BRETVER 22ND YEAR 548 ASMERIAN CALENDAR
Miller shut the front door behind him and the others as they entered the house. He then had Ruby close the curtains. The knights removed their helmets and sat down on the couch next to the fireplace. "Nice home, you have Sir Miller." Said the first knight. "Reminds me of my own home just outside of Clearwater."
"Oh, so you are from Gregoria and the capital no less?" Miller asked, scratching the nape of his neck as Ruby came to his side. It was clear he was on edge and even Ruby was able to read the room.
"Aye, both of us are from Gregoria, which is why we sought your aid, Sir Miller." Said the second knight.
"Before we start this conversation or any conversation for that matter, why don't the both of ya give yer names?"
"Of course, Sir Miller, I am Hanz Otis, and my fellow knight and close friend here is Edgar Conrad." Said the first knight, he was tall and blond with glasses that must have been a fortune to make. His status as a knight would help explain his possessing them. Glasses were a rarity and the expense to make them was astounding. They were expertly crafted as well, the frame made of bone and with a sleek design that made him look rather educated despite what his actual intelligence was. Eye spectacles were often only used by aging scholars, and so, the reputation of learned men wearing them spread. The other man, Edgar Conrad had short black hair and narrow eyes, it was clear he was no Gregorian by birth or heritage. He remained quiet, Miller just assumed it was because he was hiding a thick foreigner accent.
"Very well, Otis and Conrad, tell me. Why are you seeking my aid exactly and what makes you think I'm of any use to you?" Miller asked as he sat down in his armchair. He crossed his right leg over the other to assume a more relaxed posture. It made the two men instantly ease their guard as their shoulders relaxed and dropped and they began to let their eyes wander.
"Well, simply put Sir Miller, we are aware of your accomplishments in the Northern Campaigns and your exploits in smuggling supplies and information to Gregoria."
"Who informed you of my work here?" Miller asked, still being very cautious. He did not doubt them being Gregorian from their accents alone. However, that alone did not earn his trust.
"The Baronet of Concord sent a letter pinned by his hand to seek your aid as you are a trusted Ritter of the Baronet. You are also the only smuggler worth his salt in the area." Conrad said as he pulled out a letter with the wax seal of the Baronet of Concord.
"Can you get that letter for me, Ruby?" Miller asked. Ruby got up from the floor and took the letter from Conrad's hand and gave it to Miller. "Thank you, lass," Miller said as he pulled out the letter and started reading it. Otis and Conrad stayed quiet while Miller read the message.
The letter read;
To; Sir Otis, Ritter of the Great Township of Astill.
From; Baronet Axel Von Schneider of the City Concord.
Regarding your findings within the city of Asmeria, the information on the current state of our southern neighbors is concerning. The Prime Minister himself would like a more detailed and personal report about your findings within the month. He is aware that this will make it impossible to continue your service in Asmeria.
You must make it back to our fatherland as soon as possible and bring any documents that you can muster of any relevance. The situation, as described, is most disturbing and of extreme concern to our fatherland. You must return in a timely fashion.
I recommend you use my source in the thirteenth district of Asmeria. He lives just outside of the township of Greendale fifty miles south of Concord. He is our primary source of information in the region, so do your utmost to maintain a sense of security around him. His name is Sir Fredric Miller, and he owns a large farm to the north of Greendale.
You are to burn this letter as soon as you have has read it, your country awaits you, Sir Miller.
Regards, Baronet Axel Von Schneider, friend, and brother.
You may have Sir Otis and company explain in detail their mission and findings upon receiving this letter. It is most vital that you aid them in any way that you can. The Prime Minister has already been briefed on the general happenings of the country of Asmeria and is awaiting Sir Otis and Conrad's return. Do not disappoint him.
Axel Von Schneider.
Miller stood up as soon as he finished reading the letter. He lit the fireplace and threw the message into the fire. "Tell me, Sir Otis, who else will be going with you because the letter said 'and company'; however, I only see Sir Conrad at your side. So, who else is with you?"
