Chapter 8

Chapter 8

 

Orders are orders are…

 

Cameron rolled over in his bed staring out the small window as the rain pelted against the panes. He lay there staring out the window; he knew not how long, trying to find the energy to get out of his warm bed. Sighing he decided to face the music and sat up. Swinging his legs out from under the warm covers he shivered as his feet hit the freezing cold floor.

As thunder rolled outside Cam was thankful that their training had ended two days ago and they didn’t need to go out in this nasty weather. Cameron rubbed his face as he stepped through his door heading for the kitchen. Glancing at the sand clock he laughed softly as he realized that he’d still woken up the same time they had been for training. Once in the kitchen he started some coffee going then headed to the bathroom.

Cam ran the hot water, yawning as the tub slowly filled. Turning away from the tub his reflection caught his eye. The scars from the burning during the Body Caster incident were fading, but they were still a different color to the rest of his skin that hadn’t been burned. Chelry had done a fantastic job but there was still a difference in the skin tone. Cam shrugged; his skin would tan evenly eventually. Scars from past adventures were still a white contrast to his tanned skin. Looking at them he remembered well how he had gotten each one.

After the tub was finished filling, Cameron turned off the tap and slowly lowered himself into the steaming hot water’s embrace. He sighed in utter contentment as the heat warmed his body. In the silence that followed he could hear the rain hitting the roof. The sound of the rain combined with the warmth of the water lulled him into a half-sleep.

A knock on the door startled him awake as Kailah’s voice filtered through, “Cameron, you have a towel?”

“Yeah.” He called back to her, “I’ll be out in a minute.”

The water had cooled in the span of time he had been asleep. Cameron washed quickly trying to race against the rapidly cooling water. Once he was finally done he got out into the frigid air, quickly wrapping himself in a towel. He opened the door and walked across the living room to his room. He thought he heard Kailah’s chuckle from the kitchen but didn’t stop to see.

He quickly got dressed in his still slightly freezing room then went into the living room to start a small fire going in the hearth to break the chill. Once he was finished he headed for the kitchen. Kailah smiled at him over the edge of her cup as he passed.

“Morning.” Cameron greeted her over his shoulder as he fixed a cup of coffee for himself.

Kailah took a sip of coffee then set her cup down, “Thanks for making the coffee.”

Cameron smiled as he sat down at the table, “No problem.”

The two of them lapsed into a contented silence as the fire crackled in the hearth and the rain beat against the windows. Cam studied the steam slowly rising from his cup letting his mind wander aimlessly.

A sudden knock on their door made both of them jump. Kailah followed Cameron to the door. Opening it a rain soaked messenger saluted the two of them, flinging some water in the process.

“Yes?” Cam asked the dripping messenger returning the salute.

The messenger rummaged in the satchel at his side and produced a piece of parchment, “Orders from Maltoris.”

Cameron took the parchment, puzzlement evident on his face, “Maltoris? That’s rare that he’d personally send orders.”

The messenger shrugged his extent of knowledge as Cam cracked the seal and began to read. Kailah clicked her tongue as she motioned for the messenger to come and dry himself. She nudged Cam out of the way who was still reading the lengthy orders.

“Oh, yeah, come in.” Cam said absentmindedly as he shut the door behind the messenger. “Kailah, remember Councilwoman Xerkieda?”

“Kind of a hard person to forget,” Kailah called back from the kitchen where she was fixing the messenger a cup of coffee, “what about her?”

Cameron raised his eyebrows as she walked back into the room, “Apparently, we’re being summoned on a contract for her.”

“Really?” Kailah asked handing the messenger the steaming cup, “When do we have to leave?”

Cameron read further down, “As soon as possible it seems.”

Lightning cracked the sky. Cameron and Kailah looked at each other and sighed. The messenger looked at them with pity as he sipped on his coffee and warmed himself by the fire.

 

“Why are we being sent to Central?” Cameron asked, “Don’t they have Pairs of their own that can handle contracts?”

Maltoris puffed on his pipe, “Probably, but Xerkieda personally requested you two. Look the parchment even has golden trim.”

“That just makes this whole thing even more suspect.” Cameron cried throwing his hands up.

Kailah sat in the chair next to her Sword in front of Maltoris’s solid oak desk. The Councilman’s office reflected the owner well in its decoration. Trophies from the many campaigns the old warrior had survived were arrayed around the walls. Kailah smirked to herself as she caught sight of a colorful drawing hung in a place of honor above the fireplace. Grandfathers will be grandfathers Kailah mused to herself.

Maltoris sighed, “Gantervez, no matter how suspect it may or may not be orders are orders. I suggest you pack and get your butt to Central.”

Cameron sighed knowing he couldn’t argue any further, “What exactly is the contract?”

“She didn’t say,” Maltoris shook his head in aggravation, “said she’d explain when the two of you arrived.”

Maltoris’s sharp grey eyes conveyed the same feeling Cameron felt, something wasn’t right. Unfortunately there was nothing either of them could do, Cameron couldn’t refuse a contract from a Council member and Maltoris couldn’t over-rule it.

