[19] A New Start

[19] A New Start

The camp was a rather eclectic mix of races, only two of which Freja recognized. The first was the small goblin woman in the group. Her green skin, tail and a beauty that would make a super model jealous was a dead give away for the lesser elf. There were also three male goblins, one older and two younger, who unlike the female were some of the ugliest creatures Freja had ever seen. However, that is what goblin females like so there is no judgment from Freja.

The second was a tall gnoll male that was roasting meat at the fire which made Freja’s mouth water. His spotted fur was largely covered by fine robes. He was slouched while he watched her, his ears up and at attention. Despite sitting down Freja could tell he was the tallest out of the group. His pseudo-canine face reminded Freja of the wolves and it made her uncomfortable.

The last person was a race Freja had never seen before. He looked like a humanoid tiger and was built like a strong man. What threw her off on pinpointing his race was the four horns that grew from his head. He was the only one standing but he hadn’t made any moves towards her. Instead he casually smoked with a long metal pipe and wore the finest multicolored robes she had seen on a foreigner. In fact all of them were dressed like merchants which is the reason Freja decided to reveal herself.

“Sabec thinks that is a child.” The gnoll said.

“Oh, I think you are right, Sabec.” The horned tiger man said, he then smelled the air. “I smell blood. Hey, are you alright?” He was a bit more apprehensive. “Come-come.”

Freja approached slowly. “My name is...” She froze for a second thinking if she should give them her real name. “My name is Sif. I was lost and injured in the woods with my familiar. I don’t mean to intrude. I heard someone talking and I...” She started crying.

The wind hand spells dispersed as she lost focus and the combat knife and alchemy case fell to the ground. Everyone visibly relaxed after they saw her breaking down. A tension in the air was cut and suspicion of the mysterious blood covered wendigo girl subsided a bit. Everyone got up but only the goblin woman walked towards Freja. The others stayed back after the small woman waved them down.

“Oh-oh, geez.” The goblin woman said. “My name is Helina, are you hurt anywhere? Let's get you cleaned up and some food in you.” As she approached she looked at Bjorn. “That is your familiar, right? They're not going to bite, right?”

“His name is Bjorn.” Freja said between sniffles. “He is sweet and wouldn't hurt anyone.”

“Sabec, do you have any more meat besides what you're cooking there?” Helina asked as she led Freja by the hand over to the group.

The large gnoll produced several steaks from a bag way too small for the amount he pulled out.

“Sabec has plenty of meat. How does the girl want it cooked?” The gnoll asked.

Freja was silent for a long moment. “Seasoned raw.”

“Ah. Yes, Sabec also likes it that way.” He chuckled. “But let me show you a little trick. This is good meat when you come back you will see.”

“Owen, get the tub.” Helina said to the oldest looking of the male goblins.ViiSiit novelbi/n(.)c/(o)m for latest novels

“Of course dear.” The goblin responded. “Wyatt, Caleb let's get the bath ready. Poor girl looks like she’s been through alot.”

“But pa, that thing is heavy. Can’t she just go down to the river.” The younger goblin wearing a brown fur hat said.

“So, is he your pet?” Joha asked in between puffs of his pipe.

“He’s a familiar.” Helina responded seeing that Freja’s mouth was full. “They are different from pets.”

“Ah, how so? They do not have familiars in my country.” Joha asked.

“It’s like a wendigo and druid connection to nature thing.” Helina continued. “Their magic casters connect to animals making them more powerful.”

Freja didn’t feel like correcting her on how familiar contracts work and that any magic caster could perform the summoning and contracting if they knew the ritual. She was right in that wendigo and druids had a higher success rate of the contract succeeding. It is so easy for wendigo and druids that most people believe it is an innate ability for their peoples. However, it is because of their connection to the Forest Father not to nature which is a major difference. She was no more connected to nature than any of them. Probably less so because they traveled around while she spent her days mostly inside buildings. Well up until recent events.

Freja drank some of her water. “Where are you from? I have never seen someone of your species before.”

“I am from a land very far from here.” Joha said in response after a hardy puff of his pipe. “Hashvenel which lies across the sea. The land of the rakshasa, the demon shapeshifters.”

The smoke he breathed out seemed to grow thicker until his entire form was obscured. The smoke opened for a second and he was a young human boy with black hair and eyes. The smoke closed and opened and he was a beautiful female wendigo with bleach white antlers. The smoke closed again and he appeared as a monkey man with four arms. Then the smoke dissipated and he was again in his normal tiger form with his four horns.

The weird part of it all was Freja didn’t feel any magic from Joha as he transformed. Leaving her to wonder if it was magic or something else. The tiger man laughed at her bemusement as he sat down next to the fire. Sabec handed him a meat skewer and in return Joha filled his cup with a glass of ale that appeared in his hands from the air.

“So where are you headed, young one?” Joha asked.

“I-I don’t know.” Freja responded with a soft voice. “Just headed west for now.”

“Well, each of us are also going west.” Joha stated with his arms wide indicating the whole group. “You are welcome to tag along.”

“I don’t want to be a burden.” Freja responded with both hands up as if to stop him.

“It wouldn’t be any more of a burden than my lazy sons.” Helina said with a smile. “We aren’t just going to leave a girl out in the wilderness and we can put you to work if you don’t just want a ride. The next city is the fort town of Lavi and it is about a four day journey. We will be making some stops in nearby villages along the way and sell some of our wares.”

“If any of those villages suits your fancy you’re free to leave the caravan.” Joha adds with another puff of his pipe. “How does that sound?”

Freja looked over the group around the fire. They were doing a lot to help her already and she felt like she should return the favor. Work off the food and bath and transportation. She looked at Bjorn as his two heads tore into his meal. A small smile graced her lip and she looked back up at the group and took a deep breath.

“I will be in all of your care.” She said with a bow. “I have never worked in a caravan so please be patient with me.”