"We have a week at the worst from Nexis's estimations and even the chance that they will never succeed," SJ said, her palms sweaty. She looked out of Zigferd's open window. On this side of town, she could hear the cries and shouts as beings worked on the defences, even if she couldn't see them from here.
"Are you sure this is the best option we have? If the clans we have seen so far are anything to go by, what will the townships be like?" Zigferd frowned.
"I don't know, but Dave knows there are townships there. Not just the nomadic tribes that have come here." SJ had discussed with Dave about what was in the region. He hadn't been overly helpful, as it wasn't uncovered on his maps or had he ever been there himself, but he did know that townships were usually interracial, like many Amatherean towns. "I have been trying to rack my brains for another solution, and I can't come up with anything suitable, apart from taking out their leaders continually, and Fas doesn't believe that's a viable option, considering the tribal makeup of nomadic clans."
"When will you leave?"
"First thing tomorrow. Fas has said we will need to go to one of the townships to collect the items we will require while in the region."
Zigferd looked concerned, his head bowed and brow furrowed, as though in deep thought.
"If you order me to stay in Killic, I will do so?" SJ said, her wings twitched, she knew she couldn't, she had to go to the desert region.
Zigferd looked up, a little shocked. "No. I will never tell you what to do. You must always do what you believe is best, not just for the town, but also for yourself. I am the one who dragged you into being involved in Killic, so the burden sits with me."
"Don't be so stupid," SJ sharply replied. "I wouldn't have got where I am now without your guidance and support. I consider you family, as I do several others in town. You have all supported me and helped me."
SJ could feel tears welling up in her eyes as she spoke and noticed Zigferd's eyes clouding as well.
She took a deep breath, clenching her fists and fighting back the tears. Everyone's emotions were hair-thin, and it wouldn't take much to trigger a flood. Too many had already died since the tribes arrived, and SJ refused to tally them. The future remained uncertain. If the tribes reached the plateau, what would they do? What were their plans? No one knew. Nexis had ideas, but he was unable to share them; he even knew the trigger, but the system stopped him from sharing this critical information.
Several moments passed as they took control of their emotions.
"I will stay in contact through Cristy. If anything changes, I will head back straight away," SJ said.
Zigferd smiled, a soft and kind expression. He stood from his chair and opened his arms.
SJ stood for a moment, confused, before realising his intention, and she stepped forward. He embraced her in a hug, and she placed her arms around him as far as she could, his size making it an impossible task. He smelled of pine and ink.
"Be careful and make sure you return safely," Zigferd said as he released her and turned away. SJ caught a glimpse of a tear as he did.
"I will," SJ said, swallowing hard as she left his office. Another moment and she wouldn't have been able to go. Still biting back tears, she walked across the open area towards the stairs when Isavil appeared.
Isavil took one look at SJ's face and her brow creased. "What's wrong?" she asked with concern.
SJ had to stop herself from bursting into tears. Zigferd hugging her the way he had been, like opening a long, closed wound.
"I'm going to the desert region. I have a plan that I need to check on. I was just speaking to Zigferd about it," SJ said.
"What plan?" Isavil asked.
"We are going to try to collect a gila beast. They are the nemesis of the draconians' mounts."
Isavil gasped. "You realise how dangerous they are?"
"I'm aware. I have a plan and a wyvern," SJ said as Kibble squeaked.
"You're not going alone, are you?"
"No. I will be accompanied."
Isavil nodded her head thoughtfully. "The desert regions are hostile places. I have traversed them before when working on trade deals for Asterfal. Not this specific one you are about to enter. I would advise securing a guide while in one. They have marked paths for where townships exist, but the markers are often buried due to the dune shifts."
Isavil had never been sworn into the oath with Nexis, and although she was Zigferd's wife, SJ couldn't openly reveal too much about herself to her. She was sure that Isavil had suspicions, but she had never voiced them. It was something else to consider and add to her list, if they managed to get through this mess.
"You know you are as dear to Zigferd as Alice is? He thinks of you both as his children," Isavil said.
SJ felt a tear roll down her cheek at her words. "Does that make you step-mum?" SJ said sardonically.
Isavil frowned. "What's a step-mum?"
SJ shook her head, wiping away the tear. "Don't worry. I was being flippant. Please take care of him while I'm gone. He looks terrible."
"He won't sleep. He has only managed a couple of hours since this all started," Isavil sighed. "I'm going to get a cot brought to his office so at least he can rest when he needs to."
SJ smiled knowingly.
"I'd better go. I will be leaving at first light," SJ said.
"Be careful," Isavil said as she continued to Zigferd's office.
