User blog:Mauller/Absolution 013

Absolution, Chapter:013


High above the lands of man there is a city. A place not crafted by mortal hands nor gazed upon by mortal eyes. And while depictions line the walls of cathedrals, they are mere shadows of its grandeur.

At the heart of this sprawling metropolis a tower that extends into the sky. A building so large that it could fill the footprint of the largest human city. And so tall that its highest peak passes through the clouds. The sight of this marvel still leaves the denizens in awe, but a few at the towers peak had other issues on their minds.

In the highest room beneath the shining orb at the buildings crown, the council-of-one were convening.

The circular room contained ten seats arranged to face a small orb at its centre. The large orb at the buildings peak shone down through the domed glass-ceiling. Beams of light passed between the orbs on occasion, but the occupants were too busy to notice.

One of the members stood and cleared her throat. The four wings on her back had seen better days, but the youthful fire in her eyes betrayed her frail appearance. ‘If it would please everyone, I believe we should start on the issue with the province of Lescatie.’ With a wave of her hand, the small orb began glowing. ‘As you can see, the number of heroes being trained has quadrupled in the past decade. Yet the quality of the individuals has reduced due to the altered screening method.’ In the air above the orb, images of a city made of concentric circular walls appeared. And next to it were figures and charts.

A second member of the council stood, a younger man but still old enough that his hair had started to grey. ‘And what of the city? With the increase in hero production, they have kept a record number of attacks at bay. All while managing to fight back the encroaching demonic intrusion.’

‘He is right.’ A second woman spoke up but remained seated. Her youth had long passed and what little sight that remained she cherished. ‘And with the production of the weapon, we may forgo the training of human heroes all together.’

‘I concur. The lady of Truth speaks so, we may have a means to an end with this.’

The standing woman’s wings ruffled and she waved her hand towards the orb. The images it displayed changed to one showing humans training with Valkyries. ‘While the lady Truth may speak so, we must not be hasty Lord Discipline. If we were to do as you say, what would stop the demons from finding a counter measure in the future?’

‘They would all be dead, turned to ash and swept away with the sands of time. Left reduced to naught and returned to the darkness once they came.’

The nine other occupants of the room turned to face their seated and hooded companion. His bony fingers were all that could be seen as they clawed at the arms of his seat. ‘Do not look at me such. If you had lived through the hardships my circle faced every day, you would feel the same.’

The other man sat and the lady Truth turned towards her hooded colleague. ‘Always with the pity story’s Lord Courage. You may be the oldest and longest serving council member, but that does not mean-‘

‘It means plenty, you claim to be the wisest of the chosen few. Yet how many of you have blood on your hands? Who here has toiled night and day to see their people are fed?’

The youngest of the council stood, his seat next to that of the Lord of courage’s. ‘He is right, for too long the outer rings have faced the direst of hardships. Why do we pander to these lesser beings when the inner circles do little to help their own people?’

The room’s occupants broke into argument with that said, until a staff knocked on the floor. ‘If it would please everyone, may we finish the initial topic of discussion? While Lord Courage and Lord Self-Reliance have valid points. They are not the reasons why this council was called.’

<p class="MsoNormal">All fell silent at this man’s words. He seemed unimposing with his double haloed staff and his simple garb that would suit a farmer. He was the one above all, The Ophanim Seat. The one man that represented the Angelic race as a whole. The one who represented their race within the Celestial council. And the one man who had the final say for all of his people.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ophanim seat pointed his staff towards the orb. The image of a young woman with long white hair and glowing red eyes appeared. She would be praised as a goddess of seduction if she were born under other circumstances. But the reasons behind her supernatural beauty were also why she was considered an enemy.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Druella. Fourth Princess of the demon realm.’ The others grew silent, a few scowling at the image of the succubae princess. ‘She will be attacking Lescatie within a month. And we are going to let it fall.’ The room fell silent once more.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Lord of Courage broke the silence when he began to cackle. ‘Bullshit, All of it. I have seen Ophanim come and go, but this is… brilliant.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The other council members remained silent until the youngest, the Lady Hospitality stood. ‘Is this a test? A joke perhaps? What manner of thinking brought you to this?’ She had been Risen to the Cherubim at a young age. ‘How can you decide to forsake them all? Those people trust you, they trust us to help them.’ Still but a young girl of seventeen, the fire in her intelligent eyes and the six wings on her back burned with vindication. ‘

<p class="MsoNormal">The lady fidelity placed her hand on the young lady hospitalities arm. When the younger girl looked to her she shook her head. ‘This is not the time.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘She means sit down and shut up, stupid girl.’ Lord Discipline was looking to the youngest member of the council. The look on her flushed face would have sent any lesser Angel into hiding. But the elder Cherubim would not be intimidated by her, even if she surpassed him in pure strength. ‘If the Ophanims plan means what I think he does, then we best hear him out.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The other members of the council had begun chattering in the background during the Lady Hospitalities outburst. But they were now facing the Ophanim.

