Tao watched as Cozad and Kastle departed. The two spiritual warriors made an interesting duo. They were like two sides of the same coin. Both were powerful servants of their gods and he knew that if the bandits stepped out of line, they would be able to take care of any problem.
Which brought Tao’s attention back to his own problem.
The majority of the bandits had gone back to the barracks. It was his job to figure out what to do with them. He didn’t particularly want his own army but he just couldn’t leave these brigands leaderless. Without a strong, honorable leader they would be back raiding the peasants of the region within a week.
Entering the barracks was a mixed feeling of stepping back into time and walking into his own memories from his time in the Rangers. It seems that barracks in ancient days and modern times were nearly identical. There were rows of bunk beds down each side of the building and two footlockers could be seen under the lower bunks. Of the twenty or so men that were housed there, twelve were gathered in the back of the building around a table; four were playing cards while the rest sat around drinking and talking. Tao had made sure not to wear his armor since it seemed to intimidate the men and that wasn’t his intention. He quietly moved through the barracks but paused just shy of the bright light around the table. It seemed that the bandits were discussing his speech as they played cards.
A young bandit with dark hair and a beard played a card and drew two from a nearby deck. “I think the red warrior is a devil. How else could he defeat Jagoda?”
A burly warrior with a bald head and a ragged scar down the left side of his face said, “I don’t know nor do I care. All I know is that he isn’t one of us, therefore he has no right to lead.”
The young guard that was on duty earlier that morning when Tao arrived slammed his fist on the table upsetting the cards and coins. “Dammit, Jagoda was an Outlander and you followed him. What’s the difference?”
The burly warrior glared at him. “Jagoda promised to make us rich.”
Seeing his cue, Tao stepped into the light. “And how’s that working out for you?”
All the bandits jumped at his voice and many drew their weapons. Tao ignored them, picked up a fallen chair, reversed it and sat down at the table. Leaning forward on the back of the chair, Tao looked around. To all appearances the samurai seemed completely at ease and comfortable at the table.
One by one, the bandits sheathed their weapons and returned to their seats. However, it was Jerrick who spoke first. “What was that m’lord?”
Tao shook his head. “First off, there isn’t m’lord this or m’lord that, its Tao or Captain if you must. But let’s get back to your comment. Jagoda promised to make you rich, correct?”
Tao saw several heads nods. “How’s that working out?”
Most looked around, obviously uncomfortable with the conversation but it was Jerrick who finally broke the silence. “Umm…well, it hasn’t actually happened. I mean, we’ve done plenty of raids but we haven’t seen any of the profits.”
Tao nodded. Reaching into his belt pouch, he pulled out a small leather bag and dropped it on the table. The clink of gold was unmistakable to the bandits. “That doesn’t surprise me. I haven’t completely searched the fortress but I did find several chests of gold in what used to be Jagoda’s quarters. It seems that he’d been keeping the lion’s share of the profits.”
Tao saw a few of the bandits get slightly upset at his statement. Was it the thought of Jagoda short changing them or the fact he just insulted their former commander? Not that Tao really cared. It was the truth. He’d found out long ago that the truth wasn’t always popular but that wasn’t his problem. Hell, Cassie used to get onto him constantly about how abrasive, or blunt, he was in conversations. A wave of mixed emotions rolled over him at that thought. Guilt concerning his resent tryst with Arieal, concern over Cassie’s whereabouts and even the joy he found with the knowledge that she was still alive.
Bringing his attention back to the matter at hand, Tao gestured at the pouch of gold. “There is a bag like this for each of you, considering we come to an agreement. Consider it payment for past services rendered.”
The burly bandit placed both fists on the table and leaned slightly forward. “Listen here little man, this gold is ours. Won through our blood and sweat, not yours. It isn’t yours to give away.”
