After some work looting and searching for clues, the group decided to stay at the bandit camp for the night. The caravan moved its wagons and carriages in, and the guards man the now empty towers. The captured men were kept near the wooden walls, only blankets were provided to them. There were also about thirty slaves they found, and were then moved inside the other small buildings, Augusto is unsure what to do with them at the moment. For the largest building taken over by Augusto''s family, Avidia, and No. 13 and his group of Chase, Rachel,and Julia, found accommodations inside. The rest still had to sleep in tents, but the palisade walls does provide some comfort with its protective barriers.
Augusto left the interrogation to his men and then took the largest room in the building, with his family staying in the room of the caster. Chase and Julia shared a room, they wanted some alone time to themselves without the others around. Chase made a comment about having the best makeup sex ever and how his pitiful self will invoke Julia''s aggression for him to man up before she ravishes him. Julia rolled her eyes and carried Chase off in a princess carry while Chase waved everyone a goodnight. Rachel and No. 13 shared a room, No. 13 feeling awkward about it somehow. For the last two rooms, it was given to Avidia and a female relative, and the last was for the captain and the lieutenant. Brittany decided to stay in the carriage by herself and no one had any objections.
Before she could sleep, Rachel says. "Devin, I am attracted to you. You are younger, you''re nothing like the boyfriends I had in the past, and I am intelligent enough to know that being attracted to you is dangerous and I may hurt myself for trying."
"I see." No. 13 responds, unsure of how exactly to answer something he has never experienced before. The only other time this happened, it was Lucretia, but that whole episode was communicated through Rachel herself. He ignored it at the time, brushing it aside as nothing more than infatuation. And, it was rather impersonal so it really did not connect with him. Now, she is telling him this and he doesn''t know how to respond. He finds her attractive but really never thought about coupling with her much less giving any sort of commitment. Quite frankly, he is surprise that she is so forthright about her feelings. The little he knows, it is usually the males that pursue the females in courting.
"You don''t have to say anything. It is just attraction. I barely know anything about you and I doubt I could ever be happy with you. You''re definitely fascinating and Julia and I talked about it. You don''t need to feel responsible or anything, but perhaps telling you, it can help free me a bit. Maybe it will help me work things out in my head. I don''t know, all of this seems so surreal,. If I just pinch myself, all of this might just go away and I will go back to my safe little life."
"Okay. I don''t know what to say or how to respond to such things. I have never experienced someone telling me this. As you know, I was kept drugged inside of a facility and my interactions with others are quite limited." No. 13 states.
"I know. I know this is probably wrong for me. I hope it is just infatuation, nothing more than puppy love or some shit like that. Maybe, if I am around you longer, the mystery and some time will solve these problems." Rachel says, pauses and then softly speaks under her breath but No. 13 could make it out. "At least I hope so."
No. 13 takes a breath. He wants to tell her to not get any closer or he will taint her with his darkness. Instead, he tells her. "For your sake, I hope it ends. I think, I will only cause you pain. I might marry Lucretia if the benefits are that great to myself. Maybe I am waiting on a better offer, I don''t know. I am not a good person."
Rachel laughs bitterly. "I know that should be wrong, but I can''t make myself angry at that! I thought I have better convictions! So, what type of person does that make me now."
No. 13 says nothing, he doesn''t know or even have the slightest clue . But, he is far from being qualified from judging her. Should he console her? Finally, he lets free some of his own thoughts. "Well, I have done a lot of terrible things. Some, I feel no guilt over. Others, I try hard to forget. Yet, the blood shed will continue, I know of no other way. In a sense, I will never be free. This world, with its barbaric practices, seems quite fitting for me. Many killers simply walk the streets. Life is cheap in this time, the goals I would imagine, would shed a lot of blood and not all the blood would be the ones that are guilty. Powerful men would force most of the plebians to fight and die for them, their only fault being born poor. I am sure to join a faction and kill a lot. These people, will be forced and have no real say whether they join a war to increase the power, ego, resources of the other''s tyrant."
