The Red Lands 1

by ForestRage

  Chu was surprised by this initiative. It seems every winter, the Trading Post made deliveries to the outlying farms around the village. It cost one silver for a winter delivery. With the price it guaranteed that once for the winter, a convoy of guards and clerks would pay a visit to deliver prepaid purchases.

  The month for the delivery was agreed on at the time of the down-payment. This service allowed the farms to keep in contact with the village. Outlying farms only source of information, came from the mouths of the random garrison patrols.

  This was used by the garrison as a means of keeping contact and determining the situation of the outlying farms. Most of the villages at the edge of the forest employed this tactic during the winter months.

  Using this method of service, the Trading Post made money when it should have been like most of the village-- hunkering down for the winter.

  It also made use of its private guards, 'why pay for loiterers when you can work them for their monies worth'. The trips always began early and returned before dark.

  "My barn is nearly half a day travel by foot, so it should be closer using the horses. How soon can you guys set off?"

  Griz left him to consult a large beaten book, that obviously served as some sort of register.

  "Next move is two weeks from now, to the farms in the north. Where are you?"

  "Straight south. I think I'm the last barn in the south."

  "Hmm… you have to wait for next month, last delivery went out four days ago."

  Chu bit his lip, and drummed his little fingers on the table.

  "It would be nice to have gotten it today as the weather remains fine. Even tomorrow might have been ok."

  He mumbled as he was thinking.

  Griz suddenly realized he missed asking the most important question. This brat was not like the usual farmer.

  "Hey, don't tell me you came to buy supplies? Didn't you say you had something to sell?"

  Chu broke out from his thoughts. He muttered a careless answer as if he was just shooting the breeze with a friend.

  "Oh yea... I had some white wolves to sell in bulk... Hmmm next month eh? Might be cutting it short... not gonna be fresh by then..."

  "Hey, hey what you mean, wolves in bulk?"

  Griz knocked the counter with his palms. He tried to pull this kid back into focus from daydreaming.

  "Twenty-one white wolves, not in the usual best condition, but good all the same. I wanted to get them out of my hands as quickly as possible."

  Chu rambled on,

  "I would have given you for the same deal, of ten silver as a bonus. Although I now know they are worth more, I did promise you a deal."

  Griz shook his head and straightened up. He was fully aware that the other had offered his bottom line. A seasoned trader knew when and where not to barter.

  "Deal. I won’t beat you down, since we both know it’s slow season. How about I get the convoy to make a trip tomorrow morning? That way gives us enough time to make the return trip during the day."

  "Sounds good to me."

  To Chu, this was much better than having to wait for weeks.

  "Good, good you can rest in one of the vacant merchant rooms until tomorrow. I'll get someone to take care of you till then."

  Given Griz nature, Chu read him like a book. Only by baiting him, would he establish himself as the dominant trader. At this point Chu had passed the level of a trapper, and risen to the rank of a merchant in Griz eyes. The deals he brought, were simply too much for an average hunter to present.

  "I need to purchase a few things, it makes no sense for the wagon to leave the village empty."

  Griz only chuckled in response. The simplest fact in any trade, was that each participant had to feel they got the best out of it. A good trade should always end in a win-win situation.

  After listing out his purchases, and a round of trying to best each other in the deal, Chu secured his supplies. Chu grabbed Ming chatting happily with the clerks at the side and left. The General Store provided the best source of rumors, with the exception of the tavern.

  The topics ranged from food to women in the village. Ming was not an idiot, to give away any of their secrets. Chu understood that this fool simply had an uncanny way of integrating himself into any group.

  A servant unable to hide the surprise on his face, escorted the boys to the merchant quarters. Most of these rooms turned vacant, on the departure of most of the merchants. Very few would remain in the village over the winter, to hustle the first loads of spring.

  The man guided them into a room, and then prepared the fire and basic amenities. He exited and then returned with a large platter of food, enough to last until tomorrow. With over two wagons making the trip, Chu scanned the list in his mind.

  Chu determined that he had to milk this deal, for as much as possible. Only a fool would not seek to take advantage of this opportunity.

  "Holy crap Chu! This little room is better than my old house, this bed is sooo soft. What is it made off? Oh my god! Look at those slabs of meat and that fresh soft bread. Mmm… it’s even softer than what Sue makes!"

  Ignoring the mad antics and ravings of his companion, Chu settled down. For a village outpost the small room fell within reasonable expectations. Ming on the other hand, made it seem like they just stepped into the royal palace.

  The room had a simple neat desk, chair, fireplace and feather filled mattress. The foods tasted the same, only that they made the bread with more butter.

  "Settle down you idiot, it’s not like you’re not accustomed to such a normal feast. Remind me tomorrow to buy some more butter, Sue will be able to make bread just as soft as this."

  "Hehe, Chu make me a bed like this I want one just as soft."

  From the conversations Chu realized that this fool lived under the impression, that he could accomplish everything. But wasn't he too demanding? Where was he going to get a bed in winter like this? Did he think all he had to do, was pull feathers out of his butt?