Tao locked eyes with the bandit. He’d been expecting a challenge of some sort. This was it. He let a small smile creep over his face but he was positive that it didn’t reach his eyes. “The way I see it, you have three choices. You can take this money and depart Akrôtiri.” Tao held up his fingers as he counted down their options. “You can work for me for the betterment of Hyperborea and receive triple this amount, or you can bitch and moan some more and leave Akrôtiri flat broke in the morning.”
The burly man with the scar grinned. “You left out one option. I could throttle you right now and take all the gold. Then we could live like kings in Antioch.”
Tao calmly looked around and saw that the braggart did have the support of at least three of the bandits judging from the ice cold glares that they gave him. Five looked to be on the fence as to support him or not, while the remaining looked to be against the burly braggart.
Tao nodded. “You’re right in the fact that I did leave out an option but you’re wrong in your description. The final option is that I kill you where you stand and anyone else that raises a hand against me. Then, I go back to my first three options to those left alive.”
The burly warrior grinned. “I’d like to see that. We have…”
Whatever else he was going to say was lost as the samurai executed a perfect draw and slice. Technically, the attack was called tameshigiri and Tao had used the tsuihei, horizontal cut. His frost-kissed katana streaked out of his scabbard in a perfect arc and severed the braggart’s neck. Blood sprayed all across the table and barracks as the headless corpse fell backwards. The severed head flipped through the air for several seconds before landing with a loud thud.
After the initial shock from Tao’s preemptive strike, the three bandits who were the braggart’s buddies drew their weapons and hesitated. Yet, none were eager to attack after what they had just witnessed.
“Damn fool.” Without so much as a sideways glance at the headless corpse or those bandits with weapons drawn, Tao calmly sheathed his katana and turned his attention to Jerrick. “Did you understand my warning?”
“Yes m’lord…I mean, Captain.”
“As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted, I have need of brave souls but I will not lead bandits into battle. I need soldiers. Those who stay with me need to know that I expect them to walk bravely into the dragon’s lair but they should also know that they will be well paid.”
Tao picked up the small bag of gold and stood slowly. Making eye contact with each man in the room he added, “Those that want to depart should see me in the courtyard for their severance pay. But be advised, you will not be leaving here with a wyvern or horse. I will make sure you have transportation to a local port but that is it.” Tao focused his attention on the guard Jerrick. “Those that stay on will receive back pay and further instructions concerning our mission.” He started to walk out but paused and looked back. “You have until dawn to make your decision.”
Jerrick jumped up and rushed forward. “I don’t need until dawn. I pledge my sword to your cause.”
“What is your name son?”
“Jerrick.”
Tao handed him the bag of gold. “Consider yourself promoted. Meet me in the courtyard an hour before dawn.” Without saying another word, the deadly samurai departed the barracks.
* * * * *
The tavern fell silent when the two spiritual warriors stepped into the room.
There was nothing special about this building. It was built of sandstone like every other building in Akrôtiri. But long rows of tables filled the room and along one wall were three huge kegs of rum. The tavern was nearly half fu
ll, probably thirty bandits, all armed and already drinking.
Without discussing his plans with the priest, Cozad moved into the center of the tavern and planted his axe. Raising his voice, his eyes smoldered a bright purple. “Listen here scum. You have two options before you. One, follow Tao’s leadership and get paid or leave Akrôtiri. Those that choose to leave, have two options… walking or feet first. This is not negotiable.”
Kastle walked up to him and shook his head. “That was real diplomatic.”
Cozad shrugged. “It was the truth…plain and simple.”
“But you didn’t take time to explain it. They deserve to know what the risks are and the rewards.”
“Why? They are nothing more than random elements of the Game.”
Kastle shook his head. “No, they are living breathing beings with feelings and dreams of their own.”
“So you say.”
“I have lived amongst them for nearly four years. They are as real as you and I.”
Cozad looked back at the bandits. His eyes glowed red. “No, they aren’t.”
The gathered bandits were confused and nervous watching the two armored warriors argue. Finally, one of the bandits had enough and made a break for the door.
