BRETVER 29TH YEAR 552 ASMERIAN CALENDAR.
The cold breeze filled the bailey as Jackson followed Carter to the Gate alongside Ruby. Yumi and Io were trailing behind some fifteen meters and carrying most of the weight. There were five guards at the southern gate which was open for merchants to get goods in and out of the castle such as wheat and materials for construction. The slaves that filled the castle were all but gone, sold to the highest bidder. Ruby saw three Varin slaves who could not be sold hanging from the wall above. Killed for the reason of eating food and costing coin.
She swallowed as they approached the guardsmen who were relaxed and copping jokes at one another. Carter approached the Sergeant standing just next to the gate as he sipped his ale. "Excuse me Sergeant?" He asked politely.
"Ah, Corporal Evans, nice you see you man?" The Sergeant said while slurring his words. "Are you here to take my shift?"
"No, I have an even more unpleasant task today. I have to take these slaves into Greendale to be appraised for sale, something that I argued should be left for a less dignified guard."
"Well shit, I'll do it if you take my job for the day." The sergeant jested.
"I wish but these are milords' personal slaves and he entrusted it to me and one other, some man named Keller, ya know him?"
The sergeant paused to think as he stroked his mustache. "Ah yeah, Keller's been here for only a few months now if I recall, he's the quiet type. He's not one to volunteer for group activities so we sergeants give him a rough time, speaking of which. Hello Keller, nice of you to keep this man waiting!"
Carter turned to see a man running forwards with written orders sealed in one hand and a package in the other. "I'm… I'm so sorry for-" He paused to catch his breath. "Oh man, I knew I should've just come straight here. I'm sorry for being late Corporal."
"Don't worry about it, let's go." Carter said as he pushed Jackson forwards.
"Wait a minute, let me see those seals. I'm not one to do a shit job, even if it's a shit job."
"Oh, right away, here you go Sergeant." Carter and Keller handed over their 'orders' to the sergeant and he handed them back almost instantly.
"Alright, you men do good work for our lord and our country. Evan's, I'll see you later on okay?" He said as he waved them by.
Jackson walked out in front of everyone and kept the pace slow for Yumi and Io to catch up. Carter stuck closely by Ruby while Keller brought up the rear staying close to Io who was having trouble carrying the weight of the pack. They exited the second gate without issue as there was only a single guard there to check the merchants coming into the castle, he paid no attention to them as they went well on their way outside. Jackson felt a huge swarm of emotions at once, this was the first time he was outside of the castle without being chased down by guards instantly.
"Carter, once we reach the base of the hill undo our restraints and help Io with her pack." He whispered as a Merchant passed by.
"Understood."
At the base of the hill was a small town that started when the castle had finished. There were farms and houses spread about the valley and even a market that sold wares for guards of the castle. The sun glistened over the vast wheat fields and the hazy mountains in the background. Jackson breathed in the fresh farmland air as his restraints were cut free. Carter moved swiftly through them all cutting the wrapps holding their arms together discreetly.
Jackson followed Carter to the fork in the road, the way left headed to Farmville and the way right led to Greendale. "Well, master, you decide." Carter said as he gripped his shoulder. Jackson turned to Yumi and Io. "As you might've guessed, Anton Keller here is related to your former and late master. He came to the castle with the sole purpose of freeing you two. Where you decide to go is down to you. As for me, I'm heading to my sister wherever she may be."
Anton stepped forwards and held out his sealed letter. "Why split up? We can make it to Gregoria together as a group." Anton pleaded. "There's no place left for me here in Asmeria anyways, same probably goes for Evans as well."
"Well, you're not wrong about that, if I stay here I'll be hanged for sure." Cater scratched the top of his scalp. "I'll follow you anywhere, but we better find a way to get to Gregoria pretty quick."
"I know, I snatched some coin from Lord Daniels and his wife, I have at least fifty gold Caston Coins and a load of silver, that's why Io's pack is so heavy." Jackson said as he opened up her pack. "Not to mention I also have that peiron sword we can sell if need be."
"Fifty Caston would be enough to buy any cart and a good horse, not to mention a few acres of land and a home." Carter said. "Let's head to the stable and buy one."
"Very well, here, take the pack Carter, we'll continue north while you purchase the horses and cart. Also, see if you can buy some weapons for Yumi, Io, and Ruby."
"As you command, anything else you need?"
"Nah, we need to be light on our feet, it won't take long for them to realize what happened. Sir Fjord is no fool and he'll be a problem if he catches up to us."
