They passed a few villages: Obran, Tori, Erkin, and Mara all hid in the back of the carriage again while Erkin and Tomas again pretended to be traders with any curious travelers or merchants. Most onlookers just assumed they were following the Roman legions since the legions were usually followed by a long wagon train of merchants and traders. These would sell the legions and its auxiliaries alcohol, luxury foods, and customized clothing and armor. They also—for a fee—provided companionship to the soldiers and officers.
On the road they learned that they had been gone nearly ten days, about three days for every day spent in the fae lands.
“Is that good or bad?” Tori said.
“I’m not sure,” Obran said.
“Hopefully whoever was after you two has given up,” Zico said.
“Let’s not count on that,” Obran replied.
Tomas and Zico asked fellow travelers about any news but as usual all they got was conflicting reports: the King was still ill but now there were also rumors of a goblin offensive and open warfare in the north and that’s why the legions were in a hurry, force marching all day and night. If true then something unusual was happening up north. Thankfully there were no stories of a missing Carthagenian princess or her gremlin co-conspirator.
They camped outside villages at night, not taking any chances stopping at any inn; they enjoyed the fae food and nectar since they would not last forever, and though Obran carefully saved as many seeds as he could they quickly turned gray and brittle. At least the milk and cheese Katrina made also tasted better—an effect of the sheep’s time in the fae lands.
During their breaks Obran taught Tomas, Erkin, and Zico a few basics on how to fight with a sword and dagger. He knew if they were a real party, then they all needed to be prepared. Tori taught them how to shoot a bow and arrow and Katrina showed them how to use a sling. Mara was the only one who declined and said she could handle herself just fine—none of them dared to disagree. After their lessons Zico, Tomas, and Erkin would spar with each other and Obran was surprised by how quickly they all picked up the basics—beginner’s luck, he thought.
“Could we see you spar with Tori? I think we could learn a lot from watching you two,” Tomas said.
Tomas as usual was always eager to learn anything new.
“Uhm...I’m not sure,” Obran said.
Obran honestly wasn’t sure of her skills let alone if she wanted to spar with him.
“Scared?” Tori teased.
“Of winning or losing?” Obran said.
“Ha...” Tori said.
“I can take on the winner,” Katrina chimed in.
“Should we take bets?” Zico said as Tori and Obran faced off.
“Tough call,” Tomas said.
“I guess I have to wager on my brother, ” Erkin said.
But it was all in good fun. Tori didn’t like the Roman gladius, preferring to fight with two long daggers and she was faster and stronger than Obran had imagined. He first tried his most effective attack—a mad dash then a roll to strike his foe on the leg or knee but Tori managed to avoid and block his strike.
“One of my trainers was a halfling swordmaster,” Tori said.
“Hmm...” Obran said.
They sparred, being careful since they didn’t have wooden weapons. Tori managed to nearly hit Obran a few times—smiling as she held a blade to his neck or his chest. She’s as agile as an elf, Obran thought. They blocked and countered each other’s attacks, parrying and moving quickly as their blades struck. But Obran knew he was evenly matched.
“My compliments to the Sacred Band of Carthage,” Obran said.
“To your Roman legion as well,” Tori said.
“You two are enjoying this too much. My turn,” Katrina said.
“I know right,” Erkin said.
Katrina fought with her long staff, displaying all the fierceness that her Celtic people were known for. Her skill surprised Obran and Tori and she disarmed and grounded both of them while the rest of them looked on in admiration.
“Wow...did we even need to poison those elves?” Tomas said.
“I know right,” Erkin said. “No wonder they called you a warrior princess.”
“But please don’t call me that,” Katrina said.
After a few days of camping and training, they finally stopped outside Arretium. There, the Appeninne Mountains spread out fully ahead of them—a rocky mountain range with several large snow capped mountains. The legions were camped outside the city walls.
“We should wait til the legions move into the mountains and then follow the wagon train,” Obran said.
“There is no other way around or another path?” Tori asked.
“If we go by carriage we will have to stick to the road,” Obran said.
“He’s right Tori,” Tomas said. “There are still many orcs and trolls all over these mountains.”
Obran also noticed a consistent stream of humans and other races heading south so he doubted the legions would tarry long. They waited while Mara flew to see what she could see inside Arretium the city.
“The legion is setting up camp around the western edge of the city,” Mara said when she returned. “And I saw some scouts going into the mountains.”
“Okay,” Obran said. “They’re making sure it’s a clear road ahead.”
“They are also fortifying the city, building ditches and setting up pikes,” Mara said.
“We can go into the city; I know a place where they won’t ask many questions,” Tomas said.
