Valeria

“Now that our guests are gone, and our alliance formed I would like to hear your thoughts,” Percival said addressing everyone in my tent.

Jacques spoke first. “I think we will complement each other well. We are lacking in proficient bowmen and the Spiders in the Seas will fill those gaps. The Warrior Bards are known for their excellent heavy infantry and after the loss of the majority of ours during our Orion Campaign they will be much needed.”

Dennis again was glaring at Jacques but didn’t say anything. Max scratched his head confused. “I did not expect that Commander Kane would so easily join our alliance. After you negotiated with Commander Aminah I expected something similar with him.”

Percival nodded in agreement. “It’s strange yes. As Commander of his band, Kane should have tried to negotiate better terms like Aminah.” He fell into thought for a few seconds then shook his head. “Perhaps because Kane saw how the negotiation between Aminah, and I went he thought that he would not be able to negotiate better terms. Whatever his reasons I won’t complain about an easy alliance, but I will keep an eye on him and try to find if he has any ulterior motives.”

Percival dealt with the meeting quite well I can see why he’s the Commander. Now that I have Him and The Bookkeeper here I will ask about the descendants.

“Yes they seem like reliable allies, but that aside. Percival, since it will be my first time in the lands beyond the sea I would like to know more about it and the descendants that have been mentioned.” It was a clumsy attempt to redirect the conversation, but I needed to know more about the descendants.

“I’ve been meaning to ask, who is this woman Commander?” Jacques said staring curiously and cautiously at me.

Does he suspect me of something? Well, I suppose it is strange that someone he’s never seen in the Golden Tree before was present for such a meeting.

Before Percival or anyone could say anything I thought it best I introduce myself. “My names Valeria, and I joined the Golden Tree mercenary band last night though we have been traveling together for 2 days before I joined.”

Jacques didn’t seem satisfied by my introduction and continued staring at me. “Why was a recruit afforded a seat at the table for such an important meeting.”

The table was inside my tent for one, but I’m sure there’s more to it than that so I won’t respond and let Percival answer.

Percival sighed and indeed answered. “This is her tent now and I couldn’t in good conscience kick her out.” He turned to look at me. “I also have high hopes for her, so I thought it best that she was present. Valeria, Bookkeeper knows the most about the lands beyond the sea and the descendants, so I’ll let her explain. It will be a good refresher for all of here about what we’ll be dealing with.

Jacques continued staring at me, but he seemed satisfied for the moment. Max was staring at me as well and I was glad to see that he was no longer infatuated, but I didn’t appreciate the new hostile look in his eyes either.

What is he so hostile about? He better not be having any strange ideas.

The Bookkeeper cleared her throat and began her explanation. “The lands beyond the sea are located in the north and is one large continent broken up into 4 regions ruled by the Descendants of Gods or descendants for short and their children. They are similar to Kings and nobles except that they have a religion built around themselves and are worshiped by their people.” The Bookkeeper must have noticed my confused expression because she paused to look at me. “Do you know what gods and religion are, Valeria?”

I don’t. Though the terms are familiar I know nothing about what they might mean.

I shook my head and the Bookkeeper continued explaining. “That is not surprising. The Orion and Sagitta Kingdoms have no concept of gods or religion or rather they actively suppress it. We can discuss that more later if you wish, but to put it simply the gods are beings that the people in the lands beyond the sea believe created our world and all life on it. Religion is the belief and worship of those gods, and one of the reasons why there is so much conflict between the descendants and their people. They fight over not only territory and resources, but also over which interpretation of their religion is the correct one.”

I was getting more confused, so I interrupted The Bookkeeper. “Let’s say that these “Gods” did exist, what proof do the descendants have that make their people believe that they are indeed descended from those gods?”

The Bookkeeper contemplated for a moment before speaking. “We do not know, perhaps it’s something that has been ingrained in them over hundreds of years since the first recorded descendant. I have spoken to some of their clergies, the people who are given authority by the descendants to perform religious rites and rituals, and they told me all I had to do was behold their being, and I would understand why they were worshipped. I have seen some descendants and their children and while they look better than an average person I didn’t think it basis enough for worship.”

Dennis chuckled causing me and everyone else to turn to him. “Bookkeeper speaks truly. I as well as Commander Percival was born in Eridanus the region ruled by Descendant Amrita. In my town, there was a Place of Worship a building run by clergies. The common folk were expected to attend two times a day to learn about Amrita and its descendants. We were told about how Amrita descended from a higher plane of existence to create life out of nothing, how it shaped the world for its creations, and how it loved humans its favorite creations so much that it came to live among us and created a descendant from its flesh and bone to watch over us and guide us even when it was gone. The First Descendant was described as beautiful, having milky white skin, golden eyes, golden hair, and his descendants always shared the same features. If people are told for hundreds of years to worship these Descendants of Gods for guiding and helping them then inevitably they will.”

Since Dennis seemed to be finished talking I decided to ask. “They are called Descendants of Gods, but you only spoke of Amrita. Who are the other gods?”

