The Long Road

The fire popped and shot embers into the brisk night air, scattering a hundred little lights above the small camp. Once such light drifted from its height to land on the forearm of Ardak, who quickly swept it from his fur. Against the flickering firelight, the giant of a man looked almost peaceful, his blood red eyes casting his gaze into the fire as his strong hands fiddled with the small jade interwoven into his snow-white mane. Between the small gem and the gleaming suit of armour, the flickering light from the fire reflected dancing lights around the area.

Slowly, one by one, he removed the many heavy interlocked metal plates from his body with a long, drawn-out sigh and the occasional wince. He stood, reaching his arms to the sky, stretching. A low rumble of a yawn echoed from his throat as he effortlessly hefted a huge axe from the ground to his shoulder. With a satisfied huff, Ardak trudged into the forest, to begin the final lap of camp for his watch.

After a few minutes he returned, with an exhausted but satisfied look on his weary face, to his place by the fire. Once more, he took to staring into the flames, his fingers absentmindedly fidgeting with the jade in his mane.

“There’s nothing you could’ve done you know.” A scratchy voice muttered from behind him. Without moving a muscle, Ardak replied.

“I could’ve done more. I should have done more.” His deep voice carried across the campsite, startling a curious rabbit. A black, scaled hand clapped down on the shoulder of the lion man, squeezing gently. The long log cracked slightly under the weight of the shorter black dragon man as he made himself comfortable next to Ardak.

“Try and get some sleep at least, there’s nothing you can do about it now. And we’ve got another long day of travel tomorrow.” The Dragon man said, with concern evident in his voice.

“I don’t want to deal with the nightmares again Gomi...” His voice wavered, heavy with uncertainty as he leant forward, and buried his face in his hands.

“What even happened in there?” Asked Gomi as he mirrored the forward stance. His featureless white eyes scanned the older man, looking for a clue. Ardak simply stood, shaking his head in response as he did and left for the treeline. With an exasperated sigh Gomi settled into his watch, with only the distant thumping of a frustrated lion taking his stress out on the closest moderately sturdy tree for company.

Gingerly he lifted a sturdy looking branch from the fire and smiled at the warmth. With a deep sigh, he set out for a perimeter security check of the campsite. He walked slowly, keeping an ear out for signs of trouble. Gomi knew he was the only one of the three unable to see in the dark, and with the sounds of Ardak brutalising a tree filling the night air, the task was nearly pointless, but he refused to be dead weight.

Eventually Gomi returned to camp, to find Ardak sprawled out and snoring mere feet from his bedroll. With a gentle smile on his face, the dragonborn threw the bedroll over his snoring companion, before he settled himself close to the fire. After an hour of basking in the warmth, Gomi smiled once more and spoke to the sky.

“Mum, Dad, I made some new friends. They’re going to help me find you.” And with that, his eyes drooped shut.

Syca woke with a start, rapidly jolting up, conjuring a billowing cloud of poison in her hands at the same time. Cautiously she scanned the treeline with her olive eyes before she saw Ardak and Gomi sprawled out and snoring by the fire. Already annoyed by the display, she dismissed the spell and stood, striding across the camp to deliver a swift kick to Gomi’s gut.

“Great watch asshole!” The venom in her tone was palpable as she scolded him. The wingless lizard rolled away from the attack and sprang into his fighting stance. It took a second for his eyes to focus so that he could also scan the perimeter, once he had, he dropped his guard.

“Sorry Syca, I guess I fell asleep.” Gomi explained with a nervous chuckle, scratching the back of his head as he spoke. The brunette woman rolled her eyes and set about braiding her hair while walking around the campsite kicking dirt onto the fire. As her circling continued, she nudged Ardak with the side of her foot, only to receive a low groaning in return. Gomi set about packing his things, and once awake, Ardak donned his heavy armour.

A few minutes passed as both Gomi and Syca wait patiently while Ardak armoured himself. A couple more minutes later, the short human woman rolled her eyes and approached Ardak. Nimbly, she dodged his wide arms to fasten the buckles he struggled to reach. Finally ready to go, the three of them set off.

“Thank you.” Ardak said reluctantly after a few minutes of walking in silence.