"There's two other men and one woman from the king's court. She was one of his whores and a fellow Gregorian. She is the one who brought us the information that leads to our findings."
"Where are they currently?" Miller asked as he sat back down.
"In the forest to our east across the wheat field," Conrad responded.
"So, there's five of you in total correct?"
"Yes, Sir Miller."
"Now, tell me, what's so important that the Prime Minister himself would call for you?"
"The prince of Asmeria has gone mad with a hunger for power. Would you like to know why the main sponsored events overseen by the head judge himself, were postponed? I'll tell you why the prince is getting the final votes from the head judges that he appointed to turn the republic into an empire. It is a direct threat to Gregoria, seeing as we aided in taking down the last tyrant king of Asmeria, and this prince set on following in his grandfather's footsteps." Sir Otis explained.
"How long until the prince's plans unfold?" Miller asked as a shiver ran down his spine.
"Weeks, maybe days," Conrad said. "we need to get back to Clearwater as soon as possible. Time is running against Gregoria, and we are one of the prince's first targets."
"Tell me his other targets."
"Judges and Merchants whose families fought against the mad king. The Asmerian trading guild, Head Judges of five districts, and a family here in Greendale that we know of."
"I'll send word through my couriers, but it'll take about two days to get everything set up. Until then, you will make camp at a creek I know of deep in the woods. If you need to meet with me for any reason, you shall leave a small twig at my back door. You are not to return to my home after this."
"We understand Sir Miller; you have our thanks, Gregoria cannot withstand the Asmerian Army as it stands, we need to get this to the Prime Minister as soon as possible."
"You will be in Clearwater in a week at most; I promise you that," Miller said. "Is there anything else?"
"Not at this moment, Sir Miller, will you be taking us to that creek you mentioned?" Sir Conrad asked.
"Aye, let me get you some supplies while you're here."
Miller headed to the kitchen with Ruby and Conrad in tow, Sir Otis stayed in the living room and removed his armor. Miller grabbed a few Grear steaks and wrapped them in parchment. He also gave Conrad some spices and butter. Miller then headed to a closet that connected to the kitchen. He grabbed five blankets from the closet and put them in a backpack and handed it to Conrad.
"Sir Miller, we have our blankets to use," Conrad said as he pushed the backpack away.
"Oh, my bad Sir Conrad."
Miller finished with gathering supplies and went to rejoin Otis. Conrad and Miller had their hands full with food and clothes. Miller even gave them some Bransi to make as they would've been tired from their travels. "I think that's everything that you'll need for the next two nights at the very least," Miller said as he entered the living room.
"You have our thanks, Sir Miller."
"Don't be silly; there's nothing to thank me for."
"Of course there is, you and your slave have been very polite to Conrad and me."
"I'm not a slave Mister Otis." Said Ruby.
"Oh, I apologize, miss, you're the first free Varin I've come across."
"Really?" Ruby asked.
"Yes, I've also only met with a few Varins as is anyways, so I'm sure there's freer than slaves."
"Here's to hoping," Miller said as he patted Ruby on the head to ease her. "anyways, Ruby, I shall leave the house under your care only answer the door if you have to and try to keep yourself occupied without making a mess."
"I will, Mister Miller. Please hurry back soon." Ruby said as Miller, Otis, and Conrad went out the back door.
Miller led Otis and Conrad out the back and across his back pasture. The wheat was tall enough to hide them if they crouched down. They finally made it to the tree line, where the other three that were with Otis and Conrad were hiding.
The other three were sitting by a large spruce tree and were lazing around. "We're back with Sir Miller," Otis announced. "Welcome back, guys." The woman said as she stood up to greet the knights.
"It took you two long enough. Did something happen?" A large bearded man asked as he remained seated.
"No, everything went as well as it could, Wagner."
"Good to hear, is that Grear I smell?" The man asked.
"That's one hell of a nose you have," Miller said, surprised the man could identify the meat from Miller's bad.