"That is depressing. If a portal opens up the next day, I would choose to go home. I don''t think I am cut out for this world. Even Lucretia, as shy as she is, is not that bothered by seeing people killed. Augusto had several attempts on his life that Lucretia can remember. For her, seeing her father''s guards cut down assassins is something that happens enough where she is kind of use to it. There are also the bandits and monsters every time the caravan journeys out. She lives with plots and intrigue to either gain her father''s vast wealth or to kill him off as a competitor.
For me, that is insane and makes me feel no safer if you were even to leave me in their care. Even if I grow to love you, I would still leave you for the modicum of safety my life on Earth would provide. I am not cut out for all of this!"
"Not for me. Earth is nothing more than returning to a life of bondage. I don''t believe that they are willing to let a weapon worth about 100 million credits go that easily. This place is my best hope but I really do wish you could return home, I could never go back." No. 13 softly states. "By-the-way, I find you attractive, but I don''t know or think I was ever in love before. I only know lust and have been in lust with many fellow female super soldiers. I think they drugged us so we couldn''t fall in love. Fuck, I could say I would even bet my life on it."
"That is awful, I am glad that you are free from that! But, I see you more as a victim than a monster. That day, when you killed those boreas, I was slightly afraid of you. I didn''t understand what a super soldier is at that point. I heard you and Julia talking about it, but I really couldn''t wrap my head around it. Magic for that neither, but here we are."
No. 13 changes the subject. "So, are you feeling less awkward about sharing a bed now?"
Rachel nods her head in the dark, the bed slightly moving and the moonlight shining through helps No. 13 easily catch that motion. "I will admit it does help a bit. But, just for this one night, can you hold me. It doesn''t have to mean anything, I just want to feel safe. Ironic, since I feel so much danger coming from you and a part of me tells me to run away, but I am so drawn to you."
No. 13 hesitates. He is not sure how he feels and a weird part of himself, tells him that he will screw it up. It is absurd. He has read it so many times in books before. Giving something like a hug is a bit harder than he thinks. He is just happy he washed after the battle and was given new clothes. He is honestly starting to perspire at the thought of such an intimate contact. Sex was different, it was just some fucking to let off some steam. This is different somehow. He wants to reject her but bites down that impulse, breathes, and says. "Okay. I have never hugged anyone before, so tell me if I am doing anything wrong."
Rachel laughs and No. 13 is left confused. "What is so funny?"
"I-I a-am s-sorry!" Rachel says, most of the laughter gone now. "But, from my perspective, it is kind of a novelty that I would take your first hug. I mean, hearing you go on so casually about sex, this is something that paralyzes you. Don''t get me wrong, I feel sorry, but I think I needed this laugh."
"Okay." No. 13 responds, his voice soft and unsure. "Do you still want that hug?"
"Yes!" Rachel exclaims and moves a meter over on the king-sized bed. She takes his right arm and places it under her head and her body lies against his, her warmth seeking his own, and an odd sense enters his body but he doesn''t know what it is. Still, not as bad as he thought but still awkward. Before he can say anything, her head rests on his shoulder and she wraps an arm around his waist.
They stay like that, and he can tell she is relaxed, the tension leaving her body and soon after, she falls asleep. Not knowing what else to do, No. 13 looks up into the dark and closes his own eyes. He is a bit tired and could use a few hours of sleep himself. This week has been trying for him and he needs to find some relaxation of his own.
Several hours later, No. 13 awakes, Rachel still sleeping next to him. The girl looks peaceful, and she is clinging to his body, her right thigh rubbing against his own. At first, it felt odd, he has never slept with another person next to him, but, the feelings it has is not all that bad, somehow comforting. Does he like rachel, he doesn''t think so, not in the romantic sense, though she is attractive. In fact, he barely knows her and most of their interaction is her teaching him this language. Now, he is still unsure of how he really feels all about this. He will need to experiment and see if he gets the same results with other females. Would he feel the same with avidia, how about Lucretia, and he has an attraction to Luminea.
