Arnie ran peacefully alongside Brandt as they approached the pond. They slowed to a jog, then a walk, stopping next to the stream as it exited the small body of water. G-War vaulted from Brandt’s head, took a quick drink, then disappeared into the trees. Once unhooked from the harness, Brandt waded into the pond with Arnie close behind. They faced upstream as they drank heartily.
“Look what you’re doing to the water,” Braden complained, watching the dirt as it swirled from the legs of the Aurochs. The water flowed quickly enough that the water soon cleared. Arnie and Brandt didn’t bother to mumble an apology. They’d done most of the work to get the caravan through the desert. Unashamedly, they both laid down in the pond. Braden shook his head as the rest of them walked around to the inlet stream and drank of the fresh and very cool water.
The Wolfoids told the humans to put their bows away as they bolted into the forest. Braden and Micah still wanted to shoot and sensed a contest was underway. They took off at a dead run chasing the Wolfoids. Zeller chuckled as she watched the hunters head out to demonstrate their individual prowess.
She took off her boots and dangled her feet in the water. The Rabbits sat near her, finding the heavy grasses growing along the edge of the stream to be particularly tasty. It had been awhile since they had anything fresh. No one enjoyed fresh greens more than the Rabbits from the spaceship.
Skirill flew toward the peak where he’d last seen the Hawkoid nest. As he and Zyena approached, he didn’t see any signs of the others. He flew to the nest, landing on its edge. It had been abandoned at least a cycle ago. He looked around and then launched himself into the air. He flew higher, until he could barely breathe. He was flying even with the highest peaks of the Bittner Mountains, yet still saw no sign of other Hawkoids. They’d probably gone back north to join the others.
With a last look, they both circled slowly downward, heading for the rocks where they knew the companions were resting and getting ready for the next phase of the journey.
The buck screamed as it tried to ram its antlers into Bounder’s side. Gray Strider hung on the deer’s back, trying to get a better grip on its neck. This beast was far larger than those they encountered in the south. Bounder danced back and forth as he tried to find an opening to attack. Braden and Micah had their arrows ready to fire, but didn’t want to risk hitting Gray Strider.
Bounder jumped back as the buck feinted and darted toward the trees, ramming Gray Strider into a low branch and knocking her off its back. One heartbeat later, two arrows embedded themselves into the deer’s side. It stumbled and ran headfirst into the next tree. He collapsed against the tree and after two more breaths, he was dead.
G-War appeared in the tree above the buck, waiting impatiently for the humans to pull out their knives and get to work. Braden, Micah, and Bounder ran to Gray Strider’s side. She stood shakily, snorting and shaking her head, trying to clear it. Her eyes focused slowly and she looked from one anxious face to the next.
‘I’m okay,’ she finally said. ‘They make them bigger up here, don’t they?’
‘Hungry,’ the ‘cat interjected. After a quick scratch behind Gray Strider’s ears, the humans got to work. G-War appeared between them, trying to snake his ‘cat head into the choice bits before they were removed.
“Come on, G! When’s the last time you ate?” Braden asked.
‘None of that will matter in a few bounds of time,’ G-War said over the mindlink as his tongue stuck out of his mouth in hungry anticipation.
With a great surge, Braden went elbow-deep into the beast’s chest cavity and pulled out its warm heart. He handed it to the ‘cat, who clamped onto it with his fangs and ran for the nearby underbrush.
They finished cleaning the deer, leaving the skin on until they dragged it back to their camp. There was plenty for all with the one buck, and they’d be able to smoke a good portion, too. It was a great hunt and the humans claimed victory, so Bounder dragged the heavy carcass back to the camp site. Braden and Micah picked up kindling and firewood along the way. G-War was nowhere to be seen.
The Rabbits turned away as the group approached. They said they’d never understand the need to eat other creatures, even if they weren’t intelligent.