Cozad saw the peasant running and stopped him cold with a single spell. Using a ‘Word of Power’ curse, the dreadknight channeled his magical energy into the curse which caused the young bandit’s heart to explode.
The rest of the patrons quaked in fear. It was one thing to fight an opponent. It was another to watch a buddy fall dead with a single word.
Even as they pulled out their weapons and contemplated their options, Cozad lifted up his axe. Kastle stepped between the dreadknight and the bandits with his hammer at the ready. “No. They have the right to choose.”
“They are nothing but peasants. They live and die by our whims.”
“No, that isn’t true. They have a right to live. Anything less and you are as bad as any tyrant from back home. Do you see yourself as another Saddam Hussein? How about Hitler? Do you want to start carting them off to the gas chambers just because they have the wrong eye or hair color?”
The Dreadknight paused at the names of the infamous dictators. Even if the Cozad mindset didn’t know who they were, the Ed mindset did and the simple accusation of being compared to the architects of modern genocide was sobering. Whatever it was, it forced the Edward mindset to the forefront and Cozad’s eyes stopped glowing. “Maybe you are right, priest.”
Kastle took a deep breath and stuffed his hammer back into his belt. “The Chaos Spirit is strong. You must constantly be on guard against its influence.”
Cozad hesitantly nodded. “I shall try priest, I shall try. Now deliver Tao’s offer and let us be gone from this place.”
Kastle pulled out a sack of coins and tossed it onto the closest table. Once he explained the samurai’s offer, the two spiritual warriors departed and the bandits were left to discuss the offer among themselves.
* * * * *
Arieal and Aaliyah both summoned a servant to guard the entrances to the stables. Aaliyah kept it simple and summoned another Earth Elemental. Since Arieal didn’t have a body handy, the dark elf summoned a Shadow to do her bidding. A Shadow is an incorporeal creature made entirely of sentient darkness. Its touch saps the strength of living creatures and appears as a patch of mobile gloom with a more or less humanoid shape.
They set their servants to guard the door and moved inside talking. Arieal filled in some of the highlights of the last four months back home. Nothing political or sports related but more about the latest fashions and celebrity gossip…typical girl talk. Once they were situated, the two spellcasters joined hands and calmed their minds.
The plan was simple.
Aaliyah would summon a Jann to search for Arieal’s missing companions. The advantage of a using a Jann was that it was a purely magical creature formed from the four basic elements of the world. It would be more powerful and intelligent than a typical elemental but not as strong as a true Djinn, nor as fickle. True Djinni are formidable servants but resist servitude and tend to twist their instructions ever so slightly. Janns were different. Since they were only called into being by the power of the spellcaster, they relish the chance to serve.
However, what made this summoning different was that Aaliyah didn’t know anything about the people she was sending the Jann to locate other than what she’d been told. Which wasn’t really enough to safely send a true Djinni. On the other hand by using their magic to meld or align their minds, Arieal’s memories of her missing companions would influence Aaliyah’s summoning and enhance the odds that the Jann would find them quickly.
At least that was the plan. It was still a long shot but it was all they could do at the moment.
* * * * *
Arieal did her best to relax. It was scary to think of someone else entering her mind and having access to her memories. She forced herself to think of this as a medieval version of the Vulcan Mind-meld from the classic television show Star Trek. Concentrating on her breathing, just as she had been instructed, Arieal felt the onset of the merge and it was nothing like she expected. Arieal had expected it to be intrusive but it wasn’t. It was like warm water flowing through her mind and filling up her senses.
Suddenly, she wasn’t alone and for that matter, she wasn’t Arieal any longer. She was Annie and Ashley was with her, hand in hand, as they walked through her memories. At first, it was Arieal’s most recent memories. Primarily her latest liaison with Tao. As the two of them watched, Annie found that she wasn’t embarrassed at all. If anything, she was slightly aroused.
Ashley gave her hand a squeeze and pointed to one side. Annie glanced over to see Aaliyah’s romp with Kastle. Evidently, the merge went both ways and even as they delved into her memories, they would see some bleed over from Ashley’s mind.