  Why didn't I bring Lucy instead?

  The night passed uneventful, and in the morning a guard came to escort them to the readied convoy. Chu added some more goods that he remembered last night, and paid for his purchases with gold. Griz sent the old man who had accompanied them in the forest, to help with the Snow bear.

  The old man would handle the inspection and payout.

  Chu didn’t burn his efforts on demanding Griz pay up front for the wolves. Although he lost over thousands worth in gold on the deal with the Snow bear, he marked it off as a gift to gain goodwill.

  When he required the help to take the first step out of the slums, Griz had not beaten him down like a rabid dog. The small effort of handing him a bowl of waste blood and fat, and not robbing him of his first wolf, displayed Griz’s character.

  In the early morning the convoy set out. The two sleds carried supplies and lumber but still had ample room, so everyone enjoyed the ride. This would make their journey much faster than having a tiring walk.

  As they left the village in the distance, Chu made out a lone horseman dashing across the snow blocked roads to the village. Even from the distance, you could see the frantic movements of the rider, as he spurred on the tired animal.

  It reminded him of those desperate messenger scenes, in the movies.

  The hairs on his back involuntarily rose, but settled back down. He had a strange feeling that something might have happened.

  'Maybe some wolf pack sighting or something, once we make our way home I would be happy'

  He muttered to himself. With this purchase his cellar would be stocked to last until spring.

  The convoy reached the barn well before noon. They had made two stops along the way, one to retrieve the hidden spears, and another to collect the remaining bundles of firewood. Chu used this free transport to the fullest.

  At the barn, the cloaked figure of Clod greeted them at the entrance. The watch had long sighted the convoy, and swept all the girls into the cellar. On inspe
ction this place held the appearance of a bachelor pad.

  Giving the relieved Clod a pat on the shoulder, Chu led the guards into the barn. The old man quickly hustled men to work after breaking them out from their stupor.

  Without time to even gaze around, he had them loading the wolf carcasses onto the sleds. By the time everyone caught their breaths, they were already packed and rearing to return.

  None of them wanted to stay out in this winter cold for long, especially since this was an unexpected trip. They had already become familiar with this kid, undoubtedly, he worked as a liaison between the Master and some Mercenary group or adventurers.

  'How else could he sell a dead Snow Bear?'

  “Nice place you kids found here. Have you decided if you want to restore the farm?”

  The old man said.

  “Come spring, I think we might decide in the future. Farming requires hard work and effort. This place is also too close to the forest, I don’t know if we can handle the dangers.”

  Chu replied.

  The two had chatted amicably while the guards worked.

  Chu collected his earnings and bade farewell. Only when they turned to dots in the distance, did he enter the barn. By then, Miki climbed the tower and the girls began packing the supplies. Ming busied himself, hounding Sue about the soft bread and meats he ate.

  In the evening they gathered on the platform as usual. Lucy scouted on the tower with Miki taking a rest. Even though Chu told them they might have to spend a sleepover in the village they remained restless and worried the night.

  Only on his return did the mountain like weight lift off their shoulders.

  "Well it can be said we made a very successful trip."

  Chu continued beaming with a smile, to cheer them up.

  "We should be all set, to rally out the winter in the food line. Right Sue?"

  "Y... yes even if we increase the soup days, I think our food is more than enough."

  The little girl replied. Since working at the farmhouse inn she had never seen so much food. The cellar was practically overflowing with all types of ingredients, meats, preservatives, butter and basic provisions.

  "Clod how is it on your end?"

  "Very good. I got enough nails and supplies to do any odds and ends fixing. The supply of lumber is what I wanted since we ran short."

  Chu nodded as he glanced at the slinking culprit, who wasted the extra planks and posts.

  "I think with that wolf pack gone and us having enough supplies for the winter, we should be good for the rest of the months. No need to worry about anything until spring."

  Only when the words came out of his mouth, Chu realized what he said and where he was.

  That was definitely, undoubtedly a FLAG!

  Chapter 25

  A Flag, a stupid flag!

  The next few weeks passed by peacefully. The only ruckus in the vicinity of the barn, came from the howls of a half-grown man, who refused to learn basic education.

  Those howls everyday, quickly turned to groans that led to whimpers, until finally unacceptable compliance.

  "Ming did you bring up those jars here?"

  Chu pointed at some large jars that were sitting in a corner.

  "Yea, since the fight with the wolves I brought them up here. It’s easier to lob the pellets like last time and we don't have to risk fetching it from below."

  "I see, but don't forget to keep them in the far corner on the other side. I don't want the heat rising from the oven melting the fat."

  "Oops! Good thing you told me Chu, I completely forgot about that."

  Just like those fictional stories he read as a teen in his past world, the one transported really had it tough. For someone who never killed a chicken in his life, here he found himself butchering wolves. If not for his mature mind, he would have already gave in to fear and disgust from blood.

  The only previous contact with large predators like these, came from his one visit to the zoo. In this world he faced down, a mad deer and a terrifying bear. If not for Lucy's actions, he was sure he would have done worse than Ming, in peeing his pants.

