Aftermath

[Sir Karsimir]

Mostly Aorle accepted the offered support without comment, speaking was unnessecary, the others seemed to have everything in hand. Even Rollick's sympathy gained no major response, as Aorle was not one to dwell on his own suffering. Still, it spoke well of the older man, and he would remember that.

When hugged by Uluki, Aorle could do no other than embrace back, smiling brightly with unreserved happiness at her sudden sense of ease towards him, and the lovely warmth of her greeting. Returned was a tight hug, soft and careful with due respect of the importance of who was held in his arm yet deeply emotional. "I said you had my trust and support. I meant it. Uluki, 'tis my hope you will one day call me friend." Acceptance from Uluki was cherished beyond measure, welcome progress from that horrifying moment when she had first flinched from him.

Mental note had been made of the name Kaydee. Good news. That told him that Sigvard and Thetta had both been true to their intent, and that Kaydee had returned safely. Already he looked forward to meeting Kaydee again, to help and protect her in a more lasting and meaningful fashion.

Still, Rosemary's approach raised another issue, one which might as well be addressed now. Among the lessons which battle had taught him was that voiding a strike was only ever a temporary solution, a counter was needed to prevent the voided foe from striking once more.

"I know that Julen is no longer injured. That I ask nothing of how is deliberate." Aorle unveiled, the words of the angel replaying in his head. Your friend was gravely harmed. But he is now safe and whole... "Bring him downstairs, we can speak inside. Rosemary, I will not take part in falsehood. All here will be under orders to let the matter rest without questions." An unannounced transition of who he addressed, "Rollick, you can make that clear while I am inside."

Frankly, Aorle was asking these men to trust him with their lives every time they marched into battle on his behalf. Lying to them would simply not do. None of them had such wickedness in their hearts as to condemn Uluki. Any of such heart and will would die by his hand.

[Lylessa Uluki]

“You’re already my friend,” Uluki told Aorle. He’d certainly proven that. He’d given her no reason to fear him, and every reason to trust him.

Rollick nodded and said “I will,” in response to the instruction given to him. Once Aorle was inside and Uluki was tending to his injuries, Rollick would return to the troops and speak to them. Rollick thought it a wise decision. Aorle had given his word that Uluki would not be harmed no matter what happened, and Rollick saw no profit in deception, which could only serve to weaken loyalty.

Once they were inside, Uluki pointed them toward the empty room where she had recently examined Becky and her unborn child. She knew that room was unoccupied, it was clean, and they wouldn’t have to go up the stairs. Uluki went in search of clean water and the extra bandages she had prepared for Metellus but hadn’t needed to use.

Meanwhile Rollick helped Aorle out of his armour, trying to do so as gently as possible so as not to disturb the injuries any more than necessary. By the time that was done, Uluki was back.

“It’ll be best if you sit,” she told Aorle. “You’re very tall.” She needed to be able to see and reach his cuts easily.

Rollick saw his presence was no longer necessary, so he took his leave. “I’ll go now and speak to the warriors.” He touched Uluki’s shoulder briefly as he departed, a simple but tender expression of love. She smiled in response.

Uluki began cleaning the cuts and bandaging them. She wished once again that she could do more, but that seemed impossible. “Those look painful. You must have had quite a rough night. So did Julen and Kaydee, but they’re doing well now. I know you were worried. Julen was very brave. He protected Kaydee, and kept her alive. He saved her. Your warriors were brave too. They helped me gladly, and never flinched.”

Back outside, Rollick returned to where the warriors were sparring. “Well done,” he called, to get their attention as well as to compliment them. “You should know that Aorle has returned to us, although he is wounded.” That would be obvious when they saw Aorle, and it would not do to have them express shock or surprise. “He will recover soon. In the meantime, I have a message from him. The two people we brought back from the shanty town last night are doing well, and are no longer troubled by their injuries. He has asked that you not inquire further into their return to health. It is likely he will speak more about this to you later, but regardless, it need not be your concern, nor mine. Our only concern at present is training to be an effective unit on the battlefield. So let’s begin again…”

[Julen]

Rosemary had only been gone for a little while when Julen heard a hesitant tapping on his door. Expecting that Uluki had returned to say something further, he experienced a mild jolt of surprise when his invitation to come in was answered by Kaydee instead.

“Hi,” she greeted, as she stepped into the room. “You’re looking a lot better.”

“So are you.” Julen was pleased to see her clean and healed. If he’d wanted to, he could have almost convinced himself that she wasn’t the same girl he’d seen chained to the wall in Snyde’s hideout.

“I know. It’s really pretty, isn’t it?” Assuming that Julen’s compliment had been directed at her new dress, Kaydee lifted its skirt a little and spun around, modeling it for him. “Uluki gave it to me. She’s been so nice. Her whole family has. Rollick brought me breakfast this morning and Dash is teaching me to sew. That’s why I’m here. I need to take your measurements for a shirt.”

Kaydee didn’t mention that she’d accidentally pricked her finger with the needle, bled on the scrap of cloth Dash had given her to practice with, and then started crying, convinced that she’d ruined everything. It had taken many, many reassurances on Dash’s part to finally convince Kaydee that no one was angry with her because of the mistake. Talking about future projects, in particular the shirt Kaydee wanted to make, seemed to cheer Kaydee up, so Dash had encouraged her to go get the measurements as a way for Kaydee to make progress without needing to have a rematch against the needle and thread.

“Kaydee,” Julen protested, “that’s very sweet. But you don’t need to make me a shirt.”

“Please? I’d really like to. I feel so bad about what happened to you.”

There seemed to be, Julen reflected, a lot of feeling bad going around. In fact, Snyde was probably the only person involved who wasn’t struggling with guilt over what had happened. Obviously, Kaydee couldn’t be blamed for yesterday’s events. And, equally obviously, no amount of arguing would truly convince her of that. So if making shirt would help her feel better, that was a small enough atonement. And Julen certainly appreciated the thought.

“Alright,” Julen acquiesced, spreading his arms. He knew the drill. Rosemary had taken his measurements quite often during the first months after they were married, although the dimensions of his body were now something she no longer needed to guess. “But only if you’ll let me do something nice for you in return.”

Eagerly, Kaydee produced a length of ribbon with lines marked on it at regular intervals. “Can you sew?” she inquired as she held the ribbon up against one of Julen’s raised arms.

“I can, actually. I can also cook a meal, plow a field, mend a roof, and forge a horseshoe. Although, I have to admit, none of those seem like particularly suitable gifts for a young lady.”

“I’ll give it some thought,” Kaydee promised. “Now, turn to your left. Oh, wait! I guess I meant your right. And now I’ve dropped the silly thing. Maybe if you hold that end...?”

Unsurprisingly, Kaydee was no Rosemary. It didn’t take long before they both got tangled up in the ribbon, with Julen trying to uncoil it from around his neck while Kaydee giggled helplessly. Then, two unintentional movements collided, bumping their bodies together. And that level of contact brought back the memories. Mirth vanished from Kaydee’s face, carried away as easily as a feather caught by storm winds. Julen could feel her trembling. However, her eyes never left his as she spoke. “I thought we were going to die...”

Julen considered saying something appropriately heroic, something about how he’d never given up hope. But the truth won out. “So did I,” he admitted, gently wrapping his arms around her. “So did I.”

Again, Julen thought of the hours they’d spent lying in the street after Snyde assaulted them. “Kaydee...when we were out there...towards the end...did you see anything?”

“See anything? Like what?”

“Right before Uluki healed me, I had this dream. I guess it was a dream. It didn’t feel like a dream.” Julen struggled to say something which didn’t sound ridiculous, positive that he was failing more with every sentence. “I don’t know. I saw my mother. She was in this beautiful garden, and she wanted me to be with her, but there was a gate blocking my way. And I thought...I know this is stupid, but I thought maybe I’d seen heaven...sort of. Not everybody’s heaven. But my heaven. And I was wondering if maybe you’d seen your heaven?”

