Wildhafer: Maiden's Trail Ch. 11

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

I changed the name of Allora's love interest, Deikuneist (Deiky) to Dicianco (Dici). This recon was needed after I delved deeper into the worldbuilding and fleshed out the Fibeo culture, which he now belongs to.

You may notice some more absurd comedy. I originally intended this sort of tone, but it took me more effort than anticipated. I apologize for the distraction and changes.

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Mitrnach (MIHTER-NAHK) n. (Deiru) Midnight.

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The red tinged light of the moon, Sartha, shone down onto the manor of Viscount Deinmag of Meikell. Near the stables, in the dark of the night, stood Suetaera, a young woman with black hair hid under a wool hooded cloak. She wore a simple, but long forest green dress. Next to her was Ogunof, a man roughly her age with a short scruffy beard wearing a faded gray tunic. A bow and quiver was wrapped over his back.

Across from them, nearly 10 yards away, was Suetaera's brother Salbrec. He was a corpulent young man with shoulder-length hair, wearing a tight fitting blue cotehardie and the hood on his cloak thrown back. Dicianco, a gangly teenager with brown eyes and long wavy hair, wearing a similar style of clothing (but red) stood next to Salbrec. Behind them were two identical beautiful teenage girls, Allora and Adalla, wearing tight fitting green tops with flowing skirts. White linen sleeves flared out from the elbows that were cut out and trimmed with thin but colorful metal bands with speirelblum designs.

"What are you doing here?" Suetaera and Salbrec asked in unison.

Before they could answer each other, Adalla collapsed backwards on the ground.

"Cousin," Salbrec said with concern, turning to Adalla and supporting her side. The others came to her aid. "What happened?" Salbrec asked.

"I just lost my breath," she explained. "We've been rushing the whole way and these dresses aren't made for running, remember?"

"Ah yes. Are you alright?"

"In a moment, let me catch my breath."

"Very well. And who are you?" he said, turning to Suetaera's companion as he stood tall.

"He's from Baushiev," Suetaera said before Ogunof could speak.

"What is a serf of Baushiev doing here? With my married sister? In the middle of the night? You best have a good reason."

"We aren't that far from the servant quarters, brother. Quiet and listen," Suetaera said as a warning.

"Sister, please do not address me so when before the village folk," he complained.

"Oh come off it," she laughed.

Salbrec gave a threatening look to Ogunof, who confidently stood his ground.

"What happened? Why are you here?" Salbrec asked with desperation.

"We met with haunts in the woods between here and the manor," she explained.

"You saw evil beings as well?" he said with shock.

"Spirits but I don't think they were evil," she replied. "Is everyone alright?"

"Yes," Salbrec said with relief.

"What about your friends?" Dicianco reminded the young man as he held his arm gingerly.

"Well not everyone I suppose," Salbrec admitted with sadness.

"Oh my," Suetaera said with concern. "What happened?"

"There was a terrible wolf that killed several of my friends from Bausheiv."

"Oh no."

"But I was able to drive off the beast."

"How valiant," she said. "You alone?" she asked dubiously.

"No, we all stood our ground against it. I was only trying to save my friend," Salbrec said, holding Dicianco's shoulder briefly. "Why are you here? Is everyone at the manor alright?"

"I don't know. I... I... wait. Why are you here?"

"We... we were celebrating the Twins' birthday," Salbrec replied.

"In the middle of the night?" Suetaera queried incredulously. "Where?"

"At the ruined temple to the West. You know how their parents are."

"True enough. You're lucky it was only us that caught you."

"Sister, you came to see if we were safe because of the spirits? Tell me why you really are here," Salbrec said with a raised eyebrow.

"I... I came to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" Salbrec said with confusion.

"I'm leaving."

"Leaving?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Yes?" Salbrec questioned.

"Are you going to repeat-"

"Everything you say? No, don't be ridiculous," he replied.

"I... I can't stay at Bausheiv," she stuttered.

"Why?" Adalla repeated.

"Salbrec, give me and the twins some time alone."

"No, I want to hear what you have to say."

"Very well. I'm leaving the manor tonight before anyone wakes and- "

"Art thou truly mad?" he asked. "Where will you go? You know it's dangerous out there. Why!?" he said, grabbing her.

"Don't talk to her like that," Ogunof said, pushing him back.

"Don't touch me. This is between me and my sister. What is the extent of your relationship?"

"I'm her... just... I'm just a... friend."

"A friend? A woman with a peasant friend?" he said, pulling back his hand to strike and was surprised when Suetetara grabbed it.

"Stop this foolishness. All you need to know is that it has to do with my husband."

"What happened?"