<p class="MsoNormal">A wry smile was all that gave away any hint of bemusement from the middle aged angel. His shoulder length hair, rugged features and square set body gave him the appearance of one half his age. ‘We are not going to forsake them, although the city shall fall, it will not fall in vain.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Lord Courage broke the silence with laughter. ‘In all my years, a reckless plan.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘How can you do such a thing? How can you forsake them! We were asked to aid them! Would you see our allies die?!’ The Lady Hospitality had stood again and stormed towards the Ophanim, her six burning wings spread behind her in a magnificent show of strength. But the Ophanim watched her with curiosity and a bemused smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Shut up girl and take your place.’ Said Lord Courage. ‘He means to test the weapon. And if all goes to plan then we will take out one of our biggest problems.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The image of the Fourth princess remained floating in the air. Her erotic body showing the barest hint of modesty.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ophanim stood and placed his hand on the young Council members shoulder. ‘While your Intelligence and strength gained you your reputation and place. I would be wise to keep your emotions in check.’ He walked past the now flustered girl. He still only saw her for what she appeared. The other council members began conversing while he walked towards the image of the fourth princess.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘If this goes well, we will take one of their strongest pieces out of play. She has been a thorn in our side for too long. Compared to the Demon Lord and Her sisters, Druella is the biggest threat we face.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The Ophanim stood gazing up at his enemy. He couldn’t wait till she was dragged before him so he could enact retribution upon her.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">The goodbyes had been long. And once the twins discovered what had happened to me their pestering became incessant.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Aww, he is so cute! I could just eat him all up.’ Millie wouldn’t let go no matter how much I struggled.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Such a cute face, but I want a kiss before you go.’ And with Mollie hugging me around the waist, escape was impossible.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Okay! Okay! I will give you both a kiss before I leave…’ The girls squealed and hugged me tighter. And before I knew it, they grabbed my head and forced their lips against mine in turn.

<p class="MsoNormal">I stumbled away after they let go, they had broken into a fit of giggles as they waved at me. ‘Just make sure you come visit okay?’ Said Millie. ‘And don’t let any girl steal you away! Promise!’ Said Mollie.

<p class="MsoNormal">But those events were not a distant memory yet. We had been on the road for day now. Having passed through snow covered countryside and a few hamlets, everyone had started becoming restless.

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi’s marauders as they liked to be called, were a diverse group. A mixture of men and women from varied backgrounds. And although the ratio of men to women was larger, the women still kept the men in line. But all of them looked to the Caravan on occasion. Although it would be more precise to say they were looking at me and the two monsters that were stalking my tail.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why am I still wearing this stupid device? And stop wagging all the time! Even the women in Malachi’s group smiled when they noticed it. A few were rather pretty which made things worse since the tail wagged more. Annoying thing.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked up at the driver’s seat of the caravan, I still wondered how it moved. I had never questioned it before but unlike the caravans the band had, there were no horses at the front of it. Thinking back I had never noticed horses before, so I thought I would talk with Kimiko for a while. But when I scooted up the ladder and sat beside her she ignored me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Nice day today hey?’ Ignored. ‘Would you like some tea?’ A slight twitch from her eyebrow, maybe I am getting through. ‘Would you like some sweats?’ I smiled and she turned and stared at me. Her face a blank mask. ‘Kim… Did I do something wrong?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The veneer shattered as she bared her teeth and glared. ‘Just! You! Stupid You!’ She huffed then looked forwards again. I sat and blinked a few times.

<p class="MsoNormal">Why is she mad at me?

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Is it because of… okay… it is…’ She glared at me again then she stared at Amanda and Lin who were walking beside the caravan and talking.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘We don’t need them, they are just extra baggage to worry about. It was bad enough bringing you along.’ She huffed then drank from her mug.

