“Are
we almost there?”
“Not
used to climbing, are you?”
“No
– well, yes, the Society doesn't do much fieldwork – but I meant
it more earnestly, like-”
“Yes,
yes – I understand. We'll be there very soon.”
Alatricia
smiled down upon her elven companion, seeming to glide up the
mountain while Zeroi slowly made his way up, taking his time though
not by choice.
“So,
how well do you know these people?” the Elondi asked.
“Somewhat,”
answered the Acadian, “I saved a few of their men once from a band
of wilderness patrol. Gave me a feast and everything for it, told me
they would do something for me if there ever came a time. Don't know
if their promise counts for something this big, though.”
“Well,
they are called the 'Red Bandits'. Are you sure they're not just
going to attack us the second we get there?”
“Listen,
I've dealt with these people before. They're fine; believe me. Fine
enough at least.”
Little
did the two travelers know, the group known as the Red Bandits had
been listening in to their conversation for quite some time already.
As Alatricia finished talking, two members came down from the shadows
of the trees, weapons out.
“Oh,
wonderful.” Zeroi already began to put his hands up in defeat,
however the rogue had different ideas.
“I
must speak to your leader,” The woman marched up to the two
members, and as they pointed their swords towards her she simply held
them softly by their blades, “I must speak to Reydal.”
The
two looked towards each other, and nodded. “We will lead you to
him,” one of the grunts said, and the four continued deeper into
the forest.
“State
your names to the Baron.” The same one who had spoken in the forest
spoke now, as the current two guardians of Enthia stood in the
presence of the legendary hunter and thief Reydal Whisperwind.
The
Realm of the Red Bandits lived up to its name – though the trees
they were in before all held the same green tint, the base was built
upon a small patch of everreds, whose bright beauty could only be
admired in its enclave. The base itself was fortified by wood –
normal oak, of course – and the throne in which Reydal sat was
expertly crafted, and decorated all around with the thick thorny
vines of the Red Rose.
Unlike
some characters we are already familiar with, the Baron of the Red
Rose both spoke in charisma as well as held the desired looks of a
prince, though this prince had been banished from society long ago.
He wore a noble cloak of red and black, which he no doubt stole, and
his fair head held fair hair, a sharp brown that seemed to contrast
beautifully with its surroundings.
“No
need, I already recognize the girl. This elf, however-”
“Zeroi,
my lord. Or, er, baron?”
Reydal
gave a kind chuckle to the remark. “I am certainly no lord, and I
am only called the Baron passionately. My name does not own any real
titles, at least by your standards.” He then turned to the face
with which he was familiar. “So, Alatricia, what brings you back?”
“Actually,
I believe the elf can better explain things than I.”
Now,
with the spotlight entirely on Zeroi, he spoke once more of the
terror approaching Enthia, and its need for a leader.
“I
have heard these statements before, from my spies in the capital,”
Reydal began to move around in his seat, “it was not yesterday that
there was a conference upon the topic of the recent attempt on King
Heirut's life.”
“So,
you're interested?” The excitable Elondi clenched his body in
hoping for a good response.
“Not
exactly. There are many things that make me continue to wonder on
these claims, as well as make me wonder, if the time comes, that I
could lead such a group. I also can find complaints in working with
the people of the cities.
“What
do you mean?”
“Ah
– no offense to you, my friend. I simply mean that there are people
in the city in which, even if I was to save our world from such a
depraved apocalypse, they would still see me be hanged, and simply
pass on the credit to someone else.”
The
elf was ready to continue to complain, but the young Enthian stopped
him from speaking. “That being said, there are many factors to
this, and I could only wish that I could make up my mind in one
night. Please; I know you have had a long journey to get here, the
least I could do would be allow you to stay until I have made up my
mind. My people will find you a place to rest – go with them.”
And
so ended day one of the trip to the Realm of the Red Bandits.
---
Twitter: @CodexofAegis
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---
Twitter: @CodexofAegis
Facebook: facebook.com/CodexofAegis
