by Xander Jade
‘The first answer is that I’m what you may call a demigod, those laws don’t pertain to me as they would Cinton or Kyrra. The answer to the second question is because this is the only opportunity that we have to meet before all eyes are on both of us. Now, before I leave, do not attempt any of those spheres until your guardian comes, which will be very soon. Siah can teach you her magic though. …Our time is up, you need to take your crew and head out quickly.’
I nodded and got up, bowed and said, ‘Not sure what this all entails, but nonetheless, thanks.’
He winked and vanished, no sound or flash of light to indicate he was even there. Two moments later, the others that surrounded us did the same. I glanced around but not long; I was in agony. Nespea ran over and helped me onto Zeus.
When I got settled, I croaked out, ‘Let’s go. If he says people are watching, then we need to leave now.’
They didn’t say anything, just walked with me. We traveled as far as possible that day and settled down in some dense foliage for the night. I was still in pain and almost fell off of Zeus a couple of times. I threw my bedroll down and eased myself onto it, stomach first to rest. Reaper and Hercules went hunting while the others settled down around me.
I closed my eyes and fell deep into slumber. Nightmares immediately haunted me: thousands of evil ones seizing my settlement, undead closing in on our location and even demons going into towns terrorizing and killing. Each time though, the scenes faded away when someone with great power came to the rescue. I didn’t see who it was. They were blurred out for some reason. Battles were being fought, blood and bodies littered the ground. Finally, the nightmares passed, and I let the darkness take me.
Chapter 14
The travelers with the first shipment left the mine early in the morning as the sun came up. The distance was not all that bad, but they would be a few nights on the ground. Conversation was sparse, at least for the first part of the day. At night when the group stopped, they worked together to set up camp. The Drago women helped as well, they were excited to get home and tell of the adventures they’d had in the past weeks.
Everyone was exhausted by the end of the day. Most people just went to bed, some stayed up and talked for a brief time. It was the last night before reaching home and dinner was served.
Frank asked, “What do you think the boss is going to do with those metal bars?”
Leena replied, “He will get their worth in coin or bonds and put it in the bank. Probably multiple banks, I would say.”
Jacob whistled, as did some others.
Jacob commented, “That’ll be a lot of dough.”
Everyone around nodded and agreed.
Shaila butted in, “He will build up the surrounding area for defensive purposes. Buy horses for our army.”
Sophia nodded. “We had a discussion that he will have Gordon speak with the surrounding towns and their officials about buying any real estate available to put up shops for our people to work at. Hell, maybe even buy the stores that are already established. Banks, too.
Gurak asked, “How far will he go out from our settlement?”
Leena answered after a few moments, “Not sure, but he may go as far as Oakenshore. He also brought up that he is going to look into more land to build on. If any coal deposits are found, farmland, etc.”
Frank said, “Those are great ideas. We could build homes by the farms and the other land he buys could even be set up for combating the enemy before they get to the settlement.”
Jacob grunted. “Yeah, that would help. At least we would have some warning beforehand or maybe even have some kind of communication between our sites, if necessary.”
Many heads bobbed at that statement. Shaila brought up something they hadn’t discussed. “We need to invest in herds of cattle, buy up as many chickens and dairy cows as we can. If our people are going to be spread out, then we need to make sure they are settled with the essentials. Also, we need to bring up paying everyone wages from the treasury, which we’ll need to create. At least for people to buy items from other towns or cities. We’ll need to have a bank in our fort as well.”
Leena smiled. “That is true, sister. Those ideas will definitely need to be discussed. I’m sure the bank would’ve been thought of, but the animals and wages are great ideas.”
Shaila beamed at the compliment. The discussion went on about other things before they turned in for the night.
The next day, they set out after breakfast and traveled the last of the journey to make it before the mid-day meal. The forest didn’t deter them. When the settlement came into view, everyone cheered and smiled. The orcs and weres on duty called out that they had visitors and the wagon was led into the settlement, stopping in the center. The Drago ladies got out and saw their sister-wives coming their way, Gordon and most of the Inner Circle as well. Cass and Val waddled over.
Cass called out, “Ladies, it’s good to see you. Have any issues on the return trip?”
Leena replied, “It was uneventful.”
Sophia gestured to the chests. “Gurak, Jacob, you guys want to get those inside so we can discuss our findings?”
They nodded and got some help before everyone went into the meeting hall, placing the four chests on the table far apart. They didn’t want the table to break.
Sasha, Cass, Tia, and Val watched with the others. Val asked, “Are those what we think they are?”
The ladies smiled and nodded for the guys to open them. Everyone in the building gasped and started murmuring. The chests were full of rhodium, platinum, gold, and silver bars.
Sophia went over and pulled one bar out of each chest. “Each chest contains thirty bars.”
She handed the bars to the nearest person of the surrounding group. Each bar weighed an ounce each.
“Holy Shit. He wasn’t mistaken,” Gordon said in awe. “I never thought that I would see this much rhodium or platinum in my lifetime. And it’s pure. Damn. What’s his plan, ladies?”
Leena and the others gave their ideas and relayed the discussions they’d had with Max.