<p class="MsoNormal">I sighed and looked at the were-sheep and Minotaur, they started laughing all of a sudden. But it only brought out Kim’s ire further. ‘I should have just left you in the snow, stupid man. I don’t know why I felt so guilty, it was your own fault for laying in the road… a… I mean in the snow…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What was that Kim?’ I stared at her while edging closer. She shied back and kept facing forwards. ‘I wondered why there was a red mark down my stomach for so long…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Okay! I ran you over! Just stop staring at me!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ha! I knew it! You were hiding something important all this time. Then trying to make out you were the big hero!’

<p class="MsoNormal">Her forehead bumped into mine a second later and I almost fell off the driver’s seat. ‘Well it was not like anyone else was going to pick you out of the snow! Just feel lucky I didn’t rob you then dump you somewhere after!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Having a lovers spat? Mind if I join?’ The young girls voice from behind made us jump. ‘Oh come on, I am not that bad.’ When I looked back, Elena was kneeling on the roof with a huge grin on her face. ‘Now scoot over so I can sit down.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Moving to the side meant moving closer to Kimiko. She did not appear pleased at the situation but was coping with it. ‘So… Elena, what brings you here, Ah! Don’t hit me in the shoulder!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The self-proclaimed magician snorted then folder her arms. ‘It is Eleanor… And Malachi wants to see you about something. But…’ She started fidgeting next to me while violating my personal space. ‘Can’t I come and see you if I wanted?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I groaned and felt cornered again. Understanding women was never my forte. Where did that come from? I shook my head then smiled. ‘No, I… I don’t mind.’ That earned a smiled from her which made me feel a little warm. But my survival instinct kicked in to prevent further annoyance to the forces of darkness to my right.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well… I best go and see what Malachi wants with me. I will be back soon Kimiko.’ All I received was a huff. Eleanor jumped off the side of the caravan and I followed. Amanda and Lin gave me a puzzled look. Considering Elena had grabbed my pawed hand and was dragging me away. I was sure they felt a little jealous for some reason. The way their tails flicked seemed to betray their smiles.

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi’s marauders laughed and pat me on the back as I was dragged through them. Their comments were annoying. It seemed a big thing that Eleanor had found a friend. But it did not take long for the young wizard to drag me through the throng. Malachi was walking at the front with the depressive teenager at his side. But I felt bad for my first impression of her since she was smiling and laughing.

<p class="MsoNormal">The barbarian man turned and grinned when he saw us approaching. ‘Ah lad, I been meaning to talk to ya.’ Eleanor fell in line beside him with me on her other side. She would not let go of my hand, even when I shook it. ‘So lad, about you doing some work with us. I know you have a… little problem right now. But I can’t have you join us if you have no survival skills.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The young wizard grumbled and squeezed my hand harder. ‘He means you have to make your own way to Lescatie.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Right on the bullseye Eleanor.’ Malachi patted her on the head which earnt a grumbling from her. ‘I can’t have you coming along with us all the way. We need to head elsewhere first anyway.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So you want me to make my own way, that shouldn’t be so bad with Kim and…’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘On your own lad. No help, no warm caravan, nothing but the pack on your back.’ The middle aged man grinned then looked back at the caravan. ‘And don’t worry about those five, won’t be a problem till we get closer to Lescatie. But as long as the sheep and cow keep things civil. I am sure we will work something out.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do you mean five?’ But the answer came to me when I looked. Two hooded figures were now sat next to Kimiko. One taller and one shorter than her. ‘Oh… When did Goldie and Plume get back?’ But my thoughts suddenly turned to what Malachi said. ‘What?! I have to get their on my own? In this weather?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The leader of the Marauders grinned. ‘Aye lad, either that or you can all have a hard time getting into the city with those two. Trust me when I say that the attitudes those inquisitors have is not uncommon there.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘But what about you? If monsters are as bad as you say, then why let them come along?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The teenager in the waistcoat rounded Malachi and stopped in front of me. ‘Because he did, so don’t go asking stupid questions or I will hit you myself. Malachi is!’ her words became garbled when the barbarian’s large hand covered her mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Enough Teia, just know this lad. I hate them, I really do. I have my reasons. All of us are on edge with them near. If the Minotaur had not been so accommodating then I doubt she would be alive.’ His visage darkened as he leant closer to me. And the rest of the band started passing around us. ‘Just know that the only reason the rest of the band has not ripped them apart is because of my orders.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My heart sank. I thought these people could be a great help. I thought it was a joke, but the hard look on his face told me otherwise.

