Day 12
Bloodstone awoke, he waited for the voice there were no updates. No one else was in the room and the dawn light was barely visible from the clear glass window. The box was open and the book was next to it Azalar was looking in the box. Seeing Bloodstone awake he sat down, “Good morning.”
“Morning”
“Have you decided what you are going to do today?” The strange cat asked.
“I’m going to read that book, cover to cover.”
“That would take weeks to do”
Bloodstone smiled, “not really, just an hour. This ring, what does it do?” he said showing the signet ring.
The light from the sun was barely illuminating the book from the glass window. He looked back at the thick tome, it was in very small handwriting, and it was neat and legible, and very articulate. There was a drawing of an eye on the current pages, and explanations in the fine writing. Azalar was watching from the edge of the desk. “As you can see my master was quite thorough on his notes. He spent almost four years on this subject, before embarking on his own constructions; the notes are in the next chapter. “
Bloodstone turned the page, and began reading, it was a very detailed explanation on the constructions of human, drake, gnoll,half-elf, cat, eagle, and other eyes that seemed to be out of the norm. “What is this reference to works of Nenebrea the mad, Gaffis the illusionist, and Fre of Whistram.”
“It is a very thorough research of the field of magic and constructs.” Azalar replied.
Bloodstone turned the page, “How come you know so much about the book?”
“I have read all my masters works, it was my suggestion to include all his best works to his offspring.”
“Im am surprised you have been able to read that much is this amount of time.”
“It’s a skill…”
Isabel sat in the chair, listening to the others; she was used to being ignored. She sat with her hands in her lap, eyes closed, since she couldn’t see anyhow. They told her that her eyes were scared, and mostly white. The dress she was wearing was comfortable, though she didn’t know what color it was.
Coreen sat next to her, “Listen, some of us are going to stay here, the rest are going to head north to the plantation in the third district. It is going to take me days to get this estate sorted properly. Say a week at the earliest.”
“I understand, what does Blood say about all this?” Newton asked.
“He said that I can do what I feel is the right thing to do. I hate this place. I would burn it to the ground if I thought it would help. However, I have decided to give it to the crown.”
“Isn’t that a little short sighted?” Eve asked.
“No, it’s perfect the crown can give it to one of the local lords or sell it and everyone is happy. So far myself, and Hellen are going to work on getting things sorted here, and then meet you up north in the third districts estate. What have the rest of you decided?” Coreen replied.
“I’m staying with my husband, whatever he decides.” Amethyst said.
“Sticking with my dad,” Xach said.
“Same, “ Kuya said a little loudly.
“Isabel?” Coreen asked.
“I .. I want to stay with Bloodstone.” She said fidgeting.
“Violet?” Coreen asked.
“I can stay with Isabel, I want to go with Bloodstone.” She reached over and put her hand on Isabel’s shoulder.
“Xyrdiane?” Coreen asked.
“I want to leave this place as soon as possible, Me and Rana are going to follow Bloodstone, we owe him a lot” Xyrdiane replied.
“I really, don’t like being peer pressured, I want to go see if I can help the others.” Sarah said, there was a hint of hesitation in her voice.
“I’ll go with you,” Miguel said.
“I think you need someone to look after you, I’ll go with Sarah as well.” Eve said.
“I want to meet these others,” Newton said hesitantly.
“Where is Bloodstone, I told him earlier to meet us for breakfast.” Coreen asked.
“He’s still in his room,” Ranathil replied, “Looks like he’s sitting at his desk.”
“I’ll go get him,” Marie said as she left the room.
“Fine, I’ll go with you as well” Beth sighed, “Who knows what trouble you will get into without me.”
“Perhaps you could talk with Bloodstone before you all leave.” Isabel said softly.
Marie went to knock on the door, and bloodstone opened it before she could contact the door. “Sorry, you came to get me?”
“Yes,” she said putting her hand down.
“I will be back shortly Azalar.” The cat just twitched its tail while sitting on the desk.
