Three more days of hiking before we came close to home. Camping at the same sites we had on the way in, appearing just how we had left them. Encountered very little in the way of monsters other than the one's we stopped to hunt for that nights meal. And despite our objections Teovar insisted on cooking. Thorpe and I thought he would be well sick of it. He disagreed.
We had no seasonings or fixings to spare. Just Jackelope, Quail, or whatever else we could catch. He'd simply roast it over the fire with little physical effort other than a few adjustments every so often. And somehow it looked, smelled, and tasted better than anything I'd had in a long time. Not since Papa was home.
Suffice it to say. It was heavenly…
Over meals and during our trek we got to know him quite well. Where he had come from and how he had gotten here.
Teovar was a simple cook on a private trade vessel from the coast of the Alder Region out east. He had been hired by recommendation from his childhood friend who served as a Guard on the same ship. Serving on 23 voyages before the ship was attacked and boarded by the Urka during a routine run to the Beast Isle. [Cook]'s are one of most valuable types of people on the Grand so he was an obvious grab. Especially since he is specialized towards cooking portions for large groups with skills that let him cut down on ingredient use.
He was Level 4 and in his 40's at the time. Making him 67 now, which ironically means Thorpe is 20 years older than him. A fact which had me staring saucers at Old Guard but he pretended not to notice. I found it pretty funny.
After Teovar was captured he spent time with the Urka for a couple years before being given to Sar'kesh as part of a peace deal. And then was put into indentured service by Dreyfus's father who was the clans second in command.
After spending 20 years essentially imprisoned inside of a kitchen in some of the most inhospitable lands on the Grand we were not at all surprised when he told us he's level 7 now. Which means he's the same level as papa was before he left. But Papa had evolved into a [Chef] at that point, which has much different specializations.
It was fascinating to learn what Bandit villages were like. Which really wasn't that different than ours all things considered. The Bandit's are incapable of gaining production skills so a lot of clans have to raid constantly to keep themselves fed, clothed, and armed. But the coastal clans are much older and wiser, having constructed villages and even cities entirely by the hands of indentured servants they had captured. The oldest of them being the city of 'Banitas' on the Salted Coast.
This lead to Thorpe's much more pressing questions since the elder had spent so long passed the Red Line. Namely since he was indentured to the Urka for a while. But Teovar really didn't know that much of what we had heard from the archer bandit. He does remember a bandit named Alkwyn but he was only 13 when he met him and hasn't heard anything about him since then. The leader of the Urka back then was someone named 'Breit' who Thorpe still thought was leading them. But Teovar does confirm he was killed last year during a mutiny but that's all he really knows.
Although he has spent a lot of time with the clans he was mostly secluded in kitchens for most of it and wasn't really privy to the gossip until recently when he was forced to be a raid cook by Dreyfus.
We didn't press him much more after that. It was obvious it took a lot out of him to remember it.
The last day of our journey was very uneventful. It was relieving to see the Meld forest again. We were only out in the Ardennes for maybe a little over a week but it felt like months to me with everything that happened. And even though Thorpe did grab me a change of clothes from the Bandit camp, neither of us have had a bath in a long time and I feel…well…crusty.
But finally we break from the tree line on the hill outside of the south gate pasture. The same spot I watched Leone do spars with Old Guard years ago. And where I usually do the same now.
The wood pasture fence arcing down the hill towards the village. Cattle grazing in the tall grass field. The sun rose a few hours ago so it's nearing noon I think with how high up it is.
The chill in the air has gotten much stronger. Harvest season officially starting in just a week or so now. In the central grand it starts getting colder pretty early but not as much as it does up near the capital that has likely already been experiencing some snow fall for a month now.
The village is active with work. [Farmer]'s out in the pastures tending to the beast of burden or in the dense field out against the east wall readying for the harvest.
Thorpe drops his shield and settles his spear over his shoulders, using it for leverage as he pops his back. "Good. It's not on fire." He comments in an only half joking manner grabs back up his shield before and starts pacing down the hill. Teovar and I trailing behind.
Every inch closer we get the more ready I am to climb under my bedsheets to hibernate for the next month. I know I won't get quite that long but I'd settle for at least a week.
It doesn't take long before we hear shouting from over the village walls as we near the South Gate. Guards spotting us from their towers.
"Captain and Liore are back early!"
The gates are wide open this time of day so we can see some of the guards on shift there gathering up, along with several of the villagers jogging over to welcome us back. The lot of them looking curious as to who we have with us.
