We traveled for another week, finally reaching the edge of the Tar Flats. It was a morose and incredibly tense journey. The remains of long-dead cities, towns, and villages stood as reminders of the destruction that occurred from the black tar eruption. Centuries ago, the tar and oil that pooled throughout the Tar Flats were once underground.
At so point, there was so effort to harvest the resource. For so reason, a massive reservoir of tar under the earth detonated, and the blast was so massive that even hundreds of miles away, people could see the smoke and feel the vibrations. Unburnt tar and oil rained down upon the earth, poisonous clouds of gas drifted for miles, choking and killing anything caught in its path.
Eventually, the clouds settled, and the true cost of the eruption revealed itself. The groundwater, that valuable resource which countless people relied upon, was poisoned.
The most horrific result was the effect on pregnant won. For so reason, the poisoned water, even if it wasn't concentrated enough to directly affect the mother, turned their unborn children into twisted monsters.
This happened by the tens of thousands. The records of mass suicide from the female population were enough to give even pause. The population slowly died off, and following their deaths were the plants, animals, and insects, resulting in a complete collapse of the ecosystem.
Now the only thing that was left were dead, desiccated castles, towns, and villages long looted bare of anything of value. Life, it seed, persisted, and whatever the beasts were, they managed to survive the eruption.
Finally, the tips of the Storm Peaks could be seen on the horizon. It was a large expanse of rocky mountains that reached all the way to the eastern coast. At the base of the mountains were thin forests of pine, which in the springti had decent weather. After that, the elevation would increase and the temperature would fall.
We were tired, slled horrible, both from not bathing for ten days and the scent of the rotting monsters and tar clinging to us. Even relieving myself was an issue; after the attack, we were forced to go in pairs, and relieving myself while soone stood not five paces away, keeping guard, was incredibly uncomfortable.
As if Anier decided to smile upon us, there were no significant injuries, and everyone, while hungry from the hard march, was healthy.
“Only a day out,” Lindra said excitedly, as we stared at the forest in the distance.
“Hopefully, we find a river that flows south. According to Orian, water from the mountain is clean since it still has abundant animal life.” I shared her enthusiasm. Glancing over to her, I added, “Do impress with your hunting skills.”
She smirked, “Oh, no need to worry about that.”
I turned to look at the rest of our party, breaking down camp and packing supplies. We were making good ti, saving at least seven or eight days by pushing the horses to their limits.
“What do you plan on doing after you get your reward?” Lindra asked.
She was a decent conversationalist, and in boredom, I spoke with her often, though we elected not to speak about our personal lives and upbringing. '
“I’m not entirely sure. There are so many options to choose from.” I said, truly pondering. “Back in the eting, you said to Caan. ‘The blood is strong.’ What did you an?”
Lindra explained, “You've seen us, we fight with fire and passion. We will break long before we ever bend. Nara doubted that with diluted blood, you would have it in you. We call it ‘Engron’, from the old tongue.”
‘Old tongue, before the founding of the empire?’
“What does Andregi an? In the old tongue.” I asked.
She humd, trying to find the words, “It is hard to put into words. The best way I can translate it is: Iron Bear.”
I chuckled under my breath. “I suppose that's appropriate.”
Morah interrupted our conversation. “Do you imagine the dragon will be worse?” He gestured to the Tar Flats behind us.
“It’s a dragon. Of course it will be.” Lindra said, clearly displeased.
“My thoughts, exactly.” Then he threw a mischievous glance at . “Of the five most terrifying things I’ve ever seen, your flas are three of them. However, what are they supposed to do against a dragon?”
I smirked at him, “That’s where you co in. That crossbow of yours is rather deadly. I provide the power, you provide the aim.”
That seed to calm him down, “Well, at least, if I die you’ll be by my side.”
“You realize I can be hundreds of feet away and still make the magic work.” He actually looked disappointed. Granted, I would have to compensate for the drop in energy with binding strength, and I certainly wasn't planning on fighting the dragon valiantly. I would have used a passive binding, but it was too limited in power. Besides, he would need as much energy as possible, so unfortunately, I would have to remain close.
