Chapter 124 – Choking Fire-point (3)

It was no surprise that there were many questions after what happened. Mia wanted nothing but to ask Zola how she attained such power. Archie knew about her power, personally witnessing it himself. Zola deflected most of Mia’s inquiries with a harsh tone. Mia was persistent so Zola just said that it’s her God’s blessing. She asked whose God does she worship, which she replied by saying she worships Shiva. Of course wasn’t a religious person. She only said, Shiva, because that was her augmentation. So in a way through Shiva, she can have the blessing of being able to punch through thick wooden floors with a stomp.

Joshua came to be. He woke up feeling his body bulky. Zola was done talking to them so she turned to Joshua and examined him for injuries. He was fine. He sustained minor scratches but it was slowly healing. Zola still bandaged him up. She dressed his wounds and patted his shoulder. He looked around. He found himself in this dense forest. He could spot something on the horizon. He wondered what it was first. But the flashes of explosion answered his question.

Joshua stood up gingerly. He asked Zola and she deduced that they may be near a battle zone. Barbados, who was familiar with Midland, told them that they are near the fringes of Midland where the Templars are fighting the Cagan natives. Barbados had this nasty expression as talks about the fight. Joshua looked up and he was able to spot black smoke ascending up to the skies.

There was no use staying around. Joshua still needs to go to the Maltius demesne in hopes of getting an audience. Zola had the same goal so she agreed to continue the journey. Archie, Barbados, the Cattus Sisters, and Mia were in favor of this. They were about to trek on when they spotted a band of refugees armed with flimsy flint-locks. They seemed to be unremarkable and poorly dressed. They looked like they have seen hell and when they noticed Joshua and the others. They hastily formed a line and told them to halt. Archie, the good person he was, was able to convince them to stand down. He asked what’s wrong and he learned that they were a stray band that wants to reach the safe zones. According to them, the place that Joshua and others are where the Cagan Natives are fighting the Midland Forces. They have been spearheading the territory and the refugees were forced to leave. They have been trying to get help but as things are. They have been unsuccessful and the Templars weren’t able to help with the Cagan Natives wrecking havoc.

Joshua found it odd that they didn’t have carriages or escorts. Barbados enlightened Joshua. He was told that the Cagan Natives that are fighting specialize in ambushes and cutting off supplies. And that they have mistaken the band as suppliers. Even if they aren’t, the Cagan forces didn’t take the chances.

Joshua thought how pitiful their situation was. He thought of just leaving them alone. But Zola, to his surprise, insisted on helping them. “They are poor people,” she said. Joshua did not understand why but seeing the look in her eyes. He could only give up gracefully. Archie was eager about helping them. Mia didn’t object. Barbados was neutral but warned that if they go with the band. Then they should expect ambush or raiders trying to get a piece of whatever wealth they had.

Zola still was sure about helping them. Joshua didn’t say anything and just followed what Zola wants. The band started trudging through the roads. Joshua had questions so he asked. “So why help them?” She looked at him. “I just want to. They, they remind me of those refugees back on earth. They looked so pitiful that I just want to help them. You know, we usually had to look at refugees and watch them helplessly. They remind me of those refugees so think of it as me making strange amends. Sorry that I have to drag you on this despite our goal.” Joshua shook his head. “No worries, you save my life. I’ll do what you want.” Zola smiled at that. “Thank you.”

The band continued for an hour before resting near a water source. The band made camp. They refilled their canteens and prepared food from their sacks. Joshua also made camp and use the little ingredients he had to cook a meal. Zola joined him and watched the band eat. The sun was slowly descending down. Barbados, who was familiar with the way Cagan natives act, told the band to quiet down. He ordered sentries around and made the fire keepers watch the fire so they won’t reveal their location.

Barbados walked to where the others were. He said. “This is a problem. We are not even in the middle of the battlefields and things are worst. Are you sure that you really want to safeguard them?” He turned to Zola. She kept her impassive expression and said. “Yes, I do. I am confident that I can.”

Barbados looked doubtful. “I’ve seen you fight and punch through a flying ship’s deck. I am confident in your ability to attack. But these are men and women that will slow us down and attract attention. It’s a band that practically says rob us. It’ll be hard to defend them.”

Zola kept her expression. “Yes, I am sure to defend them. Do you know the way?”

“I do,” said Barbados. “I can lead us out of this area. And I rather not fight the wars of others.”

“I see,” Zola nodded. Barbados inclined his head. “I’ll keep them safe. These folks are foolish to try and cross the hot zones with all the mortar and cannon fire are. Shit, if it weren’t for the women and children and someone as powerful as you then I might as well give up on them.”

There was weariness in Barbados’s tone. Joshua didn’t know what makes him had that tone. The short meeting concluded. The band had a silent night and luckily there were no bandits or stray artillery shells that killed them. The next morning, the band set out and was lead by Barbados.

Joshua was still paranoid about all of this. But if Zola wanted to do this, he couldn’t refuse.