Teovar lags a bit behind at the stares but I give him a reassuring smile, helping him a long with a light press to his back. The elderly [Cook] appearing a bit frightened but nods his appreciation and returns the smile.
Thorpe stops once we pass the threshold of the gate, sliding the packs off his back and lets out a hefty sigh. One of the Guards, Walt, walks up to the old man with a coy smile. "You look like a dragon just spat you out Captain. What's with the early return? And whose this with ya?"
Old Guard looked over to Walt and shakes his head. "I'll fill you and the others in later. This is Teovar. We'll need to open one of the guest rooms for him. He'll be staying with us for a spell til he decides to move on."
Teovar clears his throat from behind Thorpe, grabbing the attention of a few others. "Apologies for the burden. I am a [Cook] if ya be needin one. I can work for my bed, I ain't no slouch."
I smile lightly at that. "Don't be modest, take your time and get some rest. You don't need to rush into work." I chip in before noticing a few others from around the village grouping over to greet us. The blacksmith Mrs. Bennett and her wife amongst them. Margo is looking her best as per usual. Clad in a beautiful blue dress made for both form and function. She's made most of my clothes as well as many others here. Her and Mama have been friends for a long time.
The blacksmith gives me a bright smile as they both approach. "Welcome back, love. You look absolutely knackered." She chuckles, walking up to give me a hug which I return gratefully. Sinking into her strong arms. Neither of us too worried about how dirty I am as the burly women tends to sweat all day anyway.
I let out a light sigh of relief in the hug. "You have no idea…I want to sleep for ages."
Mrs. Bennett laughs, giving me a tight squeeze before letting me go. "I think you rightly deserve it. You've been working yourself too hard lately. You're worrying us all sick."
I let out a long sigh. "I can't disagree with that..." I admit, setting my pack down as a few other villagers come over to greet us as well. Getting a few more hugs and pats on the back as I laugh awkwardly. Surrounded on all sides by many of the [Farmer]'s breaking from their shifts, the local kids around my age, and some of the skilled workers. All curious to know how the odd farm girl turned warrior faired on her first hunt.
"You did it! Welcome back kiddo."
"Did you catch anything?"
"You've got some new scars! What did you fight?"
It should be comforting. They aren't treating me bad. Just asking questions. But for some reason I feel kind of wrong...
"You look like you've been through the ringer Liore! First hunt is always a bit rough. You'll get used to it."
"Were you scared out there? Did you get hurt?"
My face twitches. The crowd tightens. Another pat on my back. Someone tussles my hair. My skin crawls.
"Damn girl, you look like you fought hard out there! Bring back any good parts?"
"Old Guard wasn't too hard on you, yeah?"
"Hey, maybe give her some space…"
Why are my hands shaking? Why do I feel scared? I know these people. They're my friends. My neighbors. The walls are closing in. My heart is beating so fast. I want it to stop.
"Hey Liore! Did you kill anything?
"Whew! You smell like a butcher dear. Ha ha!"
"Y'all…back up…she's getting overwhelmed."
What's…what's going on. Am I trembling? My hands are sweating. What do they want with me? Why are they making me do this?
"Old Guards right, she doesn't look too good."
"Is she okay?"
"Liore dear…are you alright?" A hand touches my shoulder and I flinch, my hand shooting over my shoulder.
My hand is quickly grabbed and an arm snakes around my midsection. Lifting me into the air from behind and pulling me away from the small crowd. All of them focused on me and looking concerned. Margo is holding her hand to her chest while Mrs. Bennett's arm is around her waist, having pulled her away from me. The blacksmiths eyes wide with shock.
The crowd at the gate has gotten quiet other than a few whispers. Some of the Guards moving in between them and me. Thorpe sets me down and turns me around. Kneeling to be level with me as he clutches tightly onto my upper arms.
My mentor stares at me with a clear calm expression. "It's alright. They aren't here anymore. They're all gone. I took care of them. We are home. Everyone here is a friend." He speaks slowly and quietly, never looking away.
I finally feel the dampness on my cheeks from tears I hadn't even noticed falling. "Wh..what happened?"
Thorpe's face scrunches up with worry. "You just got a little overwhelmed. And it…triggered your fight or flight a bit. But it's all good. You didn't mean it."
My whole body is tensed up, as if waiting for something to strike out at me. My voice comes out quiet and I'm unable to muster any emotion into it. "I remembered…it was like…when they made me…"
"I know." His hands squeeze my arms, cutting me off before I can finish. "I know…but they're gone. I took care of it. You are safe."
