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What If . . .
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03-10-2021, 12:05 PM
LowTech
Crimson Guard
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,018
The afternoon sun was still high in the sky. In the still air, dust raised by the mare on which Lady Jaye rode clung to sweat-damped clothes of the small group. Barbecue squinted as he studied the hills, looking for the draw Scarlett had indicated. He adjusted the broad leather belt around his waist, the pooled sweat trickling under it, and swiped at the incessant flies. The City of Springs had fountains every few streets, and its narrow alleys and the high walls of buildings cast shade and encouraged breezes. Out on the road, nothing protected him from the direct heat. He glanced up at a raven, circling overhead. His mind wandered back to the conversation with a disgruntled farmer. The farmer had seemed so guarded, nervous even about the presence of strangers on his land. His refusal to show his herd had seemed peculiar. Lady Jaye nudged her horse off the road and across country. Fred paused, pointing towards the direction of the city.
"Wait," he called. "Where are you going? The city is straight ahead."
"And I'm going this way. You're free to return to the city. Or to follow me. To verify."
Fred scowled and adjusted his sword belt and the baldric on which hung a short bow and slim quiver. He glanced back down the road and shook his head. Taking a sip from his water skin, he strode after Lady Jaye, Barbecue, and Doc.
"And what do we gain out this direction? We learned nothing new from the farmer." Fred glanced at the sky, and over his shoulder at the road. "We're still a couple of hours from the city. These roads can be hazardous after dark."
"Then it's a good thing I have a Merchant's Guild guard to protect me," said Lady Jaye, smiling.
The sun sank lower and in the sky, and the approaching hills cast shadows over the grass. Clumps of trees and bushes thickened and merged into small copses. A low whistle drew their attention to one such copse, in the shadows of which stood Scarlett. A hobbled mule was tied to a tree, and two small tarps were strung up as makeshift shelters.
"Who is that," asked Fred, his hand on the hilt of his short sword.
"My Lady in Waiting," replied Lady Jaye, sniffing the air. "And she appears to be waiting with supper."
"Why didn't you tell me this was your plan," asked Fred, peering into the depths of the copse, searching for other surprises. "Do we have a lack of trust?"
"I always trust to Merchant's Guild to protect its interests. And you can always trust me to do the same," said Lady Jaye, dismounting.
Barbecue took the reins of the mare and tied it to a tree. He unsaddled her, checked her hooves, and brushed her down. Out of the corner of his eye he took in the neatly stacked pile of supplies that the mule had evidently carried. Rope, spikes, a hammer, pick, rations, lanterns, torches, oil, an ax. Scarlett filled wooden bowls with broth and bread. Fred, eyeing the tarps and blankets, drew up a watch roster for the night.
***
Barbecue blinked, trying to keep bushes from morphing into silhouettes of creeping foes. A sound caught his attention. Heavy breathing. He glanced at the tarps under which the group slept and adjust his position. It wasn't snoring. He shook his head and walked to a large tree, staring out at the open from behind the trunk. He was sure he could hear the sound of something sniffing the air. He walked to Fred, who sat on a log, staring at the sky.
"Did you hear a noise?"
"It's night. I hear insects. I hear animals rooting for grubs. I see flashes of bats passing in front of stars."
"No. I mean, something sniffing."
"Like a badger?"
"Well . . ."
The mule let out a piercing scream, and then the mare started screaming too. Visions of responding to a stable fire flashed across Barbecue's mind as he turned to the thrashing animals.
"By Ceridwen," cursed Lady Jaye, springing awake.
The others were at their feet, drawing weapons and turning in the darkness, trying to make out the threat. The mule thrashed, and its scream suddenly cut off. Something heavy crashed through the underbrush and Fred loosed an arrow in the direction of the noise. A massive silhouette broke from the tree line, dragging the carcass, heading for the foothills. Scarlett aimed her crossbow and squeezed, firing a heavy bolt. The silhouette dropped the carcass and let out a something between a roar and a growl. Fred loosed another arrow that flew wide. The silhouette paused, then picked up the carcass in its jaws and ran for the hills.
"Follow it," hissed Scarlett, reloading her crossbow.
Grabbing torches, the set off in pursuit, chasing the creature that was gaining speed as it approached the rock faces and caves of the hills. Lady Jaye paused at the edge of a tiny creek, pointing to the ground. She lit a lantern, drawing a hiss from Scarlett who shielded here eyes and looked away from the light.
"Look," said Lady Jaye, pointing to the footprint in the mud. "It's the same as those in the other attacks."
Fred grunted and searched the gloom as Lady Jaye extinguished the light. The silhouette was lost against the backdrop of rock mounds. They strained to hear sounds of its movement, but the air was still and quiet. Scarlett held her crossbow ready and advanced cautiously. Fred nocked an arrow and moved in line with Scarlett. Lady Jaye drew a dagger from her boot, and Doc drew an odd looking knife.
"What's that?" whispered Barbecue, as he swung his axe to loosen his shoulder.
"Lancet," whispered Doc. He looked at it and shrugged. "It's a large one. But better than nothing if that . . . that thing comes back."
Lady Jaye studied the faint tracks a moment longer and pointed into the gloom.
"What makes you sure it's that way?" whispered Fred.
"A few years ago I spent a little time with some rangers in the forests and mountains down south. Fascinating experience. I assure you. It went that way."
LowTech
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