Banished Pt. 19

Author's note: Special thanks to Ardon G. Fowl, Jack Gwen, Reversal, Swedish Millionaire, and VC whose contributions made this chapter possible.

This is a big one! There'll be one more chapter to wrap up the first arc of the series, most likely to be released here before the end of December. As always, I'd love to hear what you think, especially if you enjoyed the chapter! Take care, and enjoy the read.

Kousaka~

***

We ran for what felt like about five minutes before Lucia tapped me on the shoulder.

"Nathan," she said, and I nodded, pulling up to a halt, and signaling to the others to stop.

"What do you see?"

"Five Accayans," she said, and I nodded.

How should we approach this?

Darting in with weapons drawn would certainly escalate things, though I did feel as if we needed to make clear that their own aggressions would not be tolerated.

"Be ready. Put on your helmets, but keep your weapons sheathed," I said.

Francesca nodded, her own spear slung over her shoulder, and at my signal we began our approach; but we got no more than within a hundred feet of the group when howls sounded, and Lucia tugged at me.

"Nathan; surrounding us!"

"Backs together," I said, and we quickly moved into formation, keeping an eye out for an approach.

Then I spotted one; he had grey skin and wore a kind of protective armor; brown in color, and seemingly some kind of leather at a glance; but the feature that almost immediately drew my eye were his ears, which much unlike our own, were at the top of his head and very much like a dog's; or maybe a wolves'?

"Nate, they're wolfmen," Francesca said, and I chuckled a little.

As the group approached, a few more stepped out into view, and I quickly noted that their noses had a slightly snout-like appearance to them as well; though otherwise, for the most part, they seemed very much human.

"Are you Vasiliás?" A voice called, and I turned toward the sound.

He was a slender man with a lithe, though muscular frame, and a face which seemed to me quite youthful; but in his eyes burned a kind of determination that almost immediately endeared him to me, and in his hand was a spear aimed at my chest.

"King," Lucia whispered. "Are you king?"

I nodded, understanding what she meant.

"I am. To whom do I owe the pleasure-?" I began, but as I stepped towards him, a growl sounded from deep inside his throat giving me pause.

"Vasiliás is mine; seize the rest!"

The man darted at me, and Francesca cut him off, deflecting his spear with her own; but as she moved to end him, I cried out:

"Don't kill him! Fight without your spear."

She shot me a questioning look, but as there were roughly fifteen of the wolfmen descending on us, she simply nodded, slinging her spear over her shoulder as she engaged.

I swept the legs out from under one as he darted at me, and I kicked another in the chest, sending him sprawling, before turning to strike another in the face with the butt end of my halberd.

"Nate; what do we do?" Bianca asked.

Lucia, however, was already in the thick of it, kicking one of the wolfmen in the shins, before leaping into another with both feet; knocking him to the ground as she fell, before rolling back onto her feet and moving beside me.

"Jab at them with your fists, like if you're using a dagger," I said, and Bianca frowned.

As I struck another wolfman in the face before sweeping another off the ground with my halberd, however, the group seemed to be backing up, their eyes drawn elsewhere, and as I followed their gazes, I spotted Francesca engaged with the young man, who it seemed, was their leader.

That determined look I'd seen from before, however, now seemed to have been replaced by a look of frustration, and he was baring his fang-like teeth as he tried to pin Francesca down; but she was dancing around him with much ease, easily controlling the fight despite not even drawing her weapon.

"Get out of my way, pest. My quarry lies beyond you!"

She laughed a little, and he growled in response.

"Can't fight my king if you can barely even keep up with me, can you?"

His ears twitched at her words.

"You are a girl? Go home and play with dolls, little girl! Men are here to do battle!"

Francesca's expression quickly became fiery, and as he lunged at her, she easily sidestepped his spear tip, and grabbing the weapon at the head, she brought it down on her knee, hard, and the wood split and cracked.

She took the spear point and threw it aside, advancing on the man, and he growled, discarding the broken tool.

He leapt at her with his hands, and she drove her knee into his stomach, sending him rolling; but as he struggled to regain his footing, she never gave him the chance, moving behind him and getting her arms around his neck, she put him in a chokehold and began to squeeze.

He fought and squirmed, kicking and flailing in his fight to break free, but Francesca was much stronger than he was, in no short thanks to her armor, and I eyed the rest of his group as his flailing finally weakened, and eventually, he went still in her grasp.