The Bookkeeper answered my question. “That’s where the conflict in which interpretation of their religion is correct comes in. From what I have learned, the biggest differences in interpretation of their religion are the name of the god who descended, and how The First Descendant looked like. All the Descendants proclaim that their version is correct and anyone who worships another is a heretic.”

I sighed in disbelief. “How pointless. Percival, Dennis do you believe in this religion?”

Dennis shook his head. “My entire childhood I was raised to worship Amrita and its descendants, and for a time I did. It wasn’t until I got away from Eridanus when I joined the Golden Tree that my belief in them was shaken.”

It didn’t look like he was going to say anything more and Percival only nodded his head in agreement with Dennis.

“Though the Golden Tree was created in Eridanus years ago, no one currently in the band believes in the descendant’s religion, as far as I know at least. However, that doesn’t change the fact that we will fight for them if they pay, and pay they do. We will most likely be fighting for Eridanus as that is where our reputation is the strongest.” He stood up and motioned for me and everyone else who was sitting down to stand up and we did."We will use our week until departure to train, procure supplies, and form new squads out of our recruits. I will be choosing new lieutenants as well. I am late in starting the morning exercises and training session so let us be off I do not want to keep the others waiting.”

Percival began walking away and we followed.

Gods and religion I don’t get it, but there may be a connection between us, so I’ll need to learn more in the lands beyond the sea. The Bookkeeper also said something about the Kingdoms suppressing religion I’m curious, but I’ll ask about it a later time. With one week till departure, I’ll make the most of my time here.

Commander Percival

Finished with the morning exercises I was watching Dennis, Max, and some of our more experienced members sparring with our fresh recruits. They were foot soldiers in the Orion campaign and some of the best of the recruits were experienced man-at-arms who preferred war over peace. Valeria was sparring with Naila one of our best fighters, and I could see a hint of worry on her usually serious expression.

Valeria has good instincts and quick reactions that only seem to increase as the match drags on. Since she could match Dennis I knew she was good, but her endurance is unbelievable. If Naila doesn’t lose in the next couple of exchanges, she will lose because of her exhaustion.

True to my prediction in their next exchange, Valeria parried Naila’s longsword nearly causing her to drop it in her exhausted state. Valeria pressed her advantage and leveled her longsword on Naila’s chest. She sighed exhausted and backed away sheathing her sword, Valeria doing the same.

“I Can see why you offered her such a genroues contract,” Jacques said when he approached to stand next to me. “Do you not find it strange that she encountered our band just before we made plans for the lands beyond the sea?”

I turned and narrowed my eyes at him. “What are you implying?”

He looked at me seriously. “A beautiful woman with amazing strength just suddenly shows up to join our humble mercenary band. With her skill and beauty, she could have joined a bigger band, become a knight, marry a noble, she could have become one of King Peter’s concubines if he laid eyes on her. Ask yourself why she would join us when she could prosper better elsewhere.”

I know what he’s thinking and it’s impossible.

I shook my head. “Since the time of third Commander, the Golden Tree have been entirely independent and beholden to no one. Besides, the current Descendant Amrita should have little knowledge of the Golden Tree and its original purpose. We were just one of many of her predecessor’s creations.”

“What if you’re wrong?” he hissed desperately. “Valeria could be an agent sent by Descendant Amrita to remind us of our purpose or to spy on us. There’s a reason all the Commanders since the third have informed their successors about our original purpose and to be wary of the descendants.” He darted his eyes back and forth between Valeria who was drinking next to a barrel and our surroundings.

He’s scared! I know the Descendants aren’t the kindest of people, but they have never given much thought to mercenaries, and they don’t leave their lands. Even if Descendant Amrita were to threaten us or try to put us under her thumb we could just leave and never return to the lands beyond the sea.

I placed my hand on Jacque’s shoulder to reassure him and spoke firmly. “Jacques, you’re a smart man that’s why I told you about our band's secret. However, you can be overcautious at times, and this is one of those times. We have been working in the lands beyond the sea without any trouble from the descendants since our formation. I do not know much about Valeria, but I do not believe her to have any connection to the descendants. She joined us because she wants to travel with us and learn more about where she comes from, Duncan told me she was an orphan who did not know her real parents.”

He nodded, but he didn’t look entirely convinced. I turned my eyes back to where our band was sparring and saw that Valeria was still drinking next to the barrel her eyes closed. When she opened them, I thought she glanced at me, but it was more likely I was just in her line of sight.

I have some suspicions about Valeria, but I do not think she has any ill intentions. Descendant Amrita however,…the third commander’s words left for his successors are engraved into my heart “Work with the Descendants of Amrita if you must, but do not trust any of them even if you believe the current descendant to be worthy of it.” A warning that extends hundreds of years and to all Descendants of Amrita is not something made lightly. I will do what I must for my band to get a good contract with Descendant Amrita, but I will not forget the third commander's words.