AA3 37 - Expedition II

Verdan put aside his musing on the origin and role of the Keepers to consider if he could replicate the effect that Benlen had described.

The closest he could come with the Words he knew was a biting cold, but that didn’t seem to be what was being described.

“I’m sorry, that’s not an effect that I can create,” Verdan said after a few moments of thought.

“Very well, then using a similar magic to Clan Thrain would be acceptable,” Benlen said, clearly disappointed by Verdan’s response.

Passing the polearm back, Verdan let Benlen get a feel for what its magic did. It was clear that the Kranjir hadn’t had any experience with magical weaponry in the past but was eager to learn more.

“This is impressive. With weapons like these, we will be a fearsome group indeed.” Benlen went to pass the weapon back, but Verdan waved him off.

“Keep it; I’ll be doing the rest shortly. The enchantment is only temporary, but I will renew it each evening.” Verdan explained before clearing his throat and picking his next words carefully. “The magic that I wield has many applications, one of which is healing. I noticed that most of your group have old injuries they’ve picked up over the years. I could heal them, but I am not proficient enough to be precise.”

Benlen’s eyes had lit up at the mention of healing, but his expression turned confused as Verdan kept speaking. “I’m not sure what you mean by precision?”

“I mean that I can heal you, but I can’t exempt your scars when healing your face. Your sight will improve, but you’ll lose your caelin.”

Benlen stiffened, his injured hand coming up to trace some of his caelin with the fingers he had left. “Are you sure?”

“Yes, I can try to recreate them afterwards…” Verdan’s voice trailed off as Benlen shook his head.

“We use a special substance to make the scars permanent and give them definition. Only the Keepers know the substance; we would need one of them Keeper to restore our honour afterwards.”

“I see,” Verdan said, part of his mind turning to wonder what substance the Keepers used. “So if I could arrange for a Keeper to attend, you would accept the healing?”

“I would take the risk first, but yes, if it works, all of my comrades would welcome your aid.”

“I will speak with Keeper Macstan; we may be able to enlist his aid. If so, we can look at dealing with the worst injuries as we travel,” Verdan said thoughtfully. “Thank you for your time. If you could arrange for your comrades to bring me their equipment, I will begin enchanting it.”

Benlen braced to attention before hurrying back over to the others, leaving Verdan to consider the issue. His healing was slow, but he was confident that it would tackle all the issues he’d seen so far. 

Still, it would take time to heal them all, especially with such old wounds. It was possible for Verdan to overload each one with as much healing as he could and try to heal them completely in a matter of hours, but that would be far too expensive.

No, with a large fight on the horizon, a slower method would be required. He’d speak with Sebastian later and see what the Keeper’s thoughts on the matter were.

The first of the Kranjir came over with their weapons, pulling Verdan back to the present as he began to gather the Aether needed.

They would be hearing from Sebastian soon, so there was no time to lose in getting these enchantments done.

-**-

A messenger arrived from the Keeper a few hours later, letting them know that they were to gather at the gates at noon.

The messenger let them know that supplies would be provided, so it was a straightforward matter to gather what they needed and make their way over when the time came.

Verdan kept an eye out for any sign of Gwen or Hedda, but it didn’t look like the Witches were going to be able to join them in time.

Despite that, Verdan was satisfied with the presence they were bringing to this expedition. The Clan Mhorgain fighters would give them the numbers they needed to be able to hold an area, and Verdan had a number of ways to support them.

Padraig and a handful of Ciaran’s thearns were waiting at the gates for them, but there was no sign of the rest of the expedition.

“Padraig, good to see you again,” Verdan called out as they approached.

“Wizard Blacke,” the grizzled fighter said, nodding respectfully to Verdan before eyeing his companions. “Benlen, it’s good to see Clan Mhorgain taking to the field once again.”

“It’s good to be here,” Benlen said, sharing a familiar nod with Padraig. “Are you still with Ciaran?”

“Aye, he’s waiting for us with the Keeper and the other Chosen.”

“Other Chosen?” Verdan echoed, cocking his head to one side with interest. As far as he’d been aware, it was only Ciaran coming with them.