Francesca let go of him, and stepping over his slumped form, she shot a look at the rest of the group, daring another challenger to step forth.

"How can she be that cute and awesome at the same time~?" Bianca whined, and I chuckled a little.

"Didn't you know? That's the little lioness of Kleiner Hein," I said, and Bianca frowned.

A flash of movement from the side, however, sent me on alert, but instead of the retaliatory strike I envisioned, the gathering of wolfmen had instead thrown themselves prostrate in Francesca's direction, and as their leader let out a wounded whimper, he too crawled onto his knees and prostrated himself before her.

"By right, you are now a polemarchos of Eridia," the man said, and Francesca studied him, regarding all of the group with an awkward expression, before shooting me a look that said 'help, please?'

"What's your name, son?" I asked, moving to the man, and he looked up at me, before turning his gaze towards Francesca.

She shot me a worried look, and I bit my lip as I regarded the gathering, but as I studied the man, I noticed something.

"Wait- that's armor, isn't it?" I asked, and Francesca quickly followed my gaze.

"Archontas, your leave to speak?" the man asked, and Francesca looked to me again.

"I think he's asking you," I said, and she bit her lip nervously.

"Nate- I, uh. I dunno how to..."

"Tell him to answer my questions, then," I said, and she nodded.

"Answer to him," Francesca said, and the man nodded.

"Your command is our duty, Archontas."

"You can stand up," I offered, and as the man glanced at Francesca, she nodded, and he climbed to his feet.

"Those slivers," I said, gesturing to his arm. "Where did you get that?"

"Plundered from the warriors defeated in battle," the man replied.

"Warriors? You mean otherworlders?"

The man studied me.

"I do not know this word."

"People like us," I said, gesturing to Francesca and myself, and he nodded.

"Inferior in skill, but similar in feature," the man replied, and I bit my lip.

Was he really strong enough to have killed one of us?

In armor no less?

I regarded him with some suspicion.

"What are you called?" I asked.

"Iduma of Eridia," he replied, and I nodded.

"And why are you here, Iduma of Eridia?" I asked, and the man gritted his teeth.

"A blight has descended upon my people. A blight that traced back to this land."

"A monster?" I asked, and he nodded.

"But, why attack the Kobalt?" I continued, and he shrugged.

"We have no need of audience from those too weak to hold spears against our weakest fighters," he explained, and I raised an eyebrow at him.

"And where do you think you would you stand if we met you with that same conviction?" I asked, and the man swallowed uncomfortably, as I moved aside with Francesca.

"What are you thinking?" she asked, and I frowned.

"This monster of theirs might have fled there from Irileth's domain after the fallout. That's not really our responsibility, but maybe we can use his newfound admiration of you here."

"For what? They don't seem strong enough to be of any use," she said, and I chuckled a little.

"We could use the connection to their people. The Kobalt had a lot to offer us, maybe they might too?" I suggested, and she nodded.

"What do I do?" she asked, and I gestured to her as we returned our attention to the man.

"Iduma, was it? You said she was, something of Eridia?" I asked.

"Polemarchos," he replied, and I nodded.

"What does that mean?"

The man blinked a few times.

"It means that she is now the head of Alítheia, proud clan of Eridia."

"And what does the head of your clan do, exactly?" I asked, and he swallowed uncomfortably.

"Command us as she desires..."

"Nate, I can't-"

I raised a hand to stop her.

"Is this all of your clan?" I asked, gesturing to the group behind him, and he shook his head.

"These are my people's fiercest warriors," he said. "The rest of my clan reside in Eridia."

"And where is this Eridia?"

"Over the hills, beyond the great forest," he replied, gesturing off to the west, and I nodded as I processed the information.

That would have taken them through the lands occupied by Ethan's forces, wouldn't it?

"I want to hear about your journey here, but let your men tend to their wounded and settle down first," I said, and he nodded, rising as I moved off with Francesca to join Bianca and Lucia.

"Nate! Do you think I could pet one?" Bianca asked, and I tutted at her.

"Try to hold off on petting any actual sentient beings for now. For all we know that could be an insult to their people," I said, and she pouted.

"Nate- I don't think I'm a right fit for something like this," Francesca said, and I chuckled at her.

"Well, we don't know exactly what this means just yet; but if they came from west of here and fought otherworlders along the way, I imagine they might have some vital scouting info that we could use."

