Chapter 33

After greeting Jerkytin, I look over to see Leona holding the Egg protectively, Sora perched atop the egg, contentedly purring. They seem to be doing what I can't right now. Melfina greets Jerkytin as well, but informs him with a glance at Yun that we do not have the information yet. With a dismissive wave of his hand, Jerkytin embraces his old friend, and asks him where he has been hiding. Smiling, Yun quickly replies, “Jail.”
“Oh. Well. Yes of course.” Jerkytin concedes. “Listen. These folks here are fighting the good fight.” nodding over at the three of us. “Standing up against the war, helping out the Bards guild. They are good people. Listen Yun. The Witch hunters are back, and it's getting bad out there.”
Yun introduces The goblins to each other, and they immediately launch into complaints into the seasonings of the city. I tune them out, checking in on Leona and Max, seeing if anything happened while I was gone. Hearing that everything was running as normal, I get to work cleaning everything off as I normally do when getting back to the shop. Field cleaning is normally good enough, but nothing beats good shop maintenance. I tune back into the conversation while I clean the remains of the muck off my gear.
“With the Bards guild not being able to operate in public much anymore, we are working more with other organizations, like the undertow and sometimes the sanctum.” Jerkytin was finishing. If they want to have a place to go, they have to gain favor with one or the other. With both Big Geno and Yun being involved with the Bards, if they got into trouble there wouldn't be many people who would be able to help them. Ideally they would be able to get in well with both organizations. As Yun was never part of the Undertow, Jerkytin advises that we approach the Sanctum, and get Yun building some credit in town so he has someplace to stay.
Dropping the hint about Vandrin, Jerkytin tries to get Yun to spill the beans, but Yun clearly isn't ready yet. Asking about what all he can find here in town, Jerkytin informs the newcomers that they can stay at a few of the inns here in town, and the Hunter's guild will sometimes put people up who have taken on contracts. Standing to take his leave, I see the fire happy Goblin drop his hand into his pocket before shaking hands with Yun. A small white pearl transfers from one Bard to the other. Probably just something to pawn if he gets in trouble, I put it out of my mind.
Deciding to stay here at the shop, I let everyone else go off to the Sanctum to figure out plans for the two new comers. Something tells me that I am going to be leaving for more trips in the near future, and I want to spend what time I can here at the shop. I know that things will change. People move on, and have their own plans. But that doesn't mean I can't enjoy this, and I don't see why I would have to go to the Sanctum. Melfina and Marda will pick a worthy quest for us all to undertake.
After a few hours, I receive a message from Melfina. We are going to hunt creatures that have been bothering the new train station at Smallville. Those large beaked birds we encountered before have banded together apparently into a large flock. Large enough that someone needs to go out and take care of them. We would leave in the morning. Letting Max and Leona know, we kept working through the day. I had responsibilities to them too, being part of this shop. I half expected to see part off the group come back to talk with us, but no one showed, and it was a quiet night.
The morning came all too early. I was up and ready to go when they came to collect me. Gathering our mounts we start heading out in the direction of Holden's compound to collect Ricky. With Bellia already out working for the day, and the knowledge that she would be more unhappy if I was to distract her in the middle of work, we head to Smallville. Asking about the contract, a small flock of these birds have been bothering the people trying to set up for the new train route between Cherwood and Laketown. With the name of a contact to find, we settle in for a long ride.
And a long ride it was. While friendly enough, I could tell the the bond between the two new members and the three of us still wasn't strong enough to feel trust. While talk was open enough, it was not personal talk as one would with a close friend. We were still feeling each other out. Night watch was tough too. Marda and Yun took first, while Melfina and Big G took second. I could overhear Geno saying that telling jokes to Melfina was like talking to a sentient tree. Marda grumbled to Melfina that Yun was looking for a clean rock to sit on, not wanting to take watch sitting in the filth. I was lucky enough to take watch with the turtle. While the turtle did suddenly appear on the opposite side of camp, I figured it had seen a pebble that resembled a berry or the like, and had charged over to investigate. Not like it could have flown over. Whoever heard of that.
