The Magician, The Wand VII

--- o The Wand VII o ---

   ❝ I don’t think its a good idea to bring her along, ❞

   Rebis asked curiously, leaning against the wheel of a wagon as he observed Elly as she rushed around getting her things ready. She was far too eager for his liking, though his pessimistic nature often found him doubting the choices of her peers. When it came to Iris, that was another story. Still, he was prudent enough to think of not only the goal but also its journey. Too dangerous for a child to trek, and he didn’t want another head to worry over keeping safe.

   ❝ You know how dangerous it’ll be, ❞ He added, despite knowing it was pointless tyring to change her mind, he was far too persistent with his troubles to simply drop it.

   ❝ She’ll be fine, stop worrying so much. ❞

   Iris gave him a faint smile, she knew he meant well, but he often obsessed over the small things while bliding himself to the bigger picture. She  sat on a chair, her sword on her lap as she wiped it down and finished applying oil. It wasn’t so much a sword, rather a flat, thin bar with no discernable sharpness with a hilt bent at an almost ninety-degree angle. What’s more, she had a similar, albeit shorter sword which rested freshly oiled on the table. Two of a set, each with peculiar etchings across their surface. Once done, she placed it back in its scabbard and rose to her feet.

   ❝ Besides. I’ll be the one looking after her, ❞ Iris added, as she turned to face Rebis, who didn’t appear to be any more reassured than he was a moment prior. ❝ Veld will be with us as well. ❞

   ❝ Even if I were to agree with you, I can’t change her mind now. ❞ Iris continued, trying to keep her focus on preparing for their departure, despite the constant pestering. It wasn’t up for debate, even if she had her own doubts, her words stood true. Once Elly had an idea she wouldn’t let it go, and she clearly wants to come with her, even if she thinks she understands the brevity of said task.

   Iris sighed as she strode along the line of carriages and caravans, already loaded and ready for departure. She eyed the stable hands, who were tending to the pack animals which consisted of horses, mules, oxes, and other peculiar creatures that resembled a lizard, which was solely used for the scouting parties to move about swiftly. And then her own steed she petted attentively. The word steed would be misleading, as it was closer to a stag, twice its size and covered in a dark brown sheen of thick fur dotted with white and black blotches. She named it muffins, as it particularly liked them and would often misbehave if it weren’t given the treat she would now feed it.

   ❝ I know but— ❞ He went to speak, but was cut off by Iris.

   ❝ Rebis, enough. Go tell the others we’re ready to set off. ❞

   She raised her hand as Rebis went to speak once more as she watched a saddled man clad in armour, trot over to her group, which would consist of herself, Elly, Veld, and Judge who were to be taken in a caravan along with the supplies in the central formation, with Iris riding before them and her men in their own respective positions. Narda, along with a small group of Medics were to ride just behind them.

   ❝ Greetings, Lady Iris, and brother Rebis. ❞

   Thatch greeted her as he dismouned his steed, and bowed before her. ❝ And praise the world in its never ending creation. ❞

   ❝ May your light be guided and your path abundant, brother. ❞ Iris replied, returning the bow as Rebis would do the same.

   ❝ How fares our path, Thatch? ❞

   She added, placing her hand on the nose of Thatch’s steed, black as tar, just like his own hair and neatly trimmed beard, though he wore a red Phrygian cap atop his own head. Even its eyes matched his, a deep crimson that pierced from afar. Martigora was its name.

   ❝ Not good. The rain made passage somewhat difficult; has been unusually thick. Many routes are flooded, mud makes it too risky to traverse on horseback let alone carriage. ❞ Thatch replied as he reached over to grab a roll of parchment from his saddlebag, handing it over to Iris who inspected it silently.

   ❝ We can’t afford to detour now, we’ll need to split our group once we are able. ❞

   Iris took a moment to think. They did have room enough for another lot of cargo, but they were already overencumbered as it was.

   ❝ I’ve sent word to inform our delay, ❞ Thatch continued,  ❝ From what it seems, we’ll need to detour to Ruith via the Torpéist, as the passage through Enbarr is far too dangerous right now. ❞

   ❝ Can we make it to the Cad Goddeau before the snow sets in? ❞ Iris wrinkled her nose, finding herself chewing on her own hair as she often did when stressed or lost in thought. 

   ❝ Aye. We’ve a few groups searching for routes best as able, hasn’t helped this place being so far off the beaten path. ❞ Thatch added. It was difficult to understand his broken speech and heavy foreign accent, and his tendency for over-gesticulating somehow made it even harder to follow what he was saying. But unlike Judge who was almost impossible to decipher with his vulgar language and quick lips, Thatch took his time with his words, and spoke as clearly as he could.

   Iris replied with a dissatisfied sound, reading over the letter which only confirmed his words, and her worries.

   ❝ If I’d known beforehand, I’d never sent them here and had supplies brought to them. ❞ Thatch continued, ❝ Though I admit this is a perfect place for encampment between campaigns, we’ve ample time to plan our next moves and supplies were perfectly timed. ❞

   ❝ I’d advise against that, ❞ She replied as she stashed the rolled parchment in a small bag on her hip. ❝ The fewer people who know this place, the better. ❞

   ❝ True. ❞ Thatch nodded.

   ❝ One more thing, ❞ Thatch interjected, waiting for Rebis to be out of ear range before he spoke again. He once more produced another document, and gave it to Iris. ❝ We only found this when we encountered another caravan. They had been attacked and there was only one survivor, who thankfully kept this hidden for us. ❞

   ❝ Cnyhc. ❞  Iris’s face darkened as she swore under her breath as she read the report. Of all the times for shit happen.

--- o The Magician I o ---