The Aurochs had left the pond and were grazing to the west where the prairie grasses grew tall. Between the three humans, the buck was sliced and diced into parts and pieces primed for quick cooking and eventual smoking. The Wolfoids got the fire going and in no time, those who enjoyed their venison cooked were digging in. They ate more than they should have, including eating some of the supplies they brought. After the hunt, they didn’t feel like scrounging for tubers or other vegetables, although Patrice and Delavigne volunteered to see what they could find. Without waiting for anyone to answer, they hopped off for the woods.
Skirill and Zyena returned while the meal was cooking. They were able to snag some choice raw bits. Braden and Micah didn’t try throwing the pieces in the air. After the long flight to the mountain tops and back, they simply hand-fed the Hawkoids.
The companions were relaxing around the fire, enjoying the midday sun as a cool breeze blew down from the mountains. The Aurochs were back and laying down, resting after both a long night and a long morning. G-War finally ambled back to the group, looking like he still needed a nap. The hair on his heavily scarred body stood up at odd angles. The bite mark stood out vividly on his ear. He stopped, squinted into the distance, hackles rising.
‘They come,’ he told them.
Braden was off like an arrow shot from his bow, heading for the wagon. He leapt into it and pulled at their packs, throwing swords out the back. The blasters were buried so he threw the packs out to a waiting Micah. Zeller was still trying to figure out what happened. The Rabbits always wore their harnesses, but their laser pistols were in the wagon. They jumped inside and prepared to fight from there. Brandt was up in an instant, looking around for the imminent threat.
The ‘cat was never wrong when he gave that alarm. Brandt started yelling at Arnie to rouse himself, who panicked and ran into the wagon, nearly knocking it over.
The humans ran for cover. Braden and the Rabbits fell, but the padding inside the wagon kept them from getting hurt. With one last effort, he threw the Wolfoid’s spears out the back. Everyone took their turn yelling at Arnie. When Braden finally jumped from the wagon, he looked around at the chaos. The companions were facing in different directions in such a way that no one would have been able to fight.
“Which way, G, and what’s coming?” Braden asked while pointing at people and creatures to better positions.
‘The plains. The wild boars are back,’ G-War said while licking his paw to clean his face. Braden looked at the ‘cat, holding his hands up in question. ‘They’re coming, but there are only three of them…’
Micah put her hands on her hips and glared at the ‘cat, before looking at the others. “I guess we weren’t ready. If there had been a real threat, we’d have been in trouble,” she said solemnly.
“Thanks, G. Once again, you’ve seen what we did not. If only we had a broom, we could show our appreciation!” Braden took a quick step toward the Golden Warrior, who simply narrowed his eyes at his human as if issuing a dare. Braden knew better than to challenge the ‘cat.
“Let’s talk about what we need to do, how we need to be ready, as soon as we dispatch our porcine fellows who shouldn’t be far off. Skirill, if you would be so kind as to show us where they are, we can add a little variety to our diet. No disrespect intended to Patrice or Delavigne.” Braden nodded in their direction. Their pink noses twitched as they harrumphed in their high-pitched Rabbit voices.
Wild boar and practicing to fight. It’s just like being back home, Braden thought, surprised that he thought of the south as home and not the north. Micah smiled to herself. She’d known it all along.
Zeller just hoped that she wouldn’t crumble in a real battle. She was getting proficient with the sword, but Micah was the greatest warrior ever
, in Zeller’s mind. The scars that the companions wore as badges of honor told a story of a hard life, forged in battle. In that, she took comfort, too. They would surround her and protect her if need be.
Because that’s what they did.
Whitehorse
They spent an extra turn at the pond as they practiced how they’d enter the village, and how they’d respond the next time G-War alerted them. They needed to raise their awareness, be ready to fight at a heartbeat’s notice. The humans wore their swords at all times, and Braden and Micah carried their bows.
Bounder and Gray Strider would carry their spears while traveling in areas without other humans, but if humans were around, they’d go to all fours and try to look like big, harmless dogs. The Hawkoids would fly a high cover, keeping the others within sight while also watching for anyone inadvertently approaching the wagon’s hiding spot.
