Chapter 14: An Auspicious Start

Chapter 14: An Auspicious Start

Tala, once again, woke early.

She had not gotten enough sleep, partially because she had taken the time to rig up a small case for the magic detector. Even so, she didnt let that stop her. She rose quickly, stretched, exercised, cleansed, and verified the integrity of her iron skin.

The magic detector was invaluable for this. If she was uncertain about any location, she simply pointed the device at her skin, and if it glowed at all, she applied more salve to that location. Huh I should have gotten something like this earlier. True, her own mage-sight could do something similar, but it was less acutely accurate and, even with a mirror, harder to be sure that she wasnt seeing magic reflected off of the iron from her surroundings.

I do wonder why the magic detector doesnt seem to respond to reflections off of iron. Another mystery for when she could get it examined more closely.

She finished packing up her pack and satchel, hanging her bedroll below the pack, and strode out into the common space.

Lyn was waiting for her with coffee and a breakfast pasty. Eggs and sausage.

Tala gratefully took the food, and quickly ate it, washing it down with the coffee. Thank you, Lyn. That was very kind.

I had to do some sort of sendoff. Youll be safe, yes?

Ill do my best.

Lyn looked like she wanted to respond to that, but instead, she simply nodded.

Oh! Tala pulled out the letter shed written to Holly, detailing some requests, and handed it to Lyn. Could you get this to Mistress Holly?

Lyn cocked an eyebrow as she took the letter. Sure? What is it?

A few ideas and scripting requests. Nothing too major. Tala shrugged. Youre welcome to read it, if youd like.

Alright, sure.

She smiled. Take care, Mistress Lyn. Ill see you in just about two weeks.

Ill see you, then. Lyn, then, stepped forward and gave her a quick hug, being exceedingly careful to avoid skin contact. Ill miss you.

Tala accepted the hug and returned it to the best of her ability, trying to keep her own skin away from Lyns clothing. Ill miss you, too. To her surprise, Tala felt like it was actually true.

Now, get! You shouldnt be the last one at the work-yard, and the sun is almost up as it is.

Tala grinned. Bye, then! With a wave, but no further words, Tala departed, walking briskly towards the work-yard, near the outside of the city proper.

As she was moving quickly, and heading directly for her destination, it was a much faster trip out to the outer wall than it had been from the outer wall back to her house. I have a house. She did not camp on the thought, but it still made a smile tug at her lips. She had a home, again.

And Im leaving it.

But, just for a time. She could do this.

I can do this.

She arrived at the work-yard to find a very different scene than she had on other days.

First, all of the cargo-slots had been loaded onto a single wagon on the far side of the yard. They were fully encased within the wagon save holes for each of the places she needed to contact for recharging of the scripts. The back was also open, to grant access to the door into one of the cargo-slots. That likely holds the supplies for the voyage itself, as part of the contents. Shed find out either way, soon enough.

Aside from carrying the cargo-slots, this wagon was different from her test wagons in several ways. First, the wheels were of an overlapping segmented design, with each piece held outward with a sort of leaf spring, allowing it to collapse inward, somewhat, if the wheel went over particularly rough terrain. The plates overlapping was oriented so that no metal edge would ever come down onto the ground, so long as the wagon moved forward.

Secondly, the wagon had what looked to be a very robust suspension system, to further steady the load, and smooth out rough terrain.

Finally, a pair of mundane oxen were hooked to the front, being tended by the driver, and all three beings were nearly ready to depart.

Beyond her own charge, there were a string of seven other wagons, each nearly twenty feet long and pulled by their own pair of oxen. As she walked past each, towards her charge, she got a good look at them. By the activity around them, and the brief look inside given by her mage-sight as she got within range, there were four types: two wagons were for the other Mages, with a driver and servant each bustling about, preparing for departure; three were for passengers; one looked like nothing so much as a bunkhouse on wheels, likely for the mundane guards; and the final was clearly a traveling kitchen. At least the food will be goodI hope.