"Just let it go... let me go," she said.

"Are you not coming back?"

She shook her head in the negative.

"Suetaera!"

"Shhh," everyone warned.

"We should go," Ogunof said, rubbing his scruffy beard nervously.

"Is it because of this serf?" Salbrec asked, pointing to Ogunof.

"No... no, it's my decision," Suetaera said firmly.

"I'm... I'm going too," Allora said.

"What!?" Suetaera said with shock.

Everyone shushed again.

"We should really go," Ogunof sighed.

"Dicianco, let's run away together," Allora suggested.

"Yes, let's do it."

"It's not a good idea," Suetaera said with a shake of her head.

"Mother is just horrid and I love him."

"I...," Suetaera hesitated and looked down. She looked slightly towards Ogunof and then back up at her cousin.

"Fine. Are you going to bring clothes?"

"Yes, we'll go get them now."

"With so many people, we should at least get a horse," Ogunof pleaded.

"I would rather not steal from the Viscount," Suetaera said warily.

"Take our horse Mitrnach," the twins said in unison.

"Which one is that?"

"The only black mare," said Adalla.

"Alright, we'll get it ready. Meet you at the stable," Suetaera said.

"Yes," Allora replied with a smile. She went towards the exterior manor wall. Adalla, Salbrec, and Dicianco followed her until she reached the trellis beneath the twins' room and began to climb.

"I'll help." Dicianco went up after her.

"I can't believe this," Adalla said, going next.

"I'll stay down here to keep a lookout," Salbrec said.

Inside the twins' room Allora and Dicianco began gathering clothes. He carried the heavy chest awkwardly towards the window.

"I don't think this will fit on the horse," he said.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm afraid so," he said, setting it down. "Pick out a couple changes of clothes," he suggested. "Put them in this bag and I can lower it with the rope." He held a large leather travel bag that he began to tie with rope.

"Alright," Allora sighed. She picked several sets of clothing and shoved them into the bag. Dicianco took it to the balcony.

"I can't believe you're doing this," Adalla said. "I don't want to go."

"Please," Allora said with a shake of her head.

"I..."

"Salbrec, I'm going to lower a bag," Dicianco said. He let the bag go down quickly and when it reached the bottom Salbrec untied it from the rope. "We should go before everyone is awake. I noticed the dew is making the trellis slippery. Let me go first, so if you fall I can catch you," Dicianco suggested. Then he climbed over the side.

"Allora, please listen to me," Adalla pleaded.

"No. I've made up my mind. I want to be with Dici, and the only way I can do that is if I run away with him."

"You'll always be on the run. Mother won't rest until she finds you. You'll worry her sick."

"Mother will still have you. You know I don't want to be married to Master Ergast. I love Dici."

Adalla sighed heavily as Allora went to the window and began climbing down. Adalla looked around the room with a sad frown. Her eyes were brimming with tears, but she blinked and quickly wiped them away as she followed her brash sister. As they climbed down, Dicianco slipped on the trellis and held fast, looking down and suddenly dizzy. He paused just long enough for Allora to step on his hand by accident.

"Ouch!" he yelled.

Salbrec and the twins shushed him.

"What's wrong?"

"My hand.."

"What about it?" she said putting her other foot down on his other hand.

"Ow!"

They shushed him again.

"What is it?"

"You're standing on my hands, he said softly.

"What?" Allora said.

"You're standing on my hands!"

"Shhhh!" Salbrec replied.

"Oh sorry," Allora said with regret. She stepped up a rung on the trellis. Dicianco went down and the twins continued climbing down until they were all on the ground. The gangly youth whimpered as he nursed his hands.

"Are you alright?" Allora asked thoughtfully, touching his long fingers gently and pouting.

"I'll be fine," he said, smiling broadly at her, seemingly cured at her touch. Dicianco grabbed the bag from Allora as they went off to the stables, leaving Adalla and Salbrec behind.

"What will you do?" Salbrec asked Adalla.

"I don't want to lose her, cousin," Adalla said tearfully.

"It will be dangerous."

"I don't want to go either."

"I can keep you company."

"You'll be at Bausheiv Manor. I have to stay here with my mother and her ladies-in-waiting." She hugged the cloak around her body for warmth and leaned against the stone manor wall.

Salbrec looked at her longingly. She met his gaze for a few moments, then looked back towards the stables. After a few minutes, a completely black horse was led out through the main doors by Ogunof. The horse had a full saddlebag on either side and Ogunof's quiver and bow was strapped behind the saddle. Adalla walked forward with Salbrec silently next to her until they reached the troupe.

