Xerte

Xerte watched the young man before him suspiciously. The Baron's son, Jasper, had joined the convoy on the way out of Quarestor, but he had been shifty, fidgeting constantly and keeping an eye on the outside. The man had no idea that he had drawn the attention of the entire carriage to himself.

Finally, losing patience, Xerte said, “What is it that you are looking for, Jasper?”

Jasper turned to Xerte, surprise all over his face, “Oh, nothing, honored Adventurer, I just, um, like looking outside. The woods calm me.”

“Well, they seem to be failing to do so now. Perhaps we should try heading to one of the inner carriages?” Xerte suggested, watching as Jasper’s expression changed, panic seeping in.

“No, no, there is no need for that, I am quite fine here, honored Adventurer.” Jasper said.

“I insist, you are our guide after all, it wouldn’t do to let you fall ill like this.” Xerte said, smiling inside. What is it that you are looking for, Jasper?

“Um, there is no need for that, honored adventurer, I am just fine! Perhaps I can just go for a walk? I am sure that would calm me.” Jasper proposed. Go for a walk? What did he think this was, a country jaunt?

“Jasper. I am quite sure that you do indeed have something important for you in these woods. Why else would you be looking for it every few minutes? Now you have two options, either you tell me what you are waiting for, or I leave you stranded here. The choice is yours” Xerte said.

Jasper gulped at his words, turning to face Xerte, “Elodia. I told her to wait for me in these woods.”

“And I presume this Elodia is someone significant to you? Xerte asked.

“Yes, she is my betrothed. I proposed to her yesterday and hope to marry her in Westerlorn.” Jasper said, pruning like he was a peacock. Apparently, running away with little to no planning was something to be proud of.

“And I don’t suppose it occurred to you that I might be reluctant to allow an unknown person into the convoy?”Xerte asked.

“Elodia and I are a joint deal. I will leave if she is not allowed here.” Jasper said. Oh, what a brilliant idea that totally wouldn’t go wrong.

“And did it occur to you that what you think does not matter. I have a deal with your father, and if I so wished, I could just restrain you here, and you would be able to do nothing.” Xerte said.

Jasper’s eyes widened as he tried to bolt from the carriage, only to be restrained by Xerte. “Now, now, no running away. I will allow your betrothed, but I will interrogate her and the cost of her remaining will be taken out of your salary.” Jasper’s actions irritated him, but Xerte knew he needed him, and the Baron had warned him that a woman may tag along.

“I have a salary?” Jasper replied shocked.

“Not any more you don’t.” Xerte said as he got out of the carriage, the only reason he had entered it was to keep an eye on the brat, and now that the mission was accomplished there was no need for him to remain.

“I will tell the men to keep an eye out for her.” he said as left.

Altura

“So, what do you need, Elder Norvane?” I asked, trying my best to be polite. After returning from the still ongoing contest, I had found myself facing a waiting Elder.

“I think you are destroying the Medical Association.” the Elder said. Ok, that wasn’t what I expected.

“What do you mean, Elder?” I asked.

“The way you are administering the duchy, it’s stifling the Medical Associations’ growth. A healer needs to heal to progress, but the duchy has a distinct lack of injuries. The diseases are weak, the injuries are barely there, especially with your abundance of qualified personnel.” The Elder said. Well he had a point, but I did not see what I could do about it.

“And what would you have me do?” I asked.

“The Kingdom has plenty of people, let us go there.” the Elder said, finally getting to the point.

“And how would that work exactly? The duchies there are still hostile, you know. And doubt the King will just allow people to go around healing randomly.” I answered.

“I will deal with the duchies, and the healing won’t be random, the Association will be charging for it. And pay tax for it. The Adventurers can also be hired for safety.” The Elder said, his tone firm.

I sighed. I didn’t really have a reason to reject his well-thought-out proposal.

“I will agree as long as the King does. But a set number of personnel must remain here for emergencies.” I said, as I called the King. A few minutes later, a hologram of the King appeared before me.

“Archduchess. I hear that the convoy is doing well. What have you calling me today?” the King asked.

“I would like to ask permission to allow the Medical Association to offer medical services inside your borders.” I asked.

“What kind of medical services?” The King asked back.

“The kind where people pay them to heal?” I said questioningly.

“Ah, I see. I have no issue with that, though I cannot protect you from the duchies.” the King said, giving me the distinct impression that he had no idea what scale I was talking about.

“I will handle the protection. And thank you for your co-operation.” I said as I switched it off.

“Well, Elder Norvane, it would seem that you have your permission.” I noted. The Elder only replied with a nod before promptly leaving. What a cold man.

Xerte

“So, you are miss Elodia?” Xerte said to the woman before him.

“Yes, honored adventurer. I am very grateful that you allowed me on the convoy.” the woman said. Xerte had to admit, she was beautiful, not extremely so, but there was a certain grace about her that belied nobility. A trait that should not be visible in the daughter of a shoe cobbler. So either this woman was a natural talent or she was not who she said she was.

"I must say, you look far too noble for the daughter of a shoe cobbler, miss Elodia. I wonder how you can afford that dress of yours, the material is one of the most expensive offered by the convoy, and getting it stitched in hours is a feat indeed.” Xerte said. A dress took days to stitch, unless done by magic.

“Oh, this was a gift from Jasper. The dress is actually quite old, he bought it for me off one of your merchants. I just added a few ribbons and made some modifications, so it fits. I haven’t worn many dresses before, but I know how they work.” Elodia replied.

“And you decided to wear it in the woods? And managed to not let it be torn, even in the woods. I must say I am impressed.” Xerte asked. The premise was highly suspicious.

“Oh, you joke, honored Adventurer! I could never manage to travel in a dress. I changed into it while I was waiting for you.” Elodia said, opening her bed to reveal a crumpled piece of clothing.

“I shall take you to your word then. But you have yet to explain to me how you act like someone who has had formal training in court etiquette.” Xerte asked, pacing aroungd the woman.

“But I did have formal training. I might not have a father to provide for me, honoured adventurer, but my mother has always wished better for me. A few years ago she procured the services of a noble governess to teach me how to act like a proper lady. I have been training since. “ Elodia replied, her tone innocent, suspiciously so.

The entire conversation till now had been controlled by this woman. Xerte was not sure what training this woman had, but he did know that she was an expert at human interaction. The chances of gaining anything worthwhile from her were negligent.

And Xerte could not hold her training against her either, it had clearly shown results. What it did do, was make him pity Jasper. Elodia was using him to raise her social status.

“Well, miss Elodia. I have no choice but to let you go, but be warned, if you cause any nuisance within the convoy, you will be ejected.” Xerte said as he took his seat, dismissing her.

“I assure you, sir, you will face no problems from me.” Elodia said as she left.

Xerte sat on his desk, massaging his head. The journey was becoming more and more complicated, with unpredictable factors emerging left and right. And he was far away from home with little support.

The Rotere guards, he supposed, could reach him, but he doubted they would. No, Xerte was the one that had to deal with whatever challenges that came against him on this journey.