"I'll be swift master!" Carter said as he rushed off with the coin towards the stables. Jackson started walking down the Zander Road towards Gregoria he was met with flashbacks of when he last walked this road. He could hear his mother singing to pass the time with every step he took. Ruby walked right next to him and grabbed his hand.
Jackson watched as the merchants passed in their carts filled with goods and wares. Most were from Gregoria and some from the Northern Tribes, one was even from the Western Isle. The sound of a cart approaching from behind made them walk along the side of the road. "Hello again master!" Carter, who was on the bench of the wagon pulled by two large horses that resembled Gran in appearance, came to a stop next to Jackson.
"Nice wagon, how much did it cost us?" Jackson asked.
"Only seven Asmerian silvers and both of the horses were only one Caston. I also went ahead and purchased the weapons for Yumi, Io, and miss Ruby. They're in the back of the wagon, it also came with a cover for you to keep out of sight master." Carter said he was rather pleased with himself.
"Amazing, I can't believe that you managed that. I guess you really did listen to me when I told you about the power of persuasion." Jackson patted the side of the horse closest to him. "When we reach Gregoria you will keep all of the coin and the horses. You may even have my peiron sword if you like."
Carter's jaw dropped in shock; it was quite clear he didn't expect any payment for his deeds. "I would never take the sword you won, master. As for the coin, if you're ever going to return the name of Scottkey to nobility, well, you'll need it more than I." Carter smiled as he grabbed the pack filled with the coin and held it out to Jackson. But, to his surprise Jackson's eyes watered up as he held back the tears.
"No man is worthy of a friend like you, especially me." His voice cracked. He took the pack and headed to the back of the wagon. Carter and Keller sat at the front whilst Ruby, Io, and Jackson took shelter in the rear.
There was a longbow and plenty of arrows in a quiver for Yumi to use. There were two short swords which were one handed swords of moderate length for Io and Ruby to easily wield in combat. As the sun set below the horizon the unloaded for the night and lit a campfire. Carter set up the Wagon cover to work as a tent for the girls to sleep in while the rest slept outside. Jackson opted to sleep in the back of the wagon with his sword close in hand.
Jackson was the first to wake and he stumbled out of the back of the wagon. Yumi was still fast asleep, but he had other plans in mind. He kicked Yumi in the side just hard enough to wake him. Yumi jumped from the kick and his eyes shot wide open. Jackson had to restrain himself from laughing as Yumi stood to his feet. "Why?" Yumi asked.
"You need training, grab the bow and follow me, I need to wake Carter real fast then we're going." Jackson said quietly, Ruby and Io were Varin's after all and their ears were incredibly powerful even when asleep. Jackson shook Carter awake and told him about his plans for the day. Yumi had grabbed the bow and quiver and was waiting behind the cart. They headed into the woods and Jackson found a small clearing suitable for archery training. While bows were never his favorite, he was taught how to use them by his uncle.
"Okay, now wait here, I'm going to take fifty paces down that way and hang this flag on a tree branch, all you have to do is shoot the flag as close to center as possible."
"I understand master." Yumi said as he sat down on a large boulder. Jackson found an Oak tree with a low hanging branch he could hang the flag on. He rushed back and took the bow and an arrow from Yumi.
"Now, watch closely to what I do. This bow is quite heavy, what I mean by that is the amount you need to pull on the draw string is a lot more than most bows. But since you're a Varin you should be able to handle it. Now, when you pull back the string use your middle finger to hold the arrow to the string like so and pull it back to your cheek. Remember where you pull it to and keep pulling it to the same exact spot on your cheek. Otherwise, you'll simply have a different shot every time." Jackson demonstrated by sending an arrow through the center of the flag. "Go ahead and try now."
Yumi took up the bow and readied an arrow. As he pulled the drawstring back the arrow went cockeyed, and he had to reset it. "Tilt the bow slightly to keep the arrow in place, Yumi and rest the arrow on your thumb." Jackson said as he moved the arrow in place and pulled Yumi's thumb around so that he was gripping the bow correctly. He loosed the arrow and it impacted right below the flag. "Now, adjust for it falling and try again, I'd say try aiming at the top of the flag."
Yumi picked another arrow and lined up the shot. He loosed the arrow and it flew straighter, and Jackson thought Yumi was capable of. It easily blew through the flag and impacted in the soft dirt some forty paces behind the flag. "Great shot Yumi!" He said as he jumped to his feet. "Let's go check it out, you might just be a natural at this."
