At the inn the members of the convoy filled the common mess area on the first floor. Up above on the second in one of the rooms at the end of the hall a meeting was underway.

“Maati, do your scouts have anything to report? We assume we have posted a watch and that our people have had eyes on the streets since our arrival.” The Scholar gazed out the window, observing the stars shining brilliantly in the night sky.

As Maati assembled her reports everyone else took the chance to enjoy their dinner. As they had spent weeks on the road, camping along the forest trails or at some of the sparse villages along the way, it wasn’t often they got to enjoy a warm meal. Luckily the Elurian Grove tended to cater to traveling members of the upper strata, wealthy merchants, landowners, lower nobility, and it showed.

Dinner was a simple lentil soup with a hint of salt, accompanied by slices of pita and crushed chickpeas. These accompanied the main dish which was a cooked sea bass in tomato sauce resting upon a bed of greens with a sprinkling of pine nuts. Access to a warm bed, a wooden tub to bath themselves and fresh caught fish helped to ease some of the tension among those present. A preferable alternative to the stews, soups, dried meats, and coarse bread they had grown accustomed to, at least for one night.

As the others enjoyed their meals and eased into their seats the Scholar reached into one of his pockets, extracting a folded sheet of weatherworn paper. Unlike the papyrus scrolls that were prevalent throughout the land, what the Scholar held was much thinner and square in shape. Some of the squares had a slightly brown hue, while others were bone white.

Other than these sheets of paper being a unique development, this particular sheet was unfolded to showcase a detailed map of the eastern portions of the island of Syroneika. The main marked points were Temrenos in the South, Myrmien along the coast to the north of Temrenos past the thick forests. With the Capital of Merlabria in the northeast, situated between the Naulos mountain range in the west and the sea to the east. The map was extremely detailed, depicting a rough estimation of elevations and terrains throughout these regions.

The document possessed vital information, as anyone in command of a force of any size would understand just how important intelligence was and is. Having access to a detailed map, drawn to imagine a bird’s eye view of the terrain, one of the operational regions, another for possible battlefields, and yet another detailing possible supply routes in times of conflict. This meant that the convoy had detailed information on the surrounding area and the ability to make use of it if necessary.

Second was the maps, but more specifically the paper on which they were created that was of note. The paper was easier to produce and could be done in larger numbers than papyrus, plus they could be folded to conceal more easily. All this was ignoring its everyday uses, which would be a god send for philosopher’s and academics who could now more cheaply record their knowledge. Success of paper mills in Temrenos would mean sales to Kurtia colonies and the Althai federation in both the West and South of the island respectively. Even exportation through the port of Hegesistra to the wider world, all possibilities that would add another revenue stream for the thriving frontier.

“Lord Amyntas… My Lord?” The Scholar was so engrossed in staring at the map that Maatilani had to pinch his arm before he took notice. “What are you doing Maati? There is no need for that.” The Scholar had a relatively minor reaction, his skin was red as Maati had twisted quite a bit, yet the man did not show the usual response. Simply rubbing the reddened skin and shifting his full attention to the woman at his side, as if to say go ahead.

Maati simply exhaled, slightly shaking her head and turning back towards the room, “As I was stating earlier, the soldiers I have on watch have informed me of a number of suspicious individuals observing our lodgings. They have yet to approach, and our guard remains tight, but I do not feel comfortable. The restricted confines of the city will limit our fighting capacity, with the main concern the non-combatants that are traveling with us.”

Maatilani directed attention towards one of the maps, it was one illustrating the city of Myrmien. Although incomplete and lacking some areas such as the noble’s quarter, the map possessed a handful of landmarks, highlighting structures of importance, and the numerous paths and alleyways crisscrossing through the city. Observing the map one would notice the relative chaos present, planning was not a factor and the city simply built out as needed, many structures jammed relatively close to one another, a difficult environment to maneuver in.

“As our soldiers favor the bow, and our forces rely heavily on movement and skirmishing tactics, the streets and alleys here would significantly impede our abilities. If we are to be attacked, I would prefer it be in the open where we can make full use of our cavalry and ranged units.” Maatilani looked up from the map, her focus resting entirely upon the Scholar, “On my authority as your second in command, I had Timeaus begin the process for our departure. He is aware that he must keep his movements quiet and not to attract unwanted attention. This was done as soon as I was made aware of the situation upon our return to the inn.”

If Maatilani had been expecting to be reprimanded for overstepping her authority, then she was anticipating something that would never arrive. The Scholar looked favorably upon initiative within the ranks, many of the officers trained to think independently and adapt to changing situations on the battlefield. Malakos was also quick to respond, as everyone had sent orders to do their part in expediting the departure process or running interference to distract from the loading of the wagons. Everything was going smoothly for the most part and the initiative shown spoke well of the overall level of training of the soldiers and officers, which was not a big surprise.