Three Days Later.
Traveling at an army's marching pace was more exhausting than I expected. At least my legs were a bit used to the travel, lest I would have collapsed by now. We passed through a thick pine forest. While it was a bit frosty, there was no real need for magic.
“Water up ahead,” Caan announced.
“We should rest for the remainder of the day,” Korin suggested. Considering we were walking for over twelve hours, no one had any complaints.
The sun was setting, and the bank of the five-foot-wide stream was an excellent spot to rest. Crossing the Tar Flats without the water generator would have been a death sentence.
“We’ll scout around the area for signs of predators,” Caan announced, then he, Nara, and Lindra stalked off into the surrounding wilderness.
I stood, stretched, and walked over to the river. Slowly, I removed my helt, vambraces, and grieves.
“What are you doing?” Korin asked.
“What does it look like?” It was rather obvious. “The stream flows down from the mountain, so it’s free of poison.”
I’d been marinating in this armor for over a week; not only was it unhealthy, it was uncomfortable.
“The n!” Korin exclaid.
“What of them?” She looked at as if I were insane. ”I’m sure they’ll be gentlemanly and turn their heads. Besides, I’d rather be clean than maintain so inane dignity.”
“And if sothing attacks us?”
I gave her a cold gaze, “Then, I’m sure you will keep safe. You, more than anyone else here, can't afford to have this mission end in failure, can you?”
Her eyes showed a hint of suspicion before she turned her nose up at and walked away.
~
Usually, I would use a bit of clean water and a cloth if I couldn't find a stream or river. Months of bathing every day in Grenwood created a disdain for being unclean.
Grabbing one of the warrs, I created a focused binding to increase the power of the circuit and washed my armor in the river. Each piece was dried and placed on the rocky banks. Then I moved on to the chainmail heavy shirt and pants, leaving standing by the river in my small clothes.
Not once did I turn to look back at either Norah or Morah. Not even when I dropped my small clothes and walked into the river nude. It was frigid but tolerable enough that I didn’t need any magic.
By the ti that I was halfway finished, the Andregi returned. All three of them looked at strangely as I sat in the river, unashad.
“Well, ain't you a surprise,” Lindra said as she walked over to . “Bold for an imperial lass.”
I shrugged, “I’ve never gone this long without cleaning myself. It was driving insane.”
“Well, good news, no signs of predators, and we managed to snag a brace of pheasant,” Then Lindra said in a lower voice. “You know Morah is watching you?”
I shrugged, uncaring.
“Do you think he will be stupid enough to try sothing with you?” Lindra asked.
I shook my head, “No, he’s crass and about as morally righteous as a chamberpot. But not stupid. Everyone here knows there’s no surviving or completing the mission on ti without .”
Lindra smirked, “So they’ll dutifully watch your back while you relax by the river. You’re shaless.”
I stood, dried myself off with a warr, and dressed. “What I am is clean.”
Then she looked at my neck and the two dallions. The Protective amulet sat higher than the energy reservoir. “What are those?”
“A bit of fashion, quite handso, no?”
Lindra shrugged, “It’s a bit much for my tastes.”
I carefully strapped my armor on, making sure every buckle was tight and secure.
“Don’t you risk sickness in the cold?” Lindra asked.
“That's if you use unclean water and don’t properly dry yourself.” By the ti I was finished, the sun was almost gone. “Co, let’s join the others by the campfire.”
I turned to see Morah sitting by the fire, smiling at serenely.
~
We sat around eating roasted peasant, even Korin had slightly less poise as she sated her hunger.
“I think it's about ti,” Morah announced.
“About ti for what?” Caan asked.
“Oh, co now. Ti for everyone to admit what they’re reward is. If everyone unanimously agrees, I'll go first.”
Korin answered, “Such discussion is unnecessary.”
Morah grinned. “Oh, but I insist. Since I don't trust a lot of you. Especially you, dear knight.”
Korin actually looked offended, “So, you trust the Magus?”