Not wanting to wake her, his mind begins to meditate. He needs time to sort out all these new experiences, the battle, and sift through information about this whole bandit camp being on the path Augusto travels. He doesn''t want to pry into Augusto''s business, but the attack has him curious about what Augusto is transporting exactly. Whatever it may be, No. 13 guesses it is something to do with geopolitics. The scale may help change and alter the existing powers of this land. It is only a guess and he needs more evidence to get a better picture.
Several hours later, Rachel stirs in his arm and he lays there, just looking at her now. When she sleeps, there is an innocence air about her. Her face is unguarded and he wonders if she is like this back on Earth. Odd, it makes him want to protect her. He fears that staying with her long enough, he might sacrifice his life for her and that goes against his own objective to stay alive. In the scheme of things, she would have more trouble in surviving in this world. Wouldn''t it be more logical for him to prioritize his own life over her''s.
He possesses the capability to alter the world around him. Doesn''t his own life have more value? If he had any progeny, his offspring would be better suited to survive in this world. Shaking his head, he clears these thoughts.
One green eye peers at him from thick long lashes. Rachel still looks tired and she mumbles something, turns around and goes back to sleep. He looks outside the window, the silvery sun has already began its ascent. They really should be getting up but he knows that the late night battle, the preparation, cleaning, and watching over their new prisoners has taken its toll on these men. No. 13 can see that they will not leave until it touches noon. He is fine with it he supposes but he is really looking forwards to the distribution of the loot. He wants to buy some of his own things, return Augusto''s carriage and buy one of his own. He has really never owned anything of his own before. He will also need to start that war chest. Outfitting Julia and Chase is a necessity. After seeing magical weapons and armor, he wants those in his inner circle to be outfitted well. This reminds him of the magical sword now in his possession. It makes him curious on what is its power exactly. Lucretia said something but he didn''t understand and nor does he know how to invoke its powers. He beleives that Luminea or Lucretia is suppose to teach him later today.
"Rachel, wake up." No. 13 speaks softly into her ear.
"No!" She replies petulantly. "I want to sleep some more."
Sighing, he gently removes his arm, she fusses a bit, then goes back to sleep. No. 13 dresses quickly and heads outside to see Julia already training Chase. Well, more like beating him down. The young man is still clumsy with the spear but Julia is so far performing well with the quarterstaff. Currently, No. 13 knows Chase cannot match the guards but there is something different about the young man today, he looks highly determined. If he had to put his finger on it, Chase felt distraught about being left behind. Normally, he would joke around and complain when he was being taken down by the guards. Today, he remains quiet, and Julia goes through some of the faults she sees in his form or footwork.
No. 13 went up to a couple of guards, asked them if he could borrow some chainmail for his training. Before, these same men would look on him with indifference. Now, there is some reverence in those eyes and showing some worship? Observing this, it makes him feel uncomfortable. This change in status is disconcerting to someone that was treated as a weapon their entire life, being seen as a nonperson. He thanked them when one took off his own and handed it to him and began his workout.
Wearing the chainmail and some other gear, it adds an additional 20 kilograms to his workout. For him, carrying this weight is a breeze but he lacks all the equipment he once used to train himself. He may have to find a blacksmith to craft some armor that at least could add another 50 kilograms. He is oppose to something like a backpack since it does a poor job of distributing the weight evenly around his body. Thinking about the armor also reminds him of the sword and the armor that caster gifted them like a mob boss from an MMO game. He would thank the man and kill him again if he respawned. Ah, the other loss in his life besides the endless supply of sex and books, games. His youthful uninhibited side now laments the loss of all that entertainment. Damn, he could have something with Rachel, but something holds him back and he curses his burgeoning conscience. It was sort of dormant before, the drugs inhibiting some aspects of his need for social connection. Without that, he has less qualms about hurting others.
