Chapter 57: Horsing Around

The deal was not at all finished despite Linnore’s obvious interest in the news — nothing was coming out of the city and wasn’t expected to thanks to expectations it had been razed, pillaged, and probably burned to the ground. However, Linnore was puzzled about the lack of refugees, so she knew something strange was happening.

The cherry Orswyth negotiated with was an allowance of recruitment and his own approval/call to arms backing support of Fobent in his own former lands. There were plenty of peasant fighters who would’ve been looking to support their lord when news came to them… former mercenaries and soldiers, even knights that had simply not been serving their required fealty at the time of the incident.

Initially, Orswyth wanted them ignorant of dealings, so they stayed put and eventually would hear about the land takeover and could make their own decisions about their families and whether they’d swear to the new ruler. Men rushing off after their lord wasn’t what he wanted. But he knew that the lands were in more trouble than he previously realized. The whole barony was better off fleeing, he figured.

Regardless, they’d still have the choice. They could hunker down if they wanted to.

Naturally, he didn’t tell Linnore this right off the bat. Instead, she was left wondering why he would do it, knowing it had something to do with the news… probably bad. It just made it that much more irresistible.

She also negotiated to buy most of their horses, for a ‘good deal’ on Orswyth’s part. The biggest ship was not huge, and would only have room for three horses in the hold with everything else. Orswyth pretended to be sour about it.

“I can tell you’re faking it, Ors!” Sammy teased at one point.

“Ah, good eye, Goddess, good eye! She’s paying the Fobent price, I think, which is higher, even with her knocking it down twenty percent. In my barony, it’s about this already! Hahaha! She’s no merchant, admittedly, however bloody genius she is in tactics.”

In the end, both sides were happy with the arrangement. Linnore didn’t get instant manpower nor the prowess of Canmore, but there was the likelihood of raising at least a hundred — up to a few hundred men — with the sanctioned recruitment.

Orswyth then dropped the news of Count Ambrose’s capture and the likely failed siege and defeat of the ‘liberating’ forces. A powerful occupier not simply pillaging the whole city, but aiming for conquest. A ‘mysterious’ would-be Emperor leading the most powerful group of demonkin in recorded history.

Linnore’s eyes widened from the first bit, and she certainly drank up the rest of the tale greedily. “Heinous news… but it checks out with lack of refugees, as well as their attempted occupation here. If they had even left a few hundred more, I would’ve failed for lack of proper siege engines and engineers. Well. At least Merrington still stands… for now.”

“I’d build up your forces, then sue for some sort of peace immediately. He’ll want to secure his flank out this way. He knows what’s coming. If you can put non-aggression in writing, even after war with the Dominion forces, he might consider the matter superior to wasting more resources here.”

Their horses had been allowed to pause and graze by a big patch of purple-flowering alfalfa that they’d subtly led their owners to, probably by smell.

I want a horse…

Linnore scowled out at the landscape. “The Dominion won’t like that…”

Orswyth shrugged. “Unless you send your men to fight with him, fly his banners, or publicly swear allegiance, they won’t care one bit. After they scour this invader from the lands or the world itself, they’ll come here, look around, nod, tear up any damning documents, and tell you what actually happened never did.”

He leaned down to pat his horse’s neck fondly. “They’ll make a lovely story out of the defiance of peasants… ‘Their simple wisdom led them to the truth, and they fought staunchly against falseness.’ Fobent is too distant for them to care, which is why you’re allowed the independence you covet. All of us are serving the role they engineered: to be a road bump. Make no mistake, they planned for this eventuality.”

Linnore watched him with an odd expression. “You’re much different than I remember, and than I’ve heard since. Like someone who’s been around the world rather than cooped up in some rustic motte.”

He nodded mysteriously. “I am. Though the reasons are secret.”

“Mmn.” She studied him a while longer, like a puzzle that confounded her. And she glanced at the staff briefly, hands lifting to rub at a scar on her cheek. “Sure you want to run off to Geirkos? I could use a head like yours around. Only have a few advising me that aren’t idiots.”

Orswyth gave a polite smile in response. “I’m afraid I must in fact run, but I do hope we meet again, General Linnore.”