While we spoke, however, I noted a rather young 'wolf-boy' sizing Lucia up, much to the girl's annoyance; but before I could say anything, one of the older wolf-people intervened.

"Giorgos! You would do well to leave that one be," the wolfman said. "She would tame you before you could bare your fangs."

I shot the man a thankful nod, and he bowed, leaving as their leader approached me.

"Archontas," the man began, bowing to Francesca. "I stand ready for your command."

"Tell us about your armor," I cut in, and Francesca shot me a thankful look.

"On our journey here, we discovered a mobilization of force; but since the matter was of no shared concern, we attempted to navigate the lands without causing disturbance."

"I see."

"We moved under the cover of darkness hoping to avoid detection, but our luck didn't hold. We chanced upon a squad; no more than four, and a struggle ensued. They slew four of my warriors before we raised a spear; but when two of theirs fell, the remaining warriors fled."

"Hmm. And is it customary to wear this armor as you do?" I asked, gesturing to his arm, and he nodded.

"These things are cursed by your kind," the man said. "Wearing them in earnest brings valor and protection, but at the cost of a weariness that sickens."

I chuckled a little.

Interesting way to think of it, I thought.

"This force you encountered; did you take note of their actions as you travelled here?"

The man nodded, turning to Francesca.

"Is this force one that stands against you, Archontas?"

I nudged Francesca, and she quickly nodded.

"Uh, yeah. We... uh, we're due to face them in battle," she said, and he nodded, raising a fist to his chest.

"Then we will stand beside you in this conflict," he said, and the men behind him, quickly raised their fists to their chests, before releasing simultaneous howls.

"I'm gonna leave this to you," I said, and Francesca shot me a panicked look.

"You're leaving me with them?"

I nodded.

"I need to check in with Casey before she freaks out," I said, rubbing the back of my head, and she frowned. "You'll be fine. We're just a couple miles away. And you know where Grenze is from here, don't you?"

She nodded.

"I'll be back before you know it," I said. "Do you want me to leave Bianca?"

She quickly nodded.

"Please?"

Bianca seemed to frown a bit at this, but as a mischievous smirk appeared on her face, I shot her a warning stare.

"No. Petting!" I warned, and she rubbed the back of her head, smiling awkwardly as I turned to Lucia. "Stay with Bianca, okay?"

"Okay," she replied, wincing a little as I ruffled her hair, then turned and quickly made my way back to Grenze.

As soon as we arrived, Molly ran towards me, greeting me before anyone else caught sight of our approach.

"Nate! We were on standby to head out," she said, gesturing to Nolan and Blair, and I nodded.

"Where's Casey?" I asked, and she bit her lip.

"Uh, she's prepping us to leave," she said, but as I noted a slightly odd inflection in her voice, I eyed her carefully.

"Did she pick the team?" I asked, and Molly nodded.

"Let's see; us three... and everyone you called last night. Except Raul and Evie..."

"Except Raul, Evie, and Casey," I suggested, and she bit her lip.

Molly cast a quick glance over my shoulder and as I turned around, I caught sight of Casey wearing full armor, and she froze as soon as she saw me.

She fidgeted a little, before awkwardly making her way over.

"Nate; we were just prepping to come out and meet you," she began, and I shook my head.

"Yeah, I heard; but why are you in armor?"

She bit her lip, rubbing her stump arm with her good one.

"I decided it would be in our best interest if I could be there to help direct things on this mission," she explained, and I shook my head.

"You can't fight," I said.

"So? You say all the time that we need more than just fighters to win fights," she reasoned, and I bit my lip as I studied her.

"Is that really the truth? Or are you just coming along because you don't trust me?"

Casey quickly shook her head.

"I promise. I made this decision because it would give our mission the highest chance of success."

I eyed her.

"Did you discuss it with anyone?"

She quickly nodded in response.

"Gisela, Alva... and Astrid," she explained.

"And they approved?"

She nodded again.

"Alva will manage our side of the group, while Astrid and Gisela will continue to look over the Grenze citizens and the princess' contingent respectively.

"Alva, huh?"

"She's sharp enough, and with Raul on her side, her decisions carry sufficient weight," she explained, and I nodded in agreement.

"Alright then. How long before we can move out?"

"We'll be prepped in an hour, but we wanted to delay until mid-morning, remember?" she asked, and I nodded.