<p class="MsoNormal">The sudden grin surprised me. ‘But don’t worry lad, they will be safe around us. Having talked to them I doubt they will cause trouble for us. But for you on the other hand.’ He burst into laughter then slapped me on the back. Teia started giving him an earful as he began walking away.

<p class="MsoNormal">A squeeze of my hand brought me back to reality. ‘Are you alright?’ Eleanor looked concerned. My hands were shaking and I did not understand why.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘I am fine, I best tell the others.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Eleanor let go of my hand as I started walking towards the caravan. I was sure I heard her say something but my mind was elsewhere. Confronting the others with this new problem came first. They will not take this well.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">‘And so, that is how it is. I have to make my way to Lescatie on my own.’ My hands had stopped trembling a short while ago. I returned to the caravan and waited for the following night. Once everyone had come inside I decided to drop the news.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So you are telling us, that to get Malachi’s help, you have to go on your own?’ Goldie had the peculiar dagger out again and was pointing it towards me. ‘And the only reason these two are still with us is because of him?’

<p class="MsoNormal">I nodded ‘yes, but don’t feel so bad girls.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What do ya mean dun feel so bad! I’m not afraid of em! Il take-‘ Lin stood with her fist raised, but Amanda soon covered her mouth.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Shh Lin, didn’t you hear what he said. You have to keep a lid on your temper.’ The were-sheep let go once the large cow girl relaxed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes, yes, ya right Amby. Sorry mart.’ The farm girls both sat again, but the room did not stay quiet for long. The door to the driver’s compartment burst open and Kimiko stomped into the room.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What is this I hear? You are leaving us again? And just after I got you back? I am having none of this! I am going to go and give that Malachi a piece of my.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Kim! Just stop! This is my decision.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The trader froze as she was about to leave. She turned to face me and I could see that she had been crying. ‘But, you only just got back.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Oh great, so she decided to give me the cold shoulder. And now she is getting upset over me. ‘Kim just listen. This is the best chance I have at finding out who I am. And if we get into Lescatie the trade could be phenomenal.’

<p class="MsoNormal">We continued staring at each other, neither of us backing down. The tension only broke when Amanda cleared her throat.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Then go, I can take care of the others.’ Kimiko still looked upset but appeared more determined than before. ‘And anyway, if it means I can gain some juicy knowledge on trade. Then all the better.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I sighed and chuckled, I knew it would be easy to win her over. ‘So then, Amanda, Lin, please! Don’t get into trouble while I am away.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin snorted. ‘Fine, but only if Amby behaves.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Amanda chuckled then hit Lin in the side. ‘And only if this loving cuddle monster doesn’t let her temper get the better of her.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The two looked at each other then burst into laughter. I smiled then stood. ‘Well, I best get ready.’ The girls started chatting while I walked to the storage area. But when I entered the door closed behind me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘You should be more careful with who you trust. It is more than likely to get you killed in the end.’ When I looked back, Goldie was standing in front of the doorway.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh hey gold-di!’ I jumped to the side when she lunged at me with the strange dagger. ‘hey! What are you-‘ Her sudden side swipe took me by surprise when It sent me flying into a crate. ‘ah!’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Fight back! I know you can do better than this!’ Goldie Growled then ran at me. A firm hit would kill me. I had seen what that dagger could do and it was heading for my throat. But before I could think my hands moved on their own and parried her arm away from me.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Oh, ho! So there it is. I thought there was something funny about you. Then Kimiko told me what happened while I was away. You are an interesting man. It almost makes me question your memory loss.’ The moment she finished talking she ran at me again. ‘But now I will find out for sure!’

<p class="MsoNormal">The world flashed before my eyes. And before I knew it I was pushing the dagger towards Goldie’s throat while shouting at her. ‘Please! Just stop! I don’t want to kill again! I… what, what happened?’

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie continued to push against me, I could not see her face but I could hear her straining. ‘S-stop… I… wasn’t trying to kill… you.’ I let my arms relax and Goldie pushed the blade to the side. It skidded across the floor and stopped near the living area’s door.

<p class="MsoNormal">I caught my breath after a few moments then looked down at her. ‘You are one to talk about hiding who you are. I have never seen your face you know.’ The hired guard punched me and threw me off.

