Chapter 13.3: The Journey North - Saying Goodbye to the Town of Greenvale (VI)
Year 0003, Month VIII-X: The Imperium
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Day 37.1: Preparing to Travel Once Again
The morning sun cast long shadows across Greenvale as August stirred from his restless sleep. Each day began with the same disciplined routine—one that had become as natural to him as breathing. Within the confines of towns and settlements, he was forced to restrain his magical training, but on the open road, he could practice freely. This natural order of things had become almost ritualistic, a sacred rhythm that kept him grounded in his purpose.
His daily regimen was demanding yet fulfilling: physical conditioning to strengthen his body, combat drills to sharpen his reflexes, and magical training to expand his arcane abilities. Master Aetherwing had been adamant about maintaining this routine whenever time and circumstances permitted. "Consistency breeds mastery," the old human sages had often said, "and mastery breeds survival."
The others gathered at the Wayward Travellers Inn and Stables' dining area, where the morning light filtered through diamond-paned windows, casting geometric patterns across worn wooden tables. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling beast meat filled the air, a comforting prelude to their impending departure. They ordered their usual hearty breakfast—thick porridge with honey, strips of cured meat, and strong ale to fortify them for the journey ahead. The meal was substantial enough to sustain them through the morning's travel, and the familiar routine provided a sense of normalcy before venturing into the unknown.
After breaking their fast, they made their way to the stables where their three magnificent six-legged steeds awaited. These beasts were marvels of selective breeding, their muscular frames and intelligent eyes speaking to generations of careful cultivation. The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of hay and leather, mingled with the earthy musk of the powerful creatures that would carry them forward.
Their next destination was Jobert's Wagons, where their newly acquired Deluxe Medium-Type Wagon awaited completion. The anticipation was palpable as they approached the workshop, the sound of hammering and sawing indicating the final touches being applied to their mobile home.
Mr. Jobert greeted them with the proud smile of a craftsman whose work had exceeded expectations. His weathered hands gestured toward their completed wagon, a masterpiece of engineering and comfort that had been finished in record time. The dedication of his workers, who had labored through the night to meet their deadline, was evident in every carefully crafted detail.
"Gentlemen," Mr. Jobert announced with a theatrical flourish, "I present your traveling fortress."
August and his companions conducted a thorough inspection of their new acquisition. The living quarters at the rear of the wagon were ingeniously designed, maximizing every inch of available space. Though compact, there was sufficient room to move comfortably and access the ingeniously constructed bunk beds. The women's quarters, while dimensionally identical to the men's, featured subtle differences in layout and amenities, separated by a sturdy partition wall that ensured privacy without compromising structural integrity.
The cargo hold exceeded their expectations, spacious enough to accommodate their magical storage crates, which had been secured with custom-built holders designed to prevent any mishaps during travel. Every item they had discussed was present and properly positioned, from the smallest cooking utensil to the largest piece of equipment.
Beneath the wagon's main body lay a marvel of engineering—a complex framework of reinforced supports and joints that would distribute the weight evenly and withstand the rigors of long-distance travel. The massive wheels, standing nearly six feet tall with double-stacked and reinforced construction, were designed to handle any terrain they might encounter. From the axles to the smallest bolt, every component had been crafted with meticulous attention to detail, creating a beast of burden that inspired confidence in their upcoming two-week journey.
The craftsmanship was so impressive that August found himself genuinely moved by the dedication and skill displayed. He grasped Mr. Jobert's calloused hand firmly, expressing his gratitude not only to the master craftsman but to every member of his hard working crew. Their magnificent work would be the foundation of many adventures to come.
The process of hitching their two six-legged beasts of burden to the wagon was surprisingly smooth. These creatures, bred specifically for heavy hauling, handled the substantial weight as if it were nothing more than a gentle breeze. Their massive frames, standing twelve feet tall at the shoulder with pulling power exceeding ten tons, made the loaded wagon seem almost weightless.
These magnificent animals represented the pinnacle of selective breeding, with distinct variations suited to different purposes. The beasts of burden, like the ones now pulling their wagon, were significantly larger and more muscular than their war-bred cousins, sacrificing some speed for raw power and endurance. In contrast, Marcus's personal mount stood a more modest ten feet tall, with a pulling capacity of seven tons and a leaner build that allowed for greater agility and speed when circumstances demanded swift movement.
