Outlander Pt. 02

Petra stuck her head through the open door, "We should be leaving soon Shaun. Shalyndria, we shared the dream last night as well." Before we could respond, her head disappeared back through the doorway.

I looked to Shalyndria still conflicted, "I will ask her about it, but I still don't understand why you would put us together hoping she would take me from you."

She threw her hands up, "She's not going to take you from me you fool! I want her to join us!" Seeing the look of surprise on my face made her break out in laughter. Once under control, she finished, "Now kiss me and get going. You have a long day ahead."

I got my faculties in order and did as she asked. After kissing her for a moment, "Ok, I'm going to need some time to adjust to this. I will see you at 4 bells in your study."

Before I walked to the door, she handed me one last paper folded and sealed, "Give this to Petra, she knows what it is and what it's for." I nodded one last time before walking out the door.

I stopped when I saw Petra looking at me with that smirk on her face. She walked forward and kissed my cheek, "I heard everything dear one, I'm not going to stop. This is my dream coming true and I'm going to fight for it." She turned and started walking down the hall, "The shops will open shortly, the sooner we get done, the sooner I can start to teach you more magic," she called over her shoulder as I watched her taut ass and swaying tail walking out the door.

"So, clothes, armor, and weapons in that order?" I asked my guide.

"Yes, we can get your other necessities at the general trader next to the clothier as well," Petra replied.

"Let's grab my wagon and be on our way then. I Plan on selling it and the contents for some extra coin," I said as we walked out the door of the manor. We hooked up the wagon and set off. As I followed Petra's directions I asked what had been on my mind, "What did you mean we imprinted, and how did we share that dream last night?"

She sighed as we rode on before answering, "Beast-men and beast-folk to a lesser degree imprint with their chosen mates. It is a combination of pheromones, emotional connection, and magical resonance. The only way to end an imprint that I know of is death. If you were to die, I could imprint again." She took a minute to gather her thoughts before continuing, "The dream throws me a loop. Only a full-blood beast-man pair should be able to share dreams like that. My only guess is because you're a True Mage, your magic mixes with mine like a beast-man's would, allowing dream sharing."

Soon we pulled up in front of a large three-story building with two storefronts. One had everyday goods while the other showcased clothes. We walked into the general store first.

Behind the counter was an older scaled beast folk. Petra walked up and greeted her before I could open my mouth. "Greta how are you. My new friend Shaun has a wagon and goods to sell ya and needs daily necessities. Afterward, we need to see your daughter about some clothes."

I rolled my eyes as I walked up and shook Greta's hand. "While I can certainly talk for myself, she's not wrong." I laughed. Greta had an indulgent smile. I pulled out the letters and handed them to her, "There are some circumstances to my owning the wagon, these should clear them up." I grabbed the sealed paper I had forgotten and turned to Petra, "The princess wanted me to give this to you, sorry I forgot till now."

Greta responded after reading through the letters, "This is all in order, I feel sorry for that poor couple, but I'm glad you helped avenge them. I'll have my son assess the wagon and goods and I'll gather the necessities if you want to head over and get started." I nodded and we walked through an opening into the clothier.

We were greeted by a younger version of Greta when we came through, "Hello, I'm Vera. What did you need today?" My hand shot out and covered Petra's mouth before she could jump the gun on me again. "I'm Shaun, I need 3 or 4 sets of clothes for everyday use, 3 sets of clothes to wear under armor, 2 sets of formal wear, and I'd like to see about something custom." I felt Petra's lips twitch into a smile a split second before her tongue ran up the palm of my hand. As I removed my hand, I gave her a mock glare, "You going to let me talk now? Or do I need to ask for a gag?"

Her laughter could probably be heard back at the manor, "While that might be fun, you win, I'll let you talk Shaun." Vera just shook her head, obviously as used to Petra's antics as her mother.

She came around the counter with a cloth tape measure, "Come over here Shaun so I can measure you. Any idea what colors you would like? And do you need anything immediately?" I set the submachine gun on the counter and removed my plate carrier so she could work.

"The everyday wear and clothes for under armor I would like now if possible as I only have the clothes on my back. The formal wear I can wait for custom fit especially as I have some requirements to discuss when I see them," I responded as she started to measure my shoulders and arm length.

When she finished, she pointed to a mannequin wearing something similar to a tuxedo, "That's the formal wear, color can vary to taste. What requirements do you need in those?"

I pulled my Sig from its holster clearing the weapon and setting it and the magazine on the counter, "I need extra room in the waist to accommodate this just behind my hip between my body and the pants. Also, pockets on the inside left of the jacket for two of these." I pointed to the pistol and magazine. She measured them and nodded.

As I reloaded the pistol, replaced the carrier, and slung the MP5 Vera told a human with a black bracelet what she needed, then turned back to me, "Now tell me about the custom work you need to be done." I explained I wanted 3 pairs of pants as close to the tactical pants I was wearing as she could make them. While we discussed my work pants, the worker brought out a bundle of cloth and set out several outfits for me to choose from.