Finally arriving late afternoon, we ride up top the train station to find it abandoned. With no one in sight, we are about to dismount when I hear a rustling behind us. Turning to look, I see the flock has come up behind us. Nearly a Dozen of vicious, man sized birds with sharp beaks run toward us spread out in a V. Without thinking, I turn Mittens and call forth a large sphere of fire in the middle of the flock, trying to separate them, so we can tackle them in smaller groups. Plus the fire may make some of them flee. I start to reach back to draw my battle axe.
Before my hand ever touches it, a flute comes in with a sharp crescendo. Quick, piercing notes ending in a high trill, and something pierces my flaming sphere. As if someone has pushed a needle through a ball of linen, I see a small dimple in the large ball, before an explosion comes from behind the sphere, directly in the middle of the flock. Intense heat spreads from the center of the eruption at a rapid pace, engulfing the birds, and nearly spreading to me. Some of mittens longer hairs curl away from the heat, and if I had been caught in it, I know it would have burned me.
When the dust settled, a small crater was left over and bodies were spread out from the crater. Some of them were just parts of bodies. My own fireball was obviously not needed, and I let the connection go, effectively removing the fuel from the fire. With nothing left, we all just sit in the sudden silence. The blast had stopped all creatures in the area from making noise, and that was the only reason we heard the small gasp from inside the train station. Turning, we all see as someone's head ducks down from a window. Crap. Towards the town, some distance off, a Pack of raptor riders also starts heading in our direction, obviously attracted by the blast. Double crap. How much did they see?
Yun and Melfina head to the train station to see who that was, and the rest of us make sure all the birds are taken care of, and wait for the raptor patrol. After only a few minutes, with the raptor pack still several hundred yards off, Yun comes back out. Telling us that Terri, our contact was in there, they tell us that Melfina is handling it. Marda and I share alarmed looks, and I tell her I will take care of it. Smallville is a mostly Halfling village, she may get along with the incoming patrol better. Entering the station, I find a hysterical Terri trying to find an explanation as to what she just saw. A human woman, plain dirty brown blonde hair, and the normal attire of someone from Cherwood.
“How did you get that mine to go off so quickly?! I mean I didn't even see you put it down, there was just an explosion! That was a mine right? Or was it some other type of weapon? There was so much Fire!”
“Yes” I respond. There was an improved mine, that I lit with my fire breath. I'm a dragonborn, see? I can breathe Fire.” Sure whatever lady, if she wants to think it was an improvised explosive, that means it couldn't have been magic.
“All those birds are dead now right?” she breathed, “They were causing so many problems, nearly everyone had quit.”
“Yes. They have all been destroyed.” Melfina says, trying to sound reassuring. I knew she was trying anyway.
With a few calming breaths, and the knowledge that the danger was gone, Terri begins to calm down and we are able to go out to see who the Raptor riders are. Knowing full well they are going to be guards of the town, I am pleasantly surprised to see Elana, captain of the guard. Happily waving to her, we join the rest of the group and I ask her how her brother is doing. While he was a lycanthrope now, it doesn't mean he wasn't still her family. After a short, polite conversation, and finding no one hurt, and aggressive birds dispatched, we are invited back to the town to spend the night in the protection of the barn. Warning both Yun and Geno to stay inside during the night, we have a quiet night with our mounts and the hay.
Not much happened on the way back to town the next couple of days. With the normal amount of foot traffic we would pass several groups a day heading away from the city, and we timed it so we were not traveling with a group. While it would have been safer, should brigands have been out, there would have been questions about Ricky. A goblin riding a bear would have been distinctive enough. A goblin riding a metal bear would have had even the most timid traveler asking questions
Without any major event, we find ourselves back at Holden's compound after a day and a half of leaving Smallville. As everyone here in the compound is willing to overlook whatever Ricky runs off, as long as they can look at the creation closer, and He doesn't make a mess, we can leave him here. Easier than trying to take him into the city for now. Getting the rest of us into the city however, was a bit more difficult this time.