Once the three were done, they march towards the river and bathe themselves to rid them of their morning workout. Servants were busy collecting food, going through the stores of supplies, and making the morning meal. Avidia came out, when they arrive back, her face still drawn from her use of magic. At least, with the rising sun, she should receive a super charge to her system. She gave them a brief smile and she walks naturally besides them and they head over to the table. The large long table was laden with food, the stores of the bandits likely raided from earlier to provide them with an assortment of perishable food that needs to be cooked. Without Rachel helping to translate, it was a quiet affair. The food comprised of biscuits, something ubiquitous during the last week, fried eggs, flapjacks, ham, and lots of vegetables. The meal tastes great, better than he thought, but chalks it up to hunger and needing lots of calories after the fight and the training this morning. It was a blissful moment, and he can feel that he can better appreciate this peaceful time.
Rachel appears, sitting and scooting against his body, their shoulders touching as she leans on him. She gives him a brief smile before she begins to eat herself. The others, especially Chase, gave them a quirked eyebrow. No. 13 ignores it, not wanting to speak of private matters, especially ones he doesn''t understand himself. The talk last night was revealing but also left some nebulous cloud of something unknown between them. Rachel knows of his likelihood to wed Lucretia, but she seems to be trying to pursue something as well.
Chase seems unable to keep quiet. "Did something happen last night? You two seem a bit closer."
It was Rachel that replies after swallowing her food. "Nothing much. Just two friends getting to know one another better."
Chase says. "I hope that ''getting to know someone better'' is not a euphemism for ''doing the deed.''
Rachel, getting annoyed, and responds. "What if it is, does that matter."
Chase grits his teeth and speaks through clenched teeth. "Of course it matters. You''re family. Devin here, sorry man, but he isn''t right for you. I don''t think you understand what you are getting into!"
Rachel shakes her head. "Perhaps not, but are you any different. You think you understand, but have you talked about it or, is just some things worth pursuing and figuring out!"
Both of you," Julia cuts in, "calm down! Chase, she is an adult, let her make her own decision. Give her advice if you wish, but what happens between them is their own business. Do you want them constantly telling you to be wary of me, because they should! I am no angel, and I am a murderer. If you have a problem with someone like Devin dating your cousin, then why doesn''t the same apply to you!"
Chase is angered and just vents. "Because, I should protect her! Rachel is just."
Before he can finish, Rachel, now very angry herself. "Just a girl! Correct! Look around Chase, this isn''t Kansas anymore! I have seen monsters and people die! Humans are just property, some bartred like livestock! Do you think me so blind and innocent to not see all the horrors of this world! I can adapt, grow, and learn to accept things. Maybe not all at once, but you aren''t giving me any time or the chance!"
Chase pauses. Rachel is correct, Chase cannot keep her in a place and hope nothing ever happens. No. 13 can see him calming down now, some rationality and hurt in his eyes. "You''re right Rachel. I didn''t protect you from witnessing all those things. I promised I would, but even so, I have neglected you and spent most of my time with Julia. You are an adult, I simply have no right to tell you what to do. But, please do come to me and I promise I will listen if you need me. It is just that, I am so worried for you , you know."
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
Julia wraps an arm around Chase''s waist. "You''re only human."
Chase had to smirk, somehow Julia could take him out of his darkest mood No. 13 notices. He thinks, Julia has done a good job of keeping him anchored. No. 13 would regret it if this young man ended up like Owen or Darrell. Those others, besides Brittany, are still living in their own world, keeping it shut out so they don''t have to deal with reality. Brittany, on the other hand, is starting to come out of that shell No. 13 notices. Last night, at least she gave him a slight nod, which is a vast improvement. Spending these days with Rachel and Lucretia is maybe the support she needs. He wonders if it will work on the others.
"I know you are worried about me, but you should spend time with Julia. This relationship is new and you should be exploring it. Devin here is not even sure if he likes me so don''t worry. I am not even sure if I could be with him or be given the chance. It may hurt me or set me free in the end, but I am okay with taking that chance. You don''t think I can handle being dumped, I was just a few months ago you know. Bastard cheated on me. Chase, I can handle rejection."
Chase frowns. "It seems that I cannot protect you from anything."