"Goodbye cousin," Suetaera said. "You're staying here then?" she asked dubiously of Adalla.

"I don't have any reason to leave," she said. "But I don't want you all to go either."

"I have to."

"Why?"

"I can't say, I'm sorry."

Adalla hugged Suetaera suddenly.

"Stay safe."

"I'll try," Suetaera replied.

Salbrec gave Allora a gentle pat on the shoulder as he held her close and wished her good luck. He heartily shook Dicianco's hand and clapped him on the back. Then Salbrec and his sister embraced shortly after Adalla pulled back from Suetaera. But Adalla and Allora seemed to be avoiding each other.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye?" Dicianco asked with surprise.

They approached slowly and couldn't help but cry as they hugged each other.

"I don't know if I can go without you," Allora admitted. "Would you come with us?"

"Yes, yes of course. I couldn't let you go without me."

The others smiled at the saccharine display of emotion between the sisters.

"So now you're going?" Salbrec said.

"Yes," Adalla smiled.

"Well... I suppose I will go as well," he said suddenly. "I don't want to be the only one left behind."

"Are you sure?" Suetaera asked solemnly.

"Yes."

"We better go now. I think I heard someone from the manor," Ogunof warned.

"Alright, let's go," Allora said with a sniffle.

They started off on the path towards the main road, but when they got to the fork they paused.

"Which way?" Salbrec said. They all looked at each other for guidance.

"Kirsgar," Dicianco said. "We could go to my father's shop or-"

"Wouldn't that be the first place they will look for Allora and Adalla?" Suetaera queried.

"They don't know about me really," Dicianco said.

"East past Baushiev towards Vultgaut might be better," Salbrec suggested.

"Sure," Dicianco shrugged.

"I agree," Suetaera nodded.

The others followed Salbrec's lead. They went along the well-trod path East, towards the rising sun. They were quiet, but Ogunof seemed skittish, looking behind often.

"What's your name anyway?" Salbrec said suddenly, looking at the athletic serf standing next to Suetaera protectively. "I think I've seen you at the manor before."

"Ogunof son of Ohmat the Huntsman of Bausheiv Manor," he replied with a bow.

"Salbrec, son of Guntweir, Baron of Farserwol."

"And I'm Dicianco, son of Eteo the Tailor of Kirsgar." He tilted his head.

The twins curtsied saying- "Adalla and-"

"Allora, daughters to Viscount Deinmag of Meikell Manor."

"Pleased to meet all of you," Ogunof said as he bowed head. When he looked up, his eyes darted down the road.

"Ofal," he swore.

"What?" Dicianco asked.

"You hear that?"

"No."

"A horse is coming."

"Is that a problem?"

"It could be someone from Bausheiv. Or even Meikell."

"Already?" Suetaera said.

"Everyone, but Dicianco and I should hide," Ogunof said. "If they are from one of the manors, they would recognize you."

"Where?" Adalla asked.

"Hurry, behind those bushes up ahead. I'll stop and inspect the horses' hooves, pretending something is wrong."

"Let's go," Suetaera said as she hiked up her skirts and moved quickly. They hid in the brush as Ogunof had suggested. He looked the horse in the eyes seriously.

"Just play along," he said.

"What should I do?" Dicianco asked with fear in his voice.

"Nothing yet. When he gets closer, just look through the horse's saddlebag, like you're looking for something important."

"What?"

"Just pretend to be looking for something."

"What?"

"Do you have wax in your ears? I said, pretend to be looking!" Ogunof shouted.

"For what?"

"Taxiau's tits! I don't know. Rope!"

"It's right here," Dicianco said, holding up a length of flaxen cord. Ogunof sighed heavily.

"Just be quiet, I'll do the talking."

"Fine."

The man on horseback approached at this point. He wore a heavy gray cloak obscuring most of his features.

"Good morning," said the rider in a deep voice.

"Not bad, thanks," Ogunof said with a nervous smile.

The traveler passed without responding to Ogunof's awkward reply. Half a minute later Ogunof-

"Ofal."

"What?"

"I got nervous."

"It's fine. You did great," Dicianco said with a wan grin.

"It's fine to come out," Ogunof said loudly. The others came from their hidden position and joined him next to the horse.

"Was it someone from Bausheiv?" Suetaera asked.

"I don't think so," Ogunof replied.

"Meikell?" Adalla said fearfully.

"Not sure. Let's get going again," Ogunof recommended.

They walked along the rough path, mostly in silence for hours until Allora yawned loudly.

"Sorry," she apologized. "I'm very tired."

"Me as well. Can we rest, have some breakfast?" Suetaera asked, tapping Ogunof's shoulder.