Kaydee shook her head. She looked unbearably sad. “I didn’t see anything. I guess darkness is all that’s waiting for me.”

“Nonsense. Next time, come to my garden.” Julen forced his tone to be light, although his offer was sincere, if such a thing could ever be in his power to give. “My mother won’t mind. I think she’d like you.”

His words coaxed another giggle from Kaydee. “Oh yeah. I’m real popular with people’s mothers.”

“Uluki seems to like you. And she’s a mother. Which reminds me -- shouldn’t we get on with this measuring business?”

They’d just finished when Rosemary returned. At first, she was merely bemused by this new example of the women who kept appearing in her husband’s room every time she left it. But something in Kaydee’s manner set off tiny alarm bells. Rosemary’s life had taught her much about the body language of desire. However, she trusted Julen, and there were more important matters to be dealt with. “Julen? Aorle is back and he wants to see you. You too, Kaydee.”

“What about Uluki’s secret?”

Rosemary shrugged. “He knows. He says there’s no need for you to hide anything.” Seeing that Julen still looked puzzled, she gave her husband a quick summary of Aorle’s return.

Privately, Julen disagreed with the choice. He understood Aorle’s desire to be honest with the warriors under his command. He appreciated the fact that Aorle trusted their hearts. However, it seemed to Julen that someone could have both a good heart and loose lips. Also, there were ways to extract information from a person, regardless of how unwilling they might be to part with it. Torture was only the crudest of the tools the Judges had at their disposal. But Aorle was his leader, and Uluki herself had voiced no objection to the decision, so Julen followed Rosemary from the room.

“Do you think he’s mad at us?” Kaydee whispered to Julen as they descended the stairs.

“Well, I doubt he’s going to pin a medal on me. But he’s got no reason to be upset with you.”

“I think you deserve a medal.”

Julen couldn’t help but smile a little when she said that. “Maybe you should sew me one. It might be an easier project than the shirt.”

Kaydee snickered. Then, they arrived at the room where Uluki had brought Aorle. Assuming that Aorle had already said everything to her that he planned on saying, Rosemary went to find Krarug, so the orc could stop his search for Kaydee. As Julen watched his wife depart, he felt glad that she wouldn’t witness the lecture he was doubtlessly about to receive. Determined to accept whatever judgment Aorle passed, Julen steeled his nerves, and stepped into the room. But even after having been prepared by Rosemary’s description, actually seeing Aorle pushed all thoughts of his own plight from Julen’s head.

“Gods!” he exclaimed. “What happened to you?”

[Sir Karsimir]

Even more good news. The warriors were everything he hoped for. Brave, upright, respectful of noncombatants. Fine qualities in warriors joining his cause. Overall, he had to admit, despite the extent of the mistake which Julen had made, the yeoman had impressed him. In his mind, Aorle could never see Julen doing any different, yet it was still grounds for high esteem.

"Thank you, Uluki. And thank you for being my friend." That really meant so much to him. "I will need your opinions and observations so far. Any qualities you have seen among our refugees, signs of character, potential that may be of help to their future." By all appearances, none of the civilians had needed coaxing into work, in particular the two boys with shovels had made an impression. "More. Both Sigvard and Thetta have dark pasts which give me cause for doubt. So please, tell me all you have seen of their quality." Eventually, he finished, speaking through the pain of his wounds.

Armourless and bare-chested, the truth of what Aorle had endured was on display. Brutal slashes resembling claws from shoulder to chest, again on his side rent from hip to ribcage, several resembling deep punctures in his belly, and now obviously on his scalp now that the blood once matting his hair was cleaned away. One would have to wonder how those foul talons struck beneath his armour. Bloody abrasions and bruised skin from being slammed against floors and walls. Several bloody lines showed through his trews on the inside leg. Then two seeping craters, which insisted on welling up thick and sickly blood, one leaked crimson from his abdomen and one behind his elbow, obviously interfering with his use of the joint. Far better when the wounds were only seen as bloodstains on his armour.

"Demonic intervention. Twice. First in the shantytown and again when seeking aid elsewhere." answered Aorle, as if tersely getting the subject out the way before addressing that of importance to him. "Never mind that. Good to see you both safe. My regrets for how you have suffered, 'twas wrong and cruel and must be stopped."

With that stated, he began his introductions. "Greetings. Kaydee, 'tis good to finally know your name. You are welcome here and can be assured that my men and I will protect you. From what I hear, Julen has already proven as much." Whatever his mistakes in a military context, he could not fault the yeoman's valour. "My name is Aorle. I wanted to bring you away from the shantytown ever since we met, it is only now we have somewhere to bring you to." Now was a rare moment of resentment for his family, pressuring him to wear silk and velvet and jewels and finery without care for those without a single dress. "Of the warriors here, I tasked two with finding you and bringing you to safety. The Northlanders, brother and sister. Do you have any comments to share after meeting them?" All seemed well now, although he would like a clearer idea of those warriors who would fight by his side. Of who he was calling friend.

Allowing himself a few moments to recover his breath, and summon his conviction to speak through his wounds. "Mayhap this has been said to you anyway, little sister, regardless, I say it now. You are free from the life you once suffered. Women are not be bought and sold as chattel. No one will use you. No man will raise a hand to you. None will prosper from your misery. I will not allow it. Kaydee, little sister, on this you have my oath by right and honour."

His gaze did not falter.

"All I shall ask of you is to provide what assistance you are able. We have much to do. There are many tasks you can take part in to improve what shelter we can offer. First goal if you are up to it is the earthworks. That dress was made for you? One of the others can show you how to dressmake, and then we can provide dresses for everyone." he advised, having now shown his modest if important dream, "Or at least all of the ladies. The men would wear something different."

By now there was food and water. Nothing more special than a half-loaf of bread. Too small. It barely lasted a minute, ripped into bare chunks rather than sliced. After too few mouthfuls of bread and water, it was time for him to resume speaking. An unwelcome struggle which brought fresh waves of pain to each wound on his belly.

Next turn. "Julen, well done for the rescue of Kaydee. From what I hear, your courage saved her life. Furthermore, well done to be back to arms, many men would give up after what you have endured." Although the opening praise served to remove the sting from any criticism, it was sincere. Both facts demonstrated the signs of a true warrior in Julen. As for the rest, well, the straight arrow flies truest. "You also made serious mistakes. You walked into danger alone and unprepared. As well as you fight, that still cost you. You cut yourself off from support, that left you vulnerable and none of us knew where to find you. We all need you to take more care." After all, every man who went into the shantytown to search for him was accepting potential risk.

"We need to arrange you new armour, since there is no way I can justify to Rosemary marching you into battle with limited protection. Best for you and Rosemary to move here as well, where we have warriors, now that you have the form of enemy who will go out of his way to harm the woman you love." Sudden, perhaps, but no good warleader took chances with the welfare of the men in his command... or their families.

Showing due respect, he paused on that point, rather than treating perhaps Julen's worst nightmare as a footnote. Once the respectful moment was over, he elaborated. "From the speech we have problems. Our enemies know of us. They were able to set a trap for you, so they can find us. They also know who I am. While I will gladly raise my sword against this evil, I would rather not give them the advantage of striking when they please. As much as you both have a right to vengeance against the wretch who has wronged you, no seeking him out until we are ready to fight him. We will find him, we will kill him, but many battles are won or lost long before the first blade is drawn."

Demanding that more care be taken was all well and good, yet the phrase alone did not mean anything. "Here is my advice. No one leaves the base alone. Travel in groups, each group should include at least two warriors, three or more if expecting danger such as at the Fighter's Guild, shantytown or woods. Everyone announce where they are going, and how long they expect to be, before leaving. We support each other. We help each other. We trust each other."

"Any questions?"