"But you did! The first day, you stayed behind to look out for me! As much as you worried about Julia, you still stayed with me. I can''t defend myself, I am not gifted with that mindset nor physical traits. This is still a dangerous world. I will try and learn some self-defense, but compared to everyone else, I will never be as capable."
No. 13 jumps in now, thinking he should say this. He doesn''t blame Chase for being wary about him when it comes to Rachel, he would have shot her on the first day if it meant saving his own life and using her as a decoy. But, he may not be sure about human relationships as most here, he can offer this. "I will train her and protect her if I can. I can promise that much. As for us being together, we are not. I know how she feels but I am not promising her anything nor will I try and make things more complicated. That is all I can promise you."
Chase brushes his blonde hair and with a grim face, just nods. No. 13 looks around, everyone is now looking at them and it makes him uncomfortable. He has never been the center of attention and he says to the others. "Lets find Augusto. We need to see about our share of the loot."
Julia smiles. "I''m game. I want to see how much we earned. That caster must have some good shit on him."
Chase only mumbles, apparently not still over his anger just yet. Rachel rolls her eyes and then turns to No. 13, asking. "What do you plan on doing with the loot?"
No. 13 shrugs. "Arm ourselves first and buy our own things. I don''t want to remain reliant on Augusto. A city is not too far from here, and maybe if they sell us a carriage or wagon, we may purchase one. Chase needs real armor to train in, and all of us should learn how to ride a horse. I am surprise that you Julia, cannot."
Julia quirks an eyebrow. "Why is that?"
No. 13 replies. I don''t know, just made that assumption I guess. You were trained to be in the wilds, I thought riding a horse would have maybe been part of that training."
I see. Sorry to burst your buble boss, I can outrun one already, so a horse is not something I would need."
"Well, once we get into town, everyone should list all the stuff you will need, a list of what you might need, and a list of things you want. We will see about how much we will be earning. I think we will need some advice on purchasing supplies while we are here. None of us has a point of reference for what things might be worth." No. 13 states.
The group waits an hour before Augusto leaves his room. His family had their meals brought in so things went straight to business right away. They gathered around in the large room inside the building they slept in, this place seems large enough to hold meetings and has a large table enough to fit around twenty people. On top of the table, everything found was split save for the miscellaneous weapons and armor that were still in good condition, those were left off to the side and in their own pile.
After going through the price and estimates of every item, the conservative selling price that they could realistically get for most of these items is around 13,000 gold coins. The largest bulk of the worth comes from the sword and armor. The sword itself can double its length and provide a magical sharp edge capable of even cutting through very strong steel. The armor, grants some additional strength and endurance to the wearer, making them capable of fighting for hours if needed. The only reason why the caster couldn''t easily employ most of the power was the relentless attack that drained his own powers and he likely siphoned off the stored magic from his own weapons. This also lowers his predicted strength to that of the same tier as Lucia, a mid tier caster.
If they include the slaves and the soon=to-be slaves, the price could go upwards to the 14,000 mark. Things like food storage, utensils, and other minor odds and end were not considered in those price and Augusto just rather keep them.
So, since No. 13 wanted to hold onto the sword for now, he was given an additional 5,000 gold coins for his services. Originally, No. 13 wanted Chase to wear the armor but the caster was simply much taller, his height probably reached 2 meters. None of the boots, greaves, and gauntlets would fit Chase properly and the unusual size of the man also lowered the price of the armor. But, he did figure something else out, to make Chase armed as well as the caster, the cost would be around 7,000 to 8,000 for some of the weaker magical weapons and armor. That gold could probably go to arming around one hundred men alone, which even Chase wouldn''t come close to matching with the magical gear. He will need time to rethink his strategy of arming the top inner circle with magical shit. Maybe he could just steal them he figures. Though, most of those superior types like marking everything they own and luckily for at least this stuff, none had a marking on it. It further adds to his suspicion that this was a stealth mission.
Avidia gotten her own share of 1,000 gold coins. The rest was split mostly to the family of the dead and the rest, were given to all the rest of the guards with the strike force gaining the most. For them, several gold coins means close to a year''s worth of work in addition to all the coins they will be recieving.