Val shook her head. “I’ve said it before, the man doesn’t do anything small.”
Cass said, “Gordon, we need to build that vault today and store these in it. Place guards as well.”
“Agreed. I will take care of that.”
Sasha said, “You won’t be able to get that changed out all at one time. We will have to go numerous times and to different towns. Although, the idea of buying up the banks and shops is a great idea.”
Tia agreed with a smile, “Yeah, the real estate as well.”
Gordon asked, “When will our fearless leader be back?”
The women shook their heads. Leena advised, “He went after another bond.”
Everyone glanced over at Val and Cass when they heard growling. Cass snarled. “His ass better be here in time.”
Val’s eyes changed to yellow. “Yes, he had better.”
The others hid their smiles by turning away.
Gordon chuckled softly. “Okay, I will get the vault handled and talk with our merchants about buying the real estate and shops. They will get a better price when negotiating.”
Shaila said, “Don’t forget about the herds, dairy cows, and chickens.”
He nodded and they parted, heading in different directions.
***
Fira was out in her garden, picking herbs for poultices. She was deep in thought, wanting to know how her oldest was doing. With all the rumors of war and raids going on, she hoped he would stay hidden and safe.
Julie and Liv came and helped when needed. Those two had become inseparable since the soldiers came and asked where Max was. Wade came over often as well, wanting any info about his friend.
It was almost the end of the day when Jonathan came running up with Frank in tow.
“What’s the matter, Jonathan?”
He took a couple breaths before responding, “Dark ones have been sighted in the woods. We need to get in the hou
se.”
Frank asked, “Where’s Olivia?”
Fira replied, “In the house with Julie.”
He took off and opened the door before shouting for his daughter. She came down and they left after saying their goodbyes. Fira, Jonathan and Julie locked themselves in the house and barricaded the doors, keeping quiet throughout the night. Some screams and bellows were heard, fighting as well. But the sounds died down after thirty minutes and they waited until finally falling asleep.
The next morning the Dragos looked out and found others moving about. Jonathan went to find out what transpired the previous night. He walked over and talked with Fred, his neighbor, who was outside.
“What’s going on, Fred?”
He looked over and replied, “Some dark ones got into town and ransacked a few homes. Took three lives but were taken out. There were only five or six in the scouting unit. If they had made it out, who knows if others would have come.”
Jonathan grunted. “Yeah, it would’ve been worse. Whose houses got hit?”
“The Stultz, Kenrick, and Young households. Three of the males died.”
Jonathan sighed. “That’s unfortunate and we’ll have to see if they need anything. Thanks for the update. Are we in a rotation for guard duty tonight?”
“Yeah, Frank has the list.”
“Okay, I’ll see ya later.”
Jonathan went back to the house and called out, “Fira, everything is fine for now. A few houses were hit and there were a few casualties. I’m going to talk with Frank about the rotation of guard duty tonight and then to work.”
Fira yelled out from within, “Okay, dear. Be careful.”
He grunted and went to the bakery, finding Frank at the counter. Loads of people were buying up the early pastries. Frank saw him and gestured for him to move over to the end of the counter.
“Jonathan, you heard?”
“Yeah. Guard duty rotation?”
Frank pointed over by the door. “List is over there.”
Jonathan walked over and saw his position and called out to Frank, “See ya later tonight.”
It was a slow day. Jonathan ended up piddling around and cleaning up the shop. Wade helped and they were taking a break when they heard noises outside. The two went outside and both saw the marching soldiers at the same time.
Wade asked, “Who are they with?”
Jonathan furrowed his brow, looking at the uniform. “Oakenshore. They must’ve seen the dark ones when scouting. I’m glad they’re here.”
Wade agreed. Both watched as they split into groups and went separate ways. Jonathan counted around a hundred. The two watched for another few minutes before returning to the shop and finishing up for the day. Frank came by and advised they didn’t have to worry about the rotation tonight. Both nodded and locked up before going their separate ways, heading home.
Jonathan kissed his wife and daughter on their cheeks when he strolled into the kitchen. Fira fixed a plate of dinner as he washed up and sat down at the table.
“Do you think that a hundred will be enough, dear?”
Jonathan took a breath and replied, “I hope so, because if they aren’t then our town is in trouble.”
Mom and daughter glanced at each other before eating their meal, not saying anything else on that matter. They finished up and went to bed, sleeping somewhat better since they didn’t have to worry about barricading the doors.
The next morning Jonathan went to the shop early and got the forge running, waiting for any early repairs needing done. Some soldiers stopped by and gave him business. They chatted for a bit as he worked.
It was busy that day, but he left the shop at lunch to be with his family. Julie had sandwiches made and on the table for them when both Jonathan and Fira came in. Thanking his daughter, they ate and made small talk. When the meal was done, Jonathan told them his findings.
“They are waiting for another company of soldiers from the garrison. Another hundred.”
“That worries me. If that many will be here, how many dark ones are coming our way then?”
“I’m not sure, Fira.”
“What about Max?”
Fira looked at her youngest. “Let’s hope he’s safe and not around.”
