by Tony Corden
After the tour and sitting on the sofa Susan said, “Leah, this is amazing, truly it is. I believe that if you sold all this, you would easily be able to meet this year’s payments and maybe next year’s as well. I would be pleased to represent your interests. Now, do you have a company name in mind?”
“I’ve started a clan in Dunyanin, would I be able to use that name?”
“What is your clan called?”
“Clan Guàn.”
“I should have connected the dots but hadn’t. You own a Platinum mine and an Adamantine mine as well?”
“Part own, yes.”
“So, what do you want to call it, simply Guàn, or maybe Guàn Enterprises. What were you thinking?”
“How about Guàn Enterprises?”
“That should work. I’ll get started right away and should have most things finalised by the morning. Let’s meet here tomorrow morning at seven thirty. I think if we can sign everything then you should have access to the property by lunchtime. I’ll arrange for the Pod to be delivered and installed around one. By tomorrow night you will be all squared away in your new home.”
Susan disappeared, and Leah sat for a while contemplating her moves. She then called Jimmy.
“Leah, good to hear from you, I’ve been worried, were you able to rent the new Pod.”
“No, and yes.”
“What have you done now?”
“Well, all the Public Pod facilities and many of the Private ones are operated by the Kodoman group. Apparently, Atherleah Carroll is a persona non-grata in all their facilities. So I have leased, with an option to purchase, the old Water Treatment Plant on River’s Road and am having a Pod installed there tomorrow.”
Jimmy Loo became still and just stared out of the screen at Leah. It was several minutes before he said, “You made enough to do that?”
“Just. It’s going to be tight for a while, but the advice I have is I can make it work. Do you have any suggestions regarding security?”
“Yes; you need lots of it. You’re going to need some employees, who do you have in mind?”
“Well, I was going to talk with my family, then I was thinking of maybe contracting the work out to you or someone you know. Nothing illegal can happen on the property as the ‘Suits’ will be watching closely. There is the option for more Pods, it is set up as a facility. If you talked with the other bosses, maybe we could have a safe place to relocate some of their people to. Also, can you send some boys to meet me at 11 tomorrow? I’ll be heading back then. I hope to be looking sad and defeated, they might not connect the dots for a while.”
“They, the Government and the Kodomans, are going to hate and oppose you, you know that. The rest of us, we’ll end up owing you even more. You know this is the opening shot in what might be a war.”
“I hope not, but if that happens, this is not the opening shot. It is only a little return fire.”
“Point taken, Leah, point taken. You talk with your folks yet?”
“Nope, I’m going to do that now.”
“I’d love to listen in. Take care, girl, take care.”
Leah called her parents, and after a long discussion, they agreed to meet her at her new acquisition at midday the next day.
It was six in the evening in Brisbane and the day was just starting in Dunyanin. Leah needed to get moving if she was going to be able to make her new enterprise work. She only had one month remaining to get to Daglar Duman, in the Demir Dovuyor Mountains. From Ejder in the Omurga Mountains to Durustfuar’s home was a distance of over 300 leagues. Travelling by horse, realistically, she would need around twenty-eight days of constant, uninterrupted riding to make the journey.
While she did some research she asked Gèng to do the same, she needed to find a quicker way to get there. In the end, she had three options, she could ride, she could find a magical means, or she could make her way to the coast and go by sea.
She finally decided on the sea option but couldn’t make up her mind on the best route. The quickest route was to head north and then down the River Canli to the Elven port city of Tekne. This route had the disadvantage of taking her through the heartland of Göksel-Orman. But, the High Elves who lived here were the most traditional and they despised half-bloods. If they knew she carried the Tears and Sorrow of Göksel-Orman, she would be lucky to escape alive. Still, she had promised to leave the Spider Queen’s death crystal in the realm and lay it to rest. The other option was also North, but overland through the Çorak Desert to the Elven port of Kasirga. The Desert Elves were often solitary and would leave her alone, she hoped, but the sea journey would be longer and more difficult. The coast of Kasirga was renowned for its wild storms.
She still had not made up her mind when she logged in to Dunyanin ready to head North. She had two days of travel before she needed to decide and something might happen to help sway the decision.
She appeared in her room at the Inn and headed down to the common room. Seeing Buyuk sitting and having breakfast, she made her way over to say hello. When he saw her coming, he looked around the room quickly, and then indicated she should sit with her back to the room.
“Hi Buyuk, what is wrong?”
“There are some Travellers in town looking for you and your friends. They are not nice, and several villagers have been hurt. No one has admitted to seeing you for fear of their reaction. What have you done?”
“It depends on who they are. They could simply want information, we found a dungeon and a mine in the area near here. Possibly they are from a clan that is trying to find me. I’m leaving today, so they will probably leave with me or chase after me. How many are there?”
“It’s a group of four. Three men and a woman, all are lowland humans. I think they are all Level 150 and above. You be careful.”
“Thanks for the warning. I’m off to the Trading House and then heading North, is there anywhere here I can purchase a mount?”
“No, but one of the Northern trading groups arrived yesterday, they might need a guard on the way back, you could ask them, they might give you a ride.”