Jackson grabbed the flag which was flapping from the harsh gust of wind, and he examined the fabric. There were two holes almost in the direct center of the material. Yumi's arrow struck the flag only the width of Jackson's thumb from his own shot.
"Good shit Yumi, that's more than impressive. Let's shoot a few more arrows at it for practice then we must be on our way." Jackson said, he grabbed Yumi's shoulder and patted it as he turned back.
"Thank you master, I will do my best for you and my sister."
"I know it, now let's work on your drawing of the arrows. Namely the speed of it." They shot several more arrows focusing on the speed and accuracy of the shots. They continued until they only had twenty-five arrows left in the quiver. Jackson examined the flag once Yumi loosed the last arrow and there was a sizable hole in the fabric that he could fit his arm though easily. "Good work Yumi, let's fetch the arrows that are still usable and head back to camp."
Yumi quickly pulled arrows from the ground and ensured they were undamaged and viable. He promptly returned to Jackson's side who was practicing with his Peiron sword. Yumi took a seat on a fallen tree as he watched Jackson practice. "Oh, are you ready Yumi? That was pretty quick."
"Yes master, I'm ready, who taught you how to use a sword like that?"
"My uncle," Jackson put his sword back in its scabbard and popped his neck which felt tight. "he's far beyond me in swordsmanship. I doubt there's any man who would have bested him one on one."
"Really? He was that good?"
"Yes, without a doubt."
"Would you ever consider training me?"
"Well, sure, but now's not the time nor place."
Jackson held out his hand to Yumi which Yumi gripped tightly as Jackson helped him to his feet. "Well then Yumi, let's not keep the girls waiting." Jackson led the way back to the wagon where everyone was waiting. Carter was standing in the back of the wagon watching over Ruby and Io who were engaged in a duel with sticks fashioned to look like swords with cross guards.
"Welcome back Jackson, well, what do you think?" Keller asked.
"Jack!" Ruby exclaimed before he could even get a word out. "Look, I'm sword fighting!"
"Really? I'm sorry, I couldn't tell, it looked like you were trying to swat flies out of the air." He laughed. "Everyone, get on the wagon, we're leaving. Carter, do you have a map by chance?"
"No, not with me. Hell, I wish I had thought to buy one in town, but it slipped my mind." Carter replied as he moved to the bench.
"Likewise, we're taking an alternate route to Gregoria, there should be a turnoff somewhere ahead of us. It should be just before we reach Somai."
"I understand, well everyone, let's go." Carter said, as soon as everyone got onto the wagon, he snapped the reigns, and the horses jolted the wagon forwards. The horses were quick, Jackson could've easily outrun Gran while he was pulling the cart by himself but with both horses pulling. He doubted at even a full sprint he could pace them.
"Have you decided on names for your horses yet?" He asked.
"No, but if I were to pick, I'd say Able is a good one, but I can't think of any good female names." Carter replied.
"I can relate to that, the only names I ever can think of are names that I've heard before." Keller said as he reached back into the wagon for some food. "Coming up with good names is harder than you think."
"Are you speaking from experience Anton?" Jackson asked as he handed him an apple.
"Well, I had a girlfriend back in Lexington, she was pregnant with another man's child and for almost five months she had me thinking it was mine. I even proposed to her to prevent the child from being a bastard."
"How did you find out the child wasn't yours?" Ruby asked. "I mean, wouldn't it be hard until the baby was born?"
"Yeah, some guard came out and confessed to sleeping with her on several occasions and thus even if it were my child, they can raise it for using up most of my coin."
"I see, I'm sorry Anton."
"What for Miss Ruby?"
"It's just heartbreaking really and I wish it never happened to you."
"Ah, I'm more than over it, besides, I get to take Yumi and Io and start where my uncle left off with them. Speaking of, where would you two like to go once we get to Gregoria?"
"I'd like to meet Mister Miller, Ruby told me all about his kindness to Varin's and I want to meet him." Said Io.
"I'll go wherever Io does mister Keller." Yumi seconded.
"Please, just call me Anton, you're not slaves anymore so let's be friends Yumi."