<p class="MsoNormal">She sat up while rubbing her neck. ‘I have my reasons. But I guess you have yours… unless you are suffering amnesia.’

<p class="MsoNormal">My head was killing me. The headache had returned with a vengeance. So I sat up holding my head and glared at Goldie. ‘Well I don’t remember who I am… everything before waking up in the caravan is a blur.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Goldie stood and dusted herself down, she walked to the dagger then kicked it across the floor towards me. ‘Keep it. This thing will be of more use to you than me. And be careful, I believe those assassins were after you the entire time.’ The hired guard remained looking at me for a time. She then turned and entered the living area again, closing the door behind herself.

<p class="MsoNormal">I looked down at the dagger and went to touch it. But my hand began shaking whenever it neared it. ‘What is wrong with me?’ With a sigh I stood and began packing a bag with essentials. In the end I returned to the dagger and threw a cloth over it. For some reason my hands were fine when I picked it up and stowed it.

<p class="MsoNormal">When I returned to the living area, all of the girls faced me. None of them looked pleased. So I smiled and closed the door behind myself. ‘Hey girls, well I am all ready.’

<p class="MsoNormal">That night was not enjoyable in the least.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">I found it hard to sleep. Strange dreams kept surfacing, but I was not sure whether they were dreams or memories. ‘They seem too real…’ I rolled over and sighed.

<p class="MsoNormal">The girls appeared as restless as me, even if they were sleeping on my bed. I had been relegated to sleeping on the floor in the end, although a few pillows and my smaller size helped.

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin and Amanda had come to an agreement and were sleeping top and tails. Although Lin was a little hunched over with her size. But their sleeping faces seemed content compared to their fidgeting.

<p class="MsoNormal">Looking at the ceiling gave no comfort. And the moon had decided to make an appearance through the cabin window. ‘I wonder if I will get my memory back?’ My hand still shook on occasion as I held it in the air. But the blank in my memory when confronting Goldie caused the most distress.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Maybe Elena can find an answer?’ I felt annoyed thinking about asking her for help, so I rolled over and tried to sleep.

<p class="MsoNormal">My dreams remained troubled. Although I would say they were nightmares due to the war torn landscapes. I still wondered who that girl was. Even now she stood in the middle of everything with her hands covered in blood.

<p style="text-align: center;"> *****

<p class="MsoNormal">The next morning was like any other. We got ready in the morning then had breakfast. But a knock at the door signalled the arrival of Malachi. After I cleared the desk and put it up, he sat on the sofa and made himself at home.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So lad, I guess you have told the rest.’ They all nodded but remained quiet. ‘Good, there is a fork in the road ahead. Should take you a week to get there on foot. A bit longer or us with taking the route through the coming towns. But we got some business there on the way and the girls can join us. Although those two will need to cover up or remain in here.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Lin was about to protest but Amanda gained her attention and shook her head. ‘No lin, we need to do this. You know the world out here is not as nice as on the farm.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The Minotaur frowned then looked forlorn. ‘I know Amby… I know.’

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Good, so if both ya can keep the trouble down then the others will be no problem. Just once we get to lescatie we may have trouble.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko stood then started rummaging in a cupboard. ‘Don’t worry about that, I am sure I can find something in here that will help.’ She looked at me then gave me a smile. It made my stomach sink. I don’t know why but when she looked at me in a certain way I still wanted to hide. Like some sort of survival mechanism.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well good. Then I guess I best get back to camp. Good luck lad and I hope to see you soon.’ He patted me on the back when he stood. But his face turned grim for a moment before he smiled again. ‘Just keep your wits with you lad.’

<p class="MsoNormal">The middle aged barbarian nodded to the girls then left. The room remained silent for a few minutes before Lin pushed against me. ‘I need ya for something before ya go.’ She blushed when I looked at her and she pressed her chest into my head more.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Like hell Lin! Don’t think I am letting you hog martin before you leave!’ Amanda grabbed my arm and pulled me away.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘What?! What makes ya think I would do that Amby?!’ Lin grabbed my other arm and pulled me towards her. And then the tug of war started.

<p class="MsoNormal">A pair of arms wrapped around my chest and my head landed between two soft mounds. ‘What makes either of you think you can keep Martin to yourselves? He was with me first!’

<p class="MsoNormal">I sighed. This is my life now I guess? Being pulled all over the place at the whims of others. But why does it feel comfortable and familiar? I shook my head then clenched my fists. ‘Girls! I am no one’s plaything! I mean… maybe I am a little bit of a plaything?’ They started glaring when I shouted. But their arguing continued as though nothing happened after.