The Rabbits would keep their laser pistols and stay in the wagon any time they were anywhere near other humans. The wagon looked like Old Tech, despite Holly’s efforts to disguise it. They’d leave the wagon in the cover of any nearby woods with the two Aurochs standing guard. Only the humans, Wolfoids, and Hillcat would walk into the town of Whitehorse, see how things were and then decide if they needed support from the others. All the platinum and gold would be kept in the wagon. When they made a trade, they’d deliver the precious metal for the livestock, the water buffalo.
They decided it would be best if Arnie pulled the wagon. If they needed to take the wagon into any of the towns, Arnie wouldn’t look as imposing as Brandt. The King of the Aurochs would frighten even the most stalwart northerners. They all laughed at that, knowing Brandt to be a loyal friend not wanting to harm anyone. They thought of him with Bronwyn, where he was the gentlest of souls.
“Sorry, my friend. What do you say we get the water buffalo and then go home?” Braden slapped the great King on the side as Micah checked Arnie’s harness. They climbed aboard and headed out.
The Wolfoids ran alongside, happy to have the exercise. Arnie maintained a steady, easy pace. Braden opened his neural implant and updated his map. They’d camp in the forest outside Whitehorse before nightfall. With the new turn, they’d enter the Market Square and try to find the right trader. They’d play it by ear from there.
The trip across the grasslands was uneventful. They ran across no one, no creatures. It helped that Skirill and Zyena were flying far in front as well as to the sides. There would be no surprises.
They took turns on watch while the others slept in the wagon that night. No surprises they said, and they made sure of it. With the dawn, they ate a light breakfast, checked their gear, and with a deep breath, they walked boldly toward the village. Micah had to constantly reassure Zeller. She was afraid of the unknown of a northern town. Even one as small as Whitehorse was far larger than she’d ever seen before. Braden dismissed her concerns, until they entered Whitehorse and the first people they ran into was the man who’d stolen from him and his two bodyguards.
‘Braden!’ Micah cautioned him as his mind seethed with fury. He turned and walked directly toward the man.
“My pardon, good sir. I’m Free Trader Braden and three cycles ago, you bought two vials of Saffrimander from me at the agreed-to price of twenty platinum. You only paid me two platinum and fifteen gold. I’d like the rest, please.” Braden had gotten nose to nose with the older, well-dressed man. The bodyguard attempted to push Braden away, but Micah had her sword point at his throat and pushed him backward. He jumped clear and pulled his own sword.
The other bodyguard tried to get close, but Zeller’s sword was out and she squared off against him. He pulled his sword and sneered as he looked at her. The first bodyguard lunged toward Micah, raising his sword to deliver a mighty chop as if cleaving firewood. She side-stepped the swing, letting it pass her, the sword’s momentum driving it into the ground. With her left fist, she punched the bodyguard in the temple and he fell like a sack of potatoes.
Micah took one step toward the second man, but Zeller was already there. The man stabbed at her with an over-reaching thrust. She parried the blade and jumped close, ending with a vicious kick to the man’s groin. He crumpled, joining his fellow bodyguard on the ground.
Braden grabbed the older man by the throat, twisting his head so he could see his muscle no longer protecting him. “I want my money. It was a fair trade,” Braden growled into the man’s face. The old man fumbled for his belt and produced a pouch. Braden pushed the man backwards so he’d fall, but the old man kept his feet. Braden dumped the coins on the ground. Ten silver.
“What is this?” he asked the old man.
“It’s all I have. They’ve taken the rest,” he stuttered.
“Who?”
“The provincial officials, the security officers, security of the Provincial Government, that is,” he said, kneading his hands together. Braden leaned closer. The man looked afraid and sincere.
“Who are they?” Braden wondered.
“They arrived right before you last time, three cycles ago, but they didn’t establish their authority for a while. They run everything now, all the towns. They’re based out of Jefferson City.”
Braden looked at Micah and Zeller. G-War stood nearby, confirming the man was telling the truth.
“Do you know anyone selling water buffalo?” Braden asked all of a sudden.
“No, but all animal sales have to go through the officials. Actually, sales of just about everything has to go through the officials,” the man whined.
“That changes things just a bit,” Braden told his companions as he pursed his lips, exhaling heavily. “Where are these officials?”
