Chương 138: Chapter 136 - Back on the Road

Are you going to finish that?" For the third time, yes Tia. It's not my fault you inhaled your breakfast like you haven't eaten in weeks." Eli rolled his eyes with a smile as the two of them sat perched on a branch high in a tree a short distance from camp watching the sun slowly rise over the rolling plains before them. He had been intending to save one of the inkfruit for after he finished his porridge, but she was eyeing it and he suspected that she was debating whether to snatch it anyway, peeled or not.

The fact that she already had three of her own on top of a double portion of porridge notwithstanding. Deciding it was best to remove the temptation he shoved the fruit into the neck of his armor where it sat loose and unbuckled, smirking at the small huff and a grumble he received in return. I wasn't gonna steal it…" Sure."

It was the first morning after they had left Emerald Grove and, while they were making good time for such a large group, they were still barely a third of the way to Theron's Watch which, their first major stop. When you took into consideration the logistics required to move, feed, and shelter not only several hundred soldiers but also a couple hundred civilians, including both children and the elderly, their pace was actually fairly impressive.

I mean, I remember hearing the roman legions could move twenty miles a day, I bet Ceasar would be rolling over in his grave if he could see us. Even so, as good as it was to be on the road again, Eli found himself missing the peace and quiet of those days with the patrol back when they were traveling through the Verdant Reach.

It was nice to spend time with Coop and the gang, but when they set up camp near an isolated patch of forest on the first night Eli could practically feel the urge to sleep in the trees once more for old times sake.

The knowing look he had gotten from Astra when she had caught him gazing wistfully at the boughs above the previous evening, understanding as it was, had been enough for him to bed down in his tent for the night, although not enough to stop him from rising before first light and taking off for some peace and quiet away from the bustle of the caravan. Spending nearly a week resting in town had been nice, albeit busy as he helped Astra and her guards where he could in preparing the patrol to travel once more.

A stiff breeze blew across the meadow before him, the blades of grass rippling like a vibrant green river before sweeping across the treeline, the leaves rustling in its wake. The air brought with it the smell of earth and freshly cut grass, as well as the distant rumbling groans of a herd of squat beasts in the distance. Eli chuckled at the plump tube-shaped beasts with their stubby little tails and broad paws.

The contrast between their fat bodies that vaguely resembled giant gila monsters, and the resonant calls reminiscent of the lowing of cattle was oddly charming. He switched on [Eagle's Eye] to inspect the creatures for a moment before casting [Identify]. [Meadow Drake - Lv. 4] Yup. About right, don't know what I expected…" Ready to head back?" Yesss!

He chuckled at the little hiss at the end as Tia took dove off the edge of the branch and swooped down towards the ground, he debated how he wanted to follow her before sighing. As much as he didn't want to ruin the pleasant mood of the morning he had promised Mira that he would use [Veilstep] at least once or twice a day until he grew accustomed to the sensations.

They had not had much time to talk the day prior as she had been busy helping Astra sort out the logistics of the convoy, as well as receiving an in-depth briefing of the events she had missed during her absence. At the mention of Eli's new skill Mira had given him a piercing look, one that said they would be having words later, before telling him that he must cast it at a minimum of once a day when able. Are you coming?" Yeah one sec."

With a pulse of intent the shroud spiraled out from the skill locus, coating his body in a sheen of invisible mana, and with a twist he vanished from the canopy and reappeared on the ground below, the displaced air from his arrival washing outwards and rustling the leaves of the nearby bushes.

Eli shivered before gagging, the nausea was getting better with each use, but the combined sensation of all of his bones spinning a complete 360 degrees in place with the distinct feeling of an invisible tongue licking the back of his teeth was… interesting. Why do I smell fish all of a sudden?" I don't know Tia, that's a question for Mira, this is a really fucking weird skill."

The pleasant walk back to the camp was enough to mostly cleanse the memory from his mind, and upon seeing the crowd streaming into the mess tent Eli ducked his head into the rear flap to see if they needed a hand. Poking his head through the flap was enough to catch Cooper's attention and when he cocked his head towards the serving line the man waved him off. He jerked a thumbs towards a small group of familiar faces and Eli smiled, it seems the Hostler family had ended up helping with the crowd.

Given the family's previous expertise in running a fairly popular inn and tavern, at least before a bunch of jerks wrecked the place, they were a far better choice than him. One of the younger girls, Angie, gave one of said jerks a cheery smile and a quick greeting of " milord" as she passed by Eli, carrying an impressive stack of heavily laden serving trays towards a cluster of tables in the back. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

He gave her a look, " Still not a lord." She arched her brow and bobbed her head as she swept past, " As you say milord." Eli sighed, given the company I keep there isn't much point is there? Oh oh! Brother can I go help Angie and Evie? He smiled down at the young wyvern, " As long as you're helping with the serving and not the eating." Sasha chuckled from nearby as Tia scampered off after the girl, " She's a growing girl, you can't blame her for a healthy appetite."