[Lylessa Uluki]

Uluki spoke without pausing in her work. “The refugees have been very cooperative and helpful. They seem happy to be here, and relieved to have escaped the shanty town. Those who were prostitutes seem anxious to learn other skills, and the two young boys… Ian and Sean… they’re very bright, and eager to be of service. Their mother, Martha, has recently recovered from an illness, but she’s been very helpful too. She’s a good cook, and she takes initiative with household tasks. I think you’ll find all those who have come are glad to help. Oh gods…”

She’d found another wound. It was almost impossible to concentrate on other things when she was faced with this much pain. Suffering was a healer’s enemy. Uluki could hardly bear to look at the injuries… her foe… and not do everything in her power to vanquish them. She felt like her insides were being squeezed, twisted in knots. Allowing this to continue… everything in her nature rebelled against it. Every moment of the bandaging treatment was a battle within her own mind. Uluki had to draw a deep breath to calm herself.

She forced herself to concentrate on his questions, on speech. “Thetta and Sigvard did well last night. Sigvard is enthusiastic and good at focusing on a task. He’s also quite likeable. Thetta is not so warm or approachable as her brother, but she has a good heart. She spoke to one of the women in the shanty town, and was very effective at convincing her to help us. Both Thetta and Sigvard seem very brave. They may not be the easiest among your warriors, but I think they will be a worthwhile addition.”

Uluki looked up when Julen and Kaydee entered. She smiled at Julen, and then her smile widened when she saw Kaydee in her new dress, looking happier and healthier. She gave them a little wave with her free hand, then returned her attention to her work, and to her internal struggle.

She was taken by surprise by the mention of demons— plural— but Aorle didn’t seem inclined to talk about it, so she just quietly added it to her list of worries. Were demons so common here? She’d gone her whole life and never seen one. This place was so full of dangers! Uluki hoped her nightmares tonight wouldn’t involve her family and friends being ripped to shreds by demons… but she doubted she’d be lucky enough to avoid such dreams.

She listened as Aorle addressed Julen and Kaydee, but little of what he said seemed like any of her business, so she kept most of her mind focused on the wounds. Clean, bandage, fear, fight the urge to heal, clean, bandage… her hands seemed to move on their own.

Uluki was deeply shaken, close to tears. How could she be so close to pain and suffering, how could she reach out and touch it, and not heal it? Her hands flexed uselessly, her magic trapped inside. She couldn’t close her eyes, couldn’t stop, and even if she did, his pain would still be there…

When Aorle asked if there were any questions, she merely shook her head— trying to keep her voice normal but not entirely succeeding— and said, “No.”

[Julen]

Demons. Somehow, that figured. Not cutpurses, muggers, or even crime bosses -- it had to be demons. Only Aorle could battle two of those unholy creatures in a single night. And only Aorle could sound so damn calm about it afterwards. Julen felt deeply impressed that his friend had survived even one such encounter, no matter how battered. But he also experienced a sharp pang of guilt. If it hadn’t been for his failure with Snyde, Aorle would have been safe inside House Anstrun, not out fighting demons. Was there no one he hadn’t put at risk with his rashness?

At the mention of demons, Kaydee cringed and took a step closer to Julen. Without thinking about it, Julen reached out, lightly brushing his fingers across the back of her hand. “It’s alright,” he assured. “We’re safe here.” He hoped that was true. Certainly, Aorle didn’t seem very worried, and his sureness fueled Julen’s own sense of confidence.

Apparently comforted by his Julen’s words, Kaydee stood a bit taller, focusing her attention on Aorle as he spoke to her. His courtly manner seemed to please her, and her smile grew wider each time he called her ‘little sister’. “It’s nice to finally know your name as well, Aorle. Big brother. I want to thank you again for the kindness you showed me when we first met. And for sending Julen into the shanty town to distribute bread. I know your charity has brought you some trouble, but it also gave hope to people who thought they would never feel hope again.”

“The two warriors you describe were in the group that found me, only I didn’t get much chance to talk to them. After we got back, they sought me out, and the man told me that they were at my service. But Uluki’s family was already taking such good care of me, I didn’t really need anything from anybody else. I...I didn’t do something wrong, did I?”

The mention of Uluki’s family caused Julen to glance at her. She seemed completely absorbed in tending to Aorle’s injuries, and Julen admired the skill that guided her hands. But the longer he watched her, the more he thought that he detected a slight frenzy in her movements, as if she was keeping busy to keep from breaking down. At first, this puzzled Julen. Aorle was hurt, but he wasn’t in danger of dying. Why was she so upset? Then the answer came to him. It was no hardship for him to refrain from casting illusions. But it must be very difficult for her to be faced with such suffering and not be able to use her gift to ease it. Although he felt it would be inappropriate to say anything, Julen’s heart went out to her.

Kaydee nodded when Aorle vowed to never let a man use or harm her. “I’ve heard a lot of promises in my life. And most of them haven’t been worth a lump of beggar’s spittle. But I trust what you say. Words may lie, but actions seldom do.”

Julen and Kaydee both laughed at Aorle’s joke about the dresses. Julen couldn’t help imagining Krarug wearing something with a lovely floral pattern. Or maybe bright pink polka dots.

“I’m not sure if this dress was made for me or not,” Kaydee admitted, tugging at the corner of her skirt. “Uluki gave it to me last night. Her whole family has been so nice. And I really do want to help out. Dash gave me my first sewing lesson this morning. It hasn’t gone very well so far...but I’m going to make a shirt for Julen. I just finished taking the measurements.”

A chuckle escaped Julen as he remembered getting tangled in the ribbon. “I don’t know. Judging by some of those measurements, I think I may end up with a dress anyway.”

His teasing earned him a playful punch in the side from Kaydee. But by that point, Aorle had begun to address Julen, so instead of retaliating, Julen drew himself to attention, attempting to show his leader the respect that he deserved.

Aorle’s evaluation of his behavior was considerably more generous than Julen had expected. Despite everyone saying it, Julen still wasn’t convinced that his bravery had done anything other than get Kaydee chained to that wall in the first place. And he could have added numerous items to Aorle’s list of his missteps. But Julen knew his friend well enough to understand that Aorle had said his piece, so the matter was considered settled. His mistakes couldn’t be fixed by wallowing in them. The best that could be accomplished was to learn from what he’d done wrong, which Julen fully intended to do.

“I apologize to you, and to everyone that my reckless behavior put in harm’s way. It won’t happen again. And I request that a reasonable amount be deducted from my wages every week until the cost of replacing my armor has been covered.” Julen would have gladly surrendered the entire amount, if not for the need to keep supporting himself and Rosemary.

Aorle’s concern for Rosemary’s safety struck a chord. What if Rosemary was the next person Snyde beat and tossed onto the street? What if he gave her to his men first? The thought made Julen physically sick. “You’re right. Rosemary and I will be safer here. And I don’t want to risk bringing any danger back to Effie’s door.”

Julen completely agreed with all of Aorle’s proposals. However, he did have something to say when Aorle asked for questions. “I have one. When Uluki finishes, are you going to get some rest like a sane person? Or are you going to run around ignoring your pain like you usually do?”

[Sir Karsimir]

"Aye, the usual." answered Aorle once everything was finished. No longer spurred on by the urgency of innocents in need, the burdensome weight of his wounds and weariness pressed down upon him, urging him to silence. He did not even chuckle when addressed as 'big brother' by Kaydee.

So he must have been badly hurt.

Concentrating hard through the sleepless fog which clouded his mind, he recognised his little sister's doubts and fears. "No, Kaydee. You have done no wrong. Every warrior I recruit must care for those in need. I sought to know they willing to aid you before accepting them." Struggling through the drowsiness, he could not think if he had inadvertantly hinted at his doubts of the two. "And truthfully, little sister," he had picked up on her smile at that name, "sharing bread in the shantytown was Julen's own actions. I cannot claim merit for the deed."