He followed Marie down to the first floor. “Is Sarah still talking about leaving?”
“Her and some of the others.”
“I see, well let’s see if we can change some minds.”
They walked into the room and sitting around several tables where everyone was seated.
Maids were off to one side filling glasses and being helpful.
“Morning,” He said and took a seat next to Amethyst.
There were murmurs of good morning and morning from everyone there.
“Wow really enthusiastic group,” he said sarcastically.
“Sarah, still wants to go see if that other group of summoned people is still around. We want to go as well” Newton said.
“To do what, see if they are really from earth, most likely they are. I know you are all a bit upset and want to try and get home. I hate to say this Newton, I’m not going to stop you, however I will not let you take equipment that I will need, you can copy what you want to your phone. The laptop stays with me.”
“I kind of figured” Newton said not looking at Bloodstone.
“It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just I am going to need it. It is a valuable tool, and the documents on it are literally priceless. I want you to copy the important things, things that you might need. I have been studying the books that came from the box, and I think I have a way we can stay in touch, I can’t do anything right now, since I need to be up north. Who’s going with Newton and Sarah, just raise your hand.” He waited while they decided, “You five, ok.”
“I want to see if I can get the information from the phone conversation they had, I don’t know who was talking, maybe we can get some more information” Newton said looking at Sarah.
“I’m not lying, there was some people who were on a weird chat thing on the phone.” Sarah said.
“You never got to read it?” Bloodstone asked.
“No, the phones owner Vincent, was being a jerk. It’s not like I was going to break it. I just wanted to see the conversation”, Sarah said sheepishly.
“Don’t sweat it Sarah. Something else I want to ask, I figured out how to grant classes, not ones I take.” He looked around the room.
“What does that mean?” Newton asked.
“It means, that I can convert one class to another. We tested it yesterday the skills I have with my special class, allows me to make adjustments, to classes. There are some issues with it.”
“Like what?” Eve asked.
“Well it changes a class you have. To do that I would have to either take a class and then change it on the return, or have some pre-requisites already so that it forces a change. The thing is Violet has a class I have no idea what it is.”
“What class?” Newton asked and everyone looked at Violet.
She looked at everyone and started turning bright red, “It’s a nice class, [Empathic Catalyst] there is no reason to be so focused on me.”
Bloodstone got up and walked around and put his hands on her shoulders. “Violet, tell them what your skills are that you got”
She reached up with her right and put it on Bloodstones left hand, and looked up at him “I don’t want to.”
“Violet, just your new skills.” He said softly.
“Oh!,” She said giggling a little. “I got, [empathic sense],[catalytic aura], something called [Euphoric Mana], [empathic conversion],[empathic warmth] and [empathic protection]”
Everyone just stared at Violet, “What does that all mean?” Eve asked.
“I dono,” Violet shrugged.
“It means that Violet is very special,” Bloodstone said squeezing her lightly on the shoulders.
“What you are saying is that you gave violet a new class” Newton said.
“Yes. It also means we can fix class issues, like the one Eve has.” He looked at Eve, “That’s if you want me to change it”
“You mean the [pirate] class, sure but what can you turn it into?” She asked beaming.
“What would you want?”
“Could you change them all to [mage]” She asked.
“We can try. There is something I want to do first, before I start messing with anyone’s class’s” He leaned over and whispered to Isabel. “can I take the smith classes from you”
She nodded, he touched her cheek and took the classes from her.
[sub class goldsmith 8 acquired]
[sub class blacksmith 9 acquired]
She nuzzled his hand, not wanting to break the contact. He put his hand on her hair, it was woven to tightly for him to put his hands through it.
“I think I will go with them as well,” Amethyst said, from across the table.
Bloodstone looked up, “Oh?”
“Kuya, Xach?” She asked.
“What?” Xach asked.
Kuya looked between them and said, “I want to stay here, I have some things I want to finish drawing.”