<p class="MsoNormal">Kimiko was the first to leave followed by Goldie and Plume. The small girl had not said much and seemed to sleep most of the time. But her cheerful smile warmed my heard when she was around. I knew we were on our way again once the caravan lurched and the scenery started moving.

<p class="MsoNormal">I helped Kimiko by organising her ledgers and taking stock. After that Amanda grabbed me and made me help her groom her wool that was growing back. She jumped on occasion but giggled the entire time. It was embarrassing since I knew what lurked beneath the thin layer of wool. But it did not take long and she said she would make something once she had enough wool.

<p class="MsoNormal">After Amanda’s preening, a flustered looking Lin pulled me into the storage area. Once she made a place that was comfortable to sit, she faced me and held up one of the milking devices. Her face flushed and her tail started whipping about behind her. ‘Just… don’t say anything, okay boyo?’ I smiled then nodded. She sat then pulled me onto her lap. ‘What? I just want something to hug for a bit. Even big strong girls can be girly ya know.’

<p class="MsoNormal">It was nice to sit with Lin hugging me. The rhythmic pumping was relaxing and I felt more comfortable with the situation. On occasion she would sigh in my ear, sounding a little like a moan at times. But by when we were done we had only filled two bottles.

<p class="MsoNormal">The Minotaur grinned at me then patted me on the back. ‘Thanks for that boyo and… keep one for your trip.’ She passed me the bottle of warm milk then turned away and hurried off. Her tail revealed how embarrassed she felt as it whipped around.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Fresh milk hey?’ I sipped it then capped it again. My face felt warm when I remembered where it came from. ‘I should put this away… for later.’

<p class="MsoNormal">After checking my pack and gear, I hopped out of the caravan and started walking alongside it. Malachi noticed and gave me a wave, he then gestured to the road ahead. From what I could see between the others, it appeared to split where a forest began.

<p class="MsoNormal">After an hours walk we stopped at the fork in the road. Malachi’s band continued to the left while the barbarian himself waited with me and the girls.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘So here it is lad, make it to lescatie along the old road and I will help you out.’ The grin on his face showed his amusement. ‘And no helping girls, you are all coming with us. Oh and miss trader, there are plenty of villages on the way we stop at.’

<p class="MsoNormal">I could see the excitement in Kimiko’s eyes. Her fidgeting on the driver seat made it obvious she wanted to be on her way. But she kept looking at me and frowning, as though she was town between her two favourite things. Did I just consider myself one of her favourite things? I could feel my face warm and Kim’s head tilted when she noticed.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Ok Malachi, then I will see you all in a week.’ I smiled at the girls before Lin, Amanda gave me a hug in turn.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Just stay safe boyo, an no chasing tail. Got it?’ The large cow girl knuckled my head then ruffled my hair.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Yes martin, no playing with young maidens hearts while away from us.’ It was funny seeing Amanda acting proper. Although I had a hard time trying to remember what that meant.

<p class="MsoNormal">The biggest surprise was when Eleanor walked over to me. Her hat covered her face keeping it hidden. But she hugged me all of a sudden. ‘Don’t be stupid okay?’ I went to hug her back but she let go and jumped away. ‘Don’t go trying to hug me stupid! You stupid perverted weirdo!’ I chuckled as she ran off to catch up with the others.

<p class="MsoNormal">All I received from Teia was a scowl as she crossed her throat with a finger. It earnt her a bop on the head from Malachi which sent her grumbling after the young wizard.

<p class="MsoNormal">I held my hand up and Malachi shook it. ‘Well, a week you say? How about I do it in less?’

<p class="MsoNormal">The middle aged barbarian grinned while his eyes twinkled. ‘If you did it in less than a week lad then I would give you a special position in the band. But don’t get cocky and…’ He leant close and whispered. ‘That road is filled with monsters lad. It won’t be a walk in the park.’

<p class="MsoNormal">Malachi stood again while grinning. He then turned and walked after the girls. I felt my stomach drop through the floor as I looked down the overgrown path that lead through the forest.

<p class="MsoNormal">‘Well, wish me luck girls.’ I started off to places unknown. Nothing but my own survival skills and wits to keep me alive.

<p class="MsoNormal">I’m going to die out here… I should have known this was a setup.

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