Eventually, Aorle noticed Uluki's distress, gripped her shoulder with his free hand and gave a light squeeze. A gesture of support between friends. Sympathy chafed at him more than his wounds as he knew that to say anything in front of Julen and Kaydee would magnify her feelings of vulnerability and helplessness. So a squeeze of the shoulder was all he could offer.

Still, he had a question for her, "Uluki, I need your help with something." he began, deliberately choosing the words to remind her of her worth, and the fact that he valued her input, "You spoke of Thetta's good heart, and of Sigvard's warmth. What convinced you? How did they demonstrate these qualities? How did they display their courage? Knowing the events themselves will lend credibility to my judgements." Best not for the commander to appear too removed from his men, as if his choices have little basis in their lives. No. Best to show an understanding of what they faced, to show signs of wisdom in his leadership.

Immediately returning his attention to Julen, Aorle addressed the next matter unhesitantly. "On the subject of replacing your armour, I expect you to devote personal funds towards armour anyway, so save. We can re-equip you from the armoury for now, although I must still fully equip the other fighters." The notion of marching a soldier into battle with poor equipment was inconceivable to Aorle, who figured that a commander has an obligation to his troops to bring as many back alive at the end as possible. "As for deducting your pay, I see no reason to punish you, knowing your mistake has given you all cause needed to correct the matter." Trust for one's men was a wonderful thing. "However, your stipend for this week was paid in advance, and so may be lost to you."

Overwhelmed by fatigue for a moment, his head drooped heavily, hanging almost against his will. After several long moments he forced it back up. Sleep-deprivation was never easy, combined with missed meals and heavy combat and the resulting exhaustion was crippling. "First task once done here will be to assign equipment from the armoury, for which I need the men lined-up in full battle gear. After that, I will announce what needs doing and then rest. Wake me in the afternoon. We need to rehire you, since your token was probably taken." When first registering Julen with accounts, a badge was given out for Julen to collect his pay. The notion of said badge now in the hands of criminals was unwelcome, reminding the paladin of a moral duty to reclaim it.

Still, there was brighter news at hand. "Which reminds me, discussion with Lord Kendall has authorised me to keep a larger retinue. We will appoint staff from the refugees, who will all pool portions of their allowances to cover the cost of food and supplies." Faintly groggy, Aorle shifted his gaze to Uluki. "After how well you have done here, I certainly wish to retain you, and Rollick as well if that is acceptable."

As soon as the treatment of his wounds was finished, he intended to don his bloodstained aketon of heavy brown cloth arranged in quilted layers, leaving the rest of his armour where it was while so heavily wounded.

[Lylessa Uluki]

Uluki tried to smile when Aorle squeezed her shoulder, and came close to succeeding. She appreciated the gesture, though there was nothing he— or anyone, for that matter— could do about her dilemma.

She realized she should clarify about the dress. “There wasn’t time to make one.” She wasn’t sure what more she could say. Kaydee didn’t exactly need a reminder of being left naked in the street. “I bought it. I mean, I traded something for it.” She had forgotten that the economy here relied so much on money. Back where they used to live, if you said you bought something, it was assumed you had bartered rather than paid coin. Uluki mentally berated herself for the slip, which would seem like a lie.

“I just thought it would help her feel better. I can’t give back everything people took from her… but I could give her that one small thing.” She couldn’t look at Kaydee, for fear she’d embarrassed herself by sounding silly.

The questions about the warriors were easy enough to answer. “Sigvard was very eager to please you. He took his quest to find Kaydee very seriously, and wanted to do his best to atone for his past misdeeds. His enthusiasm was obvious and whole-hearted, and he seemed inclined to make friends with the rest of us, not just to accomplish his task. I think he will make a loyal companion, and will continue to be hard-working.”

“Thetta was deeply concerned about the plight of those in the shanty town, especially the women, and was anxious to help them, both last night, and… well, I planned to teach the ones who came here some things, like how to knit and sew and garden, so they’d have ways to support themselves. Thetta said she’d help them learn to defend themselves so no one could hurt them. Like I said before, when she talked to Jenny, it helped Jenny find the strength to help us. I think Thetta is as loyal as her brother, in her own way. She can be sensitive— at times overly so— to slights against women, but it stems from caring and compassion rather than selfishness or pride.”

“And they were very brave, too. All the soldiers were. I know the shanty town isn’t an easy thing to see, but none of them showed hesitation or doubt about their purpose. They all showed great respect for the people there. I’m used to places like the shanty town. Where we lived before, it was basically like a shanty city. But I know for people who haven’t had that experience, it’s a hard thing. They all handled it well.” She hoped Aorle could see that spoke well of them.

“The warriors knew one of their comrades was in danger, and that they likely were themselves. Yet all of them showed good spirits and a willingness to serve. All seemed deeply and genuinely concerned about Julen and Kaydee’s welfare. And they, like Julen himself, were instrumental in making sure this unfortunate situation ended as well as possible.”

Uluki finished her bandaging and took a step back. Her work was skillful and precise… and it made her feel empty inside. Aorle had made an effort to encourage her to feel useful, but it wasn’t the same, any more than she suspected he himself could feel useful doing even the most productive task while demons circled, mocking. A task could not replace a calling, no matter how important it was. As thoughtful as Aorle was, there was nothing he could do to ease the burden of suppressing her true nature. In spite of all that, she was deeply grateful to him for trying.

Concerned by Aorle’s comment that Julen’s stipend had already been paid and had likely been taken, Uluki addressed Julen directly for the first time since he and Kaydee had joined them. “If you and Rosemary need anything, just ask me or Rollick.” She didn’t know how much Julen earned, but the loss of a whole week’s wages would almost certainly present serious financial hardship for anyone. “Our family will gladly do anything we can to help your family. I know it’s hard when problems like this come up unexpectedly, but that’s what friends are for. Just say the word.” She still had things she could barter if need be…none of it worth much, but surely it was better than nothing. Friends supported one another, and Uluki did her best not to fail in her duties as a friend. “It’ll be alright.”

She would have preferred Aorle sleep now and work later, but it wasn’t her place to bully him into resting. She understood his drive too well. Sometimes rest had to wait.

When he discussed retaining her and Rollick, Uluki had a moment of doubt. She had assumed they would spend some of their time working in exchange for shelter, but this new suggestion took her by surprise… and worried her more than a little. They had three children to support. She had expected to contribute to providing for the refugees, maybe pay for all of it, but there were the soldiers to consider too. After whatever money there was had been pooled and the civilians and warriors fed and equipped, it was hard to imagine that there would be enough left to provide for her family, and it would mean neither she nor her husband were free to find any other source of income as they had intended to. Aorle had said nothing of specifics— what if there was not enough money for necessities for her own children? How could she be sure there consistently would be, when there were so many other things that would have to take priority?

She knew Aorle would never deliberately put her family in a position where they were at risk of going hungry... but Aorle himself didn’t look like the sort of person who had ever had to worry about money, nor did he, as far as she knew, have any children. Would he understand what it took to support a family? Would he understand the fear, the risk, the responsibility?

Aorle had already been very charitable to them, though. Surely it would be wrong, ungrateful, to haggle over terms now, or to ask anything more of him. There were enough hours in the day she could look for a second job if need be. They would find a way to provide for everyone they needed to— their own and others— as they always had. This smile was real, if a little tight around the corners. “Yes, that would be good. Thank you.”

[Julen]

As Uluki told Aorle about Sigvard and Thetta, Julen listened with considerable interest. He wondered what sort of circumstances caused a woman to choose a warrior’s path. And he hoped that the presence of a female fighter didn’t give Rosemary any ideas. Julen still hadn’t forgotten the look in his wife’s eyes when she’d first picked up the dagger she now carried, the fierceness with which she’d resisted the idea of abandoning him during a fight. He still hadn’t forgotten the blood that lingered on her hands after she slit the mercenary’s throat. Of course, Julen was glad that she’d been able to defend herself. But that wasn’t the life he wanted for Rosemary. She should have flowers, and a soft bed to sleep in, and children playing at her feet. Not blood, and gore, and death.