“Any woman who can go bare arse naked not ten feet away from is not a woman hiding much. You, lady knight, haven't even taken off your helt.”
“Why is she more suspicious than the Magus?” Caan asked.
“The magus only cares about the reward, so long as I’m necessary, she’ll not kill . Hells, that performance was enough to know she doesn't fear in the least. But the lady knight here is hiding behind her pretty armor. There’s sothing about her that I don't like.”
She looked at him with disgust, “Perhaps, unlike most of your associates, you are unused to individuals with decency.”
Nara laughed without humor, “ Decent, what decency is there in sticking your nose up at us at every turn?”
“Murders, rapists, northern barbarians. What decency is there?”
‘I suppose this would boil over eventually. I’m not the only one who noticed her constant sneers.’
“And what about you, parading yourself around in that pretty armor? What makes you so great?” Lindra asked.
Korin didn't answer for a few monts. She took a deep breath to calm herself, then said, “We are on a mission. We do not need camaraderie or trust. Once this is complete, we will go our separate ways.”
Morah pulled a knife, “As far as I can see, everyone has a use, but you. Armor and swords won't an shite against the dragon. Hell's the Magus is the one doin' the cooking, and the Sava-Andregy are the ones bringing to food. I'm sure as hells don't want you watching my back, so tell us, other than being another sword, what use are you?”
‘He does have a point. This doesn't seem like a performance from Morah either. It seems like genuine dislike.’
All eyes were on Korin. Without an answer, Morah kept speaking, his smile becoming vicious. ”That armor looks nice. I bet I can get a fine price for it. This is a dangerous mission after all; they’re bound to be accidents.”
The tensions were hot as Korin reached for her blade.
“We are far from our goal, Morah. No need for this.” Norah finally said. I had almost forgotten his brother, watching the drama unfold.
“Yes, just sit, Morah, no need to provoke Korin. We all have secrets.” Caan said, trying to douse the situation.
Morah, however, seed unwilling to back down, and Korin's eyes were as hard as steel.
‘I suppose I should step in.’
“Speaking as soone who’s killed a noble of high standing and a Magus. I don’t recomnd it. As for usefulness, she might an little to us, but much to our employer.” Everyone seed to have forgotten I was there.
“What are you talking about, Myr?” Morah asked.
“Does she know who they are?” Lindra asked.
“How do you know this?” Caan demanded.
The questions were piling on top of each other. “It was a simple puzzle.” I gestured to the ground. “Sit, I’ll explain.”
That seed to calm everyone down. And slowly the fight seed to end. Korin remained silent; anything she said would have simply confird my words.
“First is her armor,” I said, gesturing to her armor. “Most of it is enchanted, aning it was enormously expensive. Only the wealthiest and most connected families can procure it from the magisterium. However, I said most; the breastplate is not enchanted, yet the armor matches. What does that tell us?”
Norah answered, “It was sold, lost, or stolen, and she got a replacent.” I nodded.
“Yes, then her family, provided they had the connections, could replace it with proper enchanted steel; they didn't. aning her family has fallen in standing, she wouldn't be the first noblewoman to sell enchanted items if necessary.”
“That could an her family is rich and well-bred, not that she’s a noble.” Morah countered.
“True, however, I’ve actually been around noble won. The arrogance, pride, sense of superiority, and etiquette training, so entrenched in her very being that even now, she can't help but sit demurely." I said, gesturing to her. “She’s been trained as a noble, but took up the sword rather early. Probably to defend her ho or sothing. She’s clearly been in battle, so she’s not the heir. ”
“How many people do you think have the power and influence to compel a noble lady to go out on this journey. And most damning of all, why did she not have any reaction to her reward?”
“She could just be good at hiding it?” Lindra asked.
I laughed, “She couldn't hide her disgust of us, leading to this very confrontation. Not even from the first mont could she effectively hide it. And I'm supposed to believe that the only ti she could hide her feelings was learning her reward. No, too convenient; she already knew.”
Nara, looking irritated, asked. “Why bother then?”