“We have places to be, I didn’t want to spend all day waiting for you.” She waved the apology away without even averting her eyes from the small map. Ardak’s lip curled into a frown at the dismissal, but he took the hint and proceeded to travel in silence.

The forest around them was thick and luscious. Countless beautiful plants and animals surrounded them, though Gomi seemed to be the only one enjoying it. He ran off chasing squirrels and rabbits, he stared, awestruck at beautiful collections of flowers and generally acting like an over excited child. His joyous nature was infectious though, as after about an hour a smile crept across Syca’s face. Gomi saw that and attempted to sweep her up into his merriment, only to be jolted by static electricity crackling from Syca’s slender fingers into his ribs.

Determined not to allow his mood be soured, Gomi pulled a face and theatrically fell to the ground, twitching intermittently for effect. That forced a chuckle from Syca, and an amused grin from Ardak. With his victory at hand, Gomi leapt to his feet, cheering in celebration. In his excitement, he thrust his arms into the air and ran blindly ahead. Almost immediately, he crashed into a low hanging tree branch and collapsed, unconscious onto the soft forest floor.

“Ugh, just carry him.” Syca sighed after a moment, the amusement was suddenly gone from her voice, as she stepped over the unmoving reptile to continue her path. Ardak grumbled and effortlessly hauled Gomi over his shoulder, then proceeded to retake his position behind Syca. A few hours passed, with two of them walking in a comfortable silence before the forest around them began to thin.

Syca breathed a sigh of relief and visibly relaxed, without slowing her pace. She powered to the top of a large hill, while Ardak trudged slowly behind, obviously making no effort to catch up. The sight from the top of the hill was beautiful. A large walled city stood invitingly before them, light from the afternoon sun reflected from the surrounding ocean to further illuminate the city.

“What is this place again?” Ardak rumbled. Gomi began to stir as his head vibrated against the solid metal armour.

“Oakwater.” Syca replied bluntly, without even taking her eyes from the city. Ardak grimaced, clearly unsatisfied with the answer.

“Okay... What's here then?” Ardak pushed. Syca looked over her shoulder at him with an eyebrow raised.

“Really? I told you yesterday.” Syca answered, with disdain already forming in her voice. Ardak looked completely unfazed by her tone.

“I’ve had bigger things on my mind.” Ardak answered with a completely neutral expression on his face. Syca’s expression immediately softened and she turned to face him.

“Oh, I’m sorry I --” Syca began to apologise, but was cut off.

“I don’t want your apology, I want my question answered.” Adrak stepped in front of Syca, breaking the newly formed eye contact, to look down over the city.

“There’s a few taverns, a couple shops, and a dock. It’s mainly a trade city.” Syca answered quietly, with her head down. Adrak nodded for a few seconds before he spoke again.

“No temples then?” He asked simply. Syca looked up at him with a curious look on her face.

“I don’t know. The map only has a brief summary.” Syca sighed, disappointment evident in her tone.

“Which god are you wanting to commune with?” Gomi’s scratchy voice rang out, causing Syca to jump slightly. Ardak however just lowered him to his feet.

“I would take the guidance of almost any of them. Though I would most prefer Hannali.” Ardak answered without looking at the dragonborn.

“Ooh, I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” Gomi replied nonchalantly. Ardak turned to face him with a questioning eyebrow raised. “Hannali is not a friend to my gods. So I can't really help you.” Gomi clarified.

“Hannali is an elven god, isn't she?” Syca mused with curiosity evident in her tone. Gomi simply shrugged and after a few seconds he darted down the hill without a word. Syca scoffed and looked to Ardak for answers. She closed her mouth when she realised that she was alone at the top of the hill, so she opted to roll her eyes instead as she made her way down the incline.

Ardak didn’t remain out in front for very long, despite his long strides, the shorter dragonborn skidded to an even pace with the aging leonin after only a few moments. Wordlessly, the two of them strode toward the looming city. A few minutes later, Syca pulled up beside the two men, panting and waving an arm for them to slow down. Ardak and Gomi didn’t slow down, forcing the short woman to take three steps to every one they took.

Ardak smiled to himself, with Syca unable to wheeze out a coherent sentence, and Gomi contented, he was able to enjoy the quiet. After a few minutes, the lion relented, slowing himself so that Syca could walk comfortably beside him. Now glistening with sweat, she was able to speak between her heavy breathing.

