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Jarron looks at him, "5 days?"
Eldar glared at him, "How long do we leave nobody out there?"
Jarron sighed, "We need more people quickly!"
Eldar grimaced, "We need a lot of things we cannot do in this district. Two days from now I will be hitting the merchant in the morning. Then the Academy in the afternoon. Tomorrow we have to get back to the main market and get our supplies ordered.
To ensure they can get on a load schedule. Then hit the stables to pick up more horses and harnesses. We have to have horses to work the moving of lumber. Then there are floor plans to get and people to hire to do the construction."
Eldar looked at Charlemagne, "What do you think of Keyno and Tiger for Knights?"
Charlemagne sighed, "I had not even thought about that but it is something we should look at. They have worked out great."
Eldar added, "They have agreed to train others. I just don't want them pulled away."
Jarron reluctantly agreed, "We have kept them in the dark long enough. Bring them up to my room now and we will feel them out."
He went and grabbed Keyno and Tiger just as they were coming out of their rooms. "We might be moving rooms around. Jarron wants a meeting with you 2, Charlemagne, and myself in his room so let's head that way."
He knocked on their door and looked in on Annette, "We will be leaving soon but can you grab our packs and bring them here until we know what they are going to do with us as far as swapping rooms?"
Annette rubbed her eyes, "Swapping rooms, for what?"
He smiled, "You cumming so loud you probably woke the people in the next district."
Annette turned red, "That visit this morning?"
Eldar smirked, "Yes. We shut him up but he is not happy. It might be better if he can consolidate us into a wing of the inn. Putting us near our people who are used to it and expect it. Then we might have less resistance. I got a meeting with Jarron and Charlemagne to go over Keyno's and Tiger's status."
He walked down the hall without another word. Everyone waited at Jarron's door. Once inside he looked at Jarron, "Jarron can I handle this?" He nodded. "What do you think of our team?"
Keyno spoke up, "They are very talented and skilled. You do not see many groups like that."
Eldar looked at her, "So our team is odd? Different from the norm?" She nodded. "Our team is designed to operate anywhere in the world where conflict could occur and we can help minimize the damage when it does. We work for Jarron. We are going to entrust you with some very sensitive information if you are up for that."
They looked at each other before Tiger spoke, "Does this have something to do with last night?"
Eldar shrugged, "Yes and no. We have been considering bringing you aboard since we learned of your unusual skills. Your willingness to help us train people was a step in the right direction. Last night was complex. It is enough to say we took down a serious spy last night."
Tiger spoke for them both, "We are interested."
Eldar smiled, "We are part of a group known as the Saatorixx Knights, the first part of that is a Dragon who lived thousands of years ago who started the group. It was resurrected about 800 years ago. We go where conflict is about to happen. We slow imminent attacks. Giving our allies time to marshal their force while we work to weaken the enemy before they even get on the field.
Your job would not change from what we are asking of you. Occasionally something like last night arises and we get information that could topple a government of an ally. We do not go after allies. We work with them to resolve the issues and do damage control instead of sending an ally into chaos.
Making our allies weaker for the next conflict is a bad thing. The big change for you guys is a second payday from the Knights; for helping to train. You will not just train front-line troops for an upcoming conflict here but another generation of Knights across multiple races.
Variety of skills just like our team. It works well. I was tired of keeping you in the dark on this. We convinced Jarron; especially after last night, just how valuable your skill sets are. You know Keyno I have had you do several demonstrations.
We are trying to find candidates who want to learn. To make things better for not just the Elves but our human allies. Also, our Dwarven allies. Speaking of which Jarron, did you track down that bounty for the Giant?"
He nodded, "They were paying 18,000 gold pieces for that giant. I have it in an account here for Keyno and Tiger. Here is the account number."
Eldar looked over at them, "That is enough money to start your business. When I go to look at floor plans you 2 or 1 of you are coming with me. The goddess was not joking. You can find love here. Find it while you can. Our efforts should help hold off a major conflict in this area for another 40 years.