“Am I allowed any assistance?” Cameron placed his hands on his hips, “We are going to be trucking it across two districts.”

Maltoris shook his head, “Orders are to come alone.”

“That makes me feel even better about this.” Cameron sighed, “Alright, we’ll go pack and head out first thing tomorrow.”

Nodding, Maltoris stood and walked them to his office door, “The faster you get there the faster you can come back. Try not to get lost in Central City.”

“Thank you, Maltoris.” Cameron and Kailah saluted before turning down the hallway.

Maltoris watched the two of them disappear around a bend in the corridor. Sighing to himself and cursing his old age he closed the door. He fervently wished he could rebuke the order from Xerkieda, but at this time he needed any favors he could muster.

 

Gripping the reins in his hands the man held on for dear life as his horse, panic stricken, raced down the highway. Glancing back behind the man was perfectly understanding of the horse’s terror.  A monster the size of a grizzly bear was hot on their heels. It looked like a cross between a bear and a wolf, with scales and bristly black fur. The monster roared, showing rows of fangs in its great maw, it began to gain on them.

The man kicked his horse in panic urging the laboring animal to faster speeds. Suddenly something wrapped around his middle and pulled. Unseated from his horse the man found himself flying through the air back toward the monster. He screamed, clawing at the tentacle wrapped around his middle. As the horse disappeared over the hill the man’s screams were unnervingly cut short in a soft gurgle.

The Seeker watched the monster lick blood off its chops, “Good Beast.”

Turning her blindfolded gaze toward the location of a hidden woman the Seeker smiled to herself as the Beast sniffed the air. Patting it almost lovingly on the nose the Seeker slowly began to walk toward the east.

Surveying her army of the black creatures she smiled as a scream sounded behind her, “You’ll do nicely.”

 

Cameron squirmed in his saddle, trying to find a comfortable position. Glancing over at Kailah she seemed perfectly at ease. He envied her natural affinity for horse riding; he hadn’t done any since right after Shalia had died, and not much before that.

Thankfully the weather had cleared up the night before their departure for Central, unfortunately the clear weather brought with it a cold snap. Cam and Kailah’s breath puffed out into white clouds in the chill air.

The two of them were taking the most direct route to Central City where Xerkieda supposedly awaited for them with her contract. Cam was still leery of this contract but had resigned himself to their fate. The Pair would head south through The Plain district that sat between the districts of Kalm and Central. Thankfully it was a well-used trade route between the two.  

Cam’s horse skittered sideways as a bird flew into the air as they passed, spooking the horse slightly.

“Woah,” Cam calmed the chestnut stallion down, “easy boy, just a bird.”

Kailah grinned, “You ride well.”

“No I fake well,” Cam corrected, “I’m actually hurting already and we haven’t even left Kalm yet.”

“About how long will it take us to get there?” Kailah chuckled.

Cameron did some mental calculations, “I’ve only ever been there twice, both times by different routes. It takes about five days I believe, this way.”

Kailah nodded, “Did you and Shalia do much traveling?”

“About as much as any other Pair in Kalm.” Cameron shrugged, “We went all the way to the southern part of East Coast once. Had a contract to hunt a rogue Force Caster, chased her all the way from Kalm, to Central, through Karpel and the South Marshes till we finally caught up in a small fishing village in East Coast.”

“That must have been an exciting adventure.” Kailah laughed.

A few travelers moved over on the road to let their horses pass. Kailah and Cameron nodded to them in greeting. The snow on the sides of the road had piled up, creating a barrier.

Cameron smiled as he answered, “I think a few of the craters are still evident from the fight.”

“Oh, only a few?” Kailah teased.

Cameron mocked glared at her as she laughed. The past month the two of them had become comfortable in each other’s company, being confined to the Kalm Compound they had spent a lot of time together.

“Our first stop will be in the town of Gelmack.” Cameron switched subjects, “We should reach it just at nightfall.”

Kailah nodded in understanding, “Alright.”

Her red eyes and black hair were a stark contrast to the snow covered landscape behind her. Cam couldn’t help but feeling slightly mystified. Shaking his head he turned his attention back to surveying their surroundings. They lapsed into silence and the only sounds were that of the surrounding bird life and the soft crunch of snow under hoof.

As they traveled they passed a few people headed for Kalm City loaded down with goods to sell in the market district. Most of the wagons were from poor villages that sold their excess harvest to the capital. Others were from further away and were guarded by either unattached Swords or mercenaries.

A chill wind hit them causing Cam to shiver even under his thick fur coat. Glancing over at Kailah she seemed unaffected by the cold, Cam wondered if she was using her fire powers to keep warm. Kailah took a sharp breath and glared at Cam as he took a bit of her magic to warm himself. Shaking her head she said nothing and Cam figured he had guessed right.

The sun slowly sank into the western horizon, burning the sky with brilliant hues of orange and pinks. Just as it was about half-way gone the village of Gelmack came into view. Cameron nudged his stallion into a slightly faster pace. Kailah followed suit and the two of them made it into the village just as the last rays of the sun disappeared. By the light of only one moon and the few sputtering torches the two of them made it to the inn.

