“There were times I let go… did things I should not have, would not have, had circumstances been different or I would have taken the time to think it through." - Toren Eringer

An hour’s hard ride and they had yet to see anyone on the road.

“They must be travelling fast on foot. Perhaps they do have mounts after all? Or maybe they are cutting through the fields?” Eringer looked to his left where the harvest had already started. There were large open areas splattered amongst the grain. Traveling through would be slow, but not difficult on foot.

Ahead, Master!

On the horizon, silhouettes of humanoids were visible with the glow of one of the other moons setting before them.

“I count five. Do you agree?”

Yes, Master.

“I thought there were supposed to be four. At least, Samuel said he saw four.” He contemplated for a moment, deciding it did not change his plan. The sun was due to rise soon and it would be best to take them while it was still dark. “Can you pick up the pace?”

Sam surged forward before he finished the question.

Eringer picked up his shield from its spot on Sam’s side, happy to have it back. He readied it before drawing his sword. He then refreshed the illusion he had donned back at the inn. The illusion displayed a normal face, not the helmet he had donned.

They closed quickly, unnoticed until they were thirty paces away.

One of the silhouettes turned, hearing the pounding of hooves on the dirt. “Attack! Behind us!” The man tapped the person next to him as he fumbled at his side for a weapon.

The remaining humanoids reacted quickly, spinning around and reaching for weapons. The two on either end were already moving to get off the path.

The rider was upon them before they could manage to get formed up.

Sam crashed into two of the less prepared ones, knocking both off their feet.

Eringer swung at the man that spotted them, pouring magic into the blade as it struck. The accuracy of the blade combined with the magic and speed sliced clean through the man’s neck in a brilliant flash of light. The body collapsed and the head rolled off the dirt road.

The steed carried them straight through, whirling around for another charge as the four remaining recovered.

Among them, Eringer noticed a man who’s right arm ended in a stump just below the elbow.

That man was already off the road to the side, calling out to the others, “Get him!” He then leapt into the wheat field.

Not again! The mounted man motioned for Sam to follow.

What about the others?

Eringer looked to the other three, all were now standing and moving toward them. Let us take them quickly then go after him!

Sam galloped the short distance in an effort to charge through them once more. They were more prepared and she was slower this time around.

They easily ducked to the side, taking swings at the armored man as the horse passed. Two were able to get jabs under the plating on Eringer’s legs, coloring Sam’s white hair in blood on each side. The third attack bounced harmlessly off the shield.

The veteran cut the nearest man on the chest before reaching across his body and slicing another on the cheek.

Sam’s momentum again carried them past the group. She spun, then spurred forward once again, this time aiming just for one target. She ran into the only uninjured man, knocking him down and planting a hoof in his stomach.

The man tried to slice at her belly, but it was barely too far for him to reach.

Both standing Haren soldiers swung at the rider again. They aimed for deadlier strikes, but both struck only magical armor.

Eringer landed two slashes on the man already suffering a wound on the chest. The first down his torso, the second across the neck. Though it did not remove the man’s head, it was a fatal blow.

The last one standing took the opportunity to flee, running into the field to the north, opposite the amputee.

Seeing his comrades had either fled or died, the man under Sam dropped his sword. “I surrender! Please don’t kill me!”

Eringer looked out into the field to the south, but saw no sign of man that initially fled. Damnit!

Master? Perhaps this one can lead us to the others?

He dismounted. Yes… perhaps… He placed his sword hand over the cuts on each leg, healing the wounds in turn.

Sam removed the hoof from the man’s stomach. He visibly sighed and clutched what was surely bruised skin.

Eringer maneuvered the shield so it rested on the clip he had on his back. He then sheathed his sword and roughly grabbed the captive by the scruff of his neck. “You are going to tell me everything you know about that man that fled.” He pointed to the south. “And then you are going to tell me about what you Haren soldiers are doing here.”

The man’s eyebrows raised. “Who are you?”

Right… the disguise.

Eringer let his disguise fall, revealing his armor and helmet as they were without the illusion.

With widened eyes, it was clear he recognized the former Illarian Captain.

“Tell me, or there will be consequences.” He tightened his grip on the collar, roughly moving the man to a sitting position.