Trying to act as nonchalant as possible, I didn't notice whatever Yun did to one of the gate guards, but a ruckus came about, ending with the guard leaving his post in tears, shouting something about quitting the job. Looking over at Yun, I see them simply rocking on their heels, whistling while waiting to pass through the gate. Deciding I would rather not know, I simply go through when told to. We decide to drop the mounts off, then go to the sanctum to turn in the quest. Without any trouble getting there, we collect the reward, and divvy up the gold. With a bounty of 50 gold, we get 10 each. Not bad for a week of work, most of it being travel. Turning to leave, we stop when there comes from behind us a quiet, but deliberate throat clearing.
Yun stands apart from us, their hands crossed. The fingers of one hand seem to be tapping impatiently, but I notice there is a rhythm. As if fingering an instrument. “I am almost ready to give you the information you seek, but I need something first. I want you to hand over one of your most important possessions.”
Looking at Marda and Melfina, we stand there flabbergasted. None of us really have anything. Neither of the ladies have much of anything but what they brought with them to live. Clothing and weapons. I don't really have anything either. My meager possessions were all back at the shop. Nothing there I would call prized either. No Thing I had owned for that long besides various tools... Oh. I did have something. Something I had cared for most of my life. An object that had changed my life dramatically in so many ways. Destroyed so many lives, and ruined so many relationships.
I reach behind me and pull my battle axe into my hands. Widening my stance to steady myself I squarely face Yun. I could feel the tension rise as the rest of the group saw me, and even passerby in the Sanctum. A bit of apprehension appeared in Yun's face, but this is what they asked for with this ridiculous requirement. I stretch out my arms, and offer them the axe.
“I believe this will meet your requirements.” I hear myself say. I had to force myself to let go of it. Max had made me that axe before he left the Black Legion. Before I had “earned my title”. I had carried that axe the last time I would ever see my father. The symbol of my brothers of the Legion and my only companion for a time after I left them.
Pushing away the odd numbing sense that had suddenly overcome me, Yun still stands before me, closing the curious little jewelry box they carry, my battle axe gone. “Very well” they say, “I will be ready to give you the information in the morning. We will meet at your shop. Geno, I have heard of a few inns I would like to visit. Let's get out of here.”
Knowing the ladies would be staying here at the sanctum tonight, I bid them a good sleep, and also took my leave. Heading home, I felt off balance. I could still summon the moon-blade axe, but there seemed something special about that. I didn't want to be showing it off. I could feel something more from it. Almost like a Trust, or Promise when I held it. A Pact. The fact that it glowed would give it away as something special, and I now lacked a regular weapon.
When I got back to the shop, I knew what I needed. Finding Max reading a book, I ask what he had done with that glaive. “Oh, Uhh yeah. It's ready to use. It's over in the corner with the rest of the finished products.” he responds rather absently. “Why? Does someone need it?”
“I do” I respond. “My axe is no longer available.”
Max immediately looked up from his book alarmed. Leona looked over from the kitchen where she had been making something for herself. Working late again, I would have to talk to her about pushing herself too hard. A worried look on her face, I answered the unspoken question. “It was required for important information.” I go over to find it behind the barrel of blades. The long blade now polished, it resembled black glass on the end of the six foot handle. Longer than I was tall, I would have to carry it in a free hand, more like a walking stick for an old man. Maybe it would suit me more than I thought, since I suddenly felt very weary. Deciding I would make a sheath of my liking tomorrow, I set it aside with the rest of my gear, grabbed a stale roll and some jerky from the store-box, and retire for the night.
