Banished Pt. 11

Jordan nodded in agreement.

"You're right. Besides, we can probably offer these girls a much better life in the long run. Maybe we can make amends for what we're doing by making sure that they're well cared for."

I nodded, resting a hand on his shoulder in a gesture of gratitude, and Nolan scoffed as I headed off.

As I mentioned the plan to Raul, he merely laughed.

"Servants, huh? Just a week ago I was sleeping in barns and trying to figure out how not to die horribly."

"So, can I count on you?" I asked, and he laughed again, as he eyed me.

"You know you could just order me to do it if you wanted to, right?"

"I could," I replied, "but that won't do any good if I'm trying to get you to be part of the team, will it?"

He shook his head at me.

"I'll do it," he said, but as he turned to walk away, I caught him by the shoulder.

"I don't need to worry about you choking any of them to death, do I?" I asked, and he shook his head, an uncomfortable look on his face.

"I guess I deserve that, but... while this world might have driven me to murder, I was never a rapist."

How noble, I thought, with some amusement, as I headed back to the princess' council.

As I got there, however, I was surprised to find that Cameron was also being put into armor.

"What's this?" I asked, as she beamed happily at me.

"I'm not just any Goddess; I'm the mate of Nathan the God-king!" she declared proudly, and I chuckled a little as I studied her.

"And how is showing off my Goddess-wife gonna help me to pick up some sexy little servant girls?" I asked, and Casey popped out from behind Cameron with an annoyed expression on her face.

"Because that's totally our objective, right?" she asked, rolling her eyes. "According to Gisela, the highest caliber servant-candidates will flock to you, particularly to be in service to your mate, since in their eyes, she's a kind of princess herself. We're just testing that theory out."

"Hmm. And what do the Kobalt regard as high caliber servant material?" I asked, and Casey smiled.

"Girls with unique abilities," she answered, and I cracked a smile.

Interesting, I thought.

The group had come to a stop as we made preparations for entering the village, but as we began to move again, I cast a tentative glance around.

"Aren't we moving through some fairly thick brush here?"

I suddenly noted that Raul was at the fore, cleaving through some bushes with three other hunters.

"We're carving our own path here. No one really travels through the blighted grove, and especially not to this cluster, from this direction at least," Casey explained.

"You're really doing your homework, huh?"

She nodded.

"I told you I'd handle Palancar, right? So, you can focus on..."

Her words trailed off as she spotted Cameron by my side.

"Focus on what?" she asked, shooting a curious glance in my direction.

"Uh, skill training," Casey finished, and I nodded.

We walked for about thirty more minutes through overgrown brush, and I even helped the wagons along, as they got caught several times in the thick undergrowth, until suddenly we burst into a sort of clearing, with a kind of pathway that wound a little way down to a huge cluster of trees.

"Holy ball sacks," Casey said. "This is a 'small cluster'?"

I bit my lip, as the place was much larger than Kleiner Hein, and if I wasn't being told that it was another cluster, I would have been certain that we'd happened again upon Palancar itself.

The canopy trees had to be at least fifteen, if not more in number, with rope bridges linking them, and busily being traversed by Kobalt, whose robes made our own attire feel much more like rags than I'd previously realized.

"Are you sure we can't trade for clothing here?" I asked Casey, and she shook her head.

"They might have the items we need, but they're unlikely to trade since few will want to do anything that might anger Palancar."

I nodded.

It was an understandable stance, given how close they were to Palancar, and how dependent they probably were on the larger city.

"So, I'm guessing accommodation is unlikely," I said, and Casey nodded.

"Well, probably not in the grove trees, but there's a campground within the city for travelling merchants which we might be allowed to use."

As we drew near to the grove, however, I spotted a small group of Kobalt at the fore of the road leading to the town, and as Cameron shot me a quick look, I nodded.

Casey eyed us with curiosity.

"What is that?" she asked.

"The welcoming committee," I explained, and she nodded.

As we approached the group, Gisela moved to the fore and hailed them in their tongue, but they quickly cut her off, saying something in English that I didn't catch.

Gisela gulped.

"We are travelers seeking refuge for the night, and safe passage," she called, and the man eyed her.

"Travelers, or traitors?" the man replied. "Grenze will not hide fugitives. Besides, where is your princess, even?"

