Despite his best efforts Obran dozed off before sunrise without waking Erkin to help keep watch—his brother could of course see as well as he could even in the dark. You’ve only slept a couple of hours in two nights, don’t push yourself too much, he thought. Still, Obran woke them all at sunrise and quickly prepared breakfast with Zico after asking Mara to scout around; Obran didn’t see the soldiers but he hoped they had gone to an inn for breakfast or decided to scout the roads ahead and behind them.
“At the pace we’ve been going, we'll arrive at Remus around noon,” Obran said.
At least everyone looked refreshed and well rested.
“What will you tell them at the gate?” Tori said.
“That we're just visiting. There are more gremlins in Remus than in the capital and with so many visitors for the celebrations there will be all sorts of people coming and going,” Obran said
Obran had heard there was even a gremlin quarter in Remus. Since gremlins had been instrumental in liberating Remus they were mostly treated well there. After eating they prepared to leave when Mara flew back from her scouting mission; Zico handed her a small plate of food.
“I didn’t see the soldiers or their horses anywhere,” Mara said as she snacked.
“Are you sure? Maybe they are in an inn eating, their horses could be in a stable,” Obran said.
“I flew by all the inns and stables too—nothing,” Mara said.
“Was there any sign of trouble last night?” Tori said.
“No, they were there all night,” Obran said. “Okay, let’s get going, either they catch up or we do, or else something has happened to them; either way we should keep moving.”
Obran didn’t mention that he’d dozed off it to the others. It was just an hour before dawn. What could have happened? They quickly proceeded north. Zico and Tomas rode up front again, with the rest of them inside the wooden carriage and out of sight. Mara flew out periodically again when the road was clear but there was no sign of the centurions or anyone else following them. They rode silently, everyone seemed a bit worried now. A few hours later Obran saw the city of Remus on top of a large hill as traffic started to pick up in both directions.
“Me and Erkin will get off soon,” Obran said. “We’ll stop and go in after you are all inside the city. Zico, go straight through town and don't stop until you get to the inn. Tori, I know it will be hard for you but just be as demure and quiet as you can.”
“You brat,” Tori said.
But with her blonde hair which Mara had braided and her simple cloak and tunic. she really did look like a Celtic farm girl; she even got the northern accent right.
“I’ll see you soon,” Obran said to Tori. “Tomas, stay close to her, act like a commanding Roman husband.”
“Uhm...I’ll try,” Tomas said.
“I know you can do it,” Erkin said to Tomas, who hadn’t shaved in a couple of days but still looked like a tall, lanky teenager.
“Be careful, both of you,” Tori said to Obran and Erkin.
"Good luck," Zico said.
Mara flew off to scout the city and the carriage went ahead as Obran and Erkin sat by the road. Tori opened the rear curtain and smiled and waved at them and Obran nearly threw her a kiss before he came to his senses.
“Erkin,” Obran said. “I didn't say anything before but I’m sorry you had to leave the university. I know how much you love to study and learn there.”
“I’m sorry you had to leave your home and your garden,” Erkin said.
“Our home,” Obran said. “But yes, my garden,” Obran said with a smile.
“I think Tori really cares about you, brother. I can see it in her eyes, we all can.”
“Thanks but I’m sure she’s happy to be going home, that would make anyone's eyes shine,” Obran said.
“Do you want to go with her?” Erkin said.
“What? No, of course not. Besides, I haven’t been invited,” Obran said.
“But if she did?” Erkin said. “If you wanted to go, I would understand.”
“And what would I do in Carthagio—be her pet, her slave. Even if she wanted me as a guard, how could I do that? For better or worse this is my home, Erkin. I did take an oath, to the crown and to Roma, we all did when we became citizens,” Obran said.
“So are you saying you are a Roman now?” Erkin said.
“I don’t know if I’d go that far. But I would defend our home and our land and our fellow gremlins if it came to that...” Obran said even if he wasn't so sure of his words.
They waited nearly twenty minutes until the carriage approached the gates. Remus isn’t as organized as Roma, Obran thought. The line was moving slowly so the two of them ate some snacks as they watched the traffic on the road, but there was no sign of the centurions, just traders, travelers, and revelers, many still in costume. Thankfully no one took an overt interest in them.
“We should tag along with a group or a caravan; we’ll blend in better but let’s not wait too long; I think it’s going to rain soon,” Obran said.
A storm is coming, Obran thought. He could sense a change in the air pressure with his large ears.
“Okay,” Erkin said.
“And I can do the talking at the gate this time okay,” Obran said.
“Fine, but I suggest you don’t mouth off to the guards,” Erkin said.
“Yeah...yeah,” Obran said.