Julen was deeply touched by Uluki’s offer to help deal with any hardship caused by the loss of the wages Snyde stole. As if she hadn’t done enough for him already. “Thank you, that’s very kind. But I think we’ll be alright. Fortunately, I wasn’t carrying all of our money. Besides, while we’re eating and sleeping here, we won’t have any expenses. You’re the one with three children to support. You let us know if there’s any way Rosemary or I can help. I’m pretty sure I still have some credit with Effie, and she makes some of the best cookies I’ve ever tasted.”

“What’s a cookie?” Kaydee inquired.

“You don’t know what--?” Incredulity kept Julen from finishing the sentence. “That does it. As soon as we all have some free time, I’m treating everyone to a cookie.”

Aorle’s plans for the day were met with an enthusiastic nod. Now that he no longer needed to feign injury, Julen felt eager to get working, to prove to his new comrades that he could be something other than dead weight. And keeping busy kept him from thinking about...other things. Julen was glad that he’d had a chance to talk to Uluki before Aorle returned. Confiding in her had allowed him to work through some of his darkness and doubts, so that he could now stand confidently before his leader, completely ready to do whatever was needed of him. Although Aorle seemed sympathetic, Julen didn’t want him to see some of the things Uluki had seen.

“I’ll take care of whatever tasks you feel would be the most helpful. And I’m glad to hear that you’ve scheduled a nap for yourself. At the risk of giving offense, I’ve never seen a man who looked like he needed rest more.”

While Julen was pleased to learn that more positions would be available for refugees, honesty forced him to admit that his recruitment efforts hadn’t been a staggering success. “I’m afraid that we only have one family so far, other than the former...ah...working girls. And after the example Snyde made of Kaydee and me, I doubt that more will be stampeding to our door. Of course, once we take care of Snyde, then I’m sure more will arrive. It was good of you to ask Lord Kendall about adding them to your staff.”

After Uluki finished tending Aorle, Julen crossed over to his friend, in case the warrior needed any help standing. Aorle’s offer to hire both Uluki and Rollick drew a large smile from Julen. Already, he’d come to think of them as part of the group, and would have missed them sorely if they’d needed to move on. Even though Uluki and her family hadn’t come here intentionally, Julen hoped they’d manage to make a good home for themselves in Thar Shaddin.

Uluki’s acceptance of Aorle’s proposal turned Julen’s smile into a grin. “Welcome to the menagerie.”

[Sir Karsimir]

Accepting any assistance offered, Aorle rose to his feet and donned his aketon, which was oak-brown save for the numerous streaks of crimson acquired in fierce battle. Even when donning the padded garment, he kept one foot atop the scabbard of his sword, maintaining constant physical contact with the weapon.

Most of all said before him now had no need of an answer, so he conserved his strength, merely accepting the fact that everything now was on it's way to some semblance of order. Truthfully, Lord Kendall would have no interest in a poorhouse, only in providing Aorle with a retinue which 'befits a nobleman'. Yet even this was an act of generosity on the House Elder's part, deeds to encourage, and redemption was not achieved through condemnation.

"Uluki, my thanks. Your work has made a huge difference." Now he could function without constantly deteriorating or aggravating his wounds. Now he could actually start recovering. "Julen, present yourself in full battle gear with the rest of the men. New gear is being handed out, and we shall see where you have need." With that, he acknowledged Kaydee with a courteous nod, a bow from the neck more than anything else, and strode out from the room as strongly as his wounded body would allow of him.

Outside, Krarug had already brought down the arms and armour, and was organising things into piles. Each padded coat was placed in one pile, each war mantle of steel links was placed in another, again with helms. Leather pieces needed to be divided by Aorle, who chose to arrange them in layed out in multiple groups which contributed towards a full suit. Three sufficient stacks of leather totalled up, with a fourth stack of the remaining pieces. Then finally weapon belts and boots.

With Julen ready in advance, Aorle began picking out gear for him. First was a full suit of leather consisting of a heavy jerkin, along with seperate limb armour for both the upper and lower arms as well as the lower legs. Untreated, but that could easily be fixed. At least now he had further armour than his padding. Next handed over was a weapon belt from which hung a dagger and a choice of either falchion or arming sword. Upon seeing that Julen had both spear and bow, Aorle detatched the butt-spike from his own spear and passed it over so Julen could plant his spear in the ground while loosing arrows and still have easy access to his weapon of choice if met in close-combat. Finally, a mantle of metal rings was thrown at Julen's feet, defence against the most fearsome blows crashing down upon the neck and shoulders.

In the meantime, Krarug had gathered the other armsmen, including Rollick. Looking along the line, Aorle took note of any glaring vulnerabilities in the armour, missing pieces, who was in the most need. Both Sigvard and Gaelm were front line fighters with nothing more than furs and hides to protect them, that would not do. The two steel helms were passed out to them, then Sigvard was given the repaired iron breastplate and Gaelm received the corselet of steel lamellar.

Next the scutum shield went to Rollick without fuss, none of the other fighters were shieldless save for the archer and the pole-fighter, who favoured incompatable weapons. Then he was given a coat of armoured padding, a draping of steel links over the shoulders, followed by leather for his arms and torso. Only fairly moderate armour, but Rollick was not expected to be marched onto the battlefield. Finally a dagger was strewn to his feet to provide him with a secondary weapon. No warrior worthy of the name carried merely a single weapon by choice.

No comment was made.

Returning to Sigvard, Aorle lay his own spear crossways at the man's feet, knowing well the effectiveness of a spear in combat. Reach was a very important factor in battle, to strike unthreatened by the weapon of a foe was a major advantage in combat. Following the spear was a dagger, then a set of leather arm-pieces in need of hardening.

Both Numidar and Darir were sufficiently armoured, so that brought him to Gaelm. Again, a dagger, as was compulsory. Further armour was given in the form of a padded jupon to be worn beneath the leathers and the steel lamellar, then finally a bishop mantle. In response was a blank look of amazement, the axeman stunned to receive such a prize of armour.

"Any warrior under my command enters battle with the finest protection I can offer." stated Aorle plainly, as if it was no more than simple fact. As if such treatment was to be expected.

For some, notably Osaw and Merohl, all needed was a mantle of maille each. Osaw wore substansial armour as it was and Merohl was an archer away from the major battles. For Triarius and Metellus, however, both were given quilted padding which surpised them. "For under your armour." Aorle explained, "Secondary protection."

Finally, he came to Thetta. To her he brought a pile which had obviously been set aside in advance, and all three of the remaining mantles of maille. In the first pile was a weapon belt bearing a choice of sword and a dagger, along with a plain jacket of thickly quilted linen. From habit, a nod, a bow from the neck, was given in courtesy. "We will use these to extend your byrnie into full maille." Aorle mentioned, gesturing towards the armoured shoulder-capes. A major gift for a warrior, as full maille was highly prized. "Wear the jerkin underneath to take the force when your maille turns a blade-edge. We shall speak more in a moment."

Stepping clear of the others, Aorle raised his voice to address the whole group. "Enjoy your new armour, warriors. Well done for your work thusfar! I imagine last night has shown all of you who and what we fight for. Look around you and see good people safer for your efforts. Training has already been prepared for you. Provisions shall be arranged within the day, tomorrow at the latest. We have stores to provide for you until then. Thetta, Sigvard, Darir, Krarug, with me."