Time passed and there were many conversations between everyone, the typical getting to know one another and catching up on the latest events. Jackson enjoyed it all, every bit of it and Ruby also seemed to be enjoying herself. Finally, they arrived at the turn off, it was a simple fork in the road, Connor decided to continue straight down the Zander Road instead of taking back trails and side roads to Gregoria. The only catch with these roads is they passed through The Bowing Woods. The elves were hospitable but there were scores of orcs and goblins in the woods that would attack any attempt at passing through. Jackson was wary of passing through the dense forest but there was no other option.
He gave the order to Carter and with a snap of the reigns the horse powered on down the road leading to the forest. Ruby suddenly felt uneasy, as did Yumi and Io. They made a great amount of progress by noon; they had traveled at least twenty miles into the forest without issue. They crested the top of a rather steep hill and the horses tuckered out. They were breathing rapidly and staggering around. Carter made them pull until they got to level ground then he set the reigns down. "That's all for now, go stretch your legs or something. It'll be a while before they're rested up." He said as he hopped down from the bench.
Everyone dismounted the wagon, Ruby and Io went to comfort the horses while Jackson took Anton and Carter to the side. He had his longsword in hand and ready. "Anton, Carter, fight me." Jackson said as he readied himself.
"Oh? A chance to duel a Scottkey. I'd be remiss to pass up such an opportunity." Carter said as he drew his sword.
"I'd like to see just how good he is as well. After all, my uncle praised your swordsmanship as the best in the world. So, if I win, that means I'm the best right?" Anton said with a smirk.
"I like the confidence; it only makes it more pleasurable to defeat you." Jackson allowed them to approach him, he made sure his feet were solidly planted into the ground and he was squatted down to lower his center of gravity.
Carter and Anton, both charged him at the same time. But to their dismay, their swords were pulled from their hands and Jackson disappeared right before them. "What the?" They were confused using magic. They looked for their swords first as they heard Jackson laughing behind them. Their swords were standing against the wagon next to Ruby who was fast asleep.
"Come on, we can beat him, Anton." Carter said as he burst towards his sword. Anton hesitated to follow, he continued to look for Jackson instead of fetching his sword.
"Enjoying the view?" Said Jackson, he felt the edge of the peiron blade against his throat. It appeared as if he was wielding a sword made of black mist. It was hazy and the mist flowed over the top of the blade like water.
"God you're scary." He sighed. "So, I'm dead, what about Carter?"
"I'll face him fairly; it was my first-time using magic in a real scenario when I saved you from Lord Daniels."
"I see, so you just wanted to test it on us?"
"Exactly, you've both been standing there for at least half an hour. Hell, the horses are all ready to go again now."
Carter dove in for his sword which jolted Ruby from her slumber, and she let out a cry, she was completely surprised. Carter grabbed his sword and stood to his feet. "Sorry Miss Ruby!" He said as he looked back at Anton. "Really Anton? You had one job!" He barked as he noticed that he had already submitted to which Anton just shrugged.
"Damnit, hey Ruby, grab your sword." He ordered as he took up a defensive stance.
"Recruiting my friend to your cause Carter? I commend you for your trust in her, besides, she needs training anyways so it's alright I suppose." Jackson said as he lowered his sword from Anton's neck. He slowly approached Carter, giving Ruby time to gather her sword. She returned from the wagon with her sword in hand. Jackson seemed cold, he looked as if he was unable to even feel emotion and Ruby's hair started to stand on end. Carter stepped in front of her and shielded her from Jackson
"Hey?" Carter whispered. "You by chance don't know any magic, do you?" He asked.
"N- no I don't."
"Well fuck, alrighty. Just try to stab him and if that doesn't work out back off so he can't hit you." Carter said as he readied his footing to pounce onto Jackson. Jackson stopped just out of range of Carter and lowered his guard to bait him in, however, Carter stood his ground. He then stomped his rear foot forward as if to charge Carter. He flinched at Jackson's faint charge, but he held his stance in front of Ruby.
"Come on, you're going to flinch at that?" Jackson teased, twirling around the peiron sword and keeping his guard down. Carter waited for what would be the best opportunity to strike and the time came when he twirled the sword behind his back. Carter lunged forward but Jackson side stepped and batted his sword into the ground. Before Carter knew what happened Jackson was on top of him and kicked him down to the ground.
"You just died Carter." Jackson however was also dead; Ruby had the tip of her sword at the center of his back. He turned to see her, shivering in fear but still, he held out his hands, gesturing to give the sword to him. Which she did without hesitation, she calmed down, her nerves had gotten the best of her.
"Hey, you did wonderfully Ruby." Jackson said softly. "You've earned my respect again and I want to help you get over your fear of violence, okay?"