Julie nodded but didn’t respond. Jonathan and his wife exchanged anxious glances.
Jonathan sighed. “Nothing to get upset about, yet. Let’s just see what happens.”
The two females nodded, and they cleaned up before going about their day.
***
My eyes opened to daylight and blue skies. I was covered in sweat; maybe it was the blankets that held me in their grip. I took deep breaths and moved my body around to see if anything was out of sorts. I realized the pain in my back was gone. As I lifted myself up to look around, Reap came over and sat down.
‘How are you doing?’
My stomach growled at that moment. ‘Starving, but not in pain. Stiff would be the word at the moment.’
He grunted. ‘Yes, I would say so. You have been out for days; your body was adjusting to the tattoos.’
I nodded and got up to stretch and walk around. Yawning, I went over to my pack and opened to see what was left to eat. Some jerky and cheese, bread even. I devoured the food and went to my water skin, smelling inside. It wasn’t fresh. I turned to Reaper.
‘Any fresh water around?’
He nodded and said, ‘Yes, a creek straight through the trees there.’
I walked over to the creek and emptied my waterskin to wash it out. Getting it clean, I filled it and drank till I was sated, then filled it again. Taking a deep breath, I went back to our camp. The others were there and waiting.
‘Guys.’
Zeus came over and put his head on my shoulder. I smiled and hugged him. Nodding to the others, I sat down.
‘If you feel ready, we need to leave. It will be close, but I think we can make it in time,’ Sig advised the group.
‘In time for what?’
The group chuckled. Herc asked, “That dark magic mess with your brain as well?’
‘He didn’t have much of one anyway. Since it’s empty now, maybe he will pay more attention to our lessons,’ Nespea commented as she laughed at her own joke. The others joined in as well.
‘To answer your question, Cassie and Valencia are due any day now,’ Reap calmly said.
Sighing, I stated, ‘Yes, give me a few minutes and we’ll head out.’
I got my stuff together and secured it on Zeus. He neighed, telling me to hurry the fuck up, it seemed. I laughed and got my weapons in their places, then mounted and took off.
Nespea asked in a low voice, ‘Has Siah introduced herself yet?’
‘No, not yet.’
She sighed. ‘It will probably take some time for her to realize that we are on the same side and this is for the best.’
I grunted my agreement and said, “Tell me about the fuckin tattoos.”
‘Sig, you tell him.’
‘Well, let’s start with the gytrash. The legends say that it’s a shadow shifter. Not just one form though, many to be exact.’
That could come in handy. ‘You’re saying that my forms can be in shadow?’
‘That is what we think.’
‘Okay, and the next?’
‘A barghest. Goblin and wolf hybrid, or so the legends go. Lethal fuckers. Shapeshifters as well, they can grow into enormous forms. As big as houses or even keeps. Great hunters too. But our thoughts are that Fenris didn’t just give more shapeshifter magic, he wanted you to have their abilities. Levitation, teleportation, and the most important, invisibility. They can make everything within a ten-foot radius invisible.
Nespea jumped in here. ‘Fenris definitely wanted you armed for anything. What he gave you was an arsenal, Maximus. Those abilities make you very dangerous.’
‘Be very cool to see, though,’ Herc commented while he was watching the eastern woods.
‘Yep, and the last is just as important. Summoning.’
‘Yeah, though he did say not to even try anything until your guardian shows up,’ Sig sternly reminded me.
“I know. Okay, I can’t see my back. Are they actual tattoos? Or just blobs?”
Reaper said, ‘Tattoos, but they aren't like the others. They look to be like constellations and almost cover your entire back.’
Huh, wonder what that's about.
I nodded to them but kept my thoughts to myself for now. It was a couple minutes before I said, “Sig, Nespea, are you good to go or want back into your usual spots?’
‘Good for now.’
‘Good.’
“Let’s eat up some distance. I need to get home before my women get so pissed off that they kill me.’
The group laughed and we set out at a medium pace.
***
It had been over a week since the first shipment came in. Gordon and Sean sent another team to go relieve others and bring another shipment back. They went and purchased more wagons for the trip, sending three more because they knew the equipment would be used in the near future. The settlement was coming along quickly. Most of the minor projects were completed in a timely manner. The keep still wasn’t ready so they had to pull off workers from other projects to get finished.
That morning the girls met in the dining room of the cabin. Gordon was there, as were Pelleus and Elwin. They were discussing something when the women came in.
“Morning, ladies.” Gordon greeted them with a smile.
They all greeted the males and sat down to eat the plates of food that Katrina quickly set on the table.
“What is the plan today, Gordon?” Cass asked while shoveling her food into her mouth.
“The merchants are back. We have contracts on numerous shops and real estate in Silvershore and Carleone. They even have contracts on the banks. We will go over them today and send the payments when the boss agrees to them,” he responded after eating a bite of eggs.
Sasha asked with a smirk, “Elwin, Pelleus, you haven’t been around lately. Problems?”
They didn’t look up. Elwin replied in a low voice, “Been busy.”
She responded, “Yeah? Gordon or Sean keeping you out late at night?”