With their mobile home properly secured and their beasts content, they departed Jobert's workshop and navigated through the bustling streets toward the business district. Their destination was Michelle Mitch, the talented artisan who would both join their expedition and create their distinctive mercantile banner.
The roads of Greenvale, like those of most towns outside the grand imperial cities, were marvels of imperial engineering. These thoroughfares were designed with commerce and travel in mind—dual carriageways with each side measuring twenty feet in width, creating a combined roadway of forty feet. Some sections featured central medians adorned with carefully maintained trees that provided blessed shade during the heat of summer days, while well-constructed sidewalks accommodated pedestrians traveling in both directions.
The morning traffic was still manageable, as they had timed their departure to avoid the scheduled periods when supply wagons were permitted to navigate the streets and replenish the various shops and establishments throughout the town.
They arrived at Mitch's Embroidery to find Michelle already prepared for their arrival, though clearly emotional about leaving her ancestral establishment. She was completing the final arrangements with her friend and colleague, the woman who had agreed to purchase the shop and continue its legacy, albeit with a more modern approach to compete in the changing marketplace.
The moment was bittersweet as Michelle bid farewell to the ancient structure that had housed generations of her family's craft. Tears glistened in her eyes as she handed over the keys to her friend, knowing that while the building would continue to serve the community, it would never again be quite the same.
As August and Andy approached the emotionally charged scene, they could sense the gravity of Michelle's decision. This was more than a simple business transaction—it was the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
"Good day, Miss Michelle," August said gently, his voice carrying both respect and understanding. "We meet once again. I hope everything has been settled to your satisfaction? I must ask once more—are you certain about this decision?"
Michelle's eyes, though still moist with tears, now blazed with unwavering resolve. "Yes, I am certain. My friend has compensated me generously for the establishment—she understands its history and prestige. Though she will modernize its operations to meet current market demands, I know she will treat it with the same respect my ancestors and I have shown. She paid me ten imperial silver coins—equivalent to five thousand local gold coins—which will provide me with financial security. Combined with the commissions I'll earn from our travels, I'll be quite comfortable."
August could see the determination in her expression, the fire of someone who had finally chosen to pursue her dreams rather than merely preserve the past. He nodded his acceptance. "Very well, Miss Michelle. Let us gather your belongings and load them into our wagon. I should mention that we've upgraded it to include proper living quarters. I must also warn you that our companions, including myself, are all male. However, you needn't worry—the living quarters are completely separated, and I trust my companions to conduct themselves with perfect gentlemanly behavior. Isn't that right, Uncle Andy?"
Andy, who had been somewhat entranced by the beautiful woman before them, was startled from his reverie when called upon. He cleared his throat and sighed at his momentary lack of composure. "Of course, lad. We are all honorable men. Now, let us load her belongings and be on our way—we don't want to block the incoming traffic."
With that matter settled, they carefully loaded Michelle's possessions into the wagon's living area. The women's quarters were thoughtfully designed with four-tiered bunk beds, each offering 3.75 feet of comfortable headroom and measuring three feet in width by ten feet in length. The beds featured innovative securing mechanisms that would prevent occupants from being thrown about during travel, while storage spaces at the foot of each bunk provided ample room for personal belongings.
Since Michelle would be the sole occupant of the women's quarters for the foreseeable future, she had the luxury of all four bunks and their associated storage space. The room was positioned near the center of the wagon, close to the main storage area, with convenient access through a separate entrance from the men's quarters. The walls were thick and well-insulated, featuring strategically placed windows with heavy iron bars that could be opened to allow fresh air circulation or closed during inclement weather.
The primary difference between the men's and women's quarters was that the women's section included a private outhouse for personal hygiene and bodily functions, while the corresponding space in the men's quarters was converted to additional storage.
Once Michelle's belongings were properly secured, they began their journey toward the town's outskirts. The wagon's driver's bench could accommodate three people—typically the driver and two passengers or guards in the context of a larger merchant caravan. A service ladder provided access to the wagon's roof, offering an elevated position for scouting and observation.
