Chapter 50: Distance

Chapter 50: Distance

As the expedition drew closer they caught the attention of the nomad camp. Individuals, too far away for any recognisable details, grabbed weapons and began scrambling around. Clearly the expedition’s arrival had caught them unaware.

From his position at the rear of the expedition Leif saw the tension and nervous shuffling of the Academy students. He could sense several preparing for a fight, others looked as if they were ready to run.

“The empire is quite hostile to Demikin.” Darius said as he squatted in place, watching as six riders exited the nomad camp. “There have been more than a few wars in the past century or so, mostly in the east and south. The Enslaved attacking the northern kingdoms and imperial provinces is only the latest incident.”

Leif tried to recall what he knew of that particular enemy. He’d been remembering small flashes of a battle but the memory was hazy and faded. “I thought the enslaved were ant monsters?” He asked.

“No, the enslavers are ant monsters. But most of their soldiers were human, or demikin with ant-like features.”

The spriggan tensed at the revelation and viewed the camp with greater scrutiny. The riders approached the expedition, their stout horses effortlessly navigating the rugged and hardy terrain.

“Will they be hostile? Will there be a fight?” Leif asked. The amber glow of his eyes watching the nomads warily.

“Nah, we’re in unclaimed territory. And even if we weren’t, Ahle-ho has friendly relations with many of the demikin clans in this area.” Darius said, shrugging. “Actually, maybe she will need me, since I’m from a guild and not the Academy."

Leif side-eyed the young man. He seemed to have lit up at the thought of being of use to Hera. Strange man. Leif thought as he turned his attention to where the nomad riders had come to a stop.

In the distance Hera stepped forward. For over a minute words were exchanged, then the riders nodded and their postures relaxed. Darius was practically vibrating with excitement, his presence slowly fading in and out.

“Alright kids.” Hera called as she approached the milling crowd. “We’ll be making camp here for tonight. I need to talk to their leader, if any of you start trouble I will make you regret it.”

Marcus and Sieg were the obvious exceptions, and while they kept him company they clearly had other things to do than babysit a brooding monster.

Sieg was on cooking duty along with a woman Leif didn’t know the name of and Marcus started arguing with two other men about a technical topic Leif didn’t understand. It was so normal, but so far away.

An hour into the meal a group departed the nomad camp. They snaked down the hill and made their way towards the expedition. It was small compared to the gathered Academy students, around ten nomads in total.

Conversation came to an end and several people stood up, some tense others more relaxed. Leif wasn’t overly familiar with the social cliques but he had noticed several distinct groups. The one that made to confront the newcomers was led by the one expedition member Leif had an overwhelmingly negative experience with.

“What do you want?” Johan snapped. His arms crossed as if his posture alone could bar them entry. Leif felt what remaining intent on him shift away and be redirected at the nomads.

Now that they were closer Leif finally got a good look. At a glance they were indistinguishable from normal humans. Slightly taller and well built, but that wasn’t out of the ordinary, Sieg was of similar stature. Then Leif noticed the hair, it was long and remarkably fluffy, it rolled down their shoulders like white and grey clouds.

Then he noticed the horns.

“We brought drink.” The lead nomad said, his voice a low rumble despite his age being on the younger side. “And we suddenly have so many new friends to share it with. It would be shameful to waste what may be the last calm night before turbulence kicks off properly.” The man grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Johan took a step back as if the lack of hostility was a physical force. Several expedition members chuckled at his expense. Some whooping at the proposition of drink

“What a coincidence.” Sieg laughed in response. “I just so happened to cook too much food.”