Sleep didn't come easy, and when it finally did, it wasn't restful. Waking up early and unable to fall asleep again, I got up to make a sheath for the glaive. Max had made a temporary one, but I needed something that could stay on the blade snug enough that it wouldn't flop about when I walked or ran, but came off when I needed it too. Melfina and Marda showed up shortly after the sun had come up. They both settled down to see what Yun was going to do today.
We didn't have long to wait. I had only started to start the sheath when there can a knock at the door. Only one. Bracing myself, I opened it to find Geno standing in front of the shop door. Yun I didn't notice at first as they were unmoving. What I did see as soon as Geno stepped aside was a large crucible full of molten liquid sitting on the street with Yun standing next to it. Very briefly trying to figure out where Wither of them would have got a trough full of molten liquid, those thoughts were interrupted by a flourish from Yun, as they pulled out my battle axe.
“As the secret you so desire could cost me greatly, I will take this treasured item and melt it to nothingness to see if you are a mortal to be trusted.” the bard announces, and with that, I watch as part of my life is dropped into the liquid inferno.
A myriad of emotions quickly pass through me. Rage. Sorrow. Loss. Helplessness. A feeling of a time to move on, that it was meant to be like this, but after each other emotion, Rage came back stronger than the previous time. The sound of metal grating together, and wood splintering as my right hand tightened on the door frame. I see the brass inlay, made to look like flame, dance from the intense heat. The sorrow starts to build, and spiral with the rage. Smoke begins to seep out of my nostrils, my snout burning from the heat. I release the door frame with my right hand to summon the great axe, only to steady myself with the left hand from the sudden vertigo. As the moon-blade axe comes into my hand, I hold it in front of me. “Don't you know anything about blacksmith's! We can make our own tools” I snarl out. The last of my axe burned as it fell beneath the yellow glow.
I can feel my limbs shaking from adrenal overload. My legs started to sag, shoulders slump. Just as I was about to ask what all that proved, when that very question was answered. “I know I can trust you with my life, as you had trusted me with that treasure.” They pull the small jewelry box out from behind them while talking. “I also have spent the last two night traveling to a few inns and asking around about your group.” Reaching into the impossibly small box, the slender hand pulls out my battleaxe, still intact. Offering it to me, Yun addresses us, “I will now tell you what you would like to know.”
I stand in the door holding both of my my axes, my whole life in one hand, and potential for more in the other. My own influence had influenced the shape to nearly mirror the battleaxe, the brass inlay almost identical. The moon-blade was simply bigger, with a giant hammer head opposite the blade. A better weapon for me. Why had I not taken it up then? Hefting the battle axe, I set it on the hooks I had installed on the wall countless years ago, near the door. Below it is Max's giant mace. Both weapons that had seen more fights than anyone should. And they would both probably see more. Dismissing the Greataxe, and leaving the battle axe on the wall, I walk over to the others unarmed. Yun and Geno had come in while I had been reflecting.
With full attention, Yun launches into What they know about Vandrin. As it turns out, that knowledge is both a good amount, and very little. Yun isn't the only one we know who can change the way they look. Catching on that Someone at the docks was tipping the guards off, and after several months of investigating, Yun had an ID on who this person was. Or at least who they were at another job. AS they started to describe the person, I came to realize that Yun was describing one of the clerks at the temple of Daja, specifically the one who had handed me materials to give Holden a message at the council meeting, Cold spread through my body as I frantically tried to remember what I had done in front of that person. No wonder that no one knew who Vandrin is, they could change appearance at will.
Upon realizing that we had the information we had been working on, Melfina and Marda looked at me, and I simply looked back, not knowing what to do now. We had the information, but how would we talk to them. We didn't want to blow their cover, as that would pit them against us. We didn't want to do anything to attract attention, as that would bring the entire Witch hunting force down on us. The tales say that those who know Vandrin Either disappear, or end up in the Witch hunters. I for one didn't really want to do either of those. So. Now that we have caught the cart, what are we going to do with it?