She flashed a smile. “Likewise, Lord Orswyth.” With that, she made ‘tchk tchk’ sounds with her tongue at her horse, and tugged the reins gently. The animal lifted its head and snorted, tossing a bit grumpily, but ultimately complied to turn around from its delectable meal.

I want a horse! Actually, I should create a fake one, so I can practice for Avatarhood. Don’t think I’ll be flying around like Superman, after all.

The two headed back, chatting about logistics and eventually doing the same thing with their own leaders among the men. Many of Orswyth’s men weren’t happy about losing their horses, despite assurances of replacement in Geirkos. Obviously, Orswyth’s mount was coming along, which left two slots…

Canmore crossed his arms with a suddenly quite stubborn expression. “Skipper comes with, or I ain’t coming with.”

Wow. I’ve never seen him anything but cheery and easy. Don’t mess with this guy’s horse.

Tashome, amused, said, “I nominate Skipper and Galynth’s steed in addition. Mine is a bit old for such a trip. I only ask that he be put in as a relief mount or the like… he no longer has any spirit for battle.”

“It would be appreciated,” Galynth replied humbly.

That soon decided, the two groups soon set out together for Fobent. Sammy sent to Orswyth, “How long will it be before you set out?”

“Tomorrow sometime. We’ll try to get everything sorted with the rest of the daylight, and perhaps even some candlelight.”

“I need to check on Bast. I think he should be able to make that. I can’t leave him stuck in all of this, though.”

“Indeed not. We’ll wait, but have him hurry. The quicker-”

“I know, I know. The quicker we’re out of here the better! I’ll tell him.”

Disconnecting, she immediately checked on Bast, finding him galloping down a dirt road, his horse flying with ease, as ever, by the power of his persistent spell. Mountain peaks were just visible in the distance from one mirror, with him headed away from them. That was a good sign, from what she understood. The roads had been mostly hugging the foothills of those mountains along his journey.

“Lord Bast,” she sent, “how’s it going? See any trouble? How close are you to Fobent?”

“Ah, Your Majesty! A pleasure as always. I’m fine. No trouble… only bandits should be a danger, here, and what appears to be a speeding messenger or madman isn’t the juiciest target for them. I’ve skirted the troubles you’ve mentioned by taking the northern roads. Tomorrow night or the morning following, I’ll arrive.”

“I’m going to need you to travel through the night then… the ship will be ready to go tomorrow.”

“Shit… the terrain isn’t exactly good for galloping in the middle of the night… Tomorrow evening, late afternoon? Otherwise, it’s a nasty risk…”

“It’ll have to do.”

“Good. I definitely don’t want to linger in this region, it sounds as if it is getting hazardous for one’s health. Speaking of health… this Azure you mentioned — the Naugite woman — she wouldn’t happen to have a body that could melt statues, hmm? I had this vibrant dream of her and others in-”

“Can’t talk anymore, Bast — gotta go, later now, good luck!” She disconnected abruptly, leaving her Follower in the dust, bewildered.

“Phew! That was close. Good thing I can just keep hanging up indefinitely and never addressing this issue!” It was an ironic statement to the universe. They’d inevitably learn the truth, but she planned to continue procrastinating that day.

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The rest of the day and the evening passed without crisis. Orswyth’s group moved into the city of Fobent, full of tightly-packed houses crammed behind damaged walls, as well as a huge docks area, though much of it had been burned down.

The whole city was absolutely packed with people… the general citizenry of the countryside pouring in not only for protection but large numbers as militiamen. Pikes, two-handed flails, scythes, the makeshift weapons were endless in variety. There were lots of drills being conducted in open areas… ritual marching and rank discipline.

Orswyth and his men were brought to an equally packed fortress where accommodations were made by essentially kicking out other soldiers temporarily from the barracks. Almost immediately, Linnore took Orswyth to her office to get everything in writing and with seals.

Her hierophant assured her he was going to lose sleep if he had to, to dedicate himself to the prayer and meditation time he had as a quest, so he could level and have new spells available.

