by Jordan Cramm
The rest of the rooms within the tent could only be reached from the tent interior. But the most amazing thing about the tent, is that anything inside it would magically disappear when the tent was not in use, and because it was made with strong magics, the tent could also withstand even the harshest of weather. It was a remarkable work of magic and Elven crafting. The main area just beyond the entrance had a large wooden table inside, and chairs surrounding it. It also had a sideboard table on the left and two chairs at that. Behind that in both corners on the left wall were water barrels that were each full, and two armor stands that were each adorned with Wolflen’s other suits of armor. When he first was gifted the tent, he started keeping his other armor suits there, deciding that while in Elven lands he would only be using his favorite armor, and therefore didn’t have need to keep the armor within his room at the Hall of Emerald Shielding.
Wolflen had occasion to test his tent more than once before, and Jakarta in fact had insisted he do so. As a result, Wolflen’s tent had been readied before, and even used to store a few items. Besides the main room and the side stall-room for Sespa, there were 3 other rooms as well. The first was a bathroom that included a bath tub, toilet, and even sink. Wolflen could only guess at how the magic worked that offered indoor plumbing inside of a tent. He found it fascinating but sometimes wondered where waste water and other waste went. He figured he didn’t need to know perhaps; some things were better left to the mystery of magic.
The bathroom was located just behind the main room on the far back wall. But off to the right of the main room (as one entered the tent) were two other rooms. The first was food and drink pantry, which had barrels of water, a couple barrels of wine, and shelves that had dishware, silverware, extra fire braziers, cookware, and some other odds and ends food items like jars of nuts that would keep for a long time, as well as an assortment of tea leaves, some medicinal herbs, and other miscellany items.
Lastly was the bedroom that was large enough for comfort, but not so large as to be too excessive. Within the bedroom was a large bed, big enough for an Izenian (or two) and covered in a large mattress, furs and blankets. Up near the headboard on either side were two matching armoires with drawers and a hanging rod in each, used for clothing. There was also a large cabinet with more space off to the right, on the far wall of the tent. At the foot of the bed was a fire brazier on the floor that could be used for added warmth or light. And in the outside corner of the room beyond the foot of the bed, was another armor stand.
As a whole, the tent had been quite the magical undertaking. Its properties were such that it had plumbing, it had multiple rooms, it could shrink down everything inside and collapse it into a stone and then be used to bring it all back from a stone into the tent. It had weather proofing material, and while the tent walls were a thin material, they were magically charged and infused so that even a tornado would not completely destroy it. It was normally kept slightly cool as Wolflen was an Izenian, but it had fire braziers in the bedroom and main room in case he wanted to warm it. It kept a supply of water and even had a spigot of its own for fresh water that he could access from the pantry room. Katrina had explained to him that most Elven tents were not quite as advanced (with a few exceptions) but that his was so advanced because he was a War Mage, and as such, he might be camping in various terrains and places, and might need what the tent offered.
Of course it had taken the entire village of Peludeen to share their energy to allow the magical working of the tent. The Paladins had overseen the matter, but had worked with others Mage classes in the city to see it done. Upon agreement from the citizenry (which was unanimous) the people of Peludeen were able to use their own energy to act like a battery to power the spells needed for the magic working and tent making. It had to be closely supervised by the Clerics and Paladins both of the city. It also included work of Free Mages within the city, which made the energy transfer possible. The task had taken a whole day, and when it was done almost all of the citizenry of Peludeen needed an extra 6-8 hours of sleep to recover from the heavy fatigue that had set in. But all of them had gladly volunteered in advance, knowing their energy would help to create the tent for the War Mage in their midst.
Chapter 22: Camped Out
The basin South of the Mulby river was more active than it had been in many generations, if ever. Fires burned late into the night, and throughout the Izenian camp, war songs were being sung, weapons were being sharpened, drinks were being shared, and spirits were seemingly high. Wolflen knew the people longed for war. He just wasn’t sure he himself shared the sentiment. His own tent had been erected though, and within, fire braziers were already burning in the main room and in the bedroom. Sespa had bedded down for the night in her own area of the tent, content to rest unless needed.
“So,” Katrina said as she rounded the table in the main room, “alone at last…”
Wolflen smiled and approached her, and they shared a momentary embrace. After they kissed, she could tell by his posture and demeanor that he was tired, and she knew he likely wanted to get out of his armor soon.
“Been a long day,” she stated matter-of-factly.
All he could do was nod. As they stood in embrace, he heard his name being called from outside his tent. He rolled his eyes, because he was quite tired. Still, he knew the voice that called to him. It was his father. Wolflen invited him in, granting him entry at once.
“Wow son…” Shamus began, seeing Wolflen in embrace with Katrina still, but also seeing the large tent accommodations. It was clearly a better tent than the pavilion tent that the Free Mages were in. “this is…” he continued, “amazing.”
“Father…this is my tent. A gift from the Elves; the Paladins to be exact. Come in, and I will give you the grand tour.”