"It's kept me out of trouble and also has gotten me into plenty of it," Wagner said.
"I'll bet, well, since you smelt it from there, you can carry it," Miller said as he threw his bag at Wagner.
"Ya bastard, I've already gotta carry my shite," Wagner said as he caught the bag.
"Well, you can handle a few more pounds besides, we've got to get a move on while the sun is still up."
"Fine, where are we going?" Wagner asked.
"Miller knows of a creek nearby where we can hide," Conrad said as the two men got to their feet.
"At least I can wash this dirt off of me." The other man said.
"Yeah, you can also drink from it," Miller said.
"Oh, right." The man said, somewhat embarrassed. "You're Miller, right?"
"Aye, and you are?"
"I'm Xavier Lawrence; I was a scribe for the king."
"Ah, so you've got a lot of information with you, don't ya?"
"You could say that, Sir Miller."
"And who are you, lass?"
"I am Catherine Quillian, a pleasure to meet you, Sir Knight."
"Alrighty, then, let's move out," Miller said as he started walking at a breakneck pace through the forest.
The forest was very open and easy to move through, and the terrain was flat for the most part, barring the occasional hill. It took just under forty minutes to reach the creek. It was far away from any roads and residences.
Miller set down his supplies and turned to see the other huffing and panting as they were out of breath. "We're here, lads and lass." Miller proclaimed.
"Thank goodness, and I thought I was about to faint." Catherine huffed.
"You would've puked first," Wagner said.
"Gross, I didn't need to know that."
"It's true; most women puke before they pass out.' Otis said.
"Enough of that, she's still a lady." Said Xavier.
"Alrighty, listen up all of you, I'm going to leave all of you here for the next two days. I'll have someone come here and pick ya up and take you to Concord. From there, you'll have to find your way to Clearwater." Miller said as he dropped the supplies he had carried with him.
"You've done more than enough for us, Sir Miller," Otis said. "I'll be sure the Baronet rewards you for your efforts in getting us home."
"Just inform him that I'm out of this smuggling business. I've been done with this for a few months now, and I don't plan on getting any more involved than I am." Miller said as he turned around and started walking back to his house. "I'll be moving back to our fatherland soon, and I'll be leaving all of my past dealings behind here."
"Best of luck to you, Sir Miller. Shall we meet again under better circumstances." Conrad said.
"I have a feeling that it will get much worse before it gets any better, Sir Conrad," Miller said as he disappeared into the trees.
"You know Otis; he's a very odd man," Conrad said.
"I wouldn't trust him if he wasn't a little odd."
"I agree."
Miller returned to his home and entered through the back door. "Ruby, I'm back, where ya at lass?" He shouted. "I'm here, Mister Miller," Ruby said as she rounded the corner. "How did everything go?"
"Just fine, lass, I'll need a pin and paper if you could get those from my desk in my bedroom, please," Miller said as he took off his boots and headed to the living room. Ruby took off towards Miller's room and came back with a pen, ink, and paper in hand.
"Here you are, Mister Miller," Ruby said as he held out the items to Miller.
"Thank ya, lass, now, do you know how to write?" Miller asked as he took the pen and ink from Ruby.
"No, I can't read or write Mister Miller."
"Oh, well, I'll need to help you change that. Come sit and pay attention to what I do and say, lass."
Miller taught her about the alphabet and what letters made, which sounds. He ended the night by teaching Ruby how to write her name and his name. Ruby was ecstatic and overjoyed by her new skill. He handed her a book that he learned how to read from and sent her off to bed. She thanked him too many times for him to count and rushed off to his bed.
He, now alone and able, pinned a letter to one of his couriers. He sealed the letter with a Ritter of Gregoria wax seal. The seal was rather large and had a Verulam Flower in the seal to signify it being from a Gregorian Knight. Opening a letter sealed by a knight was paramount to treason in Gregoria and Asmeria alike.