Eli gave her a deadpan look, " I can if she eats the whole caravan out of house and home. Mind keeping an eye on her for me?" She shrugged as she flipped a row of freshly baked flatbread off of the large griddle, " Sure thing, I'll send her your way once we break camp." Eli nodded his thanks before dropping off their bowls at the wash station and ducking back out to head towards the command tent.

The sounds of the waking camp filled the air as he walked down the long stretch of road towards the cluster of larger pavilions at the head of the convoy, a pleasant smile on his face greeting the few people he knew, most of them members of Astra's original patrol. Two of the sides of the pavilion were rolled up to take advantage of the cool morning air, while the others were left down to block the breeze off the meadow from scattering the papers from the desks of the clerks gathered within.

Nodding to Astrid and Taylor as they stood watch at the rear of the tent he ducked around the edge. Sensing his arrival through the tether before he said a word Astra turned to flash him a smile, and as he smiled in return and cocked his head she shook hers that she didn't need him at the moment. He winked anyways, ignoring the flutter in his chest as she grinned and winked back before returning to her conversation with Darian, who was now sporting a faint smirk unbeknownst to Eli from his perspective.

Stepping back out into the open he caught sight of Corporal Brewer and his squad hard at work, painstakingly transcribing a message over and over before setting out a series of pages to dry in the morning sun, weighed down by a small collection of rocks. He would have been a good choice for a head clerk even without all the heroics, he really took to the job like a fish to water." Do you mind if I take a look?" Eli asked Brewer as he stepped over to take a look at what they were writing."

Of course Mr Mercer, I suspect you would have heard it shortly anyways." He stepped over to pick up one of the pieces of parchment, the stiff paper crinkling softly in his hand. By Order of Lady Astra Emberholdt, daughter of Duke Varren Emberholdt and commanding officer of the First Patrol, Cobalt Company, of the First Battalion, Ashguard Regiment.

Let it be known that the corruption within the town of Whittenburg has been purged, the incursion has been culled, and the Fracture has once again been brought under control. The citizens traveling with this column are survivors and refugees of this disaster and they are traveling under the protection of House Emberholdt. They are to be welcomed where possible and shown the same courtesy afforded to any loyal subject of the Empire.

There is no immediate danger along this road, nor are there any known hostilities farther into the frontier. All should remain vigilant as is good sense in these lands, but do not give credence to rumor or panic. Aid is neither expected nor required. Should any nevertheless be offered, it will be accepted with gratitude and repaid in kind by House Emberholdt. Ash and Steel, my Countrymen. The Gates Still Stand. By my word and seal, Lady Astra Emberholdt Eli glanced up and arched a brow at Brewer who chuckled."

What would you think if you saw several hundred armed soldiers followed by battered wagons and refugees? Best to prevent a panic before it starts." He nodded, " Smart, when are they being sent out?" Brewer nodded back to the tent, " I'm still waiting on the final decision, but currently the plan is to send a couple of the squad leaders to ride ahead with screening force and act as heralds in any villages we pass, quell any rumors before they can start."" Smart."" Oh?

And would you expect any less of my Lady, Mr Mercer?" Elias spun to catch sight of Mira slowly walking their way with a stiff and jerking gait to her steps, the barest hint of a teasing smile playing across her lips. He walked over towards her and before he could offer her his arm she arched a brow as she spoke sharply towards him, " I know you are not about to offer me aid as if I am decrepit? It would be a shame for you to lose another limb since you seem to already be in such short supply."

He chuckled, " I wouldn't dream of it, it's already hard enough to count to twenty as it is, I already have to take my pants off to get above fifteen." Eli's grin widened at the choking sound coming from behind his back, enjoying all the interesting colors on the man's face he was picturing in his mind's eye, the long sigh from Mira just the cherry on top.

He fell into step beside her as she continued her slow steps towards the command tent as he offered her the proclamation, she looked it over with a soft hum before speaking." We shall have to do something about that low wit of yours before we return, the peerage will have your flesh for their supper at this rate, you can only go so far on charm alone." Eli smirked, " Are you sure? I seem to remember hearing something about Astra making it pretty far with just dimples." Mira scoffed, " Please…

You may be on the right side of fair, but you hardly hold a candle to the young Lady, at least not yet." She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, a slight smile playing across her lips once more, " I will see what I can do. I have done more with less before." She handed the parchment back as she took another slow step, " My injury and yours may be an excellent opportunity for some further lessons. Should you be amenable…?" Eli gave her a warm smile, " I would not have it any other way."

Mira grinned back at him, " Excellent. Now. I have heard that you have gained no small measure in your Strength score. I hope you have been keeping to the regimen I assigned you, I may not be able to swing a switch at the moment, but I suspect Ms Fletcher would be more than happy to take up the role. So tell me about…"