Wolflen did just that, showing his dad around quickly. His father was quite impressed. After the tour though, Katrina said she would excuse herself to the quiet of the bedroom and wait for Wolflen, knowing he likely needed to speak with his father privately. Shamus began to object, telling the Princess she had no need to leave on his account. She gracefully retorted that it was no imposition or inconvenience though, and that she was tired anyway. At that, Shamus bowed his head in reverence, and watched quietly as she turned toward the main bedroom.
“You are sleeping together?” Shamus asked his son.
“Sleeping yes. Cuddling yes. Kissing even. But nothing more.”
Shamus laughed and retorted, “Well King Janureen won’t be hearing about that arrangement from me.”
Wolflen just rolled his eyes.
“So what’s up dad?” he asked.
“Ah, yes,” Shamus replied, “I brought two full barrels of Izenian black tea leaves. It is a favorite of the Elven king, and I figured you might offer them as a gift when he arrives. I have the barrels just outside. Shall we bring them in here?”
Wolflen nodded.
“Thanks. That’s actually good thinking.” Wolflen remarked.
“Yes well, I doubt it will make up for sleeping with the Princess but…”
Wolflen shook his head as he laughed slightly. They brought the barrels into the tent and Wolflen asked his dad if he had his own tent in camp. Shamus nodded yes to the question.
“Well,” Shamus remarked, “my son and an Elven Princess. My son a War Mage. My son in Elven lands being gifted things of great value. If someone had told me a year ago this would unravel as it has, I would have made them walk the plank for madness.”
“Believe me,” Wolflen remarked, “I would say the same. I’m sorry this chaos has shaken our family. If I could take it back…”
Shamus shook his head no and raised his hand in objection.
“Son, this is your destiny. Don’t regret it. Grab it by the reigns and own it. Besides, even if you could change it, would you want to? You would not have met her in that case.”
Wolflen smiled and looked toward the bedroom longingly. His dad was right. Wolflen didn’t regret meeting her, nor wo
uld he want to continue without her now. He took a deep breath and nodded.
“My son…the Izenian War Mage….well then, I suspect we shall see each other again soon, but for now I will take my leave and let you follow your other pursuits.”
Wolflen and his father shared a hug before Shamus turned and left the tent once more. Wolflen smiled and turned toward the bedroom and the woman he longed for now.
Katrina was already in sleepwear that she had previously had packed away within the tent. She had other clothes and armor there too, something Wolflen had insisted on before, so that if and when such occasion arose that they would camp together, it would be a home not just for him, but her as well. So, as he entered the room, she was laying on the bed, writing in a journal. She looked up at him warmly and smiled.
“Everything is okay I take it?” she asked softly.
Wolflen nodded.
“Better now…I’m with you.”
She smiled back at him and finished writing in her journal. Then she stood from the bed and approached him, helping him remove his armor, and setting it atop the wooden armor stand in the room a piece at a time until he was left with only his soft clothing. He took his shirt off after that, and set it aside too, leaving only his pants on. Then they both turned and pulled the blankets back on the bed so that they might crawl in for warmth. Of course the fire braziers in the tent were still burning, but with a moment of concentration, they each went out as Wolflen worked his magic.
“You really are getting better with your magic,” she said as she rolled on her side and put a hand over his bare chest.
“Thanks. I must be pretty powerful to have drawn you in m’lady. As such, I don’t think death has anything to challenge me with. For what I feel for you is stronger than death.”
She leaned up and kissed him before curling up with him for the night to sleep. And for each of them, it was a nice, peaceful sleep.
After that, Wolflen and Katrina both decided they liked camping together, and this time they had more privacy than they had out in the wild on their way to Peludeen. As such, Wolflen informed the Free Mages they would camp for three more days, giving Wolflen and Katrina time together, in which time, he asked not to be disturbed by anyone except for emergencies. He and Katrina took meals in the tent together during that time, and did not leave it for the desire they shared to be together was great. They knew however, that as each night came and went, they needed to return to their duties soon.
The morning came, greeting the camp with calm weather and a sunny sky above. It seemed morale within camp was still at a decent level. Of course with no major battles yet joined, there was no reason for it to be otherwise. Katrina though was surprised to hear chatter so early in the morning, even before the rising of the sun. Wolflen stretched, standing from bed and told her that they were cheerful because they craved battle and blood. She wasn’t sure she liked the sound of it, but found it encouraging just the same.
“I can’t say I am eager to leave this place myself…Elven lands I mean. I love it here, and enjoy the time we have together. But soon, we travel to Molith and see what Mortican has really been up to there. I’m not sure I am ready. Jakarta has been an excellent teacher but how does one prepare for the burden of this?” he asked, slipping fresh clothes on.
“Wolflen,” she remarked smoothly, “no one is ever ready for such a thing. But your forerunners before you rose to the occasion just the same. I am sure you will not let anyone down in that regard. I too wish we could stay. But if Molith is where we must make a stand, then let us do so together. For if one more War Mage must fall from this world, I would do so at his side where I belong.”
He smiled back at her, unsure about what to say next as he had conflicted feelings. He knew she was right; they belonged together. He believed that as much as she did. And he wanted as much time with her as possible. Simply put, he loved her and at the same time was infatuated with her. But he also knew those feelings could potentially be used against him, or worse, her fate might be to fall from the world, and that was something he didn’t want to think about.