“Ah! Ok! I’ll tell you what you want, but you have to promise to let me go!”

“Very well. If you speak truthfully and tell me what I want to know, I will let you go.”

The man looked like he was gauging if Eringer was telling the truth or not for a few moments, then said, “The man that ran that way, “ he nodded his head south, “his name is Raynell. He…”

“Wait.” Eringer cast the spell Zone of Truth. “Start from the beginning please.”

The enemy soldier’s eyes were shifting and he knew he was functioning under a truth spell. “Um, as I was saying, Raynell. He was the man that ran south, toward the city. He’s, um, or rather he was, in charge of us. He wanted to get into Mith-Fell to, um, kill you.”

The veteran eyed the man skeptically. He was familiar with partial truths, and his spell did not prevent someone from leaving out information. “I bet he would want that. Why else? What were you all doing here in the first place?”

The other human was now sweating profusely, with his breathing rate increasing. “I want to remind you of your promise! You said you would let me go!”

“And I will. Now, tell me what you were doing here.”

“We were tasked, you see, with, um, a particular mission. The war may be over, but our particular, um, group was given orders after. We were to get into Mith-Fell and, um, cause trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Well, um, the kind that starts wars.”

“What specifically?”

“Um, I wasn’t privy to all the details, but there was a man that, um, we were supposed to meet. Now before you ask, I don’t know who! I do know it was at a tavern called The Giddy Gargoyle. I only remember it, um, because it was so strangely named.”

“When was the meeting supposed to take place? And who gave these orders to you?”

“Raynell gave us the orders and, um, someone above him gave him the orders. Raynell said any night the, um, informant, would be there and recognize us.”

“How would he recognize you?”

“We were supposed to give a, um, toast. And buy a, um, round for the bar. The toast, um, was, ‘May Carineye protect us all!’ Carineye is a, um, lesser deity followed by…”

“I am aware of the Goddess and her followers. Anything else that may help me catch Raynell and any others like you that may be running about?”

Though the man was less shifty than he had been a few minutes prior, he was still reluctant to speak. “Well, um, probably. I mean, I don’t know much, but I don’t know exactly, um, what you’re looking for. Raynell is missing part of his, um, right arm.”

Eringer was growing tired of the conversation. Every minute we sit here is another that Raynell gets closer to the city.

Then let’s go to the city, Master.

The veteran grabbed the man’s collar once again.

“Wait, you said you would…”

He swiftly shot out his left fist and knocked the man out with a gauntleted hand. “You are free to go.” As he turned, he heard Kraelyn call out.

He may cause problems if left to live.

Eringer was a little surprised to hear from her. “That may be true, but I do not break my promises.”

Master, who are you talking to?

Kraelyn. Sometimes she speaks to me through her sword. Let us ride for the city and speak on the way. The heavily armored man quickly looted the bodies for valuables, loading up what he deemed profitable.

Then, as best he could, he cleaned Sam up, covering up the blood that remained with gear.

By the time they got moving, the sun was up. The day looked like it would be a warm one. Perhaps one of the last for the year.

-

They filled each other in on what they had been through the last few days. Eringer asked many questions about her capture and eventual escape, curious about what occurred. He informed Sam of the questions he had.

How did they prevent our communication? Who did they work for? Was it connected to the tunnel organization at all?

The questions kept flowing, and neither had answers. It gave them even more to investigate. Though there was no question where they were going to start, Eringer was worried if the first step did not pan out.

The duo reached the gate, but not before the veteran donned a new disguise via his fresh ability. He decided to portray a fairly wealthy young noble from the north. One that would fit in quite well in Mith-Fell. He expected questions, but he could shrug them off pretty easily.

A middle aged human guard with a soft voice greeted him, “Hello there, young man! What business do you have in Mith-Fell?”

“Here for business, ma’am.”

She looked over Sam and the items that were visible. “A trader then? Very well, you may pass.”

Eringer nodded, “Thank you, ma’am.” Sam trotted through the open gate as he guided her with light physical direction. Though their mental bond needed no such signals, it was standard practice and would draw less suspicion of anyone looking a little too closely.

They turned down the first street, where Eringer set Sam up at a hitching post with a few other steeds. I will watch the gate for a while and see if he manages to get in. Let me know if you see anything odd.