The Mages wagons were each set up differently. She immediately identified Trent and Renixs wagon because there were three beds. One plush bed was fully separated in a front compartment, one equally plush bed was behind a curtain, and the third was nice enough, near the rear of the wagon, clearly for the servant. The other wagon only had two beds, one vastly nicer than the other, confirming that the other Mage did not have a mageling. It was still odd, intuiting the physical nature of things from their magical imprint.

I suppose the driver sleeps across the drivers seat at night? It made sense, as it seemed that great care had been taken to make those a comfortable place to be throughout a long days travel. And through a nights sleep.

Of the passenger wagons, it looked like two were for more wealthy patrons, as there were only two or three occupants in the large wagons, not including the driver and servants. They were actually similar to the Mages wagons, but seemed to be more generic, where the Mage wagons appeared to have been customized for their passengers. The other passenger wagon appeared to be for poorer travelers, as her mage-sight detected a full five people in that wagon, again not including the driver and servant. Even with the five people, it didnt look too cramped. There was a stack of five beds against the front of the wagon, and what looked like reasonable seating within.

I guess passengers tend to stay in their wagons, during the day. Seemed like it would be boring.

Neither she, nor anyone shed known as a child, had ever traveled between cities, so it was all new to her. Except magical transport to and from the academy, but that is altogether different.

The bunk wagon looked to be outfitted with ten beds, and a small area for ten more people to rest. Three shifts, then? If she had to guess, there would be ten guards out and about, ten sleeping, and ten resting each in rotation. Indeed, it did seem that eight were already asleep within.

The culinary wagon had three occupants and no apparent driver. I suppose one of them drives? They seemed to be doing final preparations, locking down things within the wagon. I wonder if they will be able to cook as we travel, or if well have to stop for meals? It was a sign of her ignorance that she didnt even consider that lunch might be made ahead of time in the morning, though her own preparations should have planted the idea. There was a bit of odd obscuring on this wagon, which reminded her of looking at Holly, but she couldnt determine the source. All the metal implements? That was as good a guess as any.

Every wagon had what looked like a flat, padded seat on the top, higher even than the driver seat, near the center of the wagon. A look-out post? Shed have to wait and see how they were used. Additionally, each wagon had the specialized, steel and spring wheels, along with what appeared to be highly articulating suspension systems. I suppose that makes sense. There isnt a road we can take, and standard wagons dont do so well on rough terrain.

Around the wagons, she could see many people moving to and fro. Twenty guards were in evidence, including Ashin who waved to her when their eyes met. She waved back.

She easily picked out the three other Mages, each busy with their own tasks. And each with a horse. As she noted those, she saw at least fifteen other horses as well. Back-ups for the Mages, and mounts for the guards? She really had no idea, as shed never so much as touched a horse in her life. My own two legs are good enough.

As she thought about it, she realized that she wasnt sure how long each days travels would actually be. Maybe, I can ride beside one of the drivers, now and again?

Lyn had never mentioned horsesThough, she did initially offer me a wagon It seemed that Tala might have missed something critical. Nothing for it, now.

She did have a wide-brimmed hat, which she planned to pull out, once they were on their way. No reason to get burned by being in the sun all day.

The third Mage, a woman, was obvious by her spell-lines even at a distance, but Tala didnt focus on her in order to analyze them, yet. Ill wait until were closer. She also wanted to complete her task quickly. Id hate to be the hold-up.

She finally reached the cargo wagon and, noting that the outermost cargo-slot was shut, she decided to empower that one first. No need to inconvenience someone by barring their entry, later.

She placed her hand on the first, formed the mental construct, and poured her power through it, into the construction.

He glanced over his shoulder. The Master Sergeant is eager to get us underway. If you would, could you empower our cargo-slots and then join us near the bunk-wagon?

She pointed before he could. That one, right?

Ummm Yes.

Are you heading there, now?

Yes.

Then, I will accompany you.