"Ill," I called, stepping to Gisela's side. "We have injured, and others in need of care. Our passage means no harm, but we have endured much."

There was a group gathering behind the trio, and one of the Kobalt beside the one who spoke to us, leaned in to whisper.

"Injured from what? Have you engaged Palancar?"

"Geisterung, and Aufhöcker," I replied. "Palancar forced us into the blighted grove, and while we have cleansed that wretched place, much blood was spent to earn that victory."

Murmurs erupted around the gathering, with several pointing to the canopy beyond the brush, from which we'd just emerged.

"Forgive our skepticism, but what proof is there of this deed?"

I gestured to the group, and a cart was brought forward, and audible gasps could be heard as the onlookers spotted the furs that were stacked high, with the skinned faces of two aufhöcker draped over the wooden beams at the end of the cart.

The trio of Kobalt stepped back, and spoke in whispers, until finally, one of them approached.

He was a large-set man, wearing long, elegant robes, and a curious headpiece.

"You say blood was shed to earn these... tell me, Auslander. Was it God-blood, or Kobalt blood?" he asked, studying me intently.

"Kobalt," I replied. "Gods are slow to bleed."

He studied me for a while, before breaking into a grin.

"I have no love for Gods, false or real. But you, I like. The branch of Kahnwald offers sanctuary to the travelers!" the man declared, turning to his comrades, and the two men furrowed their brows.

"Your declaration will not be challenged by the council of Grenze, Herr Kahnwald. But your fate will be your own."

The two men turned, and made their way from the gathering, though I noted with some interest that their retreat was quite hurried.

"Herr Kahnwald," I began, and the man shook his head.

"You may call me Gert," he replied.

"Nathan."

He bowed his head, then smiled.

"Forgive my rudeness, Auslander, but before I escort you to my grove, may I see the princess?"

I turned to Gisela, who bit her lip nervously.

"She slumbers still," Gisela noted.

"I do not intend to disturb her rest, but I must confirm with my eyes."

Gisela nodded, before escorting the man to the cart where she was now resting, but the man took no more than one glance at her, before falling to his knees.

"Das schicksal sei verdammt! To see one so high travel like a common pauper! Even Palancar should not stoop so low!"

The man made a hooting call, much reminiscent of Gunter's method of communication, and Gisela bowed to the man, as if his response had humbled her.

"We are not worthy," she said, and as I bowed my head as well, he smiled.

"You will learn the custom? Is it not beneath your kind?" he asked, and I shook my head.

"There is value to be found in all manner of tradition," I replied in German, and his eyes went wide.

"The old tongue? Well, you are full of surprises, Auslander. A palanquin will be prepared for the princess, but what accommodation do your people require? Might I interest the gods in a stay within my grove-tree?"

"What of the rest of the Kobalt?"

"They are too many for my humble steading. Perhaps, accommodation can be made within the travelers lodge."

I shook my head.

"I prefer to remain with those in my charge," I replied, and he smiled again.

"A humble God? You continue to defy expectations. I must insist, however, that the princess be housed at my grove; it would dishonor me greatly to house one so high amongst common travelers."

"I am in your service," I said, bowing again, and the man smiled.

"My attendants will arrive shortly to show you to the travelers lodge," he said, before turning to leave.

"On a scale from one to ten, how well did that go?" I asked Gisela.

"I would be pressed to admit to less than a ten."

"And how likely was that outcome?" I asked, and Gisela frowned.

"Truthfully, I would not have anticipated it," she replied, and I let out a sigh.

Leaving the princess unattended for the night would be a mistake; but I did not want to upset our hosts, nor create an image going forward that we would be hostile to those who offer us hospitality.

So much depended on how we handled this, and as I considered the predicament, an idea came to me.

Casey eyed me as I moved to the cart where Francesca and the others were at, and as I got there, I noted that Lucia and Bianca were already awake.

Bianca moved to speak when I raised a finger, and she went silent.

Slowly, I shook Francesca awake, and as soon as she stirred, she took one look at me, then sat up, a serious expression on her face.

"Keep an eye on the princess. Never leave her side," I mouthed, and she nodded, her eyes flicking to my hand as I passed a dagger to her, and she quickly concealed the blade at the back of her shirt.

Bianca shot me a curious look, but she didn't say anything until I stepped outside.