“Is there anyone you want to go see Tomas,” Tori asked.
“No, not really...and maybe it’s better to leave anyone else out of this,” Tomas said.
“Good idea,” Zico said.
“So should we go in?” Tori asked Obran and they all looked at him.
“Uhm...I’m not sure...” Obran said.
“Can we stay in an inn tonight, Zi,” Mara said. “I want a warm bath.”
“Uhm...” Zico said.
“Yeah...it’s okay, let’s do what we did in Remus, but please, no going out to any taverns this time,” Obran said.
“Okay, we’ll behave,” Tori said.
“Please do...if there are troubles up north the guards will likely be on edge. And this time me and Erkin will go first. We can meet up outside the northern gate in the morning.”
“Okay, and I’ll find out what I can from any gnomes too,” Zico said.
“There’s an inn near the main square,” Tomas said. “It’s called, The Whispering Cricket. We’ll head there.”
“It will have to do,” Obran said.
“I’ll go to the local abbey. I’ve been there before,” Katrina said.
“We’ll follow you then,” Obran said.
Obran got his gear and weapons while Katrina and Erkin packed their things.
“Be careful,” Tori said.
“You too,” Obran said. “See you all soon.”
Obran and Erkin went ahead with Katrina. Traffic flowed steadily into the city though there were still plenty of people headed south as well. Obran hadn’t seen that man fleeing since the war. If there was trouble up north they should hurry since a city mayor could call upon all able bodied males to help if there was an invasion and now that they were citizens that meant him, Erkin, and Tomas too. Zico was probably immune—gnomes had worked out a clause for substitution and commutation with Roma, which meant most well off gnomes would not have to fight.
They separated with Katrina at the gate, but luckily the gate guards weren’t doing thorough searches. When they reached the guards they only made Obran and Erkin lower their hoods.
“What is your business here?” The gate guard said.
He was another young soldier and wore segmented legionnaire armor. So many new recruits, Obran thought.
“We are just coming from Remus; we celebrated our King’s birthday there,” Obran said.
“Our King’s birthday...yeah...right,” the guard said. “How long do you plan to stay here?”
“Not long, we are just going to pick up some supplies for the winter and then head home to our lands.”
“You two have money?” the guard said.
“Yes, silver,” Obran said.
“No cart?” the guard said.
“We might buy one,” Obran said.
“Okay, move along, and remember, no mischief.”
“Sir we had also thought of visiting the north. May I ask what news you have about conditions there?” Obran said.
“Nothing good, move along,” the guard said.
They proceeded into the city. Like most cities there were lots of vendors near the gate, hoping to sell to those entering and leaving. The cobbled streets and buildings looked old and were of a different design than those of Roma. Etruscan design, Obran thought. He couldn’t read the older inscriptions on the buildings but there was a lot of construction too, which all looked heavily influenced by Roma. Obran peered up and saw Mara high above; he quickly gave her a thumbs up as Katrina caught up.
“Any problems?” Obran asked her.
“No sweat,” Katrina said.
“Guards always like you,” Erkin said but Katrina merely shrugged.
“Erkin, Katrina, I’m gonna go check out, The Whispering Cricket.
“You don’t think you should wait here to make sure they get in okay and are not followed,” Katrina said.
“I think I can make it back in time. Ask around for any news,” Obran said. “Then we’ll all head to the abbey together.”
“Okay, be careful,” Erkin said.
Obran quickly walked through the city until he reached the forum and central market. He glanced at some of the food and goods but didn’t linger, and most people also seemed to be going about their business as usual. I hope it is like that up north too, Obran thought.
Obran asked a seller about The Whispering Cricket and the man pointed up an alley. He headed up the narrow street and saw a wooden sign that read: The Whispering Cricket; but didn’t go in. Inside he saw a mixed crowd of revelers and gamblers. Seems okay... it was in a four story tenement with wooden windows that all faced the street and there was a good hiding spot in a building across the street. From that roof I can see the whole area, he thought. When he went back to the southern gate he found his brother and Katrina sitting by a fountain.
“Did you find out any news?” Obran said.
“No one seems sure about anything,” Katrina said. “Some traders are avoiding going north but many in the supply train are stocking up to travel tomorrow so travel is still permitted.”
“Okay, that’s a good sign,” Obran said.
“But I also spoke to a guard who said they might shut the gates if more and more people keep coming,” Katrina said.
“Yeah, the guard said if I were smart I should go back to the gremlin lands,” Erkin said. “Before things get worse...”
Or maybe we should have never left them, Obran thought.249Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMu6bownNN