Please, if you dont mind-

She held up a hand. Ive already empowered the cargo-slots, Sergeant. Were ready.

He took that in stride, not even glancing towards her charge. Very well then. After you, maam.

Tala.

After you, Mistress Tala.

Despite what he said, they walked side-by-side around the kitchen-wagon to the other side, and down the caravan to beside the bunk-wagon, where a group of some eight people waited for them. Five were guards, by their insignia, two were of like rank to Holdman, and three outranked him. The other three were her fellow Mages. Renix is as much a Mage as I. She refused to let that imply her lack.

She was introduced around but decided that she was making people uncomfortable with her handshakes, so she simply nodded at each in turn.

The first to catch her eye and give a shallow nod of greeting was the final Mage, a Material Guide named Atrexia. She specializes in the manipulation of rock, earth, and their derivatives, though she avoids metals. Tala briefly wondered how she would feel to the woman. I hope nothing like sand rubbing against her skin. That would make interactingdifficult.

Trent and Renix greeted Tala with smiles and nods of their own, while the Sergeants and First Sergeants bowed more deeply.

One of those who outranked Holdman was a Master Sergeant, and he oversaw all of the guards for this caravan.

A pleasure to meet you, Master Sergeant Divner.

He was the last to be introduced to her, and his bow was the least of those given by the Sergeants. Mistress Tala. I assume that the cargo-slots are ready to go?

They are.

Then, we may depart. After a brief pause, he added. I trust that you will inform us, if any deviation requires our attention?

He means with the cargo-slots. I will keep an eye on them, yes. If I notice anything unusual, Ill let you know.

With that, he nodded and turned, calling for the wagons to begin moving.

Four of the Sergeants jogged off to the bunk-wagon, climbing in, while Divner and Holdman moved to direct the drivers and remaining guards.

Renix waved as he turned and climbed on his horse, and so she walked over towards him.

Hi!

She smiled at his enthusiasm. Hello, Renix.

Where is your horse?

I plan on walking or riding on my wagon.

That seemed to catch Atrexias attention, as she nudged her own horse in their direction. You are going to walk?

Tala turned to her and tried to direct her smile up at the woman. Thats the idea.

You will throw off the defensive lines of the caravan. Get in your wagon and stay out of the way. Atrexias eyes swept the caravan, before a frown creased her face. Where is your wagon?

I dont use one. Or do you mean where will I ride when I do so? That would be the cargo-wagon.

You dont-

Renix grinned. Oh! Mistress Tala, will you allow Atrexia to look at you?

Atrexia turned her eyes on Renix. You will address me as Mistress Atrexia, mageling, and it is rude to ask that on behalf of another. Id thought Master Trent would have taught you better.

Trent, who had just mounted his own horse nearby, laughed. Hes fine, Mistress Atrexia. Look at the girl. He glanced at Tala. Assuming that is acceptable?

Tala sighed. Might as well. Fine by me.

The spell-lines around Atrexias face rippled, and her eyes widened in shock. What- She cut off as Tala lifted her gaze to meet the older Mages.

Im certain you are very good at your job, Mistress Atrexia, and I wouldnt dream of telling you how to do it. I ask for the same courtesy in return. My actions are my own.

Atrexia visibly swallowed. You cant be an arcane, but how?

Tala grinned. Im a bit odd. Even so, Im sure well get along swimmingly, if youre willing.

Atrexia leaned forward, and by the still pulsing spell-lines across her face, she was attempting to study Tala more closely. YesIdI think I would like that. She nodded, and her spell-lines lost their power. I apologize for any abruptness. I look forward to speaking with you on this trip.

Tala smiled and nodded. That sounds wonderful.

By that time, the wagons had begun rolling forward at a pace which would have matched Talas brisk walk only a week ago, but now seemed quite leisurely to her. The other Mages were mounted and turning their horses in the same direction as the caravan.

Well, were off! With no further discussion or thought, Tala set a pace to match the wagons and began walking.