That is why we are here now. That is why Jarron embraced this plan. Because it would provide a proving ground for future agents, in addition to keeping these trade routes safe. When I called you my lieutenants that is what your payments will fall under. That is two incomes each. Plus, a business. An easy place to start a family if you desire."
Tiger smiled and Keyno blushes. He looked around the room, "If you are all good with doing exactly what you have been doing then we can avoid a lot of the discussions we have to have without you. I hate it! Especially with my officers. Charlemagne and I are both field commanders.
Below us would be captains and then lieutenants. Captain slots are reserved for those with a desire to lead within the mercenary company. Taking care of a region, ensuring we have the resources we need in place.
If you feel like a change of pace and want to continue what you are doing but take charge of a piece of this mess come and talk with us. It is a headache. Some people just enjoy the pain and want to lead something bigger. Are you two good with being Knights?"
They both shook his hand and nodded. Eldar looked at Jarron, "How did I do with my first recruits into the Knights?"
Jarron chuckled, "A lot smoother than my approach. I have to change that, thanks to you. Knowing who Saatorixx Knights were from a book you read 50+ years ago."
Eldar smiled, "I am going to find that book and put it in my must-read for all of the 'new recruits.' I will get it into a library so you will give that question up."
Jarron smirked at Eldar. He knew if Eldar found it, he would do just that.
Eldar looked back at them, "We also look at recruits we can use in other areas of the world. We want you right here. You might as well get the benefits of it. On another note, we might be moving rooms.
Jarron is going to talk with the innkeeper. See if he agrees to get us away from the crowd. I doubt you missed hearing Annette's wake-up call for me. I don't think the entire district missed it."
Keyno just blushes as she answered, "Yes we heard. Thin walls in this place."
Eldar chuckled, "I told the innkeeper the same thing. Funny. Let's get with the others downstairs. Jarron is taking us shopping."
They headed down the hall and Jarron commented back, "Keep finding talent."
They got to the lobby and he looked at the group, "I have pushed over the weapon list to Gatrius Moon Blade, the Master Weaponsmith who will be making the gray blades, and mace. I gave him some design ideas for that mace; in fact, I made small recommendations for every weapon on that list.
Be sure to get with Jarron and go over what you want for enchantments. For those who asked for an additional throwing dagger make sure you get returning as an ability. These will not be cheap. Let us move out. We need to shop. Have a midday meal, on me. Then change clothes before heading back to the palace for some more dialog with the King and Queen."
---
The morning and midafternoon flew by and they picked up several outfits. Eldar requested that everyone have at least one shirt in a silvery gray in common. They planned to wear them for the visit to the Queen that afternoon. Along with the black leather pants. They had become a standard for most. Keyno and Tiger had to adjust to the different styles of clothing but otherwise, it was not a problem.
---
Across the district, Gatrius had opened his shop and got his apprentices started on different projects. Different pieces that needed final trimming or sharpening. Menial tasks they could do while he was out.
He figured he would start with the dormant Blades. He had no issues getting in to see any of the patrons, Silver Ring and Moon Stone were ring makers and Jewelers who worked in the central market.
They were both eager at the opportunity to join Moon Blade in getting their family swords into a worthy family member's hands after being on a wall for a few centuries. They both offered up candidates.
Patron Silver Moon informed Gatrius, "My daughter has the sword and is halfway around the world. Her way of getting as far away from family as she could." Gatrius could tell the patron was not happy with her daughter.
"I will consider contacting her, but I make no promises. We have been estranged for years. I will see about contacting her in a few days. I have other matters to attend to that are more pressing and the sword is already activated and in a wielder's hand."
They were estranged because she had worked heavily to break up her relationship with a poor elven family that lived outside the city. Moon Ray was known for having a lot of abominations and impures in their lines and she was against the match. Her daughter left after he broke off their relationship.
Her mother had threatened their patron with assassins and his younger brother was killed by one of the patron's messengers as a warning when he attempted to defend his father from one of these messengers.