Carlisle’s group had to make camp in the forest, though they got out of the thicker variety of woods at least. There was some question about where Dax, Merril, and Estara would go, but it was requested they come to Mot Mekess to be honored and knighted.

It was difficult for Sammy to argue against, despite plans in Caneboro. They deserved the titles, after all. Dax had mixed feelings about it but seemed resigned to finally take the title up again, knowing she could not be a ‘mere mercenary’ any longer.

Briefly, she checked on Mekias, lodged in the palace of Zadkiel, but all seemed perfectly fine. He was all but ignored for the day, his ‘host’ apparently very busy. He was certainly fed well, and otherwise puttered around in agitation. He wasn’t used to such languid ease. The servants weren’t very talkative, however polite.

Zadkiel was entirely silent toward Greenleaf. That was fine by Sammy. She wasn’t about to reach out herself. He could waste the time available all he wanted.

Otherwise, Sammy spent her time studying toward Icebolt via runic constructs out of the books, bit by bit assembling the spell through the day and evening.

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1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from [Devout] worship.

26 Daily FE gained.

15 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from worship.

1 FE (Mirrors, Illusion) obtained from [Devout] worship.

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Slowly but surely enough… need more Followers…

In the back of her mind, she considered what domain she would try next. Light? Truth? Fate? Fortune? Water? What else even went with Mirrors or Illusion? Could she go abstract, would that be smart?

I feel as if I need a material power. Behind Illusion, a greater strength with which to strike.

“Sys, what does it take for the third domain?”

Other than the prior requirements, it requires 150 specialized FE.

“Holy crapsicles! That’s going to take a bit. I am not waiting to accrue that from worship before an Avatar. And if it ballooned that much… How much is the fourth domain, out of curiosity? System?”

The System cannot provide this information. Information outside of your existing capabilities is only revealed by special exception.

“Fine! I bet Redberry would tell me.”

Sammy sat back in her throne and sighed. It would pay to begin allocating a portion. But she was going to stall on it a little while longer, at least. Perhaps other opinions would help. Redberry had been useful last time.

On into the wee hours she studied and meditated on the rune constructions… her progress led her to the majority of it being complete. However, she ran into diminishing returns from the self-study, a continuous ‘sameness’ of concepts with the missing pieces just resisting discovery, no matter where she looked, and her focus slipping. Meditation didn’t help either.

Guess I have to have at least some observation and such from another wizard. Maybe Bast’s spell would help again, the attack one. But I did observe it for the other… ugh, I need more wizards!

Her mind seized on Bast’s mother so strongly, she almost felt herself pulled to the mirror. Without even trying, she was peripherally aware of the woman sitting up in bed, wide awake, probably worrying…

Gah! This is so hard. She’s mine, damn it…

But she couldn’t go there. She agreed not to with her Follower and friend, to not endanger his mother or involve her in the cult. It would be a betrayal.

But why does it feel so fucking wrong not to bring her to me?

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« Chapter 56 | Table of Contents | Chapter 58: Her First Real Guest »

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Samantha, Virgin Goddess of Mirrors & Illusion
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Goddess Level 2; Minor Deity

Domains (2/3): Mirrors, Illusion
Faith Energy: 1048/2000
FE (Illusion): 9
Followers: 18 (Daily FE Gain: 24 [26])

Devout: 3
Priests: 3

Brute: 0
Rogue: 0
Wizard: 1 [8/20]
Bard: 0 [2/10]

MP: 22/25

Special Skills: First Aid, Tarot Reading, Priestly Ordination, Holy Relic Investiture, Read Runes, Spell Construction, Detect Magic

Special Traits: Token User, Immortal, Demiplane Domain, Conceptual Body, Fueled By Faith

Spells: Identify (5 MP)

Powers: Faith Energy Utilization, Grant Prayer (Illusion), Mirror Sense, Mirror Communication, Create Illusion, Grant Invisibility, Dazzling Spectrum, False Auras, Mirroring Duplicates, Reflect Force, Mirror Maze

Status: Token User Promotional Bonus (6/30), New Deity Grace Period (6/7), Free Minor Divine Enchantment (Accessory; 1-use)