“So how soon do we travel?” he asked.
She smiled at his innocent ignorance of the situation, then she herself stood from the bed as she answered.
“That is up to you. You are the commander here now. You could push for Molith at once, and reach its shores soon. With the Izenian fleet here and ready it would not take long. In such a case you could leave a small detachment of Izenian or Elven forces here to ensure that when my father arrives, he knows our errand and would soon follow after. Or, you could wait for his arrival before sailing. It is really up to you though.”
“But which is the wiser decision?” he asked, putting armor on over his under clothing.
“Hard to say,” she remarked, “because both options have their own merits. Leave quickly and perhaps attack this Werewolf horde before it can get settled wherever it is going. Doing so could provide a decisive victory which would boost morale for everyone in this war. It would also show initiative on your part, which your people and mine need to see. Getting counsel is good, but it will avail you nothing for the army to believe you carry this indecision, so keep it close to you. Of course if you wait, you will have a larger force at your back and also more resources. Doing so however means several things. First, it would delay whatever might be done against the enemy in a quick strike. Secondly, it would mean questions…questions about you and I, questions about Ravenshade and our arrangement with her, and questions as to why he was not notified sooner about some of those things. It could also mean that for a time, our current camping arrangements would have to change if he objected to them.”
Wolflen nodded.
“So really,” Katrina went on, “like I said, it is up to you. Have any thoughts on the matter you would care to share?”
He smiled sheepishly as he pulled the last of his armor on.
“I need to take a walk through camp to think about this and perhaps judge the scale of our current force….but I rather like our current camping arrangements. I wonder though m’lady if you would be willing to lend me some of the Paladins of your great city—assuming I choose to travel quickly.”
She nodded smiling at him.
“You are skipping breakfast?” she asked him.
“No. I meant what I said about taking the walk through camp though. I will find food out there, trust me. I need to find a few people among camp though and have words. Do you think you could get word to Jakarta and Trevel that their presence is requested if they would be willing to soon join us.”
“Sure,” she said stepping close to him for a goodbye kiss. “Shall I leave the tent up when I am done here?”
Wolflen nodded.
“Until we are ready, please. We may be here another night if my dad isn’t ready to sail or we can’t get organized and boarded by then.”
After a gentle kiss, they parted ways and Wolflen left the tent. Stepping outside, he smelled the fresh air. The sounds of camp had all but faded to the background, but now struck him once more. As he began his walk, over a grassy hill, he found himself soon joined by Sespa. Wolflen smiled when he saw her.
“Sure,” he said softly, “why not…it will make this faster anyway.”
Then he climbed up on her back, pulling himself up with ease now; a thing he had been practicing for a while now. Wolflen smiled as he sat in place. He didn’t need a saddle anymore, yet Sespa still had a harness on to offer packs for carrying various items. But riding now, Wolflen felt strong. For most among his people, it would be their first glance of the Izenian War Mage he knew, and he hoped to give a first impression worthy of memory and inspiration.
He rode at a trot’s pace, not too fast, but not awkwardly slow either. As he rode, he could hear some Izenians in camp talking about his passing. The tents were lined up in perfect rows, and it was impressive to see. Many Izenians came out of their tents and waved, and Wolflen was happy to wave back and offer nods to several of them. Thr
oughout camp, horses were also tied to posts driven into the ground. They were not standard horses however, but Destriers—war horses bred for speed, strength and endurance. Many grazed on their own breakfast and seemed to take notice as Wolflen passed by atop the Dire Wolf that could have had any one of them for breakfast. Of course Sespa didn’t; not that it hadn’t crossed her mind. But she controlled her cravings, so long as she knew Wolflen would feed her something soon.
It was the horse that first caught Wolflen’s attention and made him stop. When he did, he told Sespa to wait there as he approached the tent where Ayvock and his father Flint were inside. As Wolflen approached, Flint stood and welcomed Wolflen, while Ayvock stayed seated on a wooden seat while eating some stew out of a bowl.
“Do you know who that is boy,” Flint barked at Ayvock, “that is the First ever Izenian War Mage and your commander. Stand up and show some respect when he enters this tent.”
Wolflen chuckled but did not say a word. Ayvock still sat eating until his dad kicked him in the shin.
“Sheesh dad c’mon. He and I rode to this land together remember? I have seen him most days here. I hardly think he needs me to stand and bow or salute, or grovel or whatever.”
“I’m sorry,” Flint remarked as he turned back to Wolflen, “my son has lost his manners. Please, come in. We don’t have much, but you are welcome to some stew if you like.”
Wolflen smiled and stepped closer, finding a seat of his own next to Ayvock. His father Flint was still grumbling about the manners, and Wolflen found it amusing.
“I won’t forget your perfect manners this day Flint Calmbreeze. Though, while your son being made to curtsy or something would be hilarious, he’s right. You honor me with your respect, but I am no royal. I’m the same pain in the ass kid that used to spend weeks at your house and come in half responsible for your muddy floors.”
“Aye but now look at you lad. Commander of the army. Steward of Akartha. Izenian War Mage…”