“...Asshole...” She panted out as she threw a punch at the metal clad lion man. Her fist collided harmlessly with the thick adamantine plating, and a pained hiss escaped her lips as her wrist bent unnaturally against it. Both Ardak and Gomi chuckled in response.

A half hour passed before the trio arrive at the gates of the city, which now towered above them.

“Halt! What business do you have in Oakwater?” A female voice called out from atop the battlements.

“We are travellers, simply seeking accommodation and information.” Syca answered before the others could speak.

“You’d best turn around and go home spies!” The same voice called back, though it sounded forced. Gomi visibly shuddered as his eyes locked onto a brief glint of pointed metal peeking through the parapets on the wall. He put a hand on Syca’s shoulder and she glared back at him. Gomi nodded to the glinting metal, she followed his gaze and immediately shrunk into herself, taking a step back. Ardak sighed and stepped forward.

“Forgive my acquaintance, she was simply following orders. We are sellswords, sent by Lord Thedas to aid your people in whatever struggle you’re facing. We were ordered to be subtle, and were given no information, in case we were captured on the way here.” Both Syca and Gomi stared, slack jawed at Ardak in stunned silence.

Without an answer, the minutes dragged on, feeling like an eternity, with the three of them left waiting on bated breath. The portcullis then opened, and a collective sigh of relief was released. A short woman strode quickly toward them, far shorter than any human should be. She stopped a few feet ahead of the group and looked at them with narrowed eyes as she seemed to be making judgement.

She had strawberry blonde hair, tied back into a bun, with a generous spatter of freckles across her cheeks and nose.

“Katria Lighthandle, at your service. I’ll be escorting you to Duke Parranlas. If you would be so kind as to follow me?” She brushed her cloak aside and placed her hands on her hips, revealing a holstered mace hanging from her belt at the same time. Gomi raised a hand slightly and opened his mouth to speak, only to be silenced by a swift elbow to the ribs.

“She’s a dwarf Gomi. Don’t ask, it’s very rude.” Syca leant over to hiss in his ear. Gomi promptly shut his mouth and smiled, his curiosity sated. Ardak nodded to Katria, who smiled before she turned to walk into the city, beckoning for the trio of newcomers to follow.

Inside the walls, the illusion of ‘large city’ was betrayed immediately by small, one-story stone and wood buildings lining the cobbled street. Simply dressed men and women dodged around the soldiers that stood at ease, sporadically spaced throughout the grid formed streets. After a single left turn, Katria threw an arm up in gesture toward a house at the end of a street, that was only larger than the others by a miniscule amount.

“Here we are.” Katria proclaimed in a tone far too nervous for such a menial task.

“That’s it?” Gomi croaked out before Syca could clamp her hand around his snout. The dwarvern woman sighed and rubbed her eyes.

“Please don’t let him do the talking.” Katria clapped her hands together and forced a smile.

“Why does it matter to you, what happens to us?” Ardak rumbled, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

“I let you in. If you offend Duke Parranlas, that makes me look bad.” She explained without missing a beat.

“You had that answer nocked and ready to fire. Do you get asked that a lot?” Syca asked, cocking her head to the side.

“I... might be on the verge of being fired.” Katria sighed.

“Hopefully that won't happen. You’ve been kind to us, we don’t want to get you fired.” Syca smiled down at the dwarf, and placed a hand on her shoulder.

“And if it does, you can come with us! Syca needs a friend.” Gomi croaked out from Syca’s other hand. The dragonborn laughed heartily as the three that surrounded him facepalmed with varying degrees of exasperation.

“Maybe I should do the talking?” Katria suggested after a long sigh. There was a collective nod before she led everyone down the street, and knocked at the door. “Duke Parranlas? It’s Corporal Lighthandle. I’m here with three mercenaries who wish to be of service. May we come in?” She called through the door.

Seconds later, there was an affirmative sound, so Katria pushed the door open revealing an old human sized man sat at the head of a rectangular dining table. Thick grey hair covered most of his face, bright blue eyes sat behind the thin glasses that sat atop his wide nose. He wore a fine dark blue coat and looked to be wiping the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief as the group entered.

“Corporal Lighthandle. I am not taking any more official inquiries today. You’d best make it quick.” He spoke with a clear and refined voice that bore a hint of fondness for the dwarf. Katria took a deep breath and nodded as she stepped forward.