The Asmerian Knight seal was that of the coastline near the city of Asmeria. It was a beautiful seal compared to most and had a fair bit of meaning behind the coast depicted.
The Asmerian order of knights was founded on a strip of coast just north of the capital. It was a battle between the founder of Asmeria, King Zander Asmeria, and his sister Lucia Asmeria. The campaign was tiny, consisting of only one thousand men in total on either side. The battle was intense, leaving only Zander with his guard and Lucia with only herself and one other.
Lucia was exiled from Asmeria and headed East to form the Luccian Empire. King Zander started the Order of Asmeria, which only knights appointed by the king could join. King Zander made the seal personally and was considered the greatest achievement of any Asmerian to earn the right to use the seal and the Order's coat of arms.
Miller headed outside and walked out past the gate. He turned right to head away from the town of Greendale. Miller walked for a mile as the night sky grew even darker as the clouds cover the moon. He opened up a gate that led to a fellow Gregorian's house.
Miller knocked on the door, and a young girl answered the door. "Hello, what can I do for you?" She asked.
"Evening lass, is Fritz Barker here?"
"What business do you have with my father?"
"My name is Fredrik Miller, and I'm a Ritter of Gregoria. I need to talk to him of a matter that concerns the Baronet of Concord and the Prime Minister himself." Miller said.
"Please come inside Sir Miller, and I'll fetch my father." The girl said as she opened the door for Miller to enter.
"Thank you, lass," Miller said as he entered the home of Fritz Barker. It was a small log cabin, much more quaint than his cabin. The girl headed into the back room, and Miller took a seat on a couch next to the fireplace. The fire crackled and popped as a small man entered the room. He had on a red wool shirt and overalls and leather boots.
"Hello Sir Miller, how are you, friend? Have ya been well?" Barker said as he walked up to Miller. Miller stood up and embraced Barker. "I've been well fritz, but I wasn't expecting ya to have company."
"Aye, this here is my niece Audrey. She's been here not but two maybe three weeks now, and she's been a huge help to me."
"That's good to hear Fritz, but I do have a question."
"Please, Sir Miller, I'm all ears," Fritz said as he and Miller were seated.
"I have an issue; can she be trusted with knowing things that would be considered dangerous?" Miller asked as he leaned forward.
"No, I don't believe her to be trustworthy enough to hear about your issues Sir Miller." He said as he turned to the girl. "Audrey, have ya finished feeding the animals in the barn?" Fritz asked.
"No, sir, I haven't fed the cattle of the horses today," Audrey said.
"Very well, take a lantern and take care of the animals, and stay there until I call you back inside lass," Fritz said.
"How long will you be uncle?"
"I don't know, but I'll call for you soon," Fritz said.
"Very well, uncle, nice to meet you, Sir Miller," Audrey said as she made her way outside and shut the door behind her.
Miller waited a moment before he said anything. He took a good look around the room and saw a beautiful painting of a hill and stream that he knew quite well. It was a hill that held a lot of meaning to the knights of Gregoria. The mountain was where all knights of Gregoria were initiated and given their title of Ritter.
He turned to face Fritz and looked him dead in the eyes. "Well then, Fritz," Miller said softly so as not to be overheard. "I need you to send a letter to Sir Hughes. I need it done by the day after tomorrow, and I need you to escort him back to my house."
"You want me to drop everything that I was doing to make a trip up to Concord and back in two days?" Frits said rather harshly but still quiet enough to not be heard. "Just how important is that letter of yours?"
"It is a matter that concerns the Prime Minister himself and a great many things," Miller said as he handed the letter to Fritz. "I'll await your return with Sir Hughes."
"Wait, just a second here, I'm no longer your Squire and I need not head any order that you of all people give me!" Fritz snapped.
"You will do whatever I tell ya; this matter cares not for your convenience, that should be clear since I'm even here speaking to ya. I have five significant people waiting to speak to the fuckin Prime Minister himself, and I need to stay here so I can't make the trip myself."