  Imagine the kind of fear, that paralyzed a person from even pissing his pants or a bowel release. Just the thought of remembering that scene made him start to sweat. On some nights it even provided him with wonderful nightmares.

  Chu stared at the two large earthen jars the boy carried to the corner.

  Since when did we make so much pellets?

  He wondered.

  Life near the forest, required a high amount of risk. Making money in such a manner, would lead to a tragic end. He had adequate food, and a decent place of shelter. Ideally the time to research and learn about the history and workings of this world—was now.

  “Hey Lucy, what do you know about the Empire?”

  “I’m sorry Chu, I heard rumors that our village lies more to the north, than the south of the Empire. That’s all I know from the gossip near the inn.”

  “I see. Do you guys like it here?”

  “Wherever you want to travel, I will follow.”

  “Same here.”

  “Me too.”

  Chu nodded, deep in thought. This group of children with him, lived without the influence of any parent figure. Through his actions, he had already created a loyal group with him in the center. Under his molding, he expected to have some intelligent subordinates.

  “Sakura, can you carry this hot bread up to Miki?”

  Sue called from below.

  “No need Sue, I’ll climb up and let Miki take a break. The wind has been blowing rather cold these days.”

  Lucy answered.

  His train of thought disrupted, Chu bent his neck to the roof. The lookout tower performed admirably, but the biting chill remained a concern. Since he stopped lighting the fire in the center of the barn down below, the heat from the oven, proved insufficient to warm the barn.

  “Clod, can we build a small roof over the lookout platform?”

  He asked.

  “Do you want to remove the quilt tent and install a wooden roof? It’s possible, but I will have to do it in the spring. I need wooden shingles to build the roof.”

  Clod answered from down below in the kitchen.

  “Ok.”

  The flimsy quilt tent, collapsed in the high winds. One morning Miki had to walk nearly a mile away into the grasslands to retrieve it, when it blew away during the night. Another time after a snow storm, they had to chip away at the icy snow, and sit on the wet platform.

  Chu planned to construct a permanent structure, baring it all around with removable boards. This way they could access the roof, whenever it needed repairing. Leaving a small space about half foot wide, he could insulate the little box from the cold.

  His major headache came from wondering what path he should take come spring. Continue his adventures in the forest? Visit a town? All choices ended with the same question. How did he intend to make money?

  Chu sat submerged in a quilt, racking his brains for a viable solution. On the side, Sakura continued teaching Miki and Ming counting lessons. Chu lent her a pouch with a hundred copper coins to use.

  Given their time together, they had all reached a silent agreement that he keep the money. Not a single one of them, would dare to steal from the person who liberated them. Chu still had the girls sew some small hidden belts, containing fifty silvers.

  He distributed these to everyone as emergency money. Only when necessary, did they need to keep it on their person. All the belts though, remained hanging in the cellar. Only Ming and Lucy would occasionally walk with theirs on the trips to the village, but spending was usually done by mooching off Chu.

  Dyna wrapped in a quilt, like an earthworm watching them from the side. She turned her eyes back to the open book in front, struggling in reading the words. Every now and again she mumbled to herself.

  Sue stood by the oven, heating water to use in a hot press, for Clod. The chill of winter caused a piercing pain to act u
p in his leg. Only by applying this type of temporary hot pack did he gain a welcome ease.

  That stiffness in the joints reminded Chu, of those old people with arthritis and their battle with bad weather.

  The time crawled slowly, as late evening approached.

  "Chu... Chu..."

  He shook off the cold driven sleep and looked up to the source. The excited red face of Lucy could be seen. Ever since they came to the barn, this girl had stopped cloaking up like she used to. He constantly had to remind her about wearing a scarf when up in the tower.

  It did open to the outside elements. Mumbling to himself he climbed to the platform.

  "Look..."

  Chu followed her hand which pointed to the forest.

  Why did this feel like deja vu? He thought something like this, surely happened before. And it turned out to not be a good thing at the time.

  Northwest of the barn, a figure ran out of the lonely forest. The person slogged and staggered over the snow, flailing his arms as if wanting to sweep the blockading snow away. When he fell, he would scramble forward in haste.

  “He sure is in a hurry…”

  “Running, that man is running from something.”

  Chu answered, while leaning forward and squinting his eyes.

  Something compelled the man with zeal, because he had already covered nearly a quarter mile distance, away from the forest. The man paused briefly, and then darted in the direction of the village. The evening sun reflected from the man’s body, ever so often.

  Armor.

  This man belonged to the garrison!

  What was he doing alone out here without a horse?

  Why the forest?

  The patrols usually kept on the roads and covered large distances on horseback. Chu had never known the garrison soldiers to make sorties within the forest.

  A wolf pack flashed across his mind. Impossible, the odds of two large packs being sighted back to back, in the same area were virtually nil. Documentaries showed wolves were territorial creatures, they would not choose to hunt in the same…

  Then he saw the reason.

  Chu had been concentrating on the man’s flight, when Lucy gripped his arm. Her fingers increased their vice like hold, as if she wanted to draw blood.