"Am I getting my special reward tonight?" she asked.

Her tone seemed playful, but there was a curious hint in there, as if she wasn't sure if she should act normal yet or not, and I quickly nodded at her, to let her know that it was fine.

"I did promise," I replied.

"Are we getting rooms to stay in tonight?" she asked, and I shook my head.

"No, we'll be sleeping under the stars... or trees, rather."

She giggled at me, but I could hear it again.

A slight difference in her tone, as if her playfulness was more of an act than her actual mood.

To my surprise, she slinked away, and I eyed her for a moment, before returning to Gisela.

"Nathan; I think you should request to stay with the princess," she began, and I shook my head.

"It'll be fine," I said. "But might we request lodging for the injured along with the princess' companions?"

Gisela studied me for a moment, then caught the look in my eye and nodded.

"Such should be a simple request to grant," she replied, bowing, as she headed off.

Gert's assistants arrived to show us where we could settle in for the night, but as we entered the grove, I noticed, to my surprise, that the gathered crowd seemed to have not only dispersed, but that there were almost no Kobalt around or looking on.

It seemed... unusual, given the reception we'd received back when we'd first entered Palancar.

As the Kobalt in our group began to go about setting up the usual sleeping areas, I called Casey over to my side.

"Since the princess will be sleeping in the grove tree tonight, have the Kobalt set up one sleeping area for the rest of us."

She nodded, as one of Gert's assistants approached me.

"High Auslander. Herr Kahnwald requests a discussion," he said, and I nodded.

"May I bring my advisor?" I asked, and the man seemed uncertain.

"He requested that you be brought alone. If needed, I will bring your advisor to you," the man offered, and I shot Casey a quick look, before nodding.

"That's fine," I replied.

As the man led me away from the camp area, I took a quick look around and noted again that hardly any Kobalt could be seen going about their regular business as they had before we'd entered the grove.

I gave the matter some thought, when I noticed a Kobalt child looking to me with some amazement from the balcony of one of the treehouse-apartments until an older woman grabbed the child, and quickly retreated indoors.

That was... odd, to say the least.

The man led me to a tree which seemed to be the tallest of the little group of five trees that I assumed made up Gert's branch, and as we entered, we climbed several staircases, then followed a long corridor which led to a large pair of doors.

The doors opened just as we approached, and we were ushered inside by two Kobalt who were armed much more like hunters than assistants.

I shot them a curious look, as I spotted Gert seated up ahead.

"Auslander, I'm glad you accepted my invitation! Come; food is prepared for us," the man called.

"Forgive me, but we had our meal just before arriving here," I said, and the man nodded, waving away my concern.

"It is of no import, Auslander. But let us talk nonetheless. This matter of monsters. I sense that there is quite the story behind it. You mentioned the aufhöcker; a thing never beheld by Kobalt eyes! Tell me, did the thing truly exist?"

I nodded.

"Unfortunately."

He chuckled a little.

"And you slew the beast yourself?"

"A few of them; some of my fellow warriors did as well."

He arched an eyebrow at me.

"A few of them, you say. Our people believed the aufhöcker to be a single entity," he said, and I shook my head.

"They hunt alone, but we encountered many. Nine, I believe there were, of which we slew six."

He stroked his beard, that look of amusement never leaving his face.

"Well then; perhaps we can persuade you to regale us with the tale of your battle sometime this night," the man added, and I nodded.

"I would be honored; but what exactly is it you wanted to discuss? And is it alright if I call my advisor to my side? I feel uncomfortable without her wisdom to help me navigate the intricacies of diplomacy."

The man chuckled.

"Come now. This discussion is no serious diplomatic engagement. I find you to be an interesting one, Herr Auslander, and I simply wish the pleasure of your company."

"I see. Well then, I just hope my company lives up to your expectations."

"It already has. You know, many have wondered about this God for whom the princess would forsake her very kingdom. There are some who believe you to be in the possession of special powers, capable of manipulating others to their will," he suggested, and I chuckled.

"Hnn~. I would be doing much better than these rags we've been sleeping on if that were the case, though wouldn't I?" I mused, and the man laughed again.

"Indeed, that would seem to be the case. But tell me, Auslander; have you ever heard of the legend that the princesses of Palancar are themselves endowed with special powers?"