“Ok, its decided then, Eve I can adjust your class when you are ready.” He turned and walked out of the room.
Violet looked at Amethyst, ”You really hurt him”
There was no reaction, as everyone was wondering what had just happened. There was a distant sound of a door slamming.
Violet got up and said, “I’m going to go check on him.”
Eve waited and then followed Violet out. Isabel sat at the table, she said to Amethyst, “You should have told him sooner, that you didn’t approve.”
“He wouldn’t listen to me anyhow, what difference does it make.” She said acidly.
“It makes a good bit of difference.” Coreen said.
“I’m supposed to believe this was all his idea?”
“Peace, there is no reason to be fighting each other.” Coreen said.
Amethyst stormed out of the room, her lower lip quivering.
“I’ll go talk to her, “ Coreen said following her out.
“I am not taking sides,” Azalar said.
“I’m not asking you to, I just need some perspective” Bloodstone said to the cat.
“Well it seems to bother you, perhaps you need to discuss this with your wife, your first wife.” The cat said.
“Yeah, I know, it’s just she never listens. I try and try and it’s like talking to a wall.”
There was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Violet at Eve stood at the entrance, “Are you all right, you seem distressed.” Violet said walking over to him.
“This is not going to help Violet.” He said taking a single step away from her.
“Well can we deal with the class, I have an idea.” Eve said.
“Sure, I suppose, what class were you thinking?” He asked.
“Something useful, maybe boost my mage class?”
“Sure let’s try this,” He offered his hand, and she placed her hand on his.
He activated the two skills, remove class and the grant class.
The classes he removed for just a moment were the [pirate] and [thief] classes.
[sub class pirate 19]
[sub class thief 2]
[sub class pirate 19 removed]
[sub class thief 2 removed]
“What did that do?” He asked Eve.
“[Mage] just want to twenty-five, Thanks!” she said grinning and letting go of his hand, she turned and left.
Violet stood there looking upset, “I think I may have cause some issue with your first wife.”
“No, it’s not you it’s us, meaning me and her. This just, all this“ He shrugged. “makes it worse. Wait here, I need to go talk to her.” He left her standing in the middle of the room.
Violet went looking for him shortly after he left, she found him talking to Amethyst in the gardens. There were others watching them walking and talking in the garden. Coreen walked over to Violet. “He say anything to you?”
“Nope, just it wasn’t me.” The two of them watch as they sat down on a bench and were talking.
“Can you tell what is going on with them” Coreen asked.
“No, too far away.” They watched a little longer and then Coreen returned to the house.
Violet watched them eventually they noticed her standing there and walked over. Before anyone could say anything Violet Hugged Amethyst, “I got this, you go” Violet said leading Amethyst away.
Bloodstone was going to object, when Violet just pointed to the front of the house.
He signed and walked to the front of the house, He heard Violet, “Is he always like that?”
He didn’t hear the reply as they were too far away.
Bloodstone came around to the front of the house and the horses were being tended to. There was also a carriage that was in front as well. Luggage was being loaded onto the roof as well as the back of the carriage.
It was a larger carriage than the one they had see the day before. Marcus was busy watching over the carriage itself, and saw Bloodstone, “My Lord, we should be ready to get you going shortly, have they decided if they are staying or going with you.”
“No idea are Sarah and the rest going to try and talk with the others?” He asked.
“I think Coreen talked them out of it, something about splitting up into small groups wasn’t a wise thing to do. Though I believe Sarah still wants to send to equipment to them.”
“I suppose a runner could deliver it. How much were you able to pack?”
“A good amount of the vault is already packed, the rest Coreen is going to send to the king, as a token of her appreciation. I will protect them while you travel north, you have done me a great honor, and set me free, given me a job.” He held out his hand. Bloodstone went to shake his hand and instead was grasped tightly around his forearm. “Few men I would consider honorable.” He released his grip
Newton came out and looked over his horse, and then walked over to Bloodstone and Marcus, “Wow, now that was interesting.”