“As I said, I present a trio of mercenaries that arrived outside the wall this afternoon. They wish to be of service to Oakwood and King Quentin the Third.” Katria explained quickly. The seated man swept his gaze over the trio with a raised eyebrow for a few seconds before he lifted and began to sip from it.

“What is it they can do exactly?” He questioned from behind the glass, his eyes locked on Katria.

“I can --” Gomi started to reply, but was silenced by the duke’s hand.

“I was asking Corporal Lighthandle.” Parranlas interrupted.

“Ah, um...” Katria turned to look at the three she spoke for. Ardak folded his arms in front of his chest, puffing up his huge biceps. An enormous smile crept Gomi’s face, and at the same time Syca’s face moulded into a worried expression.

“He’s... strong? And he’s... funny? And she’s... smart?” Her confidence was cracked by uncertainty.

“I thought so... Corporal Lighthandle, this is the seventh time this week you’ve brought me ‘mercenaries’ you know nothing about. Unfortunately, I cannot continue allowing you to risk the safety of Oakwater by letting anyone who asks nicely within the walls! I have no choice but to... fire, you.” His confident voice had become a sorrowful murmur as he went on. “I’m sorry Katria...” His proud posture had become weak, unable to even hold eye contact with the now sniffling woman.

“Permission to... leave, Sir?” Katria choked out. The duke could only nod before Katria fled the building, sobbing quietly. Ardak, Syca and Gomi shared a concerned look with each other before they looked back to the duke.

“That was unnecessary. She’s right about us.” Ardak spoke, disapproval rife in his voice.

“She may have been correct. That isn’t why I fired her.” Parranlas replied without even looking up.

“Then why?” Syca hissed, starting forward. Ardak put an arm out to stem her aggression. The duke sighed.

“She’s too friendly. Too trusting. How long will it be before she unknowingly lets an assassin in?” His voice broke slightly. Ardak nodded in understanding and turned for the door, shepherding his companions from the building. A heavy silence weighed over the trio for a few minutes, before Syca spoke.

“We should fix it huh?” She sighed in resignation.

“It’s the right thing to do.” Gomi replied.

“I don’t understand why she’s so upset about it. It’s just a job... and the duke was right.” Ardak raised an eyebrow to accentuate the unasked question. Gomi simply sighed and shook his head with a weary smile before setting off.

“C’mon, let’s go get a drink. Mr Emotions will be a while.” Syca said to break the silence, to which Ardak simply nodded.

The man behind the bar slammed two more mugs of ale down on the bench in front of Syca, who nodded and slid yet another copper piece toward him. She picked up the mugs and returned to her seat across from Ardak, who was sitting at a table waiting for her to return. Careful not to spill any, the petite human gently placed one mug in front of the leonin and took her seat opposite, saying nothing. Silence lingered between the two of them for several minutes before Syca spoke.

“Do you want to ta-”

“No.” Ardak interrupted.

“Thank the gods.” Syca muttered as silence once again fell over the two of them. Hours passed with both Ardak and Syca taking turns buying drinks for the other, until the unmistakable head of Gomi appeared in the window.

“Ah hah! Found you!” He could be heard shouting from outside.

“Oh joy.” Ardak said flatly to nobody in particular. Seconds later the silent pair were joined by Gomi who was only slightly subdued.

“So, I fixed the problem we caused, and made you a friend.” He nudged Syca with his shoulder and pointed to the door. Syca rolled her eyes and glanced toward the door just in time to see Katria enter the tavern.

“I hear you need a guide?” She spoke hopefully as she stood before the table as if waiting to be invited. Syca glanced at Ardak who merely shrugged, while Gomi watched the situation with a grin on his face.

“No, we don’t. A friend would be good though. It’ll be nice to have another girl around, someone has to help me keep these idiots in check.” Syca smiled and pulled out a seat, patting it invitingly. Immediately it was as though a nervous weight is lifted from her shoulders, Katria beamed and took the seat, sprawling a vast map out over the table as she went. Gomi leapt from the table, toward the bar. He returned mere moments later with mugs of ale for everyone.

“So... Where are we headed?” Katria looked up at her three new companions with a smile on her face, and adventure in her eyes.