“Aye, let me show you the way. The Keeper can explain everything,” Padraig said, motioning for them to follow as he turned and started out of the city.

Verdan caught sight of the expedition almost straight away and glanced over to Kai, seeing an equally surprised look on the Sorcerer’s face.

From what they’d discussed with Sebastian previously, the Chosen could field a force of around fifty thearns each. What they were looking at, however, was easily three or four times that number.

Added to that were six large wagons, and several dozen horses, who were being tended to next to the main gathering.

Verdan eyed the number of armed Kranjir and found himself wondering who Sebastian had managed to talk into joining them, especially considering the politics involved.

Padraig led them directly into the large group, giving Verdan a chance to look over the numbers present. If he wasn’t missing anyone, it looked like there were roughly two hundred Kranjir present. 

There were several different emblems on display, but Verdan didn’t get a good look at any of them as Padraig led him over to a small gathering occurring around a tree stump.

Sebastian had a map flattened onto the stump as he spoke to the group, gesturing to sections of the map as he did. His audience included all of the Chosen who were joining the expedition, as well as Magnus and a few others who were standing slightly further away.

Ciaran and Jarn were easy enough to spot; the two familiar Chosen were flanking Sebastian and listening intently to his words.

The other two Chosen were Maeve Barkstar and Osran Merkstan, neither of whom Verdan had anticipated joining the expedition.

Sebastian paused as he saw Padraig leading them over and raised a hand. “Wizard Blacke, I’m glad you made it in good time. Please join us.”

“Of course,” Verdan said with a nod, glancing back to Benlen before realising he had no idea what to tell him.

“I’ll find the quartermaster and get our supplies sorted,” Benlen said, a slight smile touching the edge of his mouth. “Barb will stay with Dirk as a guard, though.”

“Yes, of course,” Verdan said, giving the other man a thankful look before carrying on to join the group.

Ciaran and Jarn both gave them respectful nods and spoke up in welcome, followed by Maeve and Osran a moment later.

“Excellent. Now that we’re all here, we can start getting things moving. Ciaran, if you and the quartermaster could start getting the wagons ready, we’ll set out within the hour.”

“Yes, Keeper,” Ciaran nodded before moving over to one of the watchers standing with Magnus, speaking with him briefly before they both started off toward the wagons.

“So, to bring you up to speed,” Sebastian said with a motion for Verdan to come closer. “This is our intended destination, a town called Dunkirn. If the Darjee continue along their current path, it will be the next major settlement they target. We are already evacuating the smaller villages and hamlets in the area, so Dunkirn will become the focus of the attackers.”

“When do you expect them to arrive?” Verdan asked, moving closer to take a look at the map.

“They will already be in the area, especially if they are ranging this far north,” Jarn said, his thick brow furrowing as he spoke. “They will steadily escalate until they overcome the town, or a war party is sent.”

“Which is where we come in,” Sebastian said, tapping the map once more. “Dunkirn was built against one of the lesser peaks in the Steps and is naturally defensible. With both Maeve and Osran joining us, we now have the capability to ensure the town is safe while also striking at key targets.”

“I can likely do something to bolster the defence of the town as well,” Verdan said, thinking of the more permanent changes he could make now that his Aether reserves had been strengthened. “If we have enough time, I can look at applying some temporary enchantments to the thearns of the other Chosen. That will be quite magic intensive, though.”

Maeve and Osran both focused on Verdan as he mentioned enchantments, though he thought he felt more surprise from Osran than Maeve.

“Anything you can do will be appreciated,” Sebastian said earnestly. “I was actually hoping you could create a version of the arrows I heard of. Some of the beasts that the Darjee field have thick hides or scales. Taking down such creatures can be difficult.”

“If you have some arrows sent over when we camp this evening, I will see what I can do.”

“Thank you. For now, however, do you have any questions?” Sebastian asked, reaching down to tap the map once more.

“No, I believe I understand,” Verdan said, taking a moment to commit as much of the map to his memory as he could.

“Very well, let’s get moving. The sooner we get underway, the more time we have to prepare.”