“What?” Marcus asked.
“Seems Sarah was still insisting on returning to the other group, Coreen and Hellen both told her that she was being stubborn and headstrong.”
“I wouldn’t think that would detour her?” Marcus said.
“It wasn’t, it’s what Amethyst said that made her change her mind.”
“What did she say, I haven’t really talked to her at all.”
“She said that if she got in to trouble that no one would be there to save her a second time. It was a mean thing, but it got the point across.”
“She isn’t going?” Marcus asked.
“I think she’s going to stay with the group here, who knows, she’s a bit confused as to what she wants.”
“It’s confusing that some of you are from another world. It’s not like there is much difference here or on the other continents. War is war, it just depends on who’s fighting it and are they human or something else.”
“That’s easy for you to say that, we grew up in a place where the last war wasn’t local and was over eighty years ago.”
“No war for eighty years! What marvels you must have in your world.”
“Marvels and darkness, we can destroy a city in the blink of an eye, kill tens of thousands in mere moments, if that’s the pinnacle of civilization, I fear that end.”
Bloodstone had walked back around the carriage, “Yeah no nukes. I need some advice, from both of you.”
“Ask,” Marcus said.
“What the hell am I doing, I should be looking for a way home, not fucking around helping the king. Seriously tell me Newton should we change plans or is this still a good idea?”
Newton looked at him silently.
Marcus asked, “Is there a way home for you?”
“Not that I know of, if anyone has any thoughts or ideas, on how we got here.” He shrugged.
“You seem convinced that the king knows, and won’t help” Newton said.
“The bastard does know, and I found out that they have been summoning people here for at least a year! Now when they first started the ritual wasn’t setup, or working right. Then they started getting people one at a time, then two, and finally with us. I don’t think the king is going to stop just because we asked him. I have a feeling he will summon as many as he can and throw them at the invading forces. This is about survival now, once we can protect ourselves properly…” He let his comment trail off and shrugged.
“Is that what you are trying to do?” Newton asked.
“It’s more than that, I know enough concepts to be dangerous, practical knowledge helps as well. Now that I have had a chance to read some real magic books, I have a feeling that the King is or was using an artifact, he was very vague on what else he was using. We need to make ourselves indispensable, or at least insulated, with my current skills, we have a slight edge. With the funds and contacts, we can acquire through Coreen we can survive this.”
“You sound so sure that you’re doing the right thing, I wish I had your enthusiasm. Or at least your vision. I don’t think me and Beth would have been able to function if you hadn’t stepped up for us. I am still kinds of amazed and freaked out by this situation. It’s like being on a horrible vacation and realizing that it’s real and that there is no way back.”
“It takes a certain kind of person to move past it, my personal thought would be a strong soul. Someone who is very balanced, focused on others or themselves, truly focused. Someone like that here in this would be unstoppable. I’m focused, in a general sort of way, only I know how deep into it we are and that without us working together, we are beyond screwed.”
“What are you not telling me?” Newton asked.
Bloodstone sighed, “Listen, I need you and Beth to work on the wall, and work on the other things we discussed. I must focus on something else. Hopefully I will be able to explain soon, you’re just going to have to trust me.”
Newton nodded slowly, “I will try”
“That’s all I can ask. Marcus, there is something I want you to do since you are going to be here. I know it’s going to take a couple of days to make your way to the Third district, take it slow, don’t rush north just to meet up with us. If it takes a couple of extra days, let it.”
“I will do as you ask.” Marcus nodded.
“Ok now it’s time go see who’s going and who’s staying.” He walked back towards the house.
“Marcus what do you think of him,” Newton asked.
Marcus watched as he walked back into the house, “I think he’s got a lot on his mind, I have also never seen someone ready to kill as much as he is. It’s strange, it’s almost as if he has been here much longer, and there is something about him that makes you want to listen to him.”