Obran saw a caravan of wagons along with a half a dozen humans and gnomes approach. He was about to get up when he heard the ringing of a shepherd's staff and the bleating of sheep. Katrina was coming up the road with her small flock.
“Hey, that’s Katrina…uhm, should we say hello?” Erkin said.
“No, just let her pass; no point getting anyone involved in our troubles,” Obran said.
But it was too late, Katrina was staring at Obran and stopped her flock in front of them.
“I know you, gremlin,” Katrina said.
“I’m sorry,” Obran said.
“You fought to liberate the city, I saw you that night we rose up against the Carthaginians and during the ceremonies afterwards. Didn’t you slay, general Barca? You are a hero,” Katrina said.
Obran didn’t recognize her from that battle but he did fight to liberate the city and was part of the first wave to enter before the rest of the Roman legions attacked the city.
“That was over a year ago,” Obran said. “I...I hardly remember what happened that night.”
Obran didn’t want to think about the people he’d killed. He had tried to block it all out but the memories now rushed through his mind like a cyclone.
“Oh...I understand but thank you for your service,” Katrina said. “So are you both here for the celebrations?”
“Yeah...something like that,” Obran said.
“Are you okay bro?” Erkin whispered.
“Yeah I’m fine,” Obran said.
Obran's hands had started to shake and he quickly hid them under his cloak. Katrina’s dog Corvus approached them; luckily it took a quick liking to both Erkin and Obran and licked both of them while he let himself be petted by Erkin.
“Corvus is usually not friendly with anyone,” Katrina said. “C’mon we should all hurry if we want to beat the storm. I can get us ahead of the line.”
“Okay,” Obran said, finally gathering himself.
They walked to the gate together. Thankfully the carriage was already inside the city by the time they approached the gate. As they walked, Erkin offered Katrina some figs and she reciprocated by giving them some cheese.
“Miss, we camped a few miles down south and I thought I heard a wolf last night. May I ask if you saw any wolves or anything out of the ordinary?” Obran said.
“You’ve got good ears, gremlin. My dog was on edge all night and I thought an attack was coming but luckily none appeared,” Katrina said.
“I didn’t think they were much of a threat so far south,” Obran said.
“Not usually but something is driving them south. I’m guessing it's all the commotion near the northern mountains. If you plan to continue north, be careful,” Katrina said.
“Okay, thank you,” Obran said.
“I plan to go north soon if you want an escort but I imagine you can take care of yourself,” Katrina said.
“Thanks, but we’re still not sure how long we’ll be in Remus,” Obran said.
“I hear it’s a lovely city. Do you live there?” Erkin said.
“Yes, in the abbey. I’m taking my flock there now. My sheep get spooked easily during thunderstorms,” Katrina said. “So are you both still in the army?”
“Only I was in the army and no not anymore,” Obran said.
“I was too young to fight in the war, gremlins had to be at least sixteen years old to join the legions,” Erkin added.
“Sorry if I ask so many questions but I have an older brother in the army. He’s in a celtic auxiliary unit up north and I thought maybe you might know him. I know that’s silly now that the Roman army is so large,” Katrina said.
“It’s okay, I worried too when I knew my brother was off fighting,” Erkin said.
“So do you both have a place to stay in Remus?”
“Well…” Erkin said.
“Sort of...we are not really sure,” Obran said.
“The abbey accommodates travelers who can’t afford inns or can’t find a room; I mean if you both don’t plan to sleep in the park or on the streets like so many revelers. It is very modest, just a mat and gruel in the atrium, and you cannot drink wine or any alcohol while you are there but you both are welcome,” Katrina said. “It’s never really crowded, since most Romans stay away from followers of the way.”
Obran thought it might be a good place for Erkin to stay, at least until Armenus arrived and he left with Tori. It would be better than sleeping outside in the park or the forum where they might be seen.
“Thank you. Yes, that sounds fine; we could come take a look,” Obran said.
“Great, my name is Katrina by the way,” she said.
“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Gizzy and this is my brother, Moe.”
“Hello again,” Erkin said.
“Uhum...right...well, glad to travel with you both even if it’s just to the abbey,” Katrina said.
“Katrina, have a lot of different races come to Remus these last few days,” Obran said.
“Yeah most have gone on to Roma but the city is still really crowded, thankfully just for one more day,” Katrina said. “Everyone always comes to the cities when there is free wine, bread and games. I hope just as many show up to vote too.”
“So there are a lot more dwarves, gnomes, halfling, and elves?” Obran said.
“Yeah a bit of everything but I haven’t seen any elves,” Katrina said. “And I hope I never see one again."214Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBZcNsQfUg
