Chapter 76: I Call it the Army of the Undead

Chapter 76: I Call it the Army of the Undead

Are you two insane?

Gideon almost didnt register the sharp, irritated voice he heard as he began to wake up. There was a dull throbbing in his head that was slowly fading as he lifted his head. He felt something around his mouth and he tried to open his eyes.

I told you he was coming. Piers was still there and Gideon closed his eyes and allowed himself to relax. At least he was safe with his brother there.

Im not talking about you bringing him, a womans voice admonished. Why did you tie him up?

He was struggling, Piers replied in his usual disinterested voice.

Gideon opened his eyes and could see the pale, off-white cloth above him pitched up with wood. It was almost glowing; it seemed to be daytime. He squinted and tried to remember what happened after he had been abducted from the palace.

His brother had told him they were going to the delta. Gideon had a piece of cloth around his mouth and couldnt talk, so he was only able to nod or shake his head. It hadnt been removed. He didnt recall falling asleep, but since they left in the afternoon and it took several hours to get to the delta by carriage, hed likely slept through the night.

Now he was in a tent, in what appeared to be a room divided from the rest of the tent with a canvas wall. The voices were coming just behind it.

Hes not struggling now! The woman sounded exasperated.

Axton. Untie him.

A moment later, a side of the canvas wall was lifted up and tied to the side to keep it open. Axton walked in and took a knife from his boot.

Good morning, Your Highness. Axton greeted him calmly, as if he hadnt been the one to put a sack over Gideons head.

Gideon frowned as he felt himself being pulled into a seated position and he looked around. Axton was kneeling beside him, cutting the ropes with a knife before wiggling the pieces off Gideons wrists. As soon as he was loose, he lifted his hands and rubbed his wrists. He looked down. They were red and hurt.

Someone go get Dr. Cooper-Fontaine! the womans voice said as he heard footsteps. I cant believe you tied him up. Do you know what ropes can do to your skin? What if he got blisters?

Sorry.

Dont apologize to me! The woman sighed.

Gideon stood up from his seat quickly and swayed a bit. He frowned and held out his arms to steady himself. He took a deep breath and then began to walk towards the open flap in the wall. Axton didnt try to stop him. Instead, he collected the broken pieces of rope.

Piers? Gideon lifted his hand and ducked beneath the flap to get into the next room. He stopped two steps in as he saw the woman who was with his brother.

Lady Guevera was in pants and a light blue, button-up shirt. Her dagger was strapped to her thigh and her hair was braided over one shoulder. Her arms were crossed and she was frowning. Gideons eyes moved to his brother. Piers was standing across from her, appearing calm.

Since youre here, youll be following your brother for the day, Lady Guevera said. Gideon turned his attention back to her and narrowed his eyes. He will take you around the encampment. A boat is waiting to take you to the test island and Isle du Roi.

I want him to attend the meeting first, Piers said. Lady Guevera took a deep breath and Gideon waited for her to reject his brother.

Fine. She turned around and marched towards the entrance of the tent. Make sure he is informed of the consequences if he shares what he hears outside this camp.

Gideon drew his head back and frowned. What did she mean by that? He looked towards his brother and Piers met his eyes before darting away.

There is a weekly meeting this morning for the villagers and project leads. It is to keep everyone updated on the construction status and various things happening in the encampment, Piers said. Breakfast will be brought in soon. Eat and then we will attend.

Gideon continued to rub his wrists and nodded. Is it still early?

A bit, Piers said as he walked to a wooden table that had two stools around it. Workers are required to take two days off per week, but construction happens every day, with workers alternating to keep it continuous. Theyve already started.

You dont hear the thumping? Axton asked as he walked out from the other side of the tent.

Gideon narrowed his eyes and tilted his head up. Now that he thought about it, there had been a dull thumping sound coming from somewhere, but hed been too disoriented to pay attention. What is that?

The pile drivers, Axton said. He tossed the unusable rope into a wooden crate near the door. Theyre pounding wooden piles into the shoreline.

Oh....

Your Highness? A familiar voice asked. Lady Guevera called for me?

Come in, Dr. Cooper-Fontaine, Piers said. The entry flap rose and Gideon sat up straight as he saw their familys chief physician.

Doctor, what are you doing here?

The old man seemed to smile with amusement. I am currently overseeing the onsite medical facilities here on weekends.

Dr. Cooper-Fontaine likes to fish, Piers said. The doctor let out a laugh and took a seat at the table. He put his bag on the floor beside him and motioned for Gideon to sit. Show him your wrists.

Gideon took a seat and held out his arms. The doctor let out a slight hiss and shook his head. He looked towards Piers and Axton and gave them a disapproving look. You two should know better.

Its not their fault, Gideon said, leaning forward. I was the one who was struggling.

The doctor chuckled. Still so protective of your brother, I see. Gideon felt his cheeks redden as Dr. Cooper-Fontaine took out a metal tin and unscrewed it. He rubbed some ointment on Gideons wrists before closing the tin. Dont get it wet. Let the ointment be absorbed and any swelling should be down by lunch. The redness will be gone by tonight.

Thank you, Dr. Cooper-Fontaine, Piers gave him a curt nod before the old man gathered his things and told them that if they needed him, hed be fishing by Turtle Run Cove.

Shortly after he left, two knights appeared with trays of food. Axton was relegated to eating from his plate as he stood while Piers sat across from Gideon to eat.

Has this been tested? Gideon asked. Piers nodded.

Two food testers are assigned here, though they only work when Piers is present or if Training Commander Reystrom is not here to prepare Toris food, Axton said.

Gideon looked up from his eggs with confusion. A training commander cooks her food?

Training Commander Reystrom is Toris nanny, Piers said, in a calm voice. You will hear them call her Nanny Rey. She is also teaching Lady Agafonova, Mr. Martin, and Ewan the dagger.

Gideon didnt pay much attention to Lady Guevera and her little friends personal lives. He hardly saw them and he planned to keep it that way.

After breakfast, he followed Piers and Axton, as well as being flanked by six knights, to a large tent in their quadrant. The tent was several large ones put together and there were rows of tables and chairs with an aisle down the middle.

This is one of the communal dining halls, Axton said. The village was initially camped close to the water, but its too wet and there are rising tides, so they were moved further inland. The current encampment is styled after a traditional military camp that is on the march. There are multiple communal spaces to eat, bathe, and use the toilets. Family groups are clustered together.

One quadrant is separated from the village and is slightly closer to the water; that is where workers and staff live with their own communal spaces, Piers said.

I see... Gideon nodded and followed them down the aisle. At the table closest to where there was a small stage and a podium, as well as a large map of the islands hanging from the rafters behind it, were Lady Guevera and her friends.

As they waited for the meeting to begin, they were looking over a map with intense looks.

So, its not the same map as the one you were using when you led your cousins? Mr. Connor was asking as he looked at the map between them.

Its not. This is a new adventure, Lady Guevera said. I do a lot of battle for the others. They are a marquis family, after all. Yours has more treasure hunting.

A murmur of approval went through the group.

Behind Gideon, Axton stepped forward and let out a little cough. Ewan, he said. Are you ready?

Mr. Connor looked up and immediately rose to his feet. He bowed his head towards Axton. Yes, Master. Im ready. He had a wooden sword and a helmet under one arm.

All right. Come on. Two rounds around the camp, then drills, and another round before footwork. Axton clapped his hands. Before lunch. Lets go.

He took Mr. Connors helmet and sword before the younger man rushed out of the tent. Axton looked back at the table. He seemed to eye the map and drew his lips inward. He looked towards Lady Guevera.

Tori....Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

She turned her head away with a frown. Axton let out a heavy breath and walked out. Gideons brows rose. Was Lady Guevera upset with Axton?

All right, everyone! Please take your seats! A gray-haired man took the podium and Gideon sat across the aisle from Lady Guevera and her friends. He looked to his left. Piers was seated next to him with their knights. His brother put some wax in one of his ears to lessen the noise.

Pay attention, Piers said in a firm voice. Gideon nodded and turned his eyes to the podium. He didnt know what to expect.

But he didnt expect a strict schedule covering various aspects of construction, the camp, and plans for their Spring Festival event. Several men and women spoke, covering the status of their various teams and focuses, while Lady Guevera stood up towards the end to inform the villagers and project leads on things they were working on, giving praises, and complimenting everyones hard work, before asking if there were any questions.

There were a few, but afterwards, the meeting was adjourned. The entire meeting moved quickly and had a large amount of information shared.

A sharp gasp came from Miss Agafonova. She turned her head sharply to Lady Guevera and had tears in her eyes. You named it after me? Lady Guevera looked at her with tears rimming her own eyes, moved by the villagers and likely her friend, and she nodded.

Vic is for the islands and Lya is for the shore. Lady Guevera reached up as she put her hands on either side of Miss Agafonovas face. The two pressed their foreheads together. Theyre best friends.

Miss Agafonova let out a half-cry of laughter. Best Friends!

Many of the villagers clapped, and Lady Guevera and Miss Agafonova thanked them.

Gideon squinted at the two young women, then turned to his brother. Piers had a slight smile on his face.

Once more, Mr. Skuldsen said as he let out a heavy sigh. Were here, too.

Lady Guevera laughed and pulled away from Miss Agafonova, though they looped arms. On our first day of school, Ilyana defied the class. She came to sit with me in the back, knowing what position that would put her in, Lady Guevera told them. She had to put up with rumors and whispers, glares and warnings. She stuck by me no matter what others said. No matter what I said. She had such determination and loyalty; I wanted to name the village to reflect that.

Lady Agafonova was crying and wiping at her eyes. Mr. Zisos chuckled and handed her a handkerchief. The two roommates then stood up and went to thank Mr. Sima and various other villagers.

Viclya is a nice name, Mr. Connor said with a nod. It sounds happy and lovely.

Mr. Skuldsen had a smile despite his earlier protest. No one sticks to Tori like Ilyana. He paused and several eyes turned towards Piers and almost looked at him with pity.

Piers raised a brow. The corners of his lips tugged up. Why do you look like that? I helped her with the name.

Tori adjusted her desk so that it was clean and she could lay out the map. Her friends were getting ready and they planned to play dungeon crawl before they went to sleep for the night. As she put the chairs around the desk, there was a quiet knock on the doorframe of her tent.

Come in!

Tori?

Her head snapped up and she turned around. Axton stood by the flap as it closed, appearing hesitant.

She narrowed her eyes. What do you want? Do you want to play?

Axton shook his head. I know youre still mad at me and I dont think I can apologize enough.

Tori crossed her arms over her chest. Do you know why what you said was so hurtful?

Axton took a deep breath and nodded.

You care about what people close to you think. What I said implied that I didn't trust you. I let my worry cloud my judgment, and I didnt stop to think about you. I never shouldve thought that youd hurt us, especially not Piers. He closed his eyes and lowered his head. You dont have to forgive me-

I dont plan to. She answered quickly and he looked up. She was defiant.

He let out a small, bittersweet laugh and nodded. Thats fine. I brought this on myself. Piers hasnt forgiven me for some things either.

He doesnt like to get dirty, Tori told him.

Axton seemed to smile. I just want you to trust me again.

You misunderstood me and my intentions. This happens to be a very sore spot for me for reasons I will not get into. Her voice was firm and rising. This was not the time or place to tell him that she'd lost people she cared deeply about because they didn't feel or believe she loved them enough. That she would hurt them despite all her efforts showing otherwise. She knew what he was going to say at 'don't treat him so well' and her blood ran cold. Tori swallowed hard. "Like most people, I have my limits on what can be said to and expected from me. I don't want your apology or your reasons defending yourself for thinking and saying what you did. I want you to know you hurt me, whether you meant to or not, and never do it again."

Axton shut his eyes and clenched his teeth. "I'm sorry - no....I understand."

Tori took a deep breath and released it. She had to remind herself that he was only twenty and didn't know what she did. Sometimes, she forgot that they were so young. It didn't make what he said acceptable, but she could mitigate her anger. She wanted him to understand what he did so it wouldn't be repeated. That was what experience taught her: make your boundaries clear. She just didn't think she'd need to do so that soon.

All right. Im tired of being mad at you. He whipped his head up and looked at her with wide eyes. And I miss you. No one else pats my head like you do.

A moment later she was picked up and swung around in his arms. I will pat your head as much as you like, Axton said as he squeezed her tight. "And I will consider the weight of my words going forward." She felt him nuzzle her head. "But, Tori...I really am sorry for hurting you."

She allowed herself to be smothered and her muffled voice against his chest spoke up. Just stop bothering me when I'm trying to be alone in the supply yard."

Axton smiled and seemed to pick her up once more. "Only if it isn't an emergency."

What are you two doing? A voice asked from the entrance. Tori let herself be limp in Axtons arms as he swung her around like a child with a stuffed animal. Henrik waved a notebook in the air. We have a game to play, Sir Nassaun.

Please release our dungeon master, Master, Ewan said as he came in after him carrying a tray with some glass jugs of fruit juice.

Ilyana walked in with cups while Constantine carried another tray with several little wooden plates stacked and some bowls with various snacks. Axton laughed and released Tori. She straightened her clothes and went to get her notebook with her game plan.

Mr. Martin is going to be very disappointed that hes not here tonight, Constantine said, chuckling as Henrik moved a smaller table closer to the desk so they could put their snacks on it. Its much more fun when everyone is together.

Were going to call him, at least, Tori said. She stood by the desk and looked at Axton. She motioned to one of the chairs. Are you going to sit or what?

A wide smile filled his face as he seemed to notice that there had always been an extra chair for him at the table. Dont eat all the fried fry cakes, Im going to get my sheet. He swept out of the tent and Ilyana looked at Tori with a slight hopeful smile.

Did you make up?

I still have a grudge, Tori said as she took a seat at the far end of the desk. Well see how his fighter enjoys the undead.

Tori, do you have the freezing charms? Ewan asked.

Ewan, its cold outside. Do you still want to freeze the fruit juice? It was frozen when it was stored and they left it out to unfreeze just for us. Ilyana asked, exasperated. Ewan nodded earnestly.

It is warm in Lady Gueveras tent. Constantine said as he unfolded his character sheet. And we do heat up as we play.

Call Albert Martin, Tori said as she held out her comcry. The lights pulsed a bit before it became solid. Albert, are you there? Tori placed her open comcry on the table as it glowed.

Yes, but-

Hello, Lady Tori! How are you?

Madam Martin? Tori drew her head back as she heard the old womans familiar, perky voice.

Yes, Im going to listen in tonight. Albert tried to explain what this was to me and hes not doing a very good job.

Grandma, please.... Albert said with a heavy sigh.

All right, I can give you a brief explanation while we wait for Axton and get settled in, Tori said. Ilyana piled a small plate with some fried cheeseballs and chicken strips, then slid it over to her.

In the midst of explaining, she had noticed two other people had followed Axton. Piers looked a bit annoyed and kept looking at his brother, who seemed to be paying attention to what she was saying.

And thats it? Madam Martin asked, surprised. Thats the game?

Yes, Tori said. We just pretend to be fictional characters with powers and strengths traversing a fantasy world. It felt so strange to say, considering who and where she was.

I am very interested in your characters...classes, Madam Martin said. Albert, what are you?

Rogue.

Lets see...Ilyana is a sorceress, Ewan is a barbarian, Mr. Zisos is a cleric, Henrik finally succumbed to the game and is a bard-

Ilyana, Ewan, and Albert all let out muffled snorts and Henrik shot them a glare. I like music.

Tori sighed. Axton is a fighter and when I play, I am a warlock, though I usually am the dungeon master and lead the game. Tonight, we will be starting a new story since Henrik is joining us for the first time.

Boo.... Ewan and Albert said at the same time. Henrik rolled his eyes.

I call it Army of the Undead, Tori said. A young lord becomes a necromancer to try to resurrect his family, but accidentally raises the dead. Our heroes must go through a valley of death to get to a fortress in the mountains to defeat the necromancer. On the way, they will encounter various challenges and fight different enemies, some of whom are other adventurers trying to defeat the necromancer.

For glory? Gideon spoke up suddenly and several of them turned towards him. Ilyana shot him a glare and Gideon shuffled back awkwardly.

For the necromancer's hoard, Tori said, looking at him strangely. Why are you here? She looked at Piers, who gave her a slight shrug. Tori let out a heavy breath. If you want to observe, please bring in a chair and have a seat. If everyone is ready, roll the dice to see who goes first.

Gideon rushed outside of her tent and returned seconds later with a stool. Tori pursed her lips. It was going to be a longer night than she thought.