She had the means to contact her but as it had to do with the impure bastard in the court claiming to be the Champion of the God she was disinclined to make it a priority at this point. Gatrius could see this would be a hard sell on those in active wielders' hands.
He went to the Academy and Saw Instructor Moon Bow. He had just ended class to go to a mid-day meal with another instructor. A pretty thing that was not his wife and much younger than him. Moon Blade told him of the plan and the efforts he was going after, including the fact Eldar had 2 dead Moon Blades he was looking to activate, including one for the Royal Family.
Moon Bow looked over, "I know this Blade Singer. I lost quite a bit of coin betting against him through the years. I broke even when I betted on him in his last tournament. Only because Goldensong was a flirtatious woman who did not practice near as long or as hard as Eldar did.
Not because I believe in him or him being a Champion to the Gods. I do not believe this threat is real. I hear a call to arms from the Royal family, I would reconsider. Barring that, my answer is no. If you will excuse us we have a mid-day meal plan and you are delaying us from getting to our destination."
Gatrius had one other to go and see, House Silverbar. They had a string of failures at claiming the sword that nobody would attempt to touch the blade currently. The patron was surprised to see Moon Blade and more than slightly annoyed when Eldar's name came up.
He looked across at Moon Blade, "Patron to Patron. You believe this impure bastard could get our sword into the hands of a wielder who would have all of the abilities. Why do you believe this?"
Garius sighed, " Patron Silverbar, you know of my family history with the swords. The sword of my family I carry. I have seen the blade closely. It is a Moon Blade as confirmed by my sword. It is in his hands while his father and the former wielder are still alive. I saw the changes done to the blade.
It would take a Master Elven Swordsmith months to make those changes, a deadly proposition unless the sword was put on the safe list to be handled by the craftsman. It would risk damage to the sword that would strip it of its power, even if repaired.
Those are changes done when a sword is damaged and not active because of this risk. It had been only a few months between visits I had with Heliar. I know the sword could not have been done by anything other than divine power. He found 2 dead Moon Blades and one is going to the Royal family for activation at this ceremony.
I believe he can do it and to say the Gods have his back after seeing those changes is the only logical conclusion I can make. You have had many failures. If you have a candidate for the sword who meets the criteria then let them join this effort."
Patron Silverbar sighed. He did not want to do anything to draw suspicion to his family and he did not want to put any support behind this bastard either. He thought about it and gave him a name. A family member that he did not find to be strong and ruthless enough in defending his house. In fact, he found that to be a weakness.
If the bastard failed with him and killed him it was no great loss. If he succeeded then the blade would be in the hands of one he could easily manipulate over time and work to be the kind of Silverbar House member the family would need.
Either way, he would win. Moonblade smiled and left. The Patron was concerned about these dead blades and him giving one to the Royal Family. He had gained influence with them through this act.
If it failed for their blade wielder choice it would cement the Gods did not favor the bastard. Right now he did not know who they had selected. He would have to get his spies to find out who the chosen wielder was, and if needed eliminate them if a threat.
---
The Knights got back to the inn to find they did, in fact, have different room assignments. They all occupied the same wing with the single people closest to the other patrons. They placed all the screamers at the end of the hall away from everyone else.
Eldar and his wifes had Doc and Eagle-eye across from them and Fireball thought he had snuck in with them. Eldar and the others did not care how or whom they shared their bed with. They all got dressed and left their existing armor behind.
They went with just weapons and new clothes. Their Royal Guards were happy that the questions had stopped from the innkeeper. Jarron was happy Eldar and the others agreed to help make the innkeeper's life a little better in the short term. They made their way to the palace with no great fanfare.
They were not stopped for a weapons check this time. The King and Queen were on their thrones but Eldar noticed the King was sitting upon a pillow this time. Queen Goldeagle must have nailed his ass to the wall. They waited for Jarron as they had done before. They walked in a row of 3 across with Jarron leading the way.
Jarron finishes his usual speech and the Queen was radiant today and the King looked tired. Queen Goldeagle finally spoke, "I like the matching shirts for today's visit. I am glad Jarron took you all shopping to feel better about not standing out as badly. I will grant you that you have an interesting mix of people in your company. How was your stay at the inn?"