“I know what you mean and there have been times he scares the shit out of me. I know he’s not a bad guy, it’s just sometimes, he says the strangest things or does things that makes me question if he really is from our world. His kids seem to fall right into stride with everything.” Newton said.
“I heard that his wife and daughter both have strange classes.”
“Yeah, I haven’t really seen what his wife is able to do. His daughter, there’s something about her that just sets my teeth on edge.”
“His daughter, yes she has set off my danger sense once or twice, of them, I think she is as dangerous as his wife.”
They continued to talk, about the horses and the carriage, and if Newton was going to stay.
Bloodstone walked into the front door, there were two people standing at the door, looking around. They were a guy and girl, both looked to be adults, they both looked around in the lobby, they wore functional clothes, not expensive but not rags either.
“Scuse me sir we were asked to come here.” The woman said.
“Really? What for?” Bloodstone asked.
“We are runners, we came the guild sent us.” The man said.
“Oh right, come with me.” He turned and walked to where Coreen was. She had taken over the office of Sutter. Entering she was talking with Sarah, and the room looked like a bomb had hit it, there were papers everywhere in piles, random items on stacks of paper, and several crates were opened and the contents were in piles next to the creates. Coreen saw Bloodstone enter and stood up from the desk.
“My lord,” She said
“Coreen knock it off, you don’t have to do my lord honorific, Blood or Bloodstone will do. These two runners are here, I presume for the request that Sarah made.”
“Ah yes, sorry. We can talk in the other room; this mess is still being worked on. This way please.”
She led the four of them next door to a smaller room, “You four can talk here, I have to get back to work.” She returned to the office.
Sarah sat down on one side of the small table. The two runners looked at Bloodstone, “Are you a lord?” The woman asked.
“Yeah, I am not the client she is.” He gestured to Sarah.
“Ok,” The man said pulling up a chair, “I’m Brice and this is Emma, we are both runners. What is it you want us to deliver and where.”
Sarah pointed to a chest, “Blood can you removed the contents”
“Sure”, He opened the chest and pulled out six bags, two pairs of boots, two leather tunics, two cloaks, and two daggers. He set them all on the table.
The bags are bags of holding, four of them are for a group just beyond the wall in the third district.
“Beyond the wall, sorry I though this job was in the districts.” The guy stood up.
“Hear them out first, Brice.” Emma said.
He crossed his arms, “Fine, let’s see how much your offering.”
“There are four bags of magical gear that that I want you to deliver to Richard and Emily, they are the Heroes that are out by the eastern gates. The town just north there. I am willing to include the two extra empty bags, as well as the gear here.”
They looked at the gear, and then at each other.
“I don’t think so,” Brice said.
“Why not?” Sarah asked.
“Do you know how dangerous it is now, there are roaming monsters, demons, and who knows what else.”
“Sarah are those the magic items you picked out for the runners?” Bloodstone asked.
“Yes, the boots are supposed to make your balance better and make you a little faster. The cloak is supposed to keep the water off you, and keep you dry. The armor is magic armor. The daggers are just magical and sharp. I can also offer five hundred gold”
He stood with his arms crossed, “Sorry, I’m out. I am not suicidal. Five hundred is a lot of money, so you know it’s dangerous.”
Sarah looked upset and then looked at Emma, “Are you out as well.”
“If I deliver it all do I get both bags?” She asked.
“You can’t Emma that’s crazy.” Brice said trying to convince her.
“Sure, I can let you keep the items, you can do with them whatever you want. Just deliver the bags there is a letter in each one, detailing the contents.”
“If I take this contract, I get the five hundred gold and the items?”
Sarah nodded,” how soon could you deliver them?”
“I could go now,” She paused and looked over at Bloodstone. “Why did you want two runners?”
“To make sure the items get to them,” Bloodstone said.
“Brice, take the job.” She said.
He uncrossed his arms, “Fine, is that five hundred total or per runner?” He asked.
“It’s per runner.” Bloodstone said cutting off Sarah.
“Is it really that important?” He asked.