“Were we able to sell any of the goods, and were we able to acquire the necessary supplies for the trip ahead… I really hope we don’t have a situation halfway to the capital.” This time it was not Maatilani but Malakos who responded, “Yes, my Lord. The soldiers were successful in the assigned tasks. Both Timeaus and I assumed the worst regarding what may happen, so we were able to retrieve the bounty as well as purchase all the goods needed… and with the additional funds from the sale of a portion of the bandit loot we were able to procure arms and armor for the battle slaves.”

As Malakos closed out his report Maatilani chimed in, “I would also like to mention that I had one our rangers make contact with Vexariz’s agent here in the city. Word has already been sent to Kyrnos requesting a transport ship for extraction. The meeting point will be northwest of the capital, along the Epiloan plateau. I specifically requested that they remain in Kyrnos for a day or two before departing, that should be calculating for the time it takes the message to reach the island and the ship to arrive.” Maatilani pointed toward the Epiloan plateau, a well-known feature of the terrain directly bordering the Merlabria. She then traced the tip of her finger along the coast, halting along a small stretch a few days’ ride from the city, a hidden cove that had been discovered a few years prior. “We will have a day or two at most to explore the capital before having to depart, the vessel can likely only remain anchored for a week at most awaiting our arrival.”

The officers began to discuss their plans among themselves, whereas Maatilani plopped herself down alongside the Scholar whose attention was still focused upon the map resting upon the table. “You did well Maati, having Vexariz send a ship is the correct course of action. The safest method would be by sea, even if there is a chance of encountering pirates along the way… We can disembark at Hegesistra, the new road between our village of Qarnam and their city should lessen the travel to a day on foot.” His was firmly placed upon the star which indicated the location of their home, Temrenos.

The Scholar then traced his fingers slowly down from that main point, following the thick blue line which represented the Basiane river down south. There at the southernmost tip, before the river turned back towards the Jormani forest lay Qarnam. A village built five years prior to facilitate trade between Hegesistra and Temrenos. More of a town now, Qarnam had prospered from the trade and maintained a large river fleet for transport between its mother city. “We can board a transport ship heading up the Basiane, that should be the quickest route home.”

Cupping his chin within his hand the Scholar glanced at his disciple, “My worry is everything in between, Xeander’s actions have been far too overt. That man is a coward and has been since the time we first met, someone else is backing him, and it must be a powerful force otherwise he would never dare to slight us in such a manner. It’s too coincidental, the summons to the capital, the continuous attacks, and the fact that we are separated from our main army and base of support.”

“I feel the same way my Lord, reports indicate the Archon’s health is waning. The princes are at one another’s throats, and nothing is being done about the pirate raids or the conflict spreading over the border from the Federation’s civil war. Our agents have reported that things have been escalating, conscription efforts have increased across League territory. At the moment the two prince’s factions are balanced, but who can say what will happen upon the Archon’s demise… And we must not forget the first snow is not far off, each year the beast raids have been getting worse along our borders, we must strengthen the defenses around the city and the peripheral villages before that happens!” By the end of her rant Maatilani was speaking loud enough for the others present to hear. More than likely a calculated decision on her part, as all needed to be aware of the danger’s they faced, as well as the strict time limit placed upon them.

Leaning in closer Maatilani brought her lip close to the Scholar’s ear before speaking, “What of Vishnamitra, I never thought we would see him again. Let alone in that condition, is there a way to save him?” The Scholar sat in silent contemplation; his eyes shut as he thought. “There is a way to save him, but it will take years and constant care within a proper facility. I can keep him alive during the trip, but the formula that man Lysias provided will only suppress the spread of the poison. I have my own concoctions that can help, but my supplies are limited. For now, we-”

The Scholar halted mid-sentence, distracted by the sound of footfalls rushing up the stairway and down the hall. Thumping of boots followed by the creaking of wooden planks echoed throughout the room. It was clear that the individual or individuals were heading here, even as their people were explicitly ordered not to disturb the ongoing discussions.

Two of the officers had already moved to take up positions along either side of the door, hands firmly upon the haft of their axes. Maatilani had instead taken up the position in front of the door, shield out front and spear ready, her body placed directly within the Scholar’s path so as to ensure his absolute safety.

The footsteps came to an abrupt stop on the other side of the thick oak door. No one made a move, each individual as still as a statue but taut as a bowstring. Each and every one prepared to lash out, instantaneously bursting into action. Now it was up to those on the other side of the door, was it one of their own, an employee of the inn, or someone else.