Eldar smiled, "We have only encountered one problem at the inn. The neighboring rooms did not enjoy the sound of my wife Annette's wake-up call for me this morning. That led to an interesting discussion with the innkeeper on my marriage being immoral.
We collectively suggested he move us into one wing if he did not wish to fix his paper-thin walls. She is not the only one in our group who gets loud during sex. I also suggested he start investing in some silence spells on the walls of the room, Your Majesty."
The Queen smiled, "I am glad you were able to find something that hopefully works better for him. I do agree having a place for some private time without the whole world hearing is a wonderful thing for one's sex life. I will send a personal note to the innkeeper concerning his need to make updates for the privacy of his guests.
I will assure him your marriage situation is moral. The practice will become more common in the coming years. Now, onto the reason for today's visit. Your armor is in the next room if you would like to try it on. I took the liberty of marking whose armor is whose. The bracers are strong for your unarmored group but we made sure they were dyed to match.
Your work yesterday was appreciated and very helpful on many levels. The work ahead of you is important. We have contacted the local merchants to be on the lookout for you this evening so they can help fill your orders at a regal discount. Change and we can talk a little more when you come back."
They bowed to her and followed her page to the room with the armor. They had two changing rooms set up if needed. They had planned accordingly. Nobody required the changing room. Armor went over the clothes. He found the set marked for Charlemagne, Annette, and himself.
They had a blue field a grey diagonal down the center with a double crescent in the blue sky. All his lieutenants had similar coloration without the moons in the corner. Even the full plate had the same design. This had to have been pulled from the royal armory. The coloration added with some kind of permanency cast over them to protect the design.
The Queen was true to her word. They were dressed in no time. Eldar found the unarmored people who were checking out the bracers which were blue and had the gray diagonal line with the blue-sky design shared by them all. He looked at Fireball, "I know you checked it out. Did she deliver?"
He nodded vigorously, "Very strong protection. There are stronger bracers but these are a vast improvement over what I have been wearing."
Eldar nodded, "Be sure to pass along older bracers to our full plate users so they have some protection at night. I would like to avoid all the healing Tranosa had to endure when we got ambushed in the middle of the night. The Grizzly was a whole different story so do not go there."
He got a few who chuckled from that statement. "We have come a long way together. The road ahead will be rocky. We now look like officers in a formal mercenary group looking for recruits for when we go to the Academy together. That event is scheduled for the day after tomorrow to address the entire student population.
Do not worry, I will do most of the talking. We want to give them a glimpse into the new reality. Everyone looks great and we should get back to the Queen. Then we can go see these merchants get our needs filled. Especially the material for the sawmill. We can talk more when we travel. Jarron, you have been quiet; your thoughts?"
He smirked, "You covered it. Now get out there."
They filed back out in the same lines they had before. He looked at them, "When we get upfront go 12 across with Charlemagne, Annette, and I in the center so the Queen can look us over. We will get out of here quicker."
Jarron snorted, "Right, you do not know the Queen."
They entered the room and spread out for her and Eldar bowed, "We thank you for your generosity. Will you be at the Academy the day after tomorrow, Your Majesty?"
She smiled broadly, "I will be coming to represent the Royal family. This will be a first during my reign. I will be off to the side with the Clerics who will be standing at the end of the stage near the stairs. I want to see my nephew. I want him to see me standing there."
Eldar gave her a knowing look, "While we are here, I would like to offer the services of our cleric. The man who confirmed our pregnancies. You might want to check to see if you are pregnant. You have a certain glow about you today, Your Majesty."
She gave a sidelong glance and then nodded. "Coming from the elf who is expecting 2 sets of twins I think I would allow it."
He motioned over to Doc and he walked forward. He stopped and gave her a bow. He then cast his spell. They could all see the blue orb in front of her. Eldar smiled, "Congratulations you have a son. If you want to know if you have twins then he can cast another divination to find that out. It may even reveal something about the destiny of the child."