“Here, I’ll stable the horses you go get us some rooms.” Cam offered taking the reins of Kailah’s cream colored mare.

She nodded took her bag off the horse then headed for the front door. Cam went and stabled the horses making sure to cover them with their blankets, grabbed his bag and headed in. Letting his eyes adjust to the dim light from the fireplace and candles Cam slowly walked to the main counter.

“I’m sorry, doll,” The burly inn keeper drawled, “take it or leave it.”

“What’s going on?” Cam asked standing beside Kailah.

Kailah sighed, “Apparently they only have one room available.”

“Ok.” Cam started to say.

Kailah blushed, “It’s only got one bed.

Cam pursed his lips, “Oh.”

The inn keeper waited for them to decide on what they wanted to do. Cam thought it over, the next town was another day’s worth of riding away. And judging by the temperature of the room it was going to be a very cold night.

“We’ll take it.” Cam said holding out his hand for the key.

The inn keeper shrugged and held out his hand, “Fine by me.”

Cam sighed as he dug out some money from his wallet and handed it to the man. The man handed the key to Kailah with a flourish. She smiled sweetly, though Cam knew it was fake, and took the key. She thanked the man and the two of them headed upstairs to their room.

As Kailah unlocked the door to the room Cameron held both their bags. The door creaked slightly as it swung open. Once they were both inside Kailah locked the door back. The room was small, it contained only the bed and a small side table.

Cam stared dubiously at the bed; it would barely fit two people. There was no room to sleep on the floor either. Kailah sighed as she moved to the right side of the bed.

“If you snore I’ll kick you.” She warned him as she sat down on the bed.

Cameron laughed, “I’ll try not to.”

Kailah shoved her bag under the bed then headed for the door, “Hungry?”

“Yeah,” Cam nodded shoving his bag under the bed also, “right behind ya.”

Cameron followed her out the door and waited while she locked it back, the two of them headed down the rickety stairs to the inn’s common room. Once seated at a table a barmaid came by asking what they would like.

“What do you have?” Kailah asked softly.

The barmaid smiled, “We got some hearty soup if yer hungry, ale and mead if yer not.”

“Some soup would be lovely.” Kailah replied smiling, “And a small glass of wine if you have any.”

The barmaid nodded, her red curls bouncing into her green eyes, “Sure ‘nough, hun. And you handsome?”

“The same minus the wine.” Cam replied.

Nodding the barmaid set off toward the kitchen dodging patrons on her way. Cameron surveyed the rest of the room watching the denizens. A few were obviously not from the village like themselves, but most seemed to be local farmers escaping their wives. None of them seemed at all interested in a Pair passing through their little village.

Cameron stifled a yawn just as the barmaid returned with their order. The soup smelled wonderful and as he dug in it tasted just as good. The two of them ate in silence and finished not long after it had arrived.

Kailah sipped on the dark red wine, wincing at the tangy taste, after she had finished her soup. They had chosen a table close to the fire trying to save up the heat for when they had to retire to the freezing covers upstairs. As they sat there they watched a small drama of a wife coming to retrieve her husband.

Shaking his head Cameron stood slowly after Kailah had finished her wine. They kept stealing glances over at the unlucky farmer as his wife berated him on their way to the stairs. As they ascended the stairs they heard the front door open then slam shut and the entire common room erupt into laughter.

Once back in the room Cam steeled his nerves as the two of them took their shoes off but left their clothes on and climbed under the freezing covers. Came tried to lay on his side giving Kailah more room.

“Cameron,” Kailah’s voice sounded softly next to his ear, “I’m not gonna bite you, relax.”

Cam forced his muscles to relax, “Sorry.”

“Besides it’s cold.”

He felt her shuffle closer to him in the bed to where their backs touched. Cam couldn’t help but grin as he felt her back warm more. As the two of them lay there, the noise slowly dimmed from downstairs as people went home or retired to their rooms. After a little while Cameron heard Kailah’s breathing even out. Yawning he too slowly drifted to sleep.

Author's Note

I completely redid the whole chapter let me know what you think of this direction. Going to be replacing chapters over the next little while, hopefully i'm not shooting myself in the foot with them :P

Reviews

[Gosia]

Wow, you really did change things. First of all, the orders from the councilwoman were a good idea - finally something is happening plus the old woman gets featured again. The part with the Seeker was disturbing and scary, a good touch. The pair is on the journey what means adventure, but you didn't neglect the romantic development. The direction it's heading seems right for me.

However, I'd like the lazy b******s who're reading this and not reviewing to brace themselves and write you at least one sentence of feedback.

[Gosia]

A compact sieging machine? I definitely have to remember this one.
The characters' past is well-developed and it grants the further insight into how your fictional world is constructed, especially in how the Casters' and Swords' education looks like. It's good that you let the dream-team tell their stories, but this chapter seemed to be even more event-less than the previous one. I also hope that the Soul Seerer and her counterpart appear soon to raise the blood pressure.