Yes, Master!

He walked back to the north entrance to the city observing from a table outside a tavern where he slowly ate a meal.

By Eringer’s calculation, Raynell could arrive soon if he hustled to the city. Though if he took his time or went through a farther entrance, it would be hard to determine. While he waited, he refreshed his magical disguise before the hour was up when he found no one was looking his way.

The veteran sat through the mid afternoon, but saw no sign of the one armed man, so he went back to recover Sam. I know we turned in your armor when the war ended. What do you think of a new set?

Are you sure? That would cost a lot, right?

Yes, but we may have enough to trade here.

I would love some!

Eringer walked alongside Sam to the nearest blacksmith. He unloaded all the gear they had no use for and hauled it inside in three trips.

“Hi there, young one! Interested in selling all this?”

The disguised man looked up to see a rather strong looking elf, though he could not determine her age. “Yes, indeed. I have acquired some gear through…”

She held up her hand to stop him, “As long as you did nothing illegal, I don’t need to know.”

“Nothing illegal, no.”

“Perfect! This all looks decent to great quality. Let me help.” She grabbed some and put it on a large countertop that had many cuts and burns in the wood.

After they moved everything she gestured widely, then bowed. “Welcome to my workshop. Estelle Fairlorend, proprietor of this establishment.”

Oh, should have thought of a name before… “Pleasure to meet you, ma’am.” Eringer bowed, as well. “Brandon Gorland. I was hoping to sell this equipment and inquire if you would be able to build a set of armor for my steed.”

“Oh? Is the mount here? I would need to see them first.”

“Yes, right outside.”

“Excellent!” She grabbed some equipment before saying, “Lead the way, Mr. Gorland.”

Eringer led her outside to Sam.

“Oh my! She is lovely!” Estelle lowered her voice to a whisper, “A Celestial, if I’m not mistaken?”

“Very good! She is indeed.”

“Wonderful!” She raised her voice back to normal conversation level, “Let me just take some measurements here.” She spent several minutes doing measurements, whispering to herself, and writing down information in a small notebook. “I think I have all I need. Wonderful to meet you, ahhh...?”

“Sam.”

“Sam! Nice to meet you.”

Sam sneezed happily in response, neighing lightly.

Estelle pet Sam for a moment and then the two humanoids went back inside. “Are you looking for leathers, ringmail, chainmail, plating?”

“Probably something on the lighter side, I do not want to burden her too much. I already do with my own weight and armor.”

The blacksmith was looking through all the items he had brought to trade, “Well some simple barding armor might work best. I have a couple used sets, one of which might actually fit her pretty well. If you would like it, I bet I would owe you a small sum for all of this.”

The woman was shrewd. A few gold coins and a used piece of barding armor she probably could not sell was a very good deal for her.

“Could we see how the armor fits?”

“Of course!” She retrieved the armor and they suited Sam up.

The armor fit fairly well, but it was loose in several places. “Can you do anything about that?”

Estelle took a few more measurements. “Yes, I could fix this up and have it fitting nicely by tomorrow if you’d like it.”

They doffed the armor and returned inside to finish the deal. “How much gold would you be offering when all is said and done?”

“Hmm, let me think…” Estelle looked to be adding up numbers in her head. “Well, with the corrections to the suit and all, how does the barding armor and five gold sound?”

It was a terrible deal, but Eringer suspected this was part of her bargaining process. “Now I am aware that barding armor like this is not easy to sell. If I had to guess, this has probably been sitting here since after the first war with Haren, right?”

Her eyes grew wide for a moment, “Ahhmm. Yes, that would be accurate. Very well. How about the barding armor, plus a quarter of the normal cost of the items here?”

It was still not a great deal for the human, but it was much better than the earlier offer. “That sounds fair to me. You have a deal.”

“Excellent!” They shook on it. “I will have the adjustments finished by the morning.”

“A pleasure, ma’am.” Eringer nodded, turned to leave.

“Likewise, Mr. Gorland. See you tomorrow!”

Sam trotted down the street as Eringer steered her to the Giddy Gargoyle. He had a good idea where it was, but would ask around if needed.

Probably should change my disguise in case something happens. We do not want this persona to be sought after when we retrieve your armor.

