Chapter Four

After waking, Jay picked up his few worldly possessions and set out from the cave, Kara and Bane flanking him as they moved through the forest. He slept longer than he thought, and night settled in as they trekked towards the road. They arrived as the following night was settling in, and set out in the southern direction, following along at the forest edge. The beasts of the forest could be heard throughout the night, but never once did the travelers encounter any, leading Jay to believe the road must be well defended and patrolled on a regular basis.

Night passed and the afternoon sun was high overhead, casting shafts of light down through the thinned canopy, before the man and his beasts encountered the first humans of this world. A large caravan of merchants and guards travelling south as well were slowly progressing down the road. All three faded into the deeper shadows as Jay listened intently to the chatter shared between both guards and merchants. He was pleased to discover they spoke a language he understood, before he realized the writing on the boxes and carts was not English, yet he could read and understand the letters. The knowledge must have been implanted when he crossed over, as he had little difficulty translating English phrases into this new language when he stopped to write them both in the dirt. The panther cubs watched Jay and the other humans curiously, staring over his shoulder as he puzzled out his new language skills.

It was an additional hour before he decided to approach the caravan. He had long since learned of their business, the competency of their guards and the hierarchy of leadership. He quietly, but quickly pushed ahead, his companions trailing him, equally as curious about these new humans. Brother Jay was the only pink animal they had seen before, so learning more about those of his kind was good in their opinion. He may be an adopted member of their family, but he was still different. A quarter of a mile ahead, around a slight bend, Jay left the trees, sitting next to the road after telling his friends to stay hidden and watchful.

Fifteen minutes later, the first guards rounded the bend and spotted Jay as he lounged beside the road. Words and orders were passed back and forth before the caravan was halted and they warily approached the stranger.

“Hail, friend.” The guard’s leader called from his horse a courteously safe distance away.

Jay stood and simply nodded in his direction as a greeting, keeping his hands in plain view. Taking the cue, the man rode up closer. What he saw made his brows furrow in confusion but he maintained his friendly disposition. The man in front of him was pure, tanned lean muscle. Both disheveled long hair and beard spoke of many a rough day, what was visible of his upper body was crisscrossed with scars, while his clothing and equipment were seemingly barbaric, made of furs, bones and claws. What caught his eye the most was the jet black fur he wore wrapped around his body.

“I’m Carl Johnson, the leader of this sad lot of guards and protector of this even sadder lot of merchants. It’s dangerous to travel this road alone, friend. Might I ask your business here?” Jay cocked his head to the side for a moment. That was a really good question. What exactly was his business here?

“I’m Jay…” He cocked his head to the side as he hesitated for a brief moment. He had not spoken with another human in a while. It was strange. “I have a story, but it is a long and strange one, and would take longer to tell than standing here would allow.” He waited another moment as he collected his thoughts. “I know I am a stranger to you, however, I would greatly appreciate it if I could travel amongst you to your next destination.” He had watched Carl and knew he was a good man and effective leader, and that his guards and these merchants were not as sad as he implied. He hoped he would be able to openly travel with them. It would allow him to gather much information and learn more about this world.

Carl hummed thoughtfully before making a decision. “I would not mind, however I must ask the caravan leader. I would also have to ask you to relinquish your weapons for the duration of our time together, should he agree.” Jay nodded. He had expected as much. With his assent, Carl spun his horse around to visit the caravan master. Several minutes passed before an exceedingly fat man atop a struggling horse joined Carl. Both approached but it was the caravan master who spoke first.

“Jay, is it?” Jay nodded. “I am Nial Gemstone of the Gemstone merchant group. I have heard what Carl has said but I would hear it from you as well before I make a decision. I would also require you to work for me for the duration of our trip. You will be compensated for your work, two meals and ten copper a day is the standard agreement.” Jay repeated his previous statements to the man, readily agreeing to whatever work was needed.

“Good. Then we have a deal. We have another four days before we exit the forest proper and an additional six to the town of Shren. I will be mostly indisposed for most of the trip, so if there is anything else to discuss we should handle it now.” Carl had gestured back towards the caravan which began shuddering along once more.

Jay relinquished his makeshift weapons to the guard leader before addressing Nial once more. “There are two things I should inform you of before you depart.” Nial nodded his acknowledgement. “First, I can read and write. I do not know if that will be valuable to you, but they are skills I possess. Second, I have two companions who travel with me, however, before I ask them to reveal themselves, you must promise not to draw any weapons against them as I assure you they will not harm you without my consent.”

Nial shot a look at Carl who shrugged. “Reading and writing are indeed useful skills. I will most likely have you assist with cataloguing our new goods, as our scribe, Tannus is quite over worked at the moment. As fitting with your skills, I’ll also pay you fifty copper a day. It is less than what is normal but meals are still included.” Jay bowed his head slightly in thanks. “However, this is all a moot point depending on your companions. I can agree to allow you passage due to your skills, but two more would be a burden.” The caravan had started passing them as the conversation continued.

“I assure you they will not be burdensome. They are quite self-sufficient.” Jay turned back towards the trees. “Bane, Kara, come say hello but don’t spook the horses.” Carl and Nial’s eyes expanded to the size of dinner plates as the two jet black beasts left the shadows of the forest. “Shira protect us! Drenz!” Nial gasped as Carl moved to draw the blade at his hip.

“Do not draw your sword! They will not harm you.” Jay spoke with authority, causing Carl to hesitate. The horses snorted, pawing the ground nervously as the Drenz, Jay now knew, sat beside him. “These are my companions. They are completely harmless, as long they and I are not threatened. They will require no food but will most likely appear when we stop at night. They do not like to sleep alone.” Jay smiled fondly as he scratched Bane behind the ear. Both men were speechless as they stared at the man.

Carl recovered first by clearing his throat. “Ah, I don’t have any problems with it as long as they don’t spook the horses.” Nial quickly agreed on the condition Jay tell his story later that night. Ever the merchant, Jay humorously thought. With business concluded, Kara and Bane melted back into the forest while Nial beat a hasty retreat to his wagon. Carl openly relaxed at that. “Let me get you set up with a meal, perhaps some real clothes, and introduce you to Master Tannus. The men won’t believe a damn word of this until tonight.” Carl shook his head as he turned toward the front of the caravan, Jay following behind.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Shira was bathing when her attention was suddenly drawn to one of her most devoted subjects. A merchant had sent a heartfelt plea for protection. When she looked down upon the scene she couldn’t help but laugh. Her interesting little human had finally found others and had promptly frightened them near death when his Drenz had popped up. It was an amusing sight to say the least.

Shira could hear Daphenious roaring with laughter in the world view room down the corridor. He had spent most of his time, almost as much as her, watching her little mortal with interest within her heavenly mansion. She knew he was aware of the plea for help, which was probably why he was in hysterics. The plight of other god’s followers was always a source of amusement for the divine beings. Daphenious’ original interest in Jay had worried her slightly before she realized, as the god of interesting things, he would naturally find her little human an entertaining pasttime. Now, it was simply nice to have someone who could share her secret, even if it was her older brother. Shira watched the scene for a little longer as Jay set about his work cataloguing goods for Nial before climbing from the water and toweling herself dry.