Upon reaching a suitable clearing beyond the town's borders, they decided to pause for proper introductions, planning discussions, and organizational matters. This would be their first opportunity to truly get to know their new companion and establish the roles and responsibilities that would govern their travels.
The process of introductions began with Michelle, who stepped forward with the poise and confidence of someone accustomed to dealing with customers and clients. "Hello, everyone. My name is Michelle Mitch, and I'll be accompanying you on this journey. Young Master August found me yesterday at my family's ancestral shop, and he sparked something within me—a desire to finally pursue adventure while preserving our family's legacy." She offered a respectful bow to her new traveling companions.
Marcus was the first to respond, his natural charisma and merchant's training evident in his warm demeanor. "Hello, Miss Mitch. I am Marcus Fernando. Like you, I was discovered by Master August and Andy here, and they quite literally saved me from what would have been an untimely death. Our current destination is my hometown—the capital of this region, the City of Gremory, where my family owns the Meredian Trading Company. I'll be formally resigning from my position there and ending my competition with my siblings for the position of heir. After that, I'll be joining young Master August's Maya's Traveling Mercantile permanently. I look forward to working with you."
Andy stepped forward next, his protective instincts toward August evident in his bearing. "Hello, Miss Mitch. I'm Andy Shoor, Master August's guardian and guide in the outside world. When the time is appropriate, we'll share more details about our village and background. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
When it came to Sibus's turn, the introduction was characteristically brief and somewhat off-putting. "Sibus Dino," he stated curtly, then immediately turned and disappeared into the wagon's living quarters without another word.
Michelle was left standing awkwardly, clearly unsure how to interpret such an abrupt introduction. The others quickly stepped in to provide context and smooth over the uncomfortable moment.
"Ha! He's done it again," Andy laughed, shaking his head. "Please don't take offense, Miss Mitch. That's simply how Sibus is—an odd fellow, but quite brilliant in his own way. He was apparently a very famous and well-known master engineer before circumstances changed his disposition."
August nodded in agreement. "Please forgive him, Miss Michelle. We all had similar encounters when we first met him—actually, it was considerably worse than this. He's not malicious, just... eccentric."
Marcus chuckled good-naturedly. "The man would rather commune with his books and calculations than grace us mere mortals with his presence. Don't worry—he'll warm up to you eventually."
With introductions complete, they turned their attention to planning their immediate future. Their route would continue following the main Imperial Road, just as they had done previously. They had agreed not to rest in any towns or villages unless absolutely necessary, as they now had sufficient storage capacity to avoid the need for frequent stops to sell their wares—primarily premium meat, high-quality leather and hide from August's hunts, and the rare herbs he collected during his forays into the wilderness.
Their primary objective was to reach the regional capital of Gremory as quickly as possible. They discussed the rotation of nighttime watch duties while camping—a three-shift system using a buddy system for safety. Since they numbered only five people, one person would inevitably stand watch alone during each night, and August volunteered for that responsibility.
The duties of wagon driving would rotate between August, Andy, and Marcus, as they had discovered that Sibus lacked the necessary skills for handling the massive beasts, and Michelle was still too new to the group to take on such responsibility. Cooking duties would be shared among all members, including Michelle and Sibus. To everyone's surprise, Sibus proved to be an exceptional cook—a skill developed during his time as both a wealthy man and later as a vagrant, adapting to various circumstances and lifestyles.
After ensuring everyone understood and agreed to their respective roles, they prepared to depart. Michelle made her way to the cargo hold to begin work on the mercantile banner she had previously sketched and planned for August. She had already prepared detailed drawings and selected the colored threads she would use for the intricate embroidery work.
Sibus retreated to the men's quarters, which was equipped with a sturdy table and chair stable enough for writing and reading even while in motion. The gentle swaying of the wagon actually seemed to help him focus on his technical drawings and calculations.
Andy took the first shift as driver, guiding their horses with the experienced hands of someone who had spent years on the road. August climbed to the wagon's roof to enjoy the panoramic view of the countryside while also opening a specially designed hatch that would allow natural light to illuminate Michelle's workspace in the cargo hold below. Marcus mounted his personal six-legged steed, taking the role of forward scout and mobile guard.
And so their journey had begun—or so they thought.
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Day 37.2: Ambush?