Bone-tired, Aorle led these a small distance from the others. Mostly this discussion was for Thetta's benefit, although this was relevant to Darir and Krarug as well. "I trust you understand this already, I simply want this said. Should I refer to 'men' when I speak of the Lightswords, I refer to women, dwarrow and orcs as well. Mentioning you seperately would only undermine the unity of the warband. Best this be stated now." With that out of the way, it turned out Aorle had reasons for addressing each one specifically as well. "Krarug, my apologies for commandeering your training partner, and for having no armour suitable for you. Work on the ditches and berms for now. They are important, and you will make the most difference." Next in line. "Darir, when we are done here, go with Merohl, Sigvard and Thetta to the Fighter's Guild and use a forge. Merohl's mantle needs refitting to cover his vitals, Thetta now has excess maille for sleeves and lengthening to full hauberk. If any remains, try making both Sigvard and Thetta camails for their helmets."

At this, both Darir and Krarug left, sensing that Aorle wished to speak with both Sigvard and Thetta undisturbed. "Greetings once more. Word has reached me of your deeds. Thetta, I hear you wish to train the refugees in arms to defend themselves. A fine idea, one which speaks well of you. Know that we must first set defences in place for their more immediate protection. Sigvard, know that your support for the refugees has not been overlooked. Both of you have shown a will to defend those in need, and compassion for the less fortunate. Exactly what I hope for in warriors. Welcome aboard."

[Lylessa Uluki]

Uluki smiled politely when Julen mentioned cookies. She assumed from context it was some sort of food, but she’d never heard of such a thing. The best course of action seemed to be just going along with it, till Kaydee also admitted she didn’t know. “I’m not sure what a cookie is either, but it sounds nice. I’d like to try one someday.”

She laughed at the way Julen phrased his welcome, but was actually quite happy he seemed pleased they would be sticking around. She was already starting to make so many good friends here. “Thanks. I’m glad we’re staying.” And she really, really was glad. Things seemed to be working out well for her family. It was a relief.

Uluki nodded in answer to Aorle’s thanks. “Any time. I’m here to help.” She was skeptical about the “huge difference” part, but it was nice of him to say. Her efforts should help him feel a little better, at least. Her anger flared a little once again at the laws that prevented her from helping him more.

As it was she could do nothing else for Aorle— she wouldn’t be of any use in supporting his weight— so she tagged along, a little awkwardly. There were other tasks for her to attend to, but she would feel better if she took a moment to compose herself. Besides, she shouldn’t go too far in case she was needed.

She gave Kaydee’s hand a gentle squeeze as she passed. “It’s good to see you’re feeling better today. I’m glad you’re here. I’m glad you’re safe.” Uluki was very pleased Kaydee and Dash seemed to be making friends, and hoped it would continue. It would be good for Dash to have a friend who was her own age. Much as the adults around her might care about her, nothing could replace the bond between two young girls.

Uluki hung back and watched as Aorle gave out the armour to the warriors. She was glad to see he gave equipment to Rollick too. She would worry less that way. Rollick used to have his own, back where they used to live, but there had been no time…

If it had happened during the day, it would have been different. They would have been more prepared. It had been night, though. They’d been about to go to sleep. Rollick had taken off his armour, and she was about to put on her nightgown. That’s when they’d heard it, the noises outside the house— well, it was just a cottage really, but it was their home, and they’d been proud of it. Sounds and lights outside… she’d exchanged a look with Rollick, and he’d reached for his sword… and then the colours changed and the world twisted in a knot, and she’d heard the voice. Not Rollick’s, someone else’s. “Something’s wrong with the spell! Damn it, get the book!” She’d heard the voice before. He’d threatened her the day before, when he’d cornered her in the market. “You won’t get away with this, you Faerie slut. I’ll free your prisoners, and send you back to where you came from. It’s only a matter of time.” She’d dismissed it as the typical ravings of a Fae-hater; she’d heard the same things a hundred times before, people who wanted to “save” Rollick and the children from her. It had been less than forty-eight hours, though, before the man had tried to go through with his threat. But instead of ending up back in the Astral Plane, alone, she’d ended up in the woods, in this place where everything was strange. She still had her family, though, and that was all that mattered. That was something to be grateful for. Her mind returned to the present.

Rollick seemed pleased with his new gear. She knew he’d felt vulnerable, slightly naked, without his customary equipment. This would be a relief, she knew. He caught her eye and smiled at her, and she smiled back.

Well, she should get to work. No sense wasting time reminiscing. She looked around to see if anyone seemed to need her help.

[Julen]

Julen could hardly believe he was in the presence of so many people who’d never eaten a cookie. That would need to be rectified. However, for the moment, there were more important matters to be dealt with. Julen braced himself, supporting most of Aorle’s weight as the injured warrior pushed himself to his feet. Then he stood ready incase his friend needed any further assistance. Aorle appeared capable of getting dressed on his own, although Julen did notice that he went out of his way to always keep some part of his body in contact with his sword. This new habit definitely aroused Julen’s curiosity. But he decided that it was a question best saved for another time -- a time when Aorle had gotten sufficient food and rest.

“Thank you.” As always, the words seemed so inadequate, mere sounds that could never be sufficient payment for the risks Aorle had taken. Yet Julen felt that he should speak them anyway. “Thank you for going out in search of me. I know you would do the same for anyone in trouble, and I know it never occurred to you to do anything less...but still, thank you.”

Then, since Aorle told him to present himself in full battle gear, Julen went to gather what things still remained to him.


Kaydee smiled when Uluki squeezed her hand. She’d been a little bit worried about Uluki earlier, after Uluki had averted her eyes while talking about the white dress. Did Uluki regret giving it to her? It was such a nice dress, even nicer than the one Uluki wore, which had holes in it. Maybe Uluki wished she’d kept it for herself? Kaydee had been prepared to return the dress -- she’d rather wear a sack than risk taking too much from the people who’d already been so kind to her. Despite everyone’s reassurances, Kaydee couldn’t help worrying that if she let herself become too much of a burden, they’d tire of her, and toss her back onto the street without even Snyde to protect her. That was how she’d always been treated by everyone around her.

But now, Uluki’s gesture and words held no resentment, only friendliness. So maybe she didn’t want the dress back after all. “Thank you,” Kaydee replied. “I’m glad I’m here, too.”

Trailing behind Julen, Kaydee followed him over to where the woman who’d come to fetch them sat sewing. As they approached, the woman set aside her work, and met Julen with a kiss. Instantly, Kaydee remembered Aorle’s earlier words to Julen: Rosemary...the woman you love. Kaydee had done her best to put that phrase out of her head, convincing herself that Rosemary might be Julen’s mother or sister. But this was clearly Rosemary. And that kiss was neither motherly nor sisterly.

While Rosemary helped Julen into some sort of padded armor, Kaydee compared herself to the woman who apparently owned Julen’s heart. Kaydee knew that she herself was scrawnier than what most men preferred, with skin made slightly sallow by malnutrition, and when she combed her fingers through her hair it felt limp and stringy. By contrast, Rosemary’s body curved gracefully, her skin was tinted by the robust glow of health, and her auburn hair fell down to her shoulders with such fullness that it bounced when she moved. She was, by anyone’s standards, beautiful. Standing near her, Kaydee suddenly felt very small and very ugly.

After putting on the armor, Julen seemed to become aware of Kaydee’s presence. “Hey there. I can’t believe that I forgot to introduce you two earlier. Ever since yesterday, I feel like I’m struggling to keep up with everything going on around here.” Julen shook his head. “Anyway, Rosemary, this is Kaydee. Kaydee, this is my wife, Rosemary.”

Oddly, the revelation that Julen was married actually caused Kaydee to brighten. She treasured an abstract ideal of romance -- if Julen and Rosemary had been lovers, bound to each other by passion alone, she might have abandoned hope. But all she knew of marriage was the husbands who paid to share her bed instead of going home to their wives.

“Kaydee is learning to sew,” Julen announced as he gathered up his bow, shield, and spear. “I have to go get some new armor now. But maybe she could hang out here, and you could give her a lesson?”