SJ left the barracks in a haze of emotion. Again, she would be leaving her friends behind, potentially in their hours of need, to go gallivanting across an unknown territory in search of a beast that may or may not be able to help them. As she walked down the streets, a caravan of wagons freshly painted and pristine was being moved through the town's main thoroughfare towards the crags. SJ immediately recognised the dryad driving one of the wagons.
"Katiyanna," SJ called.
The young dryad turned at hearing her name, the small features of her squirrel familiar Lubearius poking his little face from beneath her hair.
"You are leaving?" SJ asked as she approached.
"Unfortunately, Ambassador, I have no choice. The guild has ordered me to remove our assets."
"Damn," SJ cursed. "What if we need your repairs on the wagons the town owns?"
"Martil and Yusith are remaining. They will be able to perform any repairs," Katiyanna said. Her face revealed her own torn emotions as she left, SJ knew she had been born in Killic and had lived there her whole life. Even during the hob threat, the wagoniastas had remained, but with this new threat and the power difference, the guild was obviously not taking chances.
"I understand," SJ said, saddened, seeing even more of the townsfolk leaving.
"I'm sorry. We will return as soon as safety is established," Katiyana said, as she flicked the reins, urging the horses forward.
SJ watched them go as they disappeared down the street. She wasn't sure how many had left since the invading tribes had arrived, but from what she could tell, the numbers were quite high. With resignation, she turned and walked towards the training ground, which was empty before heading to the southern edge of town. As she neared, the shouts and cries of the beasts working increased, and on coming into view of the fields, the transformation was already stark.
The air smelled of freshly turned earth, and birds flocked where beings weren't picking at the juicy worms that had been disturbed. The sun was high and warm as usual in Killic. Its temperament is like a warm summer's day. Not hot or oppressive, just pleasant. It was only when they were met with the thunderstorms that the skies would darken.
Beings hurried about, and trade stations had been set up along the town's edge. As far as she could clearly see, groups were working, digging or building. Lumberjacks, woodcrafters, carpenters, stonemasons, all of the tradefolk of the town were supporting the efforts. It filled her heart with pride seeing them working so efficiently under the watchful eye of several of the town's most experienced crafters. A line of beings started off as she watched, carrying sacks and crates along with two wagons. They were heading into the forest, and most had been making their way to the plateau. She knew that work was also underway there. Standing tall with her diminutive stature, she spotted Fhyliss. She carried a crate full of what looked like bandages or other linen items.
SJ smiled seeing her friend, but didn't call out, not wishing to disturb her or end up discussing that she was leaving again. She felt fragile enough at the moment.
Several beings greeted her as she moved through the earthworks being prepared. She didn't interfere or speak directly to anyone. Eventually, she turned and headed back into town. She needed to speak to Fas and confirm they would leave in the morning.
As she moved through the town, the streets fell silent. Little to no movement was occurring back towards the inn. The traders' stalls were empty, and the abandoned benches remained strewn throughout the town square, unclaimed. The bunting had fallen in several places, and at any other time, someone would have hurriedly reattached it, but not now, not with the challenge and uncertainty they faced.
She stopped by the fountain, looking at the statue of Killic, the town's saviour and namesake, her dwarven form and proud stance showing strength and courage. The stories told of fighting off black dragons to save her child and build the foundations of Killic and SJ now, in the slimmest way, made her feel some of the burden she must have felt back then.
"SJ," a voice called.
SJ turned to see Mrs Pomfrey, one of the local bakers. She was carrying a tray towards the inn.
"Hi."
"You look like you need one of these," Mrs Pomfrey said, lifting the linen that covered the tray. It was filled with pastries. "Take one, I am sure Kerys won't mind."
SJ smiled, lifting a honey bun from the tray. "Thanks," SJ smiled. "Just what I needed."
"No problem," Mrs Pomfrey said as she continued to the inn, leaving SJ with her thoughts as she bit into the delicious morsel.
The inn doors were wide open as usual, and welcoming as usual. She entered, noticing that most patrons had left. Kerys was polishing a table near the hearth, and she didn't call, but instead went up to the suite that had been her home when she first arrived in Killic.
It felt strange as she knocked on the door, waiting for a response.
Footsteps approached, and moments later, Fas opened the door, looking at her, rubbing his eyes.
"What news?" Fas asked.
"We will leave at first light," SJ said.
"Okay. I'm glad you've decided to go. I know you are torn, but I can see this as the only viable chance to push those draconians and their mounts from the valley."
SJ's shoulders slumped, and her head drooped. "I know, but I should stay and help."