"We will; but our new wolfmen buddies have some scouting info for us. We'll meet up with them there, then come up with a battle plan."

"Buddies?"

"Short version; Francesca beat their leader in a fight and now she's their new 'Chieftess'," I explained, and she nodded, taking a deep breath in.

"Of course. Because these are things that happen now," she said, taking a deep breath in. "I have a few things to tie up before we leave. Are you staying around, or do you wanna head back out there?"

"I wanna head back out, but... can we spare Astrid, maybe?"

Casey nodded.

"She's in the medical area," she said, and I nodded, heading over.

As I walked, however, Molly stole to my side.

"I can probably say goodbye to Evie while you're there," she suggested, and I nodded.

As soon as we entered the main hall, however, I was greeted with a surprise.

"Nate!"

"Do mine eyes deceive me?" I asked, as Juliette moved over to me, and I stared with a bit of awe at what was a pretty cleverly constructed wooden wheelchair.

As I examined the handiwork, I noted that while the design was quite simple, it did seem quite functional.

"How did they build this thing so well on the first go?" I asked, astounded by the work, and Juliette smiled.

"Raul, I think his name was? Apparently, his grandmother back on earth used a wheelchair, so he was familiar with the design because he'd done some repair work on it, but... he said this tree could build things on its own, or something?"

"The tree can produce the item, but the design was all Raul's," a voice called from behind me, and I turned to see Alva.

"Alva. Just the person I wanted to see. Casey told me you were assigned to keeping these miscreants in check?"

She nodded, smiling a little.

"Better keep an eye on this one; I hear she likes to wander off and get lost in the wilderness," I said, and Juliette folded her arms crossly.

"Hey~. Just you wait; I'll be riding this wheelchair like a chariot into battle before you know it!"

I laughed, studying her with an admiring smile.

"Well, I have seen stranger things in this world so far," I said, and Juliette took my hand, and gave it a squeeze.

"Thanks... for taking us in," she said. "And for everything."

I shook my head.

"Thank Raul when you can," I offered. "And the Kobalt. They're the ones who've offered us their homes."

Juliette shot Alva a smile, and the girl smiled in return, bowing slightly.

"You are here for Astrid?" Alva asked, and I nodded.

"This way," she offered, before pausing. "Frei-Molly; Lady Evelyn is tending to the injured hunters," she said, and Molly nodded.

"I'll stick with this one, then," she said, gesturing to Juliette, who waved as we turned and headed down the corridor.

"Casey told me you approved of her plan?" I asked as we walked, and Alva eyed me a little.

"Her argument was convincing... and well-reasoned," she said.

"Hn~. And how did you really feel about it?"

She bit her lip a little, then nodded.

"Taking her improves your chances of success. And we wish to see Lady Cameron restored, as well as having you safely returned to our princess. But be aware, Nathan. There are times when love makes stronger, the heart, but there are times when it invites weakness. I fear Lady Casey might be prone to the latter."

I nodded, as Alva opened a door and ushered me into what appeared to be a dwelling room, where Astrid sat in some kind of meditative trance.

"Is she using her ability?" I asked, and Alva nodded.

"She feared for your safety, Nathan. This is how she has spent much of her time, hoping for signs that point to a successful endeavor."

"Do we leave her?"

Alva nodded.

"Her vision will come to pass shortly," Alva assured. "Your permission to leave?"

I nodded as she bowed, before turning and heading out the door.

As I studied Astrid, however, I noted her brow was furrowed with worry, and as I took a seat beside her, she suddenly gasped, panting as she returned to her senses.

"Nathan; I did not sense your entry," she said, and I nodded, placing a hand over hers.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you," I said, and she quickly shook her head.

"The worry is not a result of your presence, Nathan," she explained, taking my hand and bringing it to her lips.

She let out a sigh, and I scooted forward, placing a hand against her cheek, and she relaxed her head against me.

"I have failed in my endeavor," she admitted, and I bit my lip.

"What exactly were you trying to accomplish?" I asked, and she looked up at me.

"I seek assurance of your safe return," she admitted. "But every sight..."

She shook her head, as her words trailed off.

"I am sorry, Nathan. I cannot speak of my visions before you depart on this quest."

I nodded slowly, brushing some hair out of her face and stroking my fingers through the long, silvery locks soothingly.