I slowly nod but I am unsure if I truly believe it. Every alarm in my head tells me I am in danger. Turning my head to look back at everyone else just to be met with over a dozen concerned gazes fixated on me. Making those alarms even worse as I try to make sense of the expressions on their faces. Finding it difficult to tell whether they are worried for me...or afraid.
It makes me want to hide. My mouth feels dry. "I…I'm sorry…"I manage to strain out in a mumble.
Margo eye's widen and she breaks away from Mrs. Bennett to cross passed the guards, kneeling down next to me as well. The [Seamstress] takes out a handkerchief to wipe the tears off my cheeks. "Sweetheart it's alright. You didn't mean to. You just got scared." She assures with a somewhat sad smile. "Did we remind you of something scary?"
My face twitches again, my mouth opening to speak but I can't get the words out. Not really certain what all I can say. My eyes shifting towards Thorpe for some kind of help. The old man sighing in response.
Mrs. Bennett walks over as well with more of a stomp in her steps. The blacksmith propping her hands on her hips with a serious glared directed at Old Guard. "What the hell happened out there Auguste? She's acting like she just came back from her first WAR." The burly woman states a bit fiercely at him.
The accusatory tone she is taking makes me flinch, making me look up towards her and force out a defense. "It's not his fault. Please don't blame him."
Her brows furrow at me with more worry. "Then what happened dear? It was just supposed to be a hunting trip."
I give a pained expression and look towards Thorpe, which doesn't make Mrs. Bennett any happier. Old Guard gives my arm another squeeze before he stands up and holds up a hand passively to the blacksmith before looking to the group of villagers still watching the exchange. "There will likely be an all hands meeting sometime today, so let the others know to be prepared for that. I'll go into better detail then." He says with as much tact as he can. "But the short of it is that we had…a very unpleasant experience. So we are exhausted and filthy…need some time to rest for a bit. So please go about your business until we can collect ourselves. Thank you."
The group of villagers mutter to one another at the brief and unsatisfying explanation but they disperse none the less. Appearing a bit more worried than before as they converse about what we could have gone through. Some of them glancing my way with looks I still can't read all too well.
Mrs. Bennett and her wife stay. Margo rubbing my back in soothing circles which has helped a lot to calm me down somewhat. But I'm starting to wonder why mama hasn't showed up yet. Making me even more paranoid.
Thorpe gestures to one of the guards and points at one of the packs he brought along from the bandit camp. "Take that bag to the armory. Do NOT try to take anything out it. It's all cursed shit..."
"Cursed? God damn...Aye capt." The guard answers, looking shocked to hear of the contents, and quickly grabs the bag before jogging off with it.
Clearing my throat, I turn my attention back to Margo. "Where is Mama?"
Mrs. Bennett answers instead. "Your Mama is down the main road a bit aways with a couple of the guards. An inspector from Llanercost came up but his carriage broke down half way up the trail. So they went down to help haul his luggage up here. Should be back soon."
My lips purse a bit at that, sending a knowing look up towards Thorpe. Old Guard meeting it with a shared suspicion which leads me to ask. "Should we go and help them?"
Thorpe gives a light sigh and shakes his head. "Sounds like they have it in hand. And I can't move another step at the moment that isn't towards my own bed."
I can't help but nod in agreement. Margo giving me a gentle smile before glancing up at Thorpe. "We'll take her home and get her to bed." Standing up with a hand still held gently onto my shoulder which is currently keeping me emotionally grounded. I suddenly feel like I'd crumble without it.
Old Guard gives an appreciative nod. "Thank you. Both of you." Then returning his attention to me, kneeling down again to my level. Looking more tired than I've ever seen him before. The weight of the journey lifting off of him. "You and I are going to have a long conversation soon. Once we are both feeling like we are on solid ground. Cause we are on a tight rope right now."
I nod slowly, taking a deep shaky breath. "I'd like that."
The old man gives my shoulders a light pat before he stands back up as Mrs. Bennett moves to my side with her wife. The other guards seem a bit on edge now. Walt shifting over to Thorpe with a sharp cautious look in his eyes. "Captain. I am getting a real uncomfy feeling right now." Pausing for a moment to lift a brow. "Level with me here…are we in trouble?"
Thorpe looks back to him in silence for a long moment. Reaching up to rub the back of his neck and releasing an exasperated breath.
"Very…"