Petra and I argued over what colors I should wear. I wanted black and browns while she pushed for more bright colors. I agreed to a compromise, I chose mostly blacks and browns, but a couple blues and reds. Petra also got to tell Vera what colors to make my formal wear. I just hoped it wouldn't be baby blue or some other absurd color.

When we finished arguing, I noticed Greta had was talking to Vera. I walked over and found out that Greta had finished and they were calculating how much they owed me.

Vera was first as Greta turned to her son behind her, "Say 45 gold for everything. The formal wear will take 2 weeks to complete and the custom pants can be done at the same time."

I nodded to her and turned to hear Greta's offer, "Deducting the necessities you need, 85 gold for everything but the horse."

I thought a second then countered, "How about Greta gives me 50 gold and we call everything even?" Greta and Vera whispered for a second.

Greta finished, "That's a deal I'd be happy to make."

Petra turned to Vera as Greta went to get my gold, "Can you make me 3 pairs of the same custom pants he asked for?" Vera thought a moment, "Sure, say 15 gold paid on pick up in 2 weeks?" "Done!" an excited Petra hugged Vera as Greta and I finished up.

I looked at the pile of clothes and worried, "Can I get someone to take everything and my horseback to the royal manor?"

Vera spoke right up, "I can have my slave do it for a gold." My hackles went up and my hand dropped to my pistol at the word slave. Then I stopped and remembered I wasn't on Earth and slavery was probably legal.

"Sure, just let Winston, Milla, or Tessa know the things are mine and they'll take care of them for me," I managed to civilly get out as I handed over the gold coin. Petra grabbed my arm pulling me out as we said our goodbyes.

As we walked toward the armorer, I asked Petra, "How is slavery legal? Where I'm from it was outlawed over a century ago."

"The only legal slaves are criminals and debtors. Debtors are free once the debt is paid or a set amount of time has passed based on the amount owed. Family or friends may pay the debt off to have them released early as well. Criminals have a set amount of time to serve. There is no way to end their servitude early though. I'm sorry Shaun, I didn't think it would be a problem for you." She answered honestly.

"I'm not mad at you Petra, it just shocked me is all. Are the legal slaves still people to at least be taken care of?" I asked next.

"Yes, of course. They must be fed, clothed, seen to by a healer if necessary, and everything else," she responded.

"Ok, now where is this armorer?" I asked as I hip-checked her.

"Just up here, another couple shops," her musical laugh sounded.

We traded barbs and jokes as we walked down the street. We must have looked like a couple because I overheard several snippets of conversation as we walked.

"How can he," "With an animal, some people," "Well the best-looking guard is taken now," and others. I turned to Petra and asked, "Do the comments bother you?"

"They used to. I've learned to ignore them for the most part. The ones thinking we're a couple are funny though." She laughed at the look on my face when she finished. "Rumors and gossip are just that. Let it go, Shaun. I'm Happy we are seen that way, I hope you see us that way soon as well." A soft smile formed on her face, "I hope we all get what we want." She suddenly switched gears, "And we're here!" I shook my head at this amazing woman as she pulled me into the armor shop.

We left a few minutes and me 5 gold lighter. I had picked up metal bracers for my forearms and metal greaves for my thighs. The armor was being delivered for a gold as with the other shopkeepers. Petra asked as we walked towards the weaponsmith, "No helmet or armor for your chest?"

"This is all I need. I have a helmet from my world back at the manor, and the vest I'm wearing has armor plates in it," I explained. I opened the door for Petra, and she winked to me and kissed my cheek as she walked in. I followed her stopping when I saw what was on display behind the counter. Two short sword sized kukris were prominently displayed with simple sheathes sitting underneath them.

The ringing bell above the door was ignored because I only had eyes for the beautiful weapons on display. Petra looked at me quizzically as the shopkeeper came out of the back. While he talked to Petra, I did some quick math in my head. 20 Gold from Terrance, plus 49 gold from Greta, minus 6 gold at the armorer meant I had 63 gold left and I hoped it was enough.

"How much for the kukris? And can the sheathes be altered to sit on top of each other at the small of my back facing opposite directions?" I asked excitedly. Petra just shook her head at my enthusiasm.

"I'm Evan by the way," the shopkeeper started, upset at being treated this way. "The pair are 250 gold for both and I'm sure a good leatherworker could do what you want." He turned and removed the blades from the display and set them on the counter. I picked them up and felt the weight and balance. The more I moved them and felt them, the more I fell in love with them. Petra must have noticed the look on my face.

"He will take them, will you accept a writ from Princess Shalyndria for today?" I was shocked at the words and almost dropped the exquisite blades on the floor. "You can bring it to the manor tomorrow for payment," then she turned to me, "Shalyndria hopes you like her gift. I was authorized to get you any weapon up to 300 gold today." She pulled the sealed paper from a pouch and handed it to Evan.