"What good can you do? You may be able to support with organisation or work, but one pair of hands isn't going to make that much of a difference to what they are doing. If we can find a gila beast and kibble can influence it, then the town may stand a chance."
"Yes, but they may never even make it up the cliff. It could take weeks."
"Yes, and they could, but no one knows. You have to consider the worst-case scenario and hope for the best. You said we had a week, so that is our target. If we succeed in a week, then that's great. If it takes longer, then so be it. You can stay in touch with the town and get updates."
"I know, but..."
"No more buts," Fas cut her off.
SJ sighed heavily. "I am going to go back to the cottage and rest," SJ said, resigned to the fact that they would be leaving.
"Okay. I will see you in the morning, then for breakfast before we depart."
SJ just nodded as Fas slowly closed the door again.
SJ stood staring at it for some time before turning and heading back down to the bar. Kerys was restacking the shelf, and SJ moved to the bar and sat down heavily on a stool. She rested her head in her hands. Kerys noticed her but didn't disturb her, as she saw her friend wasn't ready to speak.
After a while, Kerys pushed a glass of honeywine across the bar to SJ. She looked up and smiled weakly. "Thanks," she said as she closed her hand around its stem. Twisting the glass as she contemplated what they were doing.
Dave had left her in peace, not disturbing her as she fought her emotions. It was only after a substantial amount of time that he gently spoke.
"Zigferd cares for you dearly," Dave said.
The words struck SJ hard, her hand tightened on the stem of the glass, and her eyes scrunched closed.
'And I him,' she thought. Kibble had hopped from her shoulder and was curled on the bar, and on hearing Dave speak, he lifted his little head and looked at her. She relaxed her grip and reached out, stroking him. He pushed his head into her hand, purring in his wyvern way.
"What we are trying to do is going to come down to you, Kibble," SJ spoke quietly.
The little creature lifted his head and squeaked.
"He understands and is ready to help," Dave said.
SJ couldn't help but smile at her companion. He had grown so much in such a short space of time.
"Did you say something?" Kerys asked, turning from where she was sweeping the floor.
"No, not specifically. I was just talking to Kibble." SJ paused for a few moments before speaking again. "I'm leaving tomorrow."
Kerys's brush stopped mid-sweep, and she turned, frowning. "What?"
"I am heading into the desert. We have a plan, a plan that may not even work, but a plan to try and get the draconians and their mounts from the plain."
"What plan?" Kerys rested the brush on the counter and walked over.
"We are going into the desert region to look for something."
"What exactly?"
"A gila beast."
Kerys gasped. "You do know how dangerous those things are? I have heard the stories. We used to get salt deliveries from the desert region many years back, but they stopped when those beasts destroyed the village that they used to come from."
"I didn't know you knew about the desert region?" SJ asked.
"I've never been myself, but I have heard enough. It is rife with dangers, the worst being the sun. Many of the beings that live there are nocturnal."
"I am going with Fas. He has an idea, and if we can do what we hope, it may help. It's all unknown, though."
Floretta had come from the kitchen area as she refilled the bar snacks.
"Did you say the desert region?"
"Yes."
"You must be careful. It isn't the beasts that do the most harm, it's the weather. The sun's rays are deadly. Many a being has lost their lives in deserts, not knowing what they are to expect. Nothing really prepares you for the environment."
SJ always forgot how old Floretta was when they spoke. She had lived a life as a necromancer's puppet for years before gaining her freedom after his death.
"You have travelled them before?"
"Yes. As a skeleton, the regions don't affect me. It's not as though the sun can bleach my bones any further," she chuckled, her ribs tinkling as she did.
SJ smiled. "I suppose not. Do you have any advice?"
"Wait there," Floretta said as she headed back to the kitchen. Kerys just shrugged, and it was a while before Floretta came back carrying a small leather pouch.
"What is it?" SJ asked as Floretta handed it to her.
"It contains spices. The desert folks from other regions told me about the recipe. It can be used to offset the effects of the sun. It's not permanent, but it provides a short-term barrier to its heat. You place a pinch under your tongue. I would use it infrequently, though, as it is rumoured to give users hallucinations."
"Wow, and thank you," SJ said.
"My pleasure," Floretta said with a smile.
The three stood at the bar talking for a while. Holly arrived for her shift, and Kerys dragged SJ to a table where they continued chatting. It was a while later that SJ left, returning to the cottage. Her friends had helped take her mind off her problems without even noticing, and she had felt relaxed. As she approached the cottage, the feeling of uncertainty began to creep back slowly. The journey ahead was unknown and perilous by all accounts, but if it could bring a saviour back to Killic, then she had to undertake it.
