526. Strangers On The Road I

526. Strangers On The Road I

“So River Hill, then Water Ford, and then East Port?” Adam asked.

“Yes,” Jurot confirmed.

“Any other outposts on the way?” Adam asked.

“There may be military units which patrol the area, and we will be expected to pay thirty gold at least each time we meet them,” Jurot said.

“Damnit...” Adam muttered. “Well, we have enough in the party fund for now, and worst case scenario I can pay for it out of pocket.”

“We will assist in paying,” Jurot assured.Th.ê most uptodate novels are published on n(0)velbj)n(.)co/m

“Yeah, thanks. If I do have to borrow money from you, I’ll be sure to repay you from the party fund.”

“It is no matter, Adam.”

“It is a matter,” Adam replied. “Don’t worry about it. The party fund is still healthy, and I’ll be the one to stress about it. It’s here to make sure no one else worries about it.”

Adam wondered how long they should stay in Hill Grave. They were at the Adventurer’s Guild, which was built similarly as those within Red Oak and Deadwood, but it was set atop it’s own hill, with half walls around it.

“So how long will it take us to get to River Hill?”

“Five days, though we can move swiftly to make it within four. If we are to take a ship, we can arrive within a day.”

“A ship?”

“We could head out a half day to the fort and take a ship, following along the river,” Jurot explained. “If we take a ship from River Hill to Water Ford, it will also take a single day. Then Water Ford to East Port, another day on ship.”

“How much will it cost to travel on the ship?” Adam asked.

“At least a gold for each person, but we can expect to pay two or three gold, or five if they wish,” Jurot said. “It would depend on the captain.”

“Hmmm. I mean, we could probably afford it...”

“We should travel on foot,” Jurot said. “The road to East Port will be full of danger.”

“Right,” Adam replied, rubbing his face. “Alright. Let’s spend a little coin here, and then we can make our way.”

Omen: 9, 17

The group only spent the night in Hill Grave, leaving early in the next morning. Adam made sure to visit the bank so the party fund didn’t seem so empty, and after buying a few trinkets, they made their way out, heading southward along the road.

‘Maybe we should have explored Hill Grave a little, but I’m sure we’ll enjoy East Port more...’

Upon arriving at the outpost that evening, Adam frowned. ‘Nevermind. We’ve spent way too much coin just travelling around Hill Grave. What a greedy bunch!’

As they left the outpost, no longer did hills greet the party, opening to the plains of Central Aldland. Adam thanked the Divines on behalf of his calves as they continued their travels.

Omen: 9, 20

“So, it’ll be more dangerous now?” Adam asked as they travelled along the King’s Road. Adam noted how well it had been built, reminding him of the ancient roads from his own world.

“Yes. Deadwood understood the dangers of coming to face us, but we will come across the roaming beasts.” Jurot had confirmed the matter within Hill Grave during his rounds.

“Alright, cool,” Adam said, nodding his head. “Well, I’ve got a crit in my back pocket, so we should be alright.”

Adam tilted his head, feeling as though he had missed something. He glanced back towards the giant elk which had joined them. It had been summoned some time in Deadwood, but Adam was sure that the elk didn’t have saddlebags before. ‘Did Jonn pay for it himself? What do you think the party fund is for, damn it. I’ll let it slide this time, Jonn.’

“Yes.”

“Isn’t that weird? She’s a noble and a member of an Order. I just expected her to be more prideful and all that.”

Jurot nodded. “It is our fortune to fight alongside Sir Vonda.”

“Dunes is cool too, but I expected that, considering his background. Sir Vonda, though? She’s nice.”

“She is.”

“You think she’s hiding some kind of secret?”

“I do not know.”

“Maybe she’s really evil.”

“I do not know.”

“She can’t be this good, Jurot.” Adam narrowed his eyes. “I bet she didn’t think my kids were cute at one point.”

“Cutest In The Whole World,” Jurot stated.

“Right?”

Jurot realised Adam was thinking such nonsense because he was suffering from withdrawal symptoms. Jurot’s mind then went to his grandfather, wondering if he was the same. The thought quickly dropped for there was no need to think of such matters.

“Do you think they’re walking around and talking already?” Adam asked, speaking in the Aldish tongue.

“I do not know.”

“I bet they miss me. Jurot, why don’t I head back to check on them?”

“It would be dangerous.”

“That’s right. It’s dangerous to leave them alone. How can I do something like that?” Adam asked.

“Are you okay, Adam?”

“I think so?” Adam replied, wondering if his jokes were from something deeper. “I’m just a little scatterbrained, maybe?”

“Okay.”

Evening approached the group, and they began to set up camp. They kept the same watches they always had, with Hades, Zeus, and Elk supporting the group since they required no sleep.

“Adam,” Jurot called as Adam finished summoning the two towers.

Adam stepped out to see several figures in the distance. They totalled five, each heavily armoured. Three rode on their own warhorses, while a pair rode together.

“They dangerous?” Adam asked, placing a hand on his axe. ‘Could be soldiers trying to take more gold from us too.’

“No,” Jurot replied.

“How’d you guess?”

“They are Watchers.”

Nice. We're finally at this bit!