Before they could properly distance themselves from the vicinity of Greenvale, their progress was halted by an unexpected encounter. A solitary figure stood boldly in the middle of the road ahead, while August's heightened senses detected two additional presences concealed within the dense forest on either side of the path.
August's training immediately took precedence over casual observation. He became hypervigilant, his enhanced senses scanning the surrounding area for any additional threats or hidden dangers. Years of survival in the wilderness of the great forests had taught him that visible enemies were often the least dangerous—it was the unseen ones that posed the greatest threat.
Fortunately, he had maintained his habit of wearing full combat gear whenever outside the relative safety of towns and settlements. His magical item pouch had proven invaluable in this regard, allowing him to store and retrieve his equipment with remarkable speed and efficiency. Within moments, he was fully armed and armored, ready for whatever confrontation might arise.
His distinctive combat ensemble was a testament to his adventures and victories. The mask and hooded cloak concealed his identity while the helmet beneath provided additional protection. His armor was a masterwork of natural materials and practical design—scales from the mighty Arborwyrm layered over a full suit of chitinous exoskeleton plates harvested from a Scythe Stalker. The armor was remarkably flexible, with interlocking segments that provided complete protection without hindering movement. From the crown of his head to the soles of his feet, every inch was defended against potential attacks.
His weapons were equally impressive and meticulously maintained. His bow was strung and ready, accompanied by two full quivers of arrows tipped with arrowheads crafted from beast bones and even their sharp teeth—a practical use for materials that held little market value. His short sword, forged from beast materials, possessed an edge as keen as the finest steel and gleamed with an almost otherworldly light. His spear was perfectly balanced, complemented by three throwing knives and an emergency dagger reserved for the most desperate close-quarters combat situations.
After conducting a thorough survey of the area, August was confident that only three potential adversaries were present. He initiated a mental communication with Andy using their shared Party Chat function—a magical ability that allowed private telepathic conversations.
*[August: Uncle Andy, it appears we have three potential ambushers—one in the open and two concealed in the woods. What do you suggest we do?]*
*[Andy: It's been so long since we used this function that I almost forgot we had it. Tell me your assessment of the two who are hiding.]*
*[August: Their strength is comparable to commander-rank beasts from the Lonelywoods Forest. The figure in the open appears to be of similar strength. They're not currently showing hostile intentions and seem to be observing us rather than preparing for immediate attack.]*
*[Andy: Very well. Keep me informed and take no action until they show clear signs of aggression. We should alert the others. Tell me honestly—if this comes to violence, can we handle them?]*
*[August: While I'm confident I could defeat all three in single combat, they're not boss-quality opponents, and they're certainly not as dangerous as the bloodhounds we faced in the forest. However, I've learned from Uncle Christopher's death that overconfidence can be deadly. I won't underestimate any opponent. While I believe I could emerge victorious, our non-combatants might be injured, and our wagon could be damaged. If I can achieve a surprise attack, dispatching them would be considerably easier.]*
*[Andy: Good. You're learning, boy. That's exactly the kind of wisdom I hope to see from you. Your ability to learn from mistakes and improve is one of your greatest strengths. Keep me updated. We'll maintain a defensive posture for now, but I'll leave the final judgment to you—you're far better suited for combat decisions than I am. Don't worry about the others; I'll protect them with my life if necessary.]*
Their telepathic conversation concluded, Andy quietly called Marcus closer to the wagon and explained the situation in hushed tones. August, meanwhile, guided Sibus and Michelle back into the safety of the living quarters, barricading them inside while Andy positioned himself near their beasts of burden, ready to protect them if the situation escalated.
Now it was time to determine whether these strangers were friends or foes. Andy's voice carried both authority and warning as he addressed the figure in the road. "Hello there, friends. May we ask you to let us pass peacefully, or must we resolve this the hard way? I'm well aware of your companions hiding in the woods, and I assure you that any confrontation will end poorly for you."
The warning was deliberately crafted to convey both his awareness of their tactical situation and his confidence in handling whatever threat they might present. Meanwhile, August began to blend into the forest himself, his natural stealth abilities allowing him to seemingly vanish from sight as he positioned himself for a potential surprise attack.