"We should keep going. The closer we are to the manors, the greater the chance they'll catch us. We can stop for lunch when we get to Vultgaut."

"When will that be?" Salbrec asked before taking a sip from a waterskin.

"A few more hours yet."

Salbrec replied with a sigh.

"This was never going to be an easy journey."

"Adalla, maybe we could go back?" Salbrec said with a wan grin.

She looked at him with confusion.

"Just a joke," he chuckled awkwardly.

The twins took turns atop of the horse as they traveled so they could maintain their strength, considering how difficult travel was in their bodices. Salbrec asked for a turn as well, but Dicianco had teased him for doing so. The sun was still low in the sky as they approached the town of Vulgaut. Its stone walls were the most prominent feature along with a spire of a temple. Ogunof pointed to a wide tree off the side of the road.

"Let's rest there for breakfast," he said.

They ate bread, cheese and apples sparily. Ogunof was frugal with the food he shared. He explained that they had only brought provisions for Suetaera and himself so he didn't want to run out. After finishing the small meal, Salbrec lay against the side of the tree and began to snore loudly. Ogunof stood and nudged the man's shoulder.

"Time to go."

"Just a few more minutes mother," Salbrec wined in a sleepy stupor. Ogunof nudged him again and the corpulent young man woke up with a start. "Are we there yet?"

"We should enter Vulgaut while it's still light," Dicianco suggested. "Most towns lock the doors at night. We need to get supplies and then head out."

"Supplies cost money," Ogunof countered. "How much did everyone bring?"

Salbrec frowned as he stood and pulled a small leather pouch from his belt. Dicianco, Ogunof and Suetaera did the same. Ogunof shook his pouch upside down over his hand, but only a moth flew out.

"See ya loser," it muttered, flying away towards the boughs of the shade tree.

Dicianco had a handful of coins, but only coppers and silver. Salbrec had a few silver, but nothing substantial. Suetaera had a single silver and a couple coppers. Neither of the twins had a coin purse.

"We don't have much. Let's decide what we need to buy before we enter," Dicianco suggested.

"Food, it's obvious. Without food and water we die," Ogunof said curtly.

"Listen here serf," Salbrec said derisively. "You will follow our lead and do as we say."

"Brother, please," Suetaera replied. "We need to work together."

"I don't appreciate his tone."

"I know only one way to speak and that is plainly," Ogunof replied confidently.

"What about lodgings? Can't we spend the night in the city?" Allora wondered.

"We would only be able to spend one night at an inn, and then we'd be out of money," Dicianco said.

"We need sleeping supplies then?" Salbrec said.

"Suetaera and I have bedrolls for ourselves," Ogunof said, patting the saddlebag on the horse. "But yes, everyone should have one."

"Then let's go," Dicianco said. "We can get food as well. When we get there, let me talk to the guards."

As the sun reached its zenith, they walked towards the city gate at a steady pace. Dicianco was at the lead, Allora up on the horse, while the others walked beside. The walls of the city were about six feet tall, and at the entrance was a squat tower. Guards dressed in mismatched leather armor and short green tabards stood lazily on either side of the open gateway that was about twenty feet wide. When they reached the muddy grounds of the gate entrance, nearly ten feet from the gate proper, the guards perked up.

"Halt!" the guard on their left said officiously. "What business do you have in Vulgaut?"

"I'm Dicianco, son of Etae the Tailor of Kirsgar. I have come with my... companions to purchase bolts of cloth."

"Don't they have cloth in Kirsgar?" the guard countered.

"They do."

The guard looked at Dicianco expectantly.

"But, not as good as here in Vulgaut. Or so I've heard," the gangly youth added.

"Very well."

"Who are these handsome twins traveling with you?" the other guard asked curiously as he approached Allora and Adalla.

"Oh my... cousins. They were eager to see a new city."

"Beautiful, are they not Valdei?" he said, nudging his fellow guard.

"I've not seen their peer," the other agreed.

"Are they betrothed?"

"Uh... yes," Dicianco said awkwardly.

"Shame," the cocksure guard mused. He looked at Allora and Adalla like a hungry animal examining a pair of juicy steaks.

"You may enter, tailor's son," the guard finally said after a long pause in the conversation.

"Thank you," Dicianco bowed and he motioned the others to follow as he walked forward.

The others were silent until they had walked nearly 20 yards away.

"Do the guards here always stop travellers?" Salbrec asked. "Kirsgar doesn't seem so strict.

"No... I think he was more interested in the twins than what we are doing here."

"I don't like that guard." Dicianco grumbled.

"Neither do I," Allora said with a shiver.

"Where would we get supplies?" Ogunof asked.