Aftr the distribution, there was a talk between No. 13 and Agusto that happened through Rachel. The Andares family promised them to help them purchase supplies, teach them the care and riding of horses, and provide them with the use of their servants if the group promised to help them deliver their shipment. No. 13 agrees, hoping deep within himself that they might get attacked by another caster. He knows it is probably wrong but the payout is fantastic. With the talks ended, the caravan ate a midday meal and left the bandit camp.
The travel became much slower with the addition of the captured prisoners and the additional slaves. Augusto has to deliver the slaves back at a place of authority to see if the owners would claim them. Rachel, Chase, and Brittany had an issue with that, with Rachel crying and Brittany appearing comatose about the entire situation. No. 13 and Julia didn''t feel any better by it but this is the society they now live in and have no power to change. For the people, they simply just accept it. Rachel needed to be held tightly for the next two days to feel some comfort.
Rachel and Brittany wanted to say something in protest but No. 13 and Julia talked them out of it. Right now, they couldn''t do anything and for the society, they see nothing wrong with slavery. No. 13''s best advice, slowly talk to Lucretia about it, change the minds of the people around herself. Anyways, nothing can change in one night or year. He had to even point to slavery in the US and around the world. Even then, racism ran rampant until the end of the 21st century with the slow turn over of previous generations dying out and the younger generation being slightly more progressive. The two girls promised reluctantly though it made them just further depressed about the whole thing. Lucretia could tell something was wrong and didn''t understand why there was tension for a few days. But, it seems that they tried communicating again and Rachel relayed that she began talking about the society she once lived in. It is a start and eventually, ideas and thoughts spread out into the world.
The heroics and the spreading of the tales of No. 13 and Julia had an effect on the people inside of the caravan. The servants and the lesser Andares family members paid them more respect, offering smiles and small trinkets. Several children from the early age of perhaps eight to their adolescence begged the two for lessons in swords and archery. Archery is not known for being a prominent weapon for the higher cast, but stories about a goddess putting bolts of arrows through the throat of her enemies, silencing them before her terrible might, had the hearts of the youths in a fervor.
After two days, some of the tension left and they are closing in on the border and soon will be in Ariminium. However, the tension ran higher until they can reach the border city of Centtenae. Everyone feared an ambush. No. 13 himself expected one for that matter, and it was more of a surprise that none occurred.
Some good did happen. Brittany came further and further out of her shell. After she spent time in the background listening to their stories, she has learned that No. 13 and Julia didn''t have exactly normal lives and what was done to No. 13 abhorred her. It made her more open, wanting to understand and it changed her view about them and the world they came from. Like many, she knew about the corruption of those in power and with wealth, but it seems she only knew the surface of such machinations. Letting her see the cost and the people in different facets of their daily lives, helped abolish the fear and resentment that she had. She admitted that she didn''t view him as human, just a calculated killing monster.
Lucretia joined them often, sometimes getting between Rachel and No. 13. She could see the budding close relationship between the two. Even if she is not in love with him, she is still infatuated and he is a potential husband for her. No. 13 seems so mysterious, like a god coming to challenge mortal authority, it utterly fascinated her. It also makes her curse the language barrier as a real barrier from the two ever getting to talk intimately. Suprisingly, Rachel didn''t mind and Chase thought she would. She has been cheated on before but this situation is so odd, it seems like everyone is just taking it as it comes along. So when Lucretia would hold No. 13''s hand, Rachel kept quiet, not happy but not mad niether, just more neutral.
No. 13 during these times further understands the meaning of the word ''bond.'' The more he learned of someone, the more ties he feels towards that particular person. Everyone seems to have their own quirks, their thought processes, and beliefs. It is interesting to see the world through another''s mind and viewpoint. He may not always agree, but it is all fascinating nonetheless to hear it all. It definitely ads more depth to the picture he has of them, like they could jump out of the picture at any moment. Chase told a story about a young Rachel sneaking into the kitchen one night to eat the Christmas cookies for Santa. When she was done, to hide her crimes, she replaced the missing cookies with doggie treats. Her father, Santa, ate them and woke the entire house when he made a racket at how aweful they were. Rachel, now an adult, is still embarrassed over the story. It is the little moments like these that No. 13 oddly feels the most connected to these potential decoys.