Ruby just nodded; tears were forming in her eyes. She hated the idea of killing and it showed to everyone. Jackson simply bowed his head and turned to Carter and Anton. "Thank you for the practice, but it's time we headed out. Grab everything and mount up. Ruby, please go fetch Yumi and Io."
Everyone caught their breath and loaded on to the wagon. "Jackson, you fight just like a slave I knew in Lexington. His master would parade him around as the best swordsman in the country."
"Oh, and what was his name?" Jackson was intrigued, he always took notice of claims of being the best swordsman.
"I think it was James or Jim, he used to be one of the knights in the Order of Asmeria."
"Describe him!" Jackson barked.
"What? Why? He was nothing more than a simple slave."
"That simple slave could be my uncle!"
"He was a taller man with dark brown hair, and he carried himself in a weird way, hard to describe. I think he had a slight limp but that's all I could tell you about him."
"Stop the wagon." Jackson ordered. "I'm heading to Lexington, tell my sister that I'm going to get Uncle James from Lexington." Jackson took a pack that had some food and he jumped down from the wagon.
"Wait, Jackson!" Carter barked, "What about everyone else?"
"I entrust them to your care, Anton, I wish you said something sooner but at least you said it before we crossed into Gregoria. You have my thanks; I'll rejoin you all in Gregoria by the end of the month." Jackson turned and started walking back down the road when Ruby grabbed his arm.
"No, you can't go too Jackson!" She pleaded.
"I can and I must, now let go. You have a family waiting for you after all."
"What about your sister!" Carter also jumped from the wagon. "You have an obligation to be with her as well!"
"She's safe, she's safe, my uncle is rotting in a cell just like I was. I must at least try to free him. Think about it. The entire family of Scottkey would be preserved!"
"Yes, but if you die trying then the only Scottkey left would be your sister."
"I fucking understand that! If I die, then there's at least a survivor. If Ruby were to pass, then what about her family, her mother and father died for her. If she dies, then the memory of her parents also dies."
"Damnit, Jackson, why are you so fucking stubborn!"
"What do you mean by that Carter?" Jackson was furious, he was so enraged that Ruby backed away from him. "I'm talking about the man who raised me!"
"You don't have to go alone dammit, that's what I'm trying to tell you!"
"I won't risk anymore of my family!"
Everyone fell silent, Jackson's expression told the entire story. He couldn't help himself; he knew all too well that he would probably die trying to even get to Lexington. Carter put his hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eyes. "If you insist you must go at least take me."
"But they need you, what if orcs attack you while passing through the woods? There's no way I'd allow you to come."
"The thing is I don't care if you allow it or not, I'm coming."
"So am I!" Ruby stepped in, sword in hand. "If I can beat you in a sword fight you can't tell me no."
"Didn't you hear me Ruby, what about Miller and going home to him?"
Ruby stared at her feet for a moment before facing him. "You're more of a family than Miller was, sure he freed me but, I'd rather be with you."
"Come on Alice, we're leaving." Miller opened the door and let her pass in her wheelchair. She had an umbrella with her to prevent her from getting soaked in the raid, but the harsh winds made it difficult to handle by herself while using her wheelchair. Miller shut the door and grabbed the handles of her wheelchair and started pushing her down the street. His home was only a few blocks away.
The rain was relentless but as they approached Miller's home it lightened up slightly and they could make out Talia waiting on the front porch along with another man. Miller opened the front gate and pushed Alice all the way to the porch. "Come help me, I'll carry her while you grab the chair, Talia!" Miller shouted over the sound of thunder.
Talia grabbed the wheelchair and pulled it up the steps to the porch. "Here master," she said as she moved it to where he could easily set Alice down in her seat.
"Thank you, Talia, get the door, would you?"
"Of course, master," Talia held the door open, and Miller gently pushed the wheelchair over the door jam and inside his home. Before anything Alice saw two Varin's and an Asmerian Guard standing in front of her. Miller spoke to them the ushered them into a separate room. They spoke for a few minutes then Miller returned.
"Who are they Miller?" She asked.
"I thought you'd know; the man is an Asmerian guardsman by the name of Anton Keller. He claims to know the whereabouts of your brother, the two Varin's are Yumi and Io. I met Yumi twice before, both times in Greendale but they all seem to know what happened to Jackson."
Alice rolled forwards and stared Anton who had just exited the room. "Tell me everything!" She demanded.
"As you wish milady." Anton replied.