“I am outfitting you with some good gear, I want the bags delivered. If you can’t do it tell me.”
“Can we check out the items?” Emma asked.
“Sure”, Sarah said.
The each picked up a set of gear and three bags. Emma was already pulling off her small shoes and putting on the boots. “Wow, these are comfortable” She said standing up in the boots. She put on the vest and the cloak and put the dagger on her belt at the hip.
“Ok, we will take the job.” Emma said.
They then headed out of the room, Bloodstone put his arm across the door. “I want to talk with you.” He said to Sarah.
“Can it wait?” She said.
“Actually, no it can’t” He closed the door.
“What is this about? Me going or me staying.”
“No, it’s about the mean things you were telling the others. If you have a problem with me then talk to me.”
“Why should I, you used your power to block my memories.”
“I also used my power and skills to save your life.” He turned and sat down at the table. “Sit or leave, I don’t care anymore, you want to cause trouble then be aware that there are a number of things I can do that you will not like.”
“Are you threatening me?”
“Yes, I am, I don’t have the time, patience or energy to be fighting you and fixing the shit your fucking up. You have a death wish do it somewhere else, preferably were I don’t have to watch.”
“You can’t talk to me like that!” She said slamming her hands onto the table.
“What are you going to do, go tell my wife, cry about it to Beth and Newton. I want you to realize I know precisely what kind of person you are. I know because I was in the short sighted little twisted head of yours. You really want to know why I blocked some of your memories, it was to make you a better person. I know now you are going to be a backstabbing bitch as long as you get your way. You would think that you would stop, I don’t think you know how.”
She turned to open the closed door, “I don’t have to take this from you of all people.”
“You walk out that door, don’t come back. Just take the stuff we gave you and leave.”
She froze, “Your kicking me out?”
“No, you’re going to sit down and shut up for five minutes, or you’re going to get the hell away from me and my friends before I take something you say personally and put you back the way I found you.”
She turned around white as a sheet, “You wouldn’t”
“Try me, I know more about you than most people. I can be your best friend or your words enemy, you pick”
“Why are you being like this?”
“Because you lied, lied to my wife, lied to Newton and Beth. It wasn’t even a good lie. It didn’t hurt anyone, except me. Now, if I am going to be accused of something, I might as well be willing to do it.”
“You wouldn’t” she said somewhat unconvincingly.
“You’re right, I wouldn’t and yet somehow you convinced someone I care about that I did something horrible to you. Convinced people who depend on me that I was lying to them.”
“I just want them to listen to me, you’re not right all the time.”
“Fuck you Sarah, it’s not about being right or wrong it’s about keeping people alive. The only reason, we are having this conversation is I don’t want you to make a serious mistake and get yourself killed. You want to go out and get killed fine, don’t drag others down with you.”
“You can’t tell me what to do, I’m not afraid of you.”
“If you believe that then walk out that door, leave and don’t come back.”
She stood at the door, “You’re going to kick me out if I leave?”
“No, I’m not kicking you out, I’m telling you that you leave and we don’t finish this conversation then you will NEVER get home. You will NEVER find what you’re looking for and I will NEVER help you again.”
“Why are you being so mean?”
“Mean!? Mean! You convinced everyone that I was mind controlling you, mean doesn’t even come close to how pissed off I am.”
“Well you were,” She countered.
“That’s a bunch of bull shit and you know it.”
“Then why do I like you so much, you’re not even the kind of guy I like.”
“You’re serious?” He asked perplexed.
“Why was I so jealous, when you married everyone, I wasn’t going to do that.”
“What is the matter with you?”
“What do you mean?” Sarah said looking up at him
“You are obviously jealous; the question is why you didn’t say anything.”
“I didn’t think you liked me,” She said looking down again.
“You want me to get the magistrate back out here, add you as my seventh wife? Or are you going to stop being an ass and admit I didn’t do anything other than block your memories. To be honest, I didn’t even do that Amethyst did. I had her charm you and we made you forget.”