Sam mentally agreed as they ducked down an abandoned alley. The veteran assumed a new disguise, changing his features slightly as well was what the armor, shield, and sword looked like. Each time he used the ability, he felt like it was easier to do. He also hopped off Sam since he figured they were close to their destination.

They emerged in another fairly crowded street and started their search for the tavern. After a half hour of walking up several different streets, they found the Giddy Gargoyle.

It looked like a tavern that had seen better days. The alley next to the tavern was filled with trash, obscuring a large portion of it. The sign at the front must have been a few decades old, though it was still easy to read.

Eringer found a spot to post Sam up before entering. Looking around, it did not appear to be too busy. There were a few couples eating as well as a group that looked like they were already a few rounds into what might end up being an early evening.

The man behind the bar called out, “Welcome, stranger. Sit anywhere you’d like. Can I get you a drink?”

“An ale, please. A light one. Thank you.”

The disguised man took a seat in the corner next to the bar. From here, he could observe the whole tavern.

The bartender brought over the drink he ordered, placing it directly in front of him. “Would you like anything to eat, stranger?”

“Not just yet, thank you. Perhaps after my second ale?”

“Sure thing.” He nodded then circled around the open room to other guests.

-

Eringer drank two ales in a little under an hour, then ordered some food. He was hoping to appear to be having a casual meal, so he had a little more to drink than he would have liked.

By the time he was finished with the meal and halfway through a third drink, the bar was a little more filled. Three groups, one of three and the other two of four, were now drinking. There were five couples and a few other loners spread out around the tavern.

Nothing about any of the people in the bar stuck out as unusual to him, so he approached one of the lone men at a table nearby.

“Hi there, sir. Mind if I join you for a drink? First one is on me.”

The dwarf was already looking up as he heard the footsteps approach. “Well lad, if you are buying, then absolutely!” He raised his mug to cheer Eringer.

The human clinked his own mug as he took a seat, taking a swig immediately after. “I have just arrived in Mith-Fell, though I have been here before. Seems like not much has changed.”

“Ah, it never does, lad! People come, people go, but they’re all the same. What’s your name, then? I am Baldwin!”

“A pleasure, Baldwin! Herald Mason.” He raised his mug again as he called to the bartender, “Another round for us over here, please!”

“Coming right up!”

“So Herald, lad, what brings you in?”

“Some business. Had things to sell and wanted to grab a drink after a long day.”

“I understand only too well! Yes, lad, I myself just finished a long day. I do woodwork, you see.” He held out his hands, which were heavily calloused, before returning to his drink. “Had to finish some orders.”

“Excellent. Well, I was hoping to find another that had something to celebrate. I was able to make quite a bit of gold today. I think I could buy a round for the bar.” Eringer raised his voice, “A round for the bar, sir! On me!”

People around the room cheered.

“Yes, but no need to thank me. I have had some good fortune, this day. May Carineye protect us all!”

There was another round of cheers, though they were much weaker. Eringer expected that, seeing as she was not a popular deity.

The effect was instantaneous, however. The trio that had been drinking casually had not cheered after he finished his toast, but hastily started whispering.

“Carineye, follower, eh lad? Not very common around here, but still respected.”

“I assumed as much, which is perfectly fine!”

The trio was still conversing when the only human in the group stood up. He walked over to Eringer.

“Excuse me, sir. Might I have a private word with you?”

“I suppose so, as long as it includes an ale?”

“Of course it would!” The man appeared excited, but Eringer could tell it was not because of a drink.

“See you in a few, Baldwin.”

“Yes, lad!”

Eringer stood up, taking his ale with him while he followed the other human.

The two others from the group were already standing. One was a female dwarf, the other a male elf. They fell in behind the two humans.

As the man was leading him to the back of the tavern, something dawned on him. Sam? Do you see any guards in the street?

Let me look.

A few moments passed.

No, Master. No guards at all. Why do you ask?

I may be walking into a trap. See if you can find some guards. If I call for it, or you do not hear me, bring them here.

Yes, Master!

Eringer followed the man to the back room. The two others flanked the veteran.

It was a small room, but clearly visible was an open hatch to a basement.

“Right this way, sir.” He gestured toward the stairs.

Eringer nodded, then walked down the steps to an unknown fate.