On the fourth day after the bandit camp, a large city appears off into the distance. Well, large for this world. No. 13 is use to having over ten million people occupying a city. There was a palpable sigh of relief that the great plains are now behind them. Looking at a map once, No. 13 noticed they only pass through a small section of the plains. Since he couldn''t judge location on this map, Lucretia told them that in order to pass through the biggest sections, could take a couple of months if not longer. That answer lead No. 13 to guess the plains are about over 1,000 kilometers at the very least.
The border city of Centtennae is wrapped in a large stone wall that shoots up to probably 20 meters high. Large towers would surpass the height of the wall by several extra meters with the towers being dispersed about 200 meters away from one another. Just from the distance of a couple of kilometers away, No. 13 can make out large banners of red and gold hanging down the egg white colored stone walls. Even from here, they can make out ant-like beings forming a line to enter and leave the place. For the main entrance, the gate seems large enough for two carriages of Augusto''s size to easily slip through and probably enough room for several people to walk inbetween the traffic flow. Around the city, a vast forest of trees and rivers that web out could be seen. Litle boats with sails flow along these rivers, transporting goods and people to keep the greatness of civilization alive. No. 13 knows that behind him, there is only a wall of mountains, the pass the place that connects the great plains to the country of Arniminium.
The odd thing is, here, the land is much more similar to ancient Earth he assumes, with a wide expanse of green that stretches as far as the horizon. The grass is green with only some odd plants here and there, the likely native plants of this world but he cannot be too sure on that. For No. 13, it feels like he is witnessing a historical documentary in motion,. People with cattle, oxens, carts and horses march along the dusty road. Most people have on simple clothes, spun out of the same dull colors that matches mud, and it is not too hard to see that they are the plebians he has heard talk of. Even Augusto''s servants have better attire than the majority of the probable populace of this region.
When the caravan made it to the gate, Augusto''s captain moved to greet them, showing their lofty credentials. No. 13 and his group stared at all the people, some feeling shock over the reality of civilization on an alien world. Children ran about, a score of guards keeping watch, their weapons at the ready, while most people chatted with one another, seemingly unaware of the reality that their ancestors came from Earth. Chase has an interest in history and he said that he cannot wait to be able to read to see how far their history goes back. No. 13 and the rest agree that though the information may not be useful, they would like to know the answers to those questions.
Most of the caravan had to stay outside the city and a slave merchant came up once the guards notified them of new potential stock. The only ones that entered the city were Augusto''s family, his twenty personal guards, No. 13''s group, and Avidia. For the rest of the caravan, they will cycle in and out of the city while they also prepare for the last leg of their trip. Rachel was upset, knowing the slaves that the bandits held would be recirculated since they have been branded and No. 13 likely killed the previous owners. Most were just young girls, ranging from age 13 to 20 and a few boys from age 13 to 15: Not all the bandits have sought the flesh of women. In the end, she can only be resigned to watch on helplessly as the children were dragged away, life leaving their eyes at the horror of their life.
Augusto lead them directly towards the inn, the path of his carriage heading straight for the heart of the merchant district. Along the way, No. 13 observed carefully, paying attention to the buildings and the behavior of this new strange culture. The roads were paved with cobble stones, the wheels clacking as it goes along. Most homes were a story and made of some sort of mortar, like a cement, with most homes being painted an egg white. For the more valuable homes, they tend to be a couple of stories high and in most cases, have flowers, herbs, and other plants growing under shuttered windows. Most homes and buildings are also tiled with reddish brown shingles in an overlapping layer nand some homes merely have flattened tops.