“I..I …I don’t know, I am just scared, this place scares me, I almost died.” She started shaking.
Bloodstone got up and hugged her, “Look you need to sort out your feelings. I don’t think you are in love with me. I think I am a convenient crush, a way to lash out and blame me. You’re still not all healed up. Take it slowly if you decide in a few days or week you want me to do something talk to me, don’t cause trouble, you might get someone killed, we can’t play games here, and can you do that?”
“I’ll try, would you just hold me.”
“Sure” He held her and she held onto him tightly.
Bloodstone walked over to the carriage, a young man was standing nearby. “Can I help you sir” He asked.
“Are you the drive for the carriage?” He asked.
“Yes sir!, The lady of the house hired me. Who are you sir?”
“What’s your name?”
“Marshal sir.” The kid seems to be out of his element and nervous.
“Marshal, relax, just drive the carriage to where we need to go and we will be fine.”
“Yes sir.”
A short time later, Amethyst, followed by Kuya, Violet, Isabel, Kiki and Abagail followed. Kiki was being loud and chewing on two apples, one in each hand. Violet and Kuya were leading Isabel, and Abagail was walking next to Amethyst. Eve ran out and opened the door for them to the carriage. While they board the carriage, Xach came out talking with Marcus.
Bloodstone watched as the group of women went by, they all had changed into functional clothes, or dresses, the only one not wearing a dress was Kuya. Amethysts dress was knee high and a deep purple, it was more of a sun dress and had thick straps that crossed in the back. Violet, was wearing a similar dress hers however was more revealing and form fitting. Abagail and Kiki were wearing functional dresses more for the weather than for fashion. Isabel wore a white dress, and was wearing long white cloth gloves. They were all wearing soft boots. Kuya was wearing a white shirt with a gray tunic and short gray pants, which looked like a soft cloth like cotton.
Marcus stood at the top of the three steps and waited. Xyrdiane and Ranalith exited and took their horses. They both were also wearing clothes that were fancy and fashionable. Bloodstone wasn’t paying attention when they came out. He turned and saw Xrydiane and Ranalith in the gear they had found, Xrydiane was wearing a shimmering black robe belted at the waist, with several pouches and a bag on her hip. A small dagger was on the other side. And what looked like two wand holsters. Her hair was tied back, and put up showing her pointed ears. Next to her Rana was decked out in a chainmail shirt, and deep black leather pants. The clothing underneath the chain barely showed through, her hair was also tied back, the two blades she had on each hip looked dangerous, her bag and pouched were also on her hip and the small of her back.
Xyrdiane flashed a smile at Bloodstone, and walked towards him, the sun caught her in a perfect light, and he scrambled for his phone. “Stop don’t move!”
He took the picture, and then another, and then two more. The two of them looked confused for a moment, and then came up to him. Rana smiled at him to, “The look on your face, that was priceless, are you blushing”
“Uh, no” he said trying to cover his face.
“He is!” Xyrdiane said leaning in and giving him a peck on the cheek.
Bloodstone turned even a deeper shade of red.
“What is the matter,” Rana asked.
“It’s just I never saw her in sunlight, she’s radiant. I had to take a picture.” He said looking at the phone.
Xyrediane laughed, “Told you I still had it.”
They went to retrieve their horses, leaving him standing there dumbfounded.
The group decided that it was time to go. They had four horses and the rest rode on or in the carriage, there were also four more horses tied to the back of the carriage, with six pulling it.
The left the rich estates and headed east and north to the next wall. It took them several hours to get to the wall where they followed the road to the next castle to pass through to the second district.
They passed through the second wall without incident, no one seemed to care much, the guards just asked where they were going and waived them through.
One of the soldiers on the north side of the wall waived over Bloodstone.
“What’s up?” he asked.
“Well there have been some issues up north, just wanting to give you a warning, and stick to the roads.”
“What kind of issues?” He asked the soldier.