“Thanks again, Buyuk, I’d best be leaving, I have a long way to travel.”
Leah returned the key to the Innkeeper and then headed to the Trading House. She had only taken a few steps outside the Inn when a voice called out, “Hey, you! Elf girl, Atherleah, I have some questions.”
She stopped and turned around to see a man, dressed in warrior gear with a large sword on his back. Beside him was a woman outfitted as a Mage, a man in ranger gear and behind them all was another man in dark armour, probably a Paladin or some other type of Knight. She checked their names and levels, which she could now see having passed Level 50.
“What do you want? I’m not going to say your name because nobody says that about themselves.”
“We want to know where the dungeon is you found?”
“Ok, forty Diamond.”
“What?”
“You give me forty Diamond, and I’ll tell you what you want to know.”
“Are you crazy? We don’t have that kind of money.”
“Am I crazy? Are you crazy? What makes you think I’ll just tell you what you want to know? Do your homework, and you’ll find it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have places to be.”
Leah began to walk off when an arrow thudded into the ground at her feet.
“Girl, we didn’t say you could leave. We haven’t finished talking.”
According to the rules, she knew she couldn’t be attacked in the city limits except if she responded. She ignored the four and kept walking to the Trading House. They yelled, and several arrows went through her torso, but she ignored them. When she got to the Trading House, she looked back, and they were all standing there staring at her with angry expressions.
After she had bought travel gear, some potions and a Ranger map for the next section, she looked out the window, and sure enough, they were all still standing in the middle of the village waiting. She ducked back inside and said to
the trader, “Excuse me, do you have a back entrance? Those morons are still out there, and I’d rather not fight them today.”
“I do. I’m afraid however that I can’t let you go that way. My agreement with the council is that I’m not allowed to take sides in any dispute. I’m sorry.”
“I understand, you can’t show me the back door to escape them. Can you show me the back door because you need me to help you with some task?”
“Aye, that I can. Now you mention it, I would like a message taken to the Northern Trading Group. There has been a request for some special items next time they come. If you wait, I’ll just get a note for you to give them.”
Several minutes later Leah snuck out the back door and casting Hidden Quietness she headed for the Trading Caravan. When she neared the caravan, she dismissed the spell and headed for two elves that looked like guards. As Leah approached, she could see their faces change. One moment they were relaxed and seemingly enjoying life, the next they had disdainful looks on their faces and hands on weapons.
“Hello gentle elves, I have a message from the Trading House for the caravan master.”
“Give it here and begone.”
‘I am sorry, good sir, but it is only for the hands of the caravan master.”
“Wait here.”
One of the guards turned and wandered into the camp, Leah supposed he was going to get the leader. The other continued to glare at her. She had been aware of people treating her, as different, for all her life and this didn’t phase her at all. She just stared back with what she hoped was a superior looking smile. She must have succeeded for the elf said, “You have no reason for pride, halfbreed. You are a nothing and should have been disposed of at birth. Your mother was obviously a whore.”
Until the last sentence Leah had been almost enjoying the banter, but she was fiercely protective of her mother. She stepped toward the elf and said, “I don’t care that one of your breeding should disdain me, but if you dishonour my mother again then I shall cut your tongue from your mouth and shove it up your …”
“Hold it, girl, don’t finish the sentence.”
Leah turned slightly to see an elven woman standing behind the guard. The woman carried herself with authority and looked the leader of the group. Behind her stood four other elves and the missing guard. The woman continued, “I heard what he said, and it was unkind, and beneath him. Do not lower yourself to his level.”
“I wasn’t planning on it. Nothing I did or said would make me that low. Don’t worry I wasn’t going to kill him. They do say you High Elves can grow back body parts.”
“Child, he is a High Elf from the sacred grove. He has lived in the city of Göksel-Orman all his life. He is trained from childhood in the martial arts and would kill you in a heartbeat. I have saved your life.”
“No Mistress, you have interrupted his lesson in manners. I trust you will discipline the child before you allow him contact with his betters again. Here is your letter.”
Leah handed over the letter and began to walk away.
“Stop!”
Leah felt a tingling, and against her will, she began to stop. She fought it with every fibre of her being and though she slowed she did not stop. Suddenly the feeling lifted, and she turned to look at the woman who was looking pale and tired. Leah walked back and said, “I am not yours to command. I, belong to me.”
“Please wait, I was wrong to compel you. I apologise. Please join me for tea.”
Leah reached up and held her right ear-ring and said, “Do you wish me any harm?”
“No.”
Leah could tell the truth of her words, but she also heard the thoughts of the guard who was thinking of killing her.
“You don’t, but he does. I think it is safer to leave.”
“He has no such thoughts, he was brash and will get over it.”
Leah thought for a moment and then said, “Look closely at my earrings and know that I speak the truth, he plans to kill me.”
The caravan leader glanced at Leah’s earrings and then at the tiara. The blood ran from her face, and she looked stunned. Two of those with her had also recognised the jewellery and stepped closer.
Leah said, “So, did I speak the truth, does he plan to kill me?”