“Oh, I’d be happy to give Kaydee a lesson,” Rosemary assured. Then, after her husband had departed, she turned toward Kaydee with a bright smile. “Where would you like to begin?”

Kaydee swallowed. Rosemary’s smile seemed genuine enough, but there was something in her gaze that told a different story. It made Kaydee remember the time the wife of one of her customers managed to track her down. The woman had started screaming, calling Kaydee a “little bitch” and threatening to kill her if she ever caught her sleeping with her husband again. As if it was somehow Kaydee’s fault that the man had strayed. Of course, it hadn’t come to anything -- Snyde wasn’t the sort to let enraged wives interfere with his income. But still, the look in Rosemary’s eyes didn’t seem entirely dissimilar from what Kaydee had seen in another pair of eyes on that night.

“Uh, thanks. But I think Uluki might have something she wants me to do. I better go ask.” And with that, Kaydee hastened off to do so.


While Aorle handed out equipment, Thetta watched him with eyes like a hawk. Being the only woman in the group, she fully expected to be tossed whatever scraps remained after arming the men, since her possible contribution to a battle wouldn’t be taken seriously. And she doubted that her brother would fare much better. But Aorle proved her wrong. Not only did Sigvard receive a helm and several new weapons, he also got an iron breastplate. Thetta couldn’t quite keep the hint of a smile off her face as she watched him repeatedly tapping his fist against the metal, as if unable to believe his good luck.

Of course, the minute Aorle reached her, Thetta’s smile vanished and she prepared a scathing comment. Just as she’d suspected, he was going to give her leftovers. What could she possibly do with three mantles? But again, he surprised her. His proposal for using the excess maille to lengthen her byrnie was indeed a generous gift. And clever, too. At a rare loss for words, Thetta simply returned his nod with a slight bob of her own head.

Still, she wasn’t inclined to give Aorle the benefit of the doubt. When he summoned her over for a conference -- along with Sigvard, the orc, and the dwarf -- cynicism regained its familiar grip on her heart. Time to address the freak show. However, Aorle’s words showed unusual sensitivity. Somehow, Thetta doubted that Krarug or Darir were particularly bothered by being referred to as “men”, but including them in the discussion made it seem less like her problem, less like another inconvenience caused by having a woman amongst them.

Not that Thetta was the sort to be excessive in her displays of appreciation. “I don’t want you to treat me any differently than the men,” she informed coldly. “So if you also wish to call me a man, it suits me well enough.”

“As for training the refugees to defend themselves, I would put a weapon in every woman’s hand and teach her to use it, should I be given the chance. We will never be truly equal until we can demand our freedom with the edge of a blade.”

Sigvard, on the other hand, did not possess such a cool nature. When Aorle praised his efforts, a huge grin threatened to split the Northlander’s face in half. Drawing his sword, he banged its hilt against his new breast plate, in a gesture that signaled both allegiance and enthusiasm. “You shall not regret allowing us to join your warband. None will be more courageous in their defense of the defenseless, nor more compassionate towards those in need of compassion. Even the gods will take notice of our deeds.”

Thetta shook her head, bemused by how quickly her brother had latched onto the phrases fed to him. Aorle probably could have announced that a talent for dancing was what he most valued in his warriors, and Sigvard would be proudly declaring his plans to pirouette his enemies to death. And he’d have just as little true understanding of the concept.

“Let’s hope the gods ignore us for a bit longer,” Thetta muttered.

[Sir Karsimir]

Weighed down by the depression which so often accompanied an extended lack of sleep, Aorle could not help but take Thetta's coldness to heart. Recognising as much, he promised himself he would handle the matter once rested. Instead he disregarded the seeming rebuke and held true to his purpose. "Not referring to you specifically, of course." he replied to Thetta, each word a special effort to pronounce clearly, his hearty accent lost in the attempt to not slur his words. "Best you know my reasons, as I owe you better than an insult through negligence."

Then clarity struck, cutting through the weary haze in his mind like a spear of light through a pale fog. For now at least, the battle with exhaustion became a clear victory. Gazing up, he met Thetta's eyes with a vigour fuelled by conviction. "Demands made with the edge of a blade are exactly what kept these women and women elsewhere oppressed and afraid for so long. Best women be free to choose more paths for their lives than war alone. Greatest of threats to your cause is the point when it stops being about equality for women and starts being about fighting men. Think on that."

In the space of a breath afterwards, the surge of strength had gone and exhaustion returned. Never before was Aorle so glad to be out of full armour, as were he wearing his armour now he would not be able to stand.

Freedom was often sacrificed by Aorle on the altar of duty, obligations accepted in exchange for the gift of meaning. Obligations to righteousness, to women, the innocent and those in need. Many freedoms were rights, yet utter freedom was an illusion masking the tyranny of anarchy, where those with power exploited their freedom to trample the freedoms of others. The worst face of freedom was when obligations became lost and forgotten, or disavowed. Truthfully, he had deliberately chosen not to train Rosemary in the arts of war under the knowledge she would then invite confrontation which could easily spell her doom. Perhaps he was denying her a freedom there, yet to do other would be doing her a gross disservice.

Duty was the price of rights.

Sigvard, presented a simpler matter. Mayhap the true meaning of the cause which Sigvard now stepped forth to uphold was lost in his joy and enthusiasm, yet uphold the cause he would. Doing so for the sake of a lord would have to do. Hopefully the new recruit would come to serve Righteousness first and Aorle second, the betterment of the older warrior was one more gift for the warlord to offer.

"Excellent news." replied the young warlord, clashing his knuckles to his breastplate in return salute. "Light be with you, friend. I am in dire need of rest." As if that were not obvious. "We will speak more anon."

While he remembered, he sought out Osaw, "See to treating the leather harness for your comrades over the course of the day. You may need to cut the jerkins into lamellars to still fit after hardening." Then, almost as an afterthought, "You have done well here. Keep it up."

On that note, he went inside, to eat something more substansial, and then collapse.

[Lylessa Uluki]

Uluki’s mind had just returned to the present— and to her duties— when she felt eyes on her, but no one spoke. She turned slowly, cautiously, wondering if the mysterious letter-writer was standing behind her, waiting with weapons drawn…

“Oh, Kaydee!” She smiled with relief, glad that her momentary concern had been unfounded. “I didn’t see you there.”

“Sorry, I should have said something. I didn’t mean to startle you. I just didn’t want to bother you if you were busy. I can come back later if this is a bad time.” Kaydee looked a little lost, as though she wasn’t sure exactly what she should have done instead, but was apologizing on principle.

“It wasn’t you that startled me. I was thinking about other things.” She didn’t specify exactly what. Kaydee carried enough burdens herself without piling Uluki’s own burdens on top of them. “And no, I wasn’t doing anything important; this isn’t a bad time. What can I do for you? Is everything alright?” Kaydee seemed… Uluki couldn’t tell quite what emotion it was, actually. The girl certainly seemed unsettled about something.

Kaydee did not choose to enlighten her, however. She just said that everything was fine, and asked what she could do that would be helpful. Uluki decided she would make further inquiries about what, if anything, was wrong, but that this was neither the time nor place, with people bustling back and forth and not the slightest bit of privacy. For the moment, she would concentrate on what the girl had actually asked. “Dash is helping Becky with her knitting, and the two of them are watching Bethany and my son, Martin. Is Bethany the one you made the doll for?” Kaydee nodded, unsure where the question was going. “Good. I’m glad to hear that. We were concerned about that little girl, and I’m glad she is safe here too. If you’d like to help, you can join Dash and Becky. I’m sure they’d be glad of your company.” Kaydee agreed and left to find them.

Uluki was about to set off to check on the diggers again when she saw Rollick coming toward her. Assuming he was attending to some business of his own, she acknowledged him with a smile, but didn’t intend to detain him. Instead of passing her, however, he stopped to speak. Apparently it was her that he was looking for after all.