“Bandits, people going missing, you should be fine though, you seem like a capable bunch of adventurers.”
“Uh, huh.“ He said and joined back up with the rest.
They exited the passageway, and were back on the road. They headed north. After twenty minutes there was a fork in the road.
“Right” I guess, Bloodstone said to the driver.
“Ok,” and they turned down the right hand fork.
An hour later they were deep into a wooded forest. “Should we turn around and go the other way?”
Bloodstone asked.
“Up to you sir,” The driver said.
They continued through the woods, and stopped when there was a tree across the road.
“Looks deliberate, we have company” Rana said.
Six rough looking men stepped out of the overgrowth. “Lookie what we have here, some noble or rich adventurer” The largest one said pointing a crossbow at Bloodstone
“Are you responsible for this tree?” Bloodstone asked.
“Git off yur horse, for I put a crossbow bold in your eye.” The bandit said.
“Sure, I just need to know if I have to kill you or someone else?” Bloodstone asked.
The other five men started laughing as they pointed crossbows at Rana and Xrye.
“Look that one is a half-elf, maybe she will scream real good for us.” One of the other bandits said.
“Look you guys just move the tree, before my wife notices.” Bloodstone said looking back at the carriage. Two more bandits came out of the overgrowth, and one looked inside the carriage. “Hey boss there’s a bunch of women inside.”
“Look if you wake them up, it’s your funeral.” Bloodstone pleaded with them.
“I said get off the horse” The bandit said ignoring him.
Bloodstone swung off the horse, and tossed the reigns to Rana. “Look if I have to move this tree im going to be seriously pissed.”
“Now hand over any gold you got” The bandit leader said still ignoring him.
“I really don’t have time for this nonsense” said as he started walking towards the bandit.
There was a metallic plink as the bolt struck Bloodstone and bounce into the air landing a few feet in front of him. “You put a hole in my shirt”
“Is he wearing some kind of magic armor?” The Bandit leader said, two of his men turned and fired at him as well, one shot missed and hit the carriage, and the other also made a metallic plink, and bounced into the overgrowth.
One of the men opened the carriage door and started to climb in, and was inside for a moment and was thrown out and into the overgrowth.
Amethyst climbed down out of the carriage, looked around and said, “Who the hell was that?”
“Sorry hon. I tried to tell them not to cause a fuss.” Bloodstone said to her.
The other bandit came around the back of the carriage and drew a dagger. With her back to him it as he bassed the door, a stick wacked him on the head, and he dropped like a sack of potatoes. Kuya stepped out of the carriage
“That’s what you get,” She said, as her staff began to glow shedding a bright light in all directions.
“Oh now you guys did it, they are both cranky when they get woken up.”
“A [mage] I didn’t sign up to mess with a mage.” One of the men turned to run and the ground grabbed him.
“It’s too late now.” Bloodstone said hopping over the tree and advancing on the bandit.
He was attempting to wind up the crossbow, when the punch to the face knocked him back and out cold.
“Anyone else want to fight?” Bloodstone asked they all had run off. He looked around only the two bandits that had been knocked out were around. “I am not moving this tree!” He said upset.
They eventually rounded up the bandits and had them move the tree, they also uncovered that there were two hostages, whom they freed. There were only a dozen bandits and they hadn’t even gotten more than a couple of levels, in the trade.
They also found the head bandit a woman who had convinced them that they could make money at being bandits. The leader was also one of the local lord’s youngest daughters. She had been causing trouble in the area so that she didn’t have to get married.
They also had been harassing travelers through the woods giving it a bad reputation. He had told the bandits to disperse or else. The young woman Vella Jetarious he tied up and put in the carriage with the others, where she couldn’t cause any trouble.
It was evening when they finally exited the woods and the sun had gone down.
A campfire was built in the dark with Kuya lighting the area with her staff, and everyone had bed rolls that had been packed into the carriage. Watches were set and everyone settled in for the night.