“We were all chosen at random, and everyone could have walked away. Anyone with sense would make sure they have soone in the group whom they could rely on to ensure the success and that we deliver.”
I spoke again. “Combine that with the small number of people who can influence a noble lady and who could fund this entire operation. Then she must know.” I smiled, “A noble woman forced into this situation clearly has a desire to help her family in so fashion. Perhaps she wants to be the heir, get a higher standing, or sothing else equally as aningless. Either way, it needs approval from soone of higher noble standing. Probably her liege lord. That ans her Liege lord is either our employer or is working for her employer. Which leaves seven possible answers. One of the five dukes, the magisterium, or the imperial court.”
I stared up at the sky, my mind far, “This isn't for coin. We are part of a greater ga here. One involving powerful nobility, and if my guess is correct, the magisterium.” I stared at Korin intensely. “Tell I’m wrong.” Korin was stone-faced.
“As expected, this situation was accounted for. I imagine the only way she would talk is through torture; even then, it would be difficult to know if she speaks the truth. If I were the mysterious benefactor, I would have leverage so strong that not even torture would drag the information out of her.”
I smiled at her, “I bet she has orders to kill us all if it becos clear that we intend to steal the gem. Or even worse, near the end of the journey, so there are no witnesses. It’s sothing I would do. I bet she will start with while we are resting. The only question left was what was the greater objective?”
I stood and walked towards her, “Go ahead, tell them I’m wrong, that my words are untrue. You can’t, can you?”
Every eye looked at her with accusation, her lack of response solidifying it as truth. In fact, even denying it would make it true; I trapped her. The only way out would be the truth, which she can't give.
“We should kill her now, we don't actually need her to deliver, ” Morah said.
I smiled and walked over to the Andregi, sitting down close to them, “Why should we? Are you more trustworthy than she? Am I to believe that you started this whole argunt for no reason? Our little group was stable before you started speaking. Don't lie to my face and tell us that it was just a spur-of-the-mont decision.”
Everyone, even Korin, looked at him in a new light. He deflated and sighed, “Fine then, I’ll admit it, I hate her constant sneers, I wanted to teach her a lesson.”
Caan stood angrily, his massive form dwarfing everyone else, “Neither of you is to be trusted. One is a betrayer and one who creates conflict to suit his own base needs.”
Nara spoke up, “ We make the watch in pairs, always with at least one Andregi. After getting the gem, only Caan carries it; no one else.”
‘Perfect, I knew they would imdiately assu I was on their side. I can use this.’
I hid a smile and said, “I have a suggestion to mitigate the risk.” Caan, Lindra, and Nara nodded for to speak. “First, are any of your rewards heavy or require significant transport?”
“Aye, ours, a full carriage load,” Caan said.
“Very well then, after we’re a day’s walk from Tar town, Lindra, Nara, and I will bury the gem, and only we will know the location. Then we return to Orian to retrieve our rewards, and then we pass on the note in exchange, which will lead to a second note that will contain the location of the gem. However, on that second note will be a circuit that will destroy it if I am rendered unconscious or dead.”
I looked at Korin, “Korin can validate the first note. But not the second. We must never give them a chance to kill us. The location of the gem is our protection. With it, we can be long gone before they can eliminate us.”
“How do we know that the location in the notes will be accurate?” Korin asked.
“Lindra and Nara will verify both, and I'm sure neither of them would want trouble coming to their clan for betraying a deal. Morah and Norah need this deal to be legitimate, yes?”
They both nodded.
”And of course, this deal is pointless if our employer kills us all to hide their secrets.” My voice beca cold, “If this isn't agreed upon now, my lady, this quest ends here.”
Korin sighed, realizing that no one was on her side, “Very well.”
“We watch her every move; she must never touch our food or water. She is a betrayer in the waiting.” I said to the Andregi. They firmly nodded to , then their eyes focused on Korin, filled with distrust.
‘That was almost too easy. I just need to find a chance to take both the gem and the occularums. If necessary, I’ll kill every single one of you and keep it all for myself.
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