The Blurred Devil—a name that had been bestowed upon him by the bandit leader he had deliberately allowed to escape, spreading fear among the criminal elements who preyed upon travelers along the Imperial roads near the great forests—might need to make another appearance. Or perhaps diplomacy could still prevail.
The figure standing before them remained motionless for several agonizing moments before finally speaking. The voice was distinctly feminine, but carried an otherworldly quality that suggested she was not entirely human.
"Human merchants hiding a beast among them—how amusing. You and your kind, except for those true imperials," she said, referring to the inhabitants of the imperial capital, "do not treat us with the same respect you show yourselves. Yet here you are, accepting aid from a beast like us."
Her words were laced with mockery and disgust rather than outright aggression, but they carried troubling implications. Both August and Andy were puzzled by her reference to a "beast" among their group, uncertain who she might be referring to.
The confusion was likely due to August's various enchanted beast-hide equipment and the protective aura granted by his Guardian Beast and Master "Aetherwing", which might create an unusual scent or aura that non-human senses could detect.
Andy decided to continue the diplomatic approach, hoping to resolve the situation without violence. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. I've examined all our companions, and they are all human. Perhaps you're mistaken?"
"Ha! You cannot deny it," she replied with disdain. "My nose can penetrate that beast's well-hidden mask, though he may have concealed himself from my senses recently. No matter—we observed that creature at the hot springs before he subdued the violent man. Do you still deny this, even though other humans could not see through the deception? My eyes and those of my comrades saw clearly—a beast hidden behind a mask."
"I believe there's been a misunderstanding," Andy replied carefully. "While our companion was indeed involved in that incident, I fail to see how it concerns you. Moreover, the person you're discussing is merely a boy, not yet a full adult. This leads me to ask—what exactly do you want? Surely there's more to stopping us than this observation, or we must be on our way. We don't delay for such nonsense, and if you insist on obstructing us, blood will be spilled."
An uncomfortable silence settled over the scene. The demi human appeared to be wrestling with some internal decision while August maintained his hidden position, ready to strike at a moment's notice.
Finally, she spoke again. "Very well, you're correct. We do need something from you. Are you perhaps traveling toward the City of Gremory? If so, may we accompany you there?"
Andy immediately sensed something suspicious in her phrasing and responded cautiously. "Is that all? Surely you're capable of reaching the city on your own—you seem competent enough. Tell me the real reason you need our assistance."
"Ha! Human merchants, your questions are beginning to annoy me. Very well—we're trying to return to our tribe, but we need help. We have no identification papers, and one of our tribesmen has been framed and taken to the capital of Gremory. We need access to the city to rescue him. We've heard that merchants can sometimes enter cities and towns without the same scrutiny faced by others."
Andy considered their explanation from every angle—as a merchant, a mercenary, and simply as a reasonable person. No matter how he examined the situation, agreeing to their request would be utterly foolish and dangerous.
"Surely you realize that's not something we can agree to? Anyone who heard such a request would refuse it immediately. There's nothing in it for us except putting ourselves in danger with the authorities. Therefore, the answer is no. Now, we really must be on our way."
The figure stepped into the dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy, revealing herself more clearly. She was indeed female, but her heritage was obviously mixed—though the non-human elements were diluted, they remained visible. Her fingernails had extended into claws, patches of beast-like fur adorned her skin, and her impressive height of nearly eight feet marked her as far from ordinary human stock.
"Then you leave me no choice, merchant. We'll simply have to take your identification plaques by force."
Andy sighed heavily, his patience finally exhausted. "You're not very intelligent, are you? Even if you somehow managed to obtain our plaques, you wouldn't be able to use them. They're verified by the city guards before entry, often including magical authentication. I suppose it's 'off with your heads,' then."
The moment the humanoid beastwoman showed clear aggressive intent, August struck with the lightning speed and precision that had earned him his fearsome reputation. He launched himself toward her hidden companions, using a combination of arrows and magic to distract and disorient them while simultaneously moving to subdue their leader.
The engagement was swift and decisive, like a master predator taking down its prey. The two concealed ambushers couldn't react quickly enough to August's surprise attack. Rather than delivering killing blows, he focused on neutralization and control, quickly positioning his spear at the female demi-human's throat while her companions were still reeling from his initial assault.