The man nodded toward a building that had been something else cycles previously. The new title on the building looked to be hastily painted over the previous owner’s business name. It simply said, “Provincial Government.” Braden looked at Micah and Zeller, shrugged, and walked toward the government building.
The three of them followed, wondering what they were going to do. “Don’t worry,” he said soothingly. “I just want to see how we can buy some water buffalo.”
‘Just like you tried to collect a debt of money that you don’t need from a frightened old man? Nothing to worry about,’ Micah said using her thought voice.
‘What? You think I’m going to start a war?’ Braden asked, switching to the mindlink.
‘That’s exactly what I think you’re going to do. The government has stopped free trade, and I know that has to grate on your very soul,’ she replied.
‘There is that. Well, then, let’s go see what we’re up against.’ He never broke stride as they talked. He walked right up to the door and opened it without knocking, boldly striding through. The ‘cat was right on his heels, followed closely by Micah, and finally Zeller shut the door behind her. She’d seen doors and buildings, but nothing like these. These northerners were far advanced.
Two desks stood in the open area and two more were behind a counter. One person was at a desk there while the two desks up front stood empty.
“Good morning, good sir! I’m Free Trader Braden and I’ve come to buy some water buffalo. Can you help me?” Braden said, smiling broadly as he assumed his Free Trader persona.
“There are no more Free Traders. You need to be registered as a Provincial Supplier. What’d you say your name was again?” the man grumbled.
“I’m Braden,” he enunciated. The man dug through a ledger of sorts, not finding Braden’s name as he thumbed through a series of pages.
“I don’t see you in here, so I have to assume you are trading without a license. That’s very bad.” The man nodded knowingly.
“But I haven’t traded anything. I just want to buy some water buffalo. I’m a buyer, not a trader, or a Provincial Supplier as you called them,” Braden backpedaled, unsure of what authority the man wielded and how he’d enforce the various dictates he was spewing.
“You said you were a trader and now you say you’re a buyer!
How can I trust anything that comes out of your mouth?” The man started violently ringing a hand bell that had been sitting on his desk.
‘Be ready, they come,’ the ‘cat warned.
“I had no doubt about that,” Braden answered aloud as he vaulted over the counter, landing half on the man’s desk. He jumped back at the upstart youngster who dared violate the sanctity of the Provincial Government’s office. With a sweep of one arm, Braden cleared everything from the man’s desk.
Braden pulled his shortsword and pointed it at the official. The man leaned back, trying to put more of his now empty desk between him and this young madman. Braden slid a butt cheek across the desk as he joined the fat man on the other side. Eyes wide, the man could only stare at the blade as it tipped toward his throat.
Four men burst through a side door, swords in hand as they looked around and assessed the situation. They relaxed when they saw two women. Two of the new men walked toward Micah and Zeller while the other two opened a half-door and walked to the other side of the counter, where they could deal with the young man holding a shortsword to the government official’s throat.
Micah tapped her blade tip on the floor before assuming a fighting stance. Zeller stepped back. “Watch the door so no one comes in,” Micah snarled in a low voice. Her opponents became more wary as they realized she wasn’t playing. They noticed the scars on her neck and arms. Ribbons of lean muscle bulged as she tightened her grip. They locked eyes and knew fear. The icy stare of death chilled their souls.
“Hey, we might want to look at this a different way,” one of the men before Micah started to say.
She attacked, her goal was to disarm them, but that went out the window after the first parry. Her Old Tech sword was sharper by orders of magnitude than the flawed steel these men carried. The closest man blocked Micah’s first swing, but it numbed his arm. Her attack had only been a probe, the swing at half-speed. She feinted right, twirled low and left. With the full core strength of her body, she brought her sword around in a sweeping arc toward the man’s knees. His sword got there in time to block the incoming blade, but it didn’t matter. Micah’s sword shattered his and continued through the first knee, stopping when it hit the man’s second leg.
Free Trader Box Set - Books 4-6: Battle for the Amazon, Free the North!, Free Trader on the High Seas Page 32