The other thing that was first noticed was the rich smell of food that seem to permeate the air like a thick heavy fog of odors. No. 13 thought it would be sewage or the waste of animals but not too many people actually ride carriages inside the city, which comes as a surprise to him. While they draw nearer to the markets, the volume goes up several notches, the chaotic mass of voices calls out for people to stop by their stalls and purchase their goods.
Finally, the group stops in front of a large building that stands two stories tall. From the front dimension of the building, No. 13 guesses it must be 30 meters wide and the metal sign swinging back and forth has a painting of a bed and a sun and moon. Words are written underneath and No. 13 could only make out a few words. Several guards stands at the door and when Augusto came up, the men bowed and opened the two thick wooden doors for the group to enter.
Inside, there is a large fireplace with stakcs of logs kept in one corner of the room. About thirty tables that can fit four people are placed around the large inn. The inn itself must stretch back about twenty odd meters but No. 13 suspects it perhaps goes another 10 meters further back. In the back, there is a large counter with barrels in the backroung and many alcoves with bottles of wine resting nicely on beds of cloth. Several people are behind the bar, a middle-aged man, and two girls seem to be discussing something.
Given the time of day, it is not a coincidence that not too many people are sitting and eating. The midday passed, and most are lazing about during these unbusy hours. Other than a few tables that have people talking, the only others that are here is more guards and a performer standing on a stage and playing some music on a string instrument.
The group caught the people''s attention at the counter, the middle-aged man with a short beard and a stocky build coming to greet them with a warm smile on his face. Augusto comes forwards, several of his personal guards standing besides and behind him as the two shake hands and began a conversation that No. 13 can only partially understand. Most of the others sit, some even ordering drinks and No. 13''s group is no different. They sit themselves while a serving girl as fresh as a spring breeze smiles and takes their orders. This, everyone asks Rachel to order for them, with No. 13 and Julia getting some cider and Chase going for meade.
Lucretia pulls up a chair and she and Rachel started to talk and then Rachel gathered everyone''s attention and said. "Well, staying here cost a gold coin per night. Each room has two beds if we do get the more expensive rooms. It comes with a meal for the evening and morning along with laundry services and a bathhouse for those interested. Apparently, there is running water in this world, something to do with magic and aqueducts. So, we actually have running water! Unfortunately, only the higher end inns seems to have these services since they are quite expensive to install. If we want, we could stay at a regular inn for about a silver coin or two per night. For a one bedded room, the cost is 60 silvers and those are our choices."
No.13 speaks first. "How long are we staying in the city?"
Rachel turns to Lucretia, asks her a question and Rachel turns to them and replies. "Six days, long enough to auction off those men and to resupply the goods for the last leg of the journey, which is another month I am afraid. We might stay in towns if we run across any but most nights will be spent outdoors."
Lets see, we should get two rooms, Julia and Chase will share a bed likely, and Rachel, Brittany, and I can share a room with two beds. That is 1 gold and 60 silver coins a night. That comes out to just under 10 gold coins."
Chase smiles. "Sounds expensive. But since you are flipping the bill, I gracefully accept your offer on our behalf."
No. 13 ignores Chase, and hands over 100 gold coins to Julia. She raises an eyebrow but No. 13 says. "Take this just in case you two need it. Call it an advance. I want you two to find some clothes and gear up. If you find anything interesting, tell me. Out of all of us, you know the language the best besides Rachel here. I believe you know enough to get around, correct."
Julia nods, affirming his thoughts. No. 13 tells Rachel to convey this message to Lucretia and they wait for the girl to come back and for them to get the keys for their rooms. It doesn''t take long and several mugs of liquids soon find themselves at the table and No. 13 hands over 10 gold coins and tells the young serving girl to keep the rest. At least, that is what he hoped he had said and no one gave him any strange looks so he is in the clear.
The group heads upstairs, many things on their minds. They need to find some clothes first, Lucretia according to Rachel promised to take them to one. There is one just down the street, several hundred meters away. In fact, all of what they need is no further than a kilometer or two away. After some shopping, the group all agreed that a proper bath is the first thing after.