"This is exactly why I advised you to let us pass peacefully," Andy said calmly. "So what will it be—death, or do you walk away alive? Either option works for us."
The two previously hidden teammates emerged from their concealment with hands raised in clear surrender, recognizing that further resistance would be futile and potentially fatal.
"Prince Mee-rka, we should not further antagonize these humans. Let us find another way to enter the regional capital," they spoke in their tribal language, hoping the humans wouldn't understand their words.
August, though he couldn't understand their language, recognized the tone of defeat and submission. These two appeared to be bodyguards, both female and clearly skilled, though not skilled enough to match his abilities.
"We surrender," Mee-rka said to the figure she now recognized as the legendary Blurred Devil. The spear was withdrawn, and a moment later, August had seemingly vanished, reappearing on top of their wagon as if he had never left.
"Let's move on, Uncle," August called down. "I believe these people no longer wish to cause trouble. While the female humanoid showed aggression, her companions didn't actively participate in the hostility."
"Ah, is that so, lad? I couldn't really tell, apart from that stubborn one. I thought you might have to kill them. I'm glad you didn't—those tribes have a tendency to hunt down anyone who kills or captures their own."
They resumed their journey without looking back, informing the group that the situation had been resolved "peacefully." The passengers who had been barricaded inside were visibly shaken by the encounter, particularly Michelle, who was experiencing her first real taste of the dangers that awaited them on the road.
After their departure, the three humanoids came to their own understanding. Despite the setback, Mee-rka was not one to give up easily. Her baby brother had been captured after being falsely accused, led astray by humans who had taken advantage of his unfamiliarity with human customs and laws. Like herself, he had been naive about the complexities of human society and had been easily manipulated.
They would follow at a distance, biding their time and looking for another opportunity. The thick-skinned princess had no choice—family honor and blood ties demanded that she find a way to rescue her sibling, regardless of the obstacles in her path.
Meanwhile, August and his companions of Maya's Traveling Mercantile continued toward their destination, unaware that their recent encounter had gained them both admirers and persistent followers. The road ahead remained uncertain, but they had proven once again that they were capable of handling whatever challenges awaited them.
The sun climbed higher in the sky as their wagon rolled steadily northward, the rhythmic sound of hooves and wheels creating a steady cadence that would carry them toward their next adventure. Behind them, Greenvale grew smaller in the distance, while ahead lay the promise of new opportunities, unexpected dangers, and the ever-present possibility that their past might catch up with them in ways they couldn't yet imagine.
The journey north had truly begun, and with it came the understanding that their small band of travelers was destined for far greater things than simple mercantile ventures. Each member brought unique skills and perspectives that would be tested in the trials to come, while the bonds between them would either strengthen under pressure or shatter under the weight of the challenges ahead.
As the miles passed beneath their wheels, August found himself contemplating the strange encounter with the humanoid princess and her companions. There had been something in her eyes—a desperation that spoke of genuine love and concern for her captured brother. While he couldn't condone her methods, he understood the driving force behind her actions. Family bonds transcended species and cultural boundaries, creating motivations that could drive individuals to extraordinary lengths.
The road stretched endlessly before them, winding through forests and across rivers, past small settlements and through vast wilderness areas where only the strongest and most prepared travelers dared to venture. Each mile brought new possibilities, new dangers, and new opportunities for growth and discovery.
In the cargo hold, Michelle's needles flashed in the filtered sunlight as she worked on their mercantile banner, each stitch bringing their collective identity closer to reality. Sibus hunched over his calculations and designs, his brilliant mind working on innovations that might revolutionize their mobile lifestyle. Marcus rode alongside, his eyes constantly scanning for potential threats or opportunities, while Andy guided their powerful steeds with the steady confidence of a man who had spent his life on the road.
And August, perched atop their mobile fortress, watched the horizon with the keen eyes of a predator, ready to protect his companions from whatever challenges the road might bring. The Blurred Devil was no longer just a fearsome reputation whispered among bandits—he was the guardian of a growing family of travelers whose destinies were intertwined in ways they were only beginning to understand.
The adventure continued, each turn of the wheels bringing them closer to their immediate destination while simultaneously drawing them deeper into a web of relationships, obligations, and possibilities that would shape their futures in ways none of them could yet imagine.