she began to jog. The same setup existed when arriving at what she assumed must be the right street. Wagons blocked the entrance, and archers stood waiting. Stood slightly away from the main area was a small awning that had been hurriedly thrown up, and under a raised poncho, several dressed in robes stood. It had to be the mages, healers, or both.
Staying back from the leading group, SJ watched and listened, and as those assigned to groups eventually reached their locations, an unnatural silence fell across the town. There were no more calls or shouts, just the silent anticipation of conflict. SJ had no way of supporting with ranged attacks and, unsure what benefit she could bring here, stood behind the wagons. She moved off to an alley close to the blocked entrance.
“I can’t do anything from here,” she whispered.
“What’s your plan then?” Dave asked.
“I think I am going to see what is coming,” SJ replied as she shrugged off her cloak and transformed into her miniature form. The rain that hammered down now felt more like being pelted by huge waterbombs as the drops hit her. She wasn’t going to be deterred, though, and flapping her wings and staying close to the edge of one of the buildings out of the worst of the rain, she made her way to the roof.
Landing on the roof, she moved over to the outer edge of the building and then flew the short distance to the next building, the gap between them not large enough even to be called an alleyway. Eventually, she stood by the chimney of the building closest to the fields, and standing behind it, being protected from the worst of the rain, she looked out across the fields. The skies were dark and grim, there mottled dark greys covering the usual blazing skies she had been used to since her arrival in Amathera. Squinting with her hands cupped around her eyes to keep the rain off, she peered into the afternoon’s gloom. She could see nothing out of the ordinary, and there was no sight of anything crossing the fields.
“I wonder how far away they were spotted?” SJ said.
“I assume they must be close. Otherwise, nothing would have been done. Especially in weather like this. I can feel the water in my circuits.”
“Really,” SJ replied, shaking her head in dismay at his comment.
“Well, it’s not very nice out, is it.”
“You are an AI talking inside my head. Unlike me, you cannot feel the weather.”
“I can imagine it, though. The cold, damp water seeping into every orifice, your hair plastered to your head, your dress, soaked clinging to your legs, and your boots full of water.”
“The rain is not cold, my boots are perfectly dry, and my dress is not stuck to me at all. The only factual thing about that statement is that my hair is plastered to my head.”
“I was being artistic in my appraisal of the situation.”
“It was more along the lines of doom and gloom.”
“I will have you know I performed very well in my theatrical thesis.”
“Your what now?” SJ said surprise etched on her face.
“My thesis.”
“What thesis?”
“I completed an AIA in Dramatic Arts.”
“Now that begins to explain a great deal,” SJ chuckled. “I am confused about why an AI would need to complete a thesis, never mind about something like theatre.”
“As I have told you before, being an administrator is a highly sought-after job. You don’t stand a chance at selection if you don’t have a degree.”
The world of the administrators was even more confusing, and rather than bits of data flying around in the everlasting ether, SJ had started to imagine little robots all sitting in stalls. As her mind drifted, another bright flash of lightning brightened the gloom of the storm. In the flash, SJ thought she saw something across the fields.
“I think I saw something,” she said as the thunderclap followed the flash. The storm was overhead and didn’t seem to be moving quickly.
“I didn’t. Sorry,” Dave replied.
“I am going to investigate,” she said as she moved to the roof’s edge. The wind wasn’t very strong but was still fairly powerful compared to the breezes she had flown in, apart from when the mage’s spell caught her. Cautiously, she began to lift off the roof and, staying high, moved out across the field. The raindrops hammered against her small form. Gritting her teeth against the monstrous water droplets, she flew over the field as fast as possible. Flying at the height she was with the hammering rain, she doubted anyone would see her, but to be safe, she moved to the right, approaching the water’s edge of the lake, not staying directly in the middle of the open area.
Reaching the far side of the field where a treeline started again, SJ swooped low and into the branches. The canopy of the trees gave her little reprieve from the rain force. Under the canopy, she couldn’t hear anything apart from the thundering droplets battering the leaves. Working her way between the branches, she approached the original path on which she had initially arrived at Killic. Slowing and dropping onto a branch, she peered between the branches and down the path that led there. What she saw sent fear pulsing through her.