Memory by memory, the two spellcasters worked their way back until Ashley felt that she knew Gamble, Mathias and Pixi. In the process, Ashley got to know Annie intimately. Her wants and desires. Her fears and doubts. Everything that was Annie and Arieal. The more Ashley got to know her, the more she liked her. Annie felt the same way. The merge not only helped Ashley learn about her missing companions but helped Annie discover the truth about how Ashley had survived in Hyperborea.
Having the information she needed, Aaliyah broke the connection and leaned back. Coming out of the trance was sobering and slightly lonely. Having another person’s thoughts, feelings and memories in your mind was strange but at the same time comforting. With a flick of her wand, Aaliyah’s Jann was off to do her bidding.
Now all they had to do was wait. The Sha’ir lowered her gaze and offered the dark elf a mischievous grin.
Arieal wrapped her arms around the gorgeous blonde and leaned in. Aaliyah lifted her face and their lips touched. Moments later, their clothes were thrown aside as they began exploring each other’s bodies just as they had their minds earlier.
Chapter 23
With the lightening of the sky, the fleeing trio knew that dawn was approaching and they were just plain tired. They hadn’t made the safety of the forest nor had they lost their pursuers. In fact, more hunters had joined the chase and a second, much larger, force had moved across their intended path. Destroying their plans to escape into the solace of the trees. Only the darkness had truly hidden them from their pursuers but now with sunrise quickly approaching, the Outlanders were getting desperate.
Pixi popped into view overhead. “They’re getting closer.”
Between heavy breaths Gamble asked, “Which group?”
“Those behind us.”
“How far to the ruins?”
“Less than a kilometer.”
The dwarf nodded. “We can make it.”
Mathias looked to the southeast. “We better. The other group has changed directions and is moving toward us.”
Gamble looked in the direction the half-elf was pointing but couldn’t see anything
, not that he doubted the Archer. He just looked out of habit. Taking one last deep breath he grumbled, “Let’s get this last sprint over with.”
Without another word, the companions started running again. They knew that their only chance of survival was to reach the ruins ahead of their pursuers. Outnumbered as they were, solid defenses would be the only thing between a short battle and a quick slaughter. Even then, their odds were abysmal but surrender wasn’t an option.
Even as they traveled the last hundred feet or so to the ruins, Gamble scoped out the defenses with the expert eye of a stonemason, courtesy of his dwarven mindset. It was once a tower of some sort and the remnants of a stone spiral staircase could be seen protruding above the walls by twenty feet or so, which would probably be a good perch for Mathias’ archery. There was only one true entrance to the ruins but the attackers could climb over the walls easily enough since they ranged in height from eight to fifteen feet. It wasn’t a perfect location for a defensive stance but it was the best they could hope for under their current situation.
The truly frustrating part was they didn’t even know why they were being chased. They hadn’t robbed or killed anyone nor broken any laws that warranted this much attention. Which left Gamble to deduce that it was because they were Outlanders but that thought carried its own set of worries.
Pixi interrupted his thoughts. “Okay, we’re here. Now what?”
Gamble reached into his pouch and pulled out his last five runestones. He looked them over with an experienced eye. The first two were primarily utility spells, light and darkness, but they could still be useful. The next two were offensive spells and could prove extremely helpful, web and stun. However, both were limited to one attacker. His last runestone was a powerful but fickle buff spell. Gamble hated to rely on something so unpredictable but he didn’t see any other choices. His mind made up, he gestured to the ruined stairs.
“Mathias, climb up there and make it costly anytime they get too close.”
The half-elf skipped up the stairs, looked around and judged the range. After a few seconds he returned to his friend’s side. “No problem. There’s enough elevation to give me a clear field of fire for their entire approach except the last twenty feet or so. The real problem is that I only have eighteen arrows left.”
Lost Lands: The Game - Atlantis Page 19
