The Magician, The Cup III

--- o The Cup III o ---

   ❝ Sure you want to take her along? ❞

   Rebis asked curiously, leaning against the wheel of a wagon as he observed Elly as she rushed around getting her things ready. She was far too eager for his liking, though his pessimistic nature often found him doubting the choices of her peers. Though when it came to Iris, that was another story. Still, he was prudent enough to think of not only the goal but also its journey. Too dangerous for a child to trek, and he didn’t want another head to worry over keeping safe.

   ❝ You know how dangerous it’ll be, ❞ He added, ❝ We’ve had enough trouble moving supplies as it is. ❞

   ❝ I’ll be the one looking after her, ❞ Iris replied as she turned to face Rebis, who didn’t appear to be any more reassured than he was a moment prior. ❝ Veld will be with us as well. ❞

   ❝ I know but— ❞ Rebis went to speak, but was cut off by Iris.

   ❝ Then go ask her yourself, won’t change her mind now. ❞

   Iris bit back, trying to keep her focus on preparing for their departure, despite the constant pestering. It wasn’t up for debate, even if she had her own doubts, her words stood true. Once Elly had an idea she wouldn’t let it go, and she clearly wants to come with her, even if she thinks she understands the brevity of said task.

   ❝ That’s not what I meant, ❞

   Just as he was about to finish, their attention was drawn to a man approaching on horseback. Rebis sighed, and decided it was best to drop it for now. Besides, he could tell Iris was irritated enough as it was.

   ❝ Not now, Rebis. ❞ She raised her hand as she watched the saddled man clad in armour, as he trotted over to her group, which consisted of herself, Elly, Veld, and Judge who were to be taken in a caravan along with the supplies in the central formation, with Iris riding before them and her men in their own respective positions. Narda, along with a small group of Medics were to ride just behind them.

   ❝ Greetings, Lady Iris, ❞ Thatch dismounted from his steed, and bowed before her. ❝ And praise the world in its never ending creation. ❞

   ❝ May your light be guided and your soul abundant, brother. ❞ Iris replied, returning the bow.

   ❝ How fares our path, Thatch? ❞ She added.

   ❝ Not good. The rain made passage somewhat difficult; has been unusually thick. Many of our routes are flooded or mud makes it too risky to traverse on horseback let alone carriage. ❞ Thatch replied as he reached over to grab a roll of parchment from his saddlebag, handing it over to Iris who inspected it silently.

   ❝ Can we make it to the Cad Goddeau before the snow sets in? ❞ Iris took a moment to think. They did have room enough for another lot of cargo, but they were already overencumbered as it was. ❝ We can’t afford to detour now, we’ll need to split our group once we are able. ❞

   ❝ Aye. We’ve a few groups searching for routes best as able, hasn’t helped this place being so far off the beaten path. ❞ Thatch added. It was difficult to understand his broken speech and heavy foreign accent, and his tendency for over-gesticulating somehow made it even harder to follow what he was saying.

   ❝ If I’d known beforehand, I’d never sent them here and had supplies brought to them. ❞ Thatch continued, ❝ Though I admit this is a perfect place for encampment between campaigns, we’ve ample time to plan our next moves and supplies were perfectly timed. ❞

   ❝ I’d advise against that, ❞ Iris replied as she stashed the rolled parchment in a small bag on her hip. ❝ The fewer people who know this place, the better. ❞

   ❝ True. ❞ Thatch nodded.

   ❝ Rebis, ❞ Iris turned her attention back to her second-in-command. ❝ Gather everyone immediately. ❞

   ❝ Aye, ❞ Rebis nodded, and set off with haste.

   ❝ One more thing, ❞ Thatch inrerjected, waiting for Rebis to be out of ear range before he spoke again. He once more produced another document, and gave it to Iris. ❝ We only found this when we encountered another caravan. They had been attacked and there was only one survivor, who thankfully kept this hidden for us. ❞

   ❝ Cnyhc. ❞ Iris swore under her breath as she read the report. Of all the times for shit happen.

 --- o The Magician II o ---