I caught the look in her eye as she spoke but couldn't decipher it. "I'll have to thank her later," I mused as I inspected the sheathes. I found channels on both sides of them that looked perfect for my duty belt. I pulled it off before starting to remove and shift things while Petra and Evan worked out the writ for him. When I was done, my belt went from the right of the cobra buckle a key keeper, my drop leg pistol holster, handcuffs, stacked kukris right where I wanted them in the small of my back. The handles each stuck out opposite side so I could easily grab them in each hand. After them was my asp, followed by my flashlight, and finally, a drop leg that held 4 extra magazines for my pistol and a pouch with several pairs of zip-cuffs. When they turned back to me, I was already geared up and ready to go. "Thank you, Evan, did you forge the blades? The sheathes are perfect and already set-up for what I wanted. Also, I'm sorry for the way I treated you when I walked in. These weapons just called to me." I shook his hand.

"My father made the blades and sheathes himself just before he died about 6 lunar cycles ago. He said the Goddess sent everything to him in a dream. I worried that they would never sell, my father called them masterpieces, but no one knew what they were or how they were meant to be used." He answered with the faraway look of someone lost in memories. He shook his head to clear it and smiled, "Take good care of them. Stop in if you need anything else."

I had a thought, "How about a small maybe 6in. utility blade for emergencies and everyday use?" I asked looking at the other knives he had. He pulled out a tray with several simple knives. As I looked, I noticed one was similar to the K-Bar I carried as a Marine. I picked it up and found it fit my hand well. "How much for this one?"

"10 gold will do it. I did forge these just so you know." He replied as I took the sheath for the knife and affixed it to my duty belt behind my cuffs. I then pulled the required coins from my bag and paid Evan.

"That's fair, looks well crafted. Let's hope it never gets put to the test." I laughed as I handed over the gold. We shook hands and Petra grabbed my hand in hers and pulled me from the shop.

"We need to return to the manor so I can test your magic knowledge." The second bell sounded as she talked. I opened my mouth to respond when the marching of boots and sounds of armor and weapons made me look around. Petra started looking around as well.

Coming from the direction of the church was a man in white robes holding a staff followed by 6 men in full plate armor. All the uniforms had the red cross symbol of the church of the Goddess. People were moving out of the way and giving them a wide berth as they marched down the street in our direction. "What is a Mage Hunter and Temple Knights doing out and about like this? They usually don't leave the church unless the guard asks for help with a powerful magus." Petra whispered next to me as she squeezed my hand in fear.

"Petra, I need to know something right now. Is a church decree an imperial law? If they try to take a True Mage by force, could it be argued as kidnapping if put in front of a magistrate?" I asked quickly, suspecting it was me and my power that had them coming in our direction.

Petra looked at me with wide eyes, "I'm not sure, no one has ever put it to the test."

"Come on Petra, think. I need to know if I have legal grounds before I have to fight these guys!" I exclaimed.

"No, church decree is not imperial law. That being said though, you would be hard-pressed to find anyone willing to defy the church on anything let alone a magistrate." She said as she sadly shook her head. Then in a flash, her face changed, taking on a vicious and determined look. "Shalyndria said my dreams might come true. If you fight, so do I." She then kissed me hard then stepped behind me.

By now the men had come up to us and stopped in front of me. The robed man held up a small orb that started to glow gold the closer he held it to me. "This is him, take him away. Kill the animal if she tries anything." He sneered in contempt at Petra.

"And who are you to tell me anything asshole? I have a test and work soon, so I'll have to decline to join your queer orgy boys." I taunted the knights. The robed mage turned to me as I pulled my asp from its holster.

"True Mages need to be collared and leashed for the good of all. Now come along before it gets ugly." Was his angry retort. I watched him open his right hand as I felt the electric charge of his mana. When I saw the light forming, I knew time was up.

I opened the asp with a flick of my wrist, "Well since you put it so eloquently, I have to decline." I struck at my full speed. The crack of his wrist was overshadowed by his scream. Then something unexpected happened, the light that had started to gather shot through his body like lightning. After his body seized, he dropped to the ground dead. The knights all roared and unsheathed their weapons before starting to advance.

"Petra it's about to get bloody, I guess. Watch my back please." I called over my shoulder as I closed my asp then put it away. "Last chance guys, go home before I'm forced to kill you all." I pleaded.

The leader taunted, "We are Temple Knights. No lone mage is a challenge for us. Killing a mage hunter is death so the Pope decrees." They surged forward when he finished talking. I lifted the MP5 to my shoulder aiming at the leader first. I put 5 rounds in each of their chests before they got close. Six bodies dropped to the ground all with gory holes where their black hearts used to beat.

I turned to find Petra frozen in shock. I grabbed her shoulders and shook so she'd come to from her daze, "Petra, we need to go, now!" Life returned to her eyes and she nodded. I grabbed her hand and we bolted down the street back towards the manor.