“You speak the truth. He is headstrong and foolish. I will discipline him. Please come to my tent, you will be safe, on my honour.” Her voice changed slightly, and she said, “You have my word and oath.”
The other elves looked at her in shock, but they, like Leah, had understood the force of that promise.
Leah nodded and walked with the woman to a large tent in the middle of the circled wagons.
“My name if Y’netmek, I am first-trader of this caravan.”
“I am Atherleah, Traveller.”
“Strange for a Traveler to come to Ejder. Where are you heading?”
“I had business here, but now am headed to Ticareti. I plan to go via Tekne or Kasirga. I am heading north and will decide in the next few days.”
“You could come with us. We make for Göksel-Orman and then possibly to Tekne.”
“I thank you for your offer, but I don’t feel safe among you. Even now I see you looking at the Tears and the Sorrow, and not at me. I mentioned them because I can deal with you if you attack, but I would not have had a chance in Göksel-Orman. Your response tells me it is safer to head for Kasirga. I have business in Göksel-Orman, but cannot afford to get entangled at the moment. I have a deadline to meet in the Demir Dovuyor Mountains.”
“They belong to my people.”
“Maybe, but the only way that you have tried so far, is force. With reason and kindness, I might be convinced that they belong with you, but I will not be forced.”
“Did you not check the guards level when you rebuked him?”
“No, I did afterwards though. He is Level 205.”
“He is over fifty levels beyond you, he could force you.”
“You are level 247, and you couldn’t force me. Maybe you’re right, maybe I could be forced. But know this, I am a Traveller, I don’t die. One day I would return and get them back.”
“Against all of Göksel-Orman?”
“If necessary.”
“You sound foolish, how do I know you speak the truth, even if it is a false belief?”
“You don’t.”
The tent opened, and one of the elves entered with some tea. He said, “There are four humans outside looking for the kir. What should I tell them?”
“Have them wait, I will be out in a minute. So Atherleah, who are these humans?”
“I will tell you if you tell me what kir means.”
“It is a word that refers to someone like you, a half-breed.”
“I worked that out. What does it mean?”
“It means ‘dirt’ or ‘filth’. It is not used amongst the polite.”
“Fair enough. They want information from me on a dungeon I discovered in the area. They want to try and defeat it.”
“I have not heard of a dungeon here. Does this mean more will come?”
“Certainly! I imagine hundreds of warriors and miners are making their way here as we speak.”
“Why miners?”
“I also discovered several mines in the area.”
“I will send them away. Will you join us? I promise you a safe trip to Göksel-Orman from all under my leadership. I cannot say what might occur in the city.”
“I’ll join you for several days. I am still undecided but will make up my mind soon. Maybe I will see something other than bigotry and disdain in the eyes of the High Elves. If not then I will leave you at the trails junction and head for Kasirga.”
Y’netmek left the tent and returned soon after to say they were leaving in thirty minutes. Leah left the tent and watched as everything was packed onto the wagons and the caravan got underway. Most of the elves drove a wagon, but several walked in front and behind as guards, each of them carrying a bow and sword. Two ran ahead to scout the
trail. Leah equipped her leather armour and Merdiven and walked beside the front wagon. Forty minutes after leaving Ejder, one of the scouts returned at a run and said to Y’netmek, “Goblins ahead, it looks like triple the normal number. What should we do?”
“Weapons out and guards to the front. Scouts, back here. We will move slowly. What are they doing?”
“Just standing beside the trail, it looks like their waiting for us but its no ambush.”
Y’netmek walked ahead, and Leah decided to tag along. Ten minutes later they saw eighty goblins dressed for war standing in a group beside the trail. Y’netmek went toward them and yelled at them but got no response. In the end, Leah walked forward and seeing the headman said in Goblin, “She wants to know what you want?”
“We want to hear the story of your journey into the mountain. One of our warriors was watching the caravan this morning and saw you. We want to know how you escaped the wrath of Lady A’lev Sevgilisi. We will let you pass after you tell the story.”
Leah turned to Y’netmek and said, “He just wants some information. I’ll share a story with him, and then we can pass.”
“You’ll tell him a story, and they will let us pass?”
“Yes.”
“You must be one hell of a story teller. Go ahead, we’ll stand here and wait. Not that there is any pressure, but our bows are nocked.”
Leah walked and stood in front of the goblins and told them the tale. She emphasised A’lev Sevgilisi’s love for her children and her desire to be with her Lord. When she finished the headman said, “You have given us much to think on. I remember your words and can see some truth in what you said. My daughter is here, and she made me bring some meat for the one she calls, Mĕi. May she feed your Chimera?”
Leah took Mĕi’s statue out of her bag and willed Mĕi into Dunyanin. She could hear an in-drawing of breath from the elves, and then the younglings appeared with meat for Mĕi. After Mĕi had been fed the goblins disappeared into the brush beside the trail, Leah picked up Mĕi and walked back to Y’netmek and the wagons.
“Y’netmek, this is my Chimera, Mĕi. Do you mind if I let her play a little? Or maybe have a seat on the wagon, she is still young.”