"What about Audrey, are you going to watch her, you know I don't want any of my family involved with this shite!"
"Whatever gets you ass to Sir Hughes, I'll do damnit." Miller snapped.
"Fine, I'll get her shite ready, you just stay here, 'Sir' Miller." He said as he stormed off into his room.
Miller watched through the window as Audrey worked inside the barn with the lantern hung from a hook above the door frame. It was otherwise pitch black, and he couldn't make out much more than the tree line and a small pond. He could see the walls of Greendale in the distance and even make out guards patrolling along the wall.
Fritz stormed outside and headed to talk to Audrey out in the barn. Audrey seemed to be upset by whatever he had said to her. Miller could only imagine what little twist Fritz had put on her having to leave with him. He watched as the pair made their way back inside after a brief moment to talk.
Fritz slammed the door behind him and sat down in his chair. "It's too late for this shite," Fritz muttered. "You better have paid me when I return Miller."
"I'll pay ya by not spilling your guts," Miller said.
"Sure, if this weren't so important to the Prime Minister, I would turn ya over to the Asmerians."
"I'd expect your company to keep me entertained," Miller said as he stood up and headed to the door. "So, lass, ya coming or not?"
"Do I have to uncle?" Audrey pleaded.
"Aye, I can't have ya here by yourself now, child. While I wish it were anybody other than that asshole, that's my only option."
"Since when did ya go into comedy Fritz? That was the funniest thing I've heard ya say yet."
"You might be right, but you still chose me to be your courier for this letter of yours."
"Aye, but that's because Victor is dead," Miller said as he opened the front door. "Ya know, up until then, you were of little consequence to any of my plans because ya always fucked em up."
"Get the fuck out of my house, ya bastard." Fritz barked as he stood up from his chair.
"Aren't ya forgetting that I need to watch your niece?"
"Audrey, follow him and listen to whatever he tells ya to do. There's a reason he's a Ritter." Fritz said as he gave her a light push out of the door. "I'll come to ya as soon as I return."
Fritz shut the door, and Miller and Audrey stood outside on the front porch. "Well," Audrey started. "are we heading to your home now, Sir Miller?"
"Yeah, ya might have to sleep on the couch because the other bed is still in the barn, and I can't get it ready in time for ya to sleep tonight."
"I'm fine with that Sir Miller, would you tell me something though?" She asked as they headed to the road.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Why does my uncle not like you, Sir Miller? He was one of your students at one time, right?"
"He was."
"So, what had happened between you two?"
"It's a long story, lass."
"We have time while we walk."
"You just don't stop, do ya?"
"Nope, you're going to have to sate my curiosity first, Sir Miller."
"Fine, I'll tell ya." Miller sighed. "It was around five years ago up north, and we were in a fierce battle with the Dantom Tribe. They were a very well prepared force, more so than the Baronet had expected. His wife, as you might know, was killed during that battle. She was next to me when it had happened. She was a skilled mage, you see, and she could heal most wounds, but she couldn't heal herself." Miller stopped as he swallowed some saliva.
"Please continue, Sir Miller."
"Four Northerners charged her, and she was killed by being run through with a spear. I was right next to her but was locked in combat with a horseman. There was nothing I or anyone else could have done for her. She died in a medic's arms and bled out before Fritz could see her."
"So, he blames you, then doesn't he, Sir Miller?"
"Aye, he does blame, and he hates me as much as the men who killed her," Miller said with sorrow in his voice. The night ended with Miller and Audrey returning to his home. Ruby was fast asleep on Miller's bed with a book laid flat on her face.
Miller grabbed blankets and a pillow for Audrey and set up the couch for her to sleep on. Miller was about to be extremely busy with the festival and smuggling Sir Otis and company out of the country. He got into bed without waking Ruby. He took the book off of her and set it aside. She woke for just a second and saw him next to her. She grabbed his arm and pulled herself close as she went back to sleep. Miller laid there and fell asleep with Ruby straddling his arm.