"Special powers?" I asked.

"Yes. The kind reserved only for the Gods, some might say..." he hinted, and I studied him, making sure that my reaction revealed nothing about my state of mind.

Was he referring to the princess' hypnosis ability?

"Truthfully, as a young God I have little idea of what our powers really are. Tell me, though; what kind of God powers are the princesses blessed with?"

"There are several, according to legend; the ability to read one's thoughts, for one."

"Oh? That would be quite useful, particularly for one in a position of governance."

"Of course; then there's the ability to bend others to one's will and direction," he continued, studying me carefully, and I raised an eyebrow.

"So much power..." I muttered. "And a terrifying thing to behold in the hands of one with ill intent."

"Yes, of course this is all just speculation; but the final one is my personal favorite."

He waited for a bit, until I gestured to him to continue:

"The ability to see the future," he said, and I let out an appreciative whistle.

"If Palancar held such treasures, their power would be absolute," I said, and the man nodded.

"What do you think of the ability to divine the future, though, Auslander? Does it fascinate you?"

"It would be an asset for sure, but I guess that depends on what the future has in store for me," I joked, and the man laughed.

"Well... would you like to find out?"

I laughed again, but as his gaze lingered on me, and the humor seemed to evaporate from the atmosphere, I studied him, still chuckling a little.

"Are you going to tell me my future?" I joked, and he shrugged.

"I can't... but perhaps, there is one who can. Would you like to meet her?"

I studied him for a bit.

"Is she going to read my future?" I asked, and he nodded.

Something was up.

Even if such a person existed, would he risk exposing her to someone like me?

The guards in the room said he didn't trust me as much as his demeanor would suggest... so there was no way he would let someone of such importance anywhere close to me.

I decided to play along.

"I can't see how I could turn down such a chance," I said, smiling, and he laughed again.

"Armin! Have Fraulin Astrid brought to us," he called, and the assistant who'd brought me in bowed deeply, before leaving the room.

As the door opened, I spotted two more guards stationed outside of the doors.

They weren't there before.

Damnit; why couldn't I communicate with Casey?

I suppressed an inward sigh, as I continued to converse casually with my enthusiastically hospitable host, but the wait was not long, as the doors burst open, and in stepped a timid looking Kobalt girl.

Her features were quite plain, and she had a timid looking face... much more like that of a companion than anything else, but she wore a regal ceremonial dress, much like the one that Miriam wore on the day of our introduction, and she bowed deeply as she stepped into the room.

"I am not wor- the honor of meeting you is mine," she offered, changing her greeting mid-sentence.

She wore a slightly terrified expression, and I studied it with some curiosity.

"Astrid, was it?"

The girl nodded, shooting a furtive glance in Gert's direction.

"Forgive my little sapling. She is not accustomed to hosting so dignified a guest."

"Your sapling? She's your daughter?"

The man nodded.

"Come, Astrid. Our guest requests a reading," he said, and the girl bowed again before approaching me.

"Your hand, if I may?"

I nodded, offering the limb to her, and as she brought my hand to rest against her chest, I gasped, as a blue aura began to pulse from her.

"I see... a child," she began. "A son, being carried by the God-mate. The child will come forth without issue..."

My eyes narrowed on her, and almost instinctively, I stared beyond the flesh and into the web of her energy core.

There were two bumps; neither of which seemed to be anything of note... but as I stared, something else drew my eye.

What was that?

There seemed to be something else... something she carried?

Was that where the pulse was coming from?

Her eyes were closed shut, but I noticed that the hand that held mine to her chest was shaking.

Why was she so fearful? And what were those pulses?

I was about to withdraw my hand, when suddenly, a much larger pulse shot out from that place that I'd sensed, and this one seemed to actually ruffle my hair as if the very air waves around me were disturbed by its passing.

And in that instant, all of my armor went dead, and my eyes went wide as the pieces fell off of my body.

"Götter vergeben mir - Gods forgive me," the girl muttered, tearfully, and I spotted the two guards darting toward me, their spears aimed at my chest.

I grabbed the girl and threw her out of the way as I side stepped one spear point, then headbutted the first guard in the face, before grabbing the other spear and shoving the wooden handle into the second guard's face, before turning and kicking him as hard as I could in the chest.