“There are some people here to see you,” he said without preamble.

Why would anyone come see her, of all people? “I’m not in charge any more, now that Aorle is back. If it’s important, I can go get him.”

“No, they aren’t here to see Aorle. They’re here to see you.”

“Me? Why? Is it the people we met on the road?”

“No. I don’t think it’s anyone you’ve spoken to before. They didn’t know your name. They’d just heard there was a shaman here, and they said they needed to speak to one.”

“Oh. Alright.” She was surprised, but followed Rollick to where the new arrivals were waiting, wondering if she’d brought trouble down on them all with her presence here.

When Uluki actually saw the visitors, though, she didn’t think she’d have to worry about that. They didn’t look like the type to cause trouble, and in fact they looked quite forlorn. There were four of them, a man and woman and their young daughter and son, both of whom looked about six or seven. They all had black hair and large brown eyes, and skin nearly the same shade. Their clothes were tattered, and there was exhaustion etched across all their faces, even the children’s. Uluki was scared— not of them, but for them.

“Shaman?” the woman asked, and Uluki nodded.

The sight of her did not seem to reassure them. The man’s face tightened even more, and both children darted behind their parents, while the woman watched with wary eyes. Uluki was puzzled. Some people held deep respect for a healer and shaman, but she wasn’t used to inspiring fear in them. Why had these people sought her out, when they seemed so terrified of her? Then the obvious answer came to her. There was something else they feared more, something they needed her help with. “I’m Uluki. What can I do for you? How can I help?” Her voice was calm, reassuring.

The man seemed unsure how to react to her, what she would expect. Somewhat doubtfully, he started to go down on one knee. “Please, don’t. You don’t have to do that. You don’t have to be scared of me. Just tell me what’s wrong, and how I can help.”

“Evil spirits,” said the woman softly. “In the cave where our ancestors live. We can’t go out in the desert. They torment our family. That’s why we came to the city, to try to find someone who could help. We heard Kotesh was camped somewhere near here, and he has a shaman, but…” She exchanged a look with the man.

“When we came here, we heard a rumour about you. One of our relatives saw you walking around in the city, saw that.” He pointed to the wooden symbol she wore around her neck. “He recognized it. When he heard what we needed, he suggested we go to you, because the shaman in Kotesh’s group is…” Another exchanged look. “We thought it might be best to look for someone… new.”

Uluki was surprised they had decided to seek her out instead of going to the shaman they were more familiar with. She wondered if that shaman’s behaviour was why they seemed so nervous around her. If so, they were probably right to exhaust all other options first. “I see. So you’d like me to…?”

“Come with us.” Then he added hastily, “If you’re willing, wise one. Help us appease the spirits, so they won’t do any more harm to us. We’ll do everything we can to keep you safe from any mortal enemy, if you can try to treat with the spirits on our behalf.” All their eyes were pleading.

“I’m more than willing to try. I can’t force spirits to do what I want them to,” she admitted honestly. “But sometimes they’ll listen to a shaman, even when they won’t to others. I’m not sure what these ones will do, but I’ll do my best.”

This seemed to please them, perhaps even more than overconfidence would have. The fact she was realistic about the prospect seemed to reassure them she knew what she was doing. “Thank you. You can share one of our horses, and we’ll bring you back as soon as we can. Tomorrow, if all goes well. If that suits the wise one.”

That would preclude taking along any of the warriors, but that was alright. These people needed her, and she couldn’t imagine they were any threat. As for the evil spirits… no weapon she knew of would be of any use against them anyway. It wasn’t as if they had bodies that could be harmed by human means.

“I’m just Uluki. It suits Uluki. I’ll be happy to do all I can. Give me a moment to gather my things, and we can be off.” She did so, then bid goodbye to her own children, Kaydee, and all the friends she happened to pass along the way.

She said her goodbyes to Rollick last. “You’ll tell Aorle where I’ve gone, and that I’ll try to be back tomorrow?”

He nodded. “I’ll tell him. Be careful, dear one. Be safe.” There was slight concern in his voice, but it was only because he cared for her. Both of them knew she could handle this. This was her job, and he had no doubt she was able to do it well.

“I will. You be careful too. Take care of things while I’m gone.” It wasn’t a hard goodbye, not like the last one. Last time she had been worried she’d return to find him lying in a pool of blood. This kiss was exchanged with the confidence they would be together again soon.

His arms were around her, but he was careful not to hurt her by pressing her too hard against his armour. “I love you.”

“I love you too. I’ll see you tomorrow.”


((Uluki's part of the story is continued here: http://www.tharshaddin.com/rp/viewtopic ... 1795#11795 ))

[Julen]

Since Aorle had left him with no specific orders before going to sleep, Julen tried to decide what would make the best use of his time. The most pressing matter seemed to be having his new leather armor treated. That way, it could dry while he attended to other things. Approaching Osaw, Julen mentioned his small bit of experience helping Aorle treat some previous armor, and offered Osaw whatever assistance he might require. Together, they found a suitable container, filled it with water, and heated it to just below boiling before beginning the immersion of each leather piece. With that accomplished, it wasn’t long until Julen had added a layer of very warm, very damp leather to his outfit.

Next, Julen decided that he needed to get Rosemary and himself settled in at the base. That would require a trip to the bakery in order to collect the rest of their things. Mindful of Aorle’s suggestion about traveling in groups, Julen approached Rollick, explained his errand, and requested that an escort be assigned to him. If Snyde wanted to try something again, Julen felt determined to make himself a considerably more difficult target.

From the remaining warriors, Rollick chose Numidar and Gaelm, both of whom Julen recognized as being among the group who’d come to his aid the previous night. Despite the condition they’d last seen him in, both appeared remarkably uncurious about his quick recovery. And, truth be told, that entire incident was a topic Julen didn’t want to dwell on either. Instead, Julen attempted to learn a bit more about his new allies. Numidar’s answers tended to be rather curt. But Gaelm proved open enough, and when Julen heard that his companion was native to the region where Aorle had grown up, he couldn’t resist indulging his curiosity about the people that Aorle held in such high regard. Fortunately, Gaelm didn’t appear to mind. He answered Julen’s questions with honesty and a hint of pride.

Before gathering his possessions, Julen popped inside the bakery to talk with Effie. For once, she actually let him speak a half-dozen uninterrupted sentences, the lines of her face crinkling with worry as he described the situation with Snyde. Because of the two young girls present, Julen wasn’t graphic about what he and Kaydee had suffered at the hands of the crime boss. But he imagined that Effie could read between the lines. After he finished, her usual gruffness seemed a little forced.

“I see how it is. When you were desperate, this was good enough, but now you’re far too fine to be living in a shed behind some old lady’s bakery. So be it. Go off to your new home and just forget about me.”

“I could never forget about you,” Julen promised, giving her a gentle hug.

“Mister Julen?” Abandoning the dough she’d been rolling, Andreya crept forward. “Does this mean Railtus won’t be coming to visit anymore?” The disappointment in her voice was almost tangible.

“Well, we’re still going to buy bread from Effie. So I imagine he’ll stop in from time to time.”

Andreya nodded, the smile on her face saying more than words.

Neither Julen nor Rosemary had brought much with them from Shim, so it didn’t take long to pack. Lifting the jar where Railtus’s namesake resided, Julen experienced a pang of guilt as he realized that the frog hadn’t been fed for nearly a day. That would need to be fixed. Maybe he could get Ian or Sean to take over meal responsibilities -- young boys generally enjoyed catching bugs.

Upon returning to the base, Julen presented Railtus to Ian, and then placed the rest of what he’d brought in the room where he and Rosemary had spent the night. After that, he helped with the fortifications for awhile. Eventually, however, Julen could no longer deny that it was quite solidly afternoon. He’d given Aorle as much chance to rest as he could without actually disobeying orders. So, excusing himself, Julen went to find his friend.