Bastard Permere

Our heroes decided there was no need for hurry in digging the graves. It was most of an hour later when they had finished, and they waited around for instructions outside rather than heading in where all the yelling had been going on. They didn’t wait long before Permere came out and told them they were to come inside.

Once inside, they found themselves facing most of the fort, assembled, with cold and hostile looks on their faces. Lieutenant Orios spoke:

“Where’s the bracer and the crystal?”

The Group, of course, could only guess at what he was talking about. Orios went on to accuse them of having stolen valuables from the dead bodies. The Group denied these thefts, not least because of their actual innocence, but the soldiers were not convinced. Their packs were taken and searched. Nothing was found, though Laos got some questioning over his stash of silver coins. The group was then stripped and their clothes searched. Again, nothing was discovered. Orios warned them that they would have hanged if they had been found to have robbed their comrades, and dismissed the soldiers back to their duties.

One soldier stayed behind, identifying himself as Sergeant Spryos. He spoke civilly to the recruits, saying he would show them around and assign them some work for the day. He walked them around the fort, giving them a quick tour which concluded at the animal pens. No one was surprised when he set them to cleaning. The group looked at each other; if they wanted to shovel goat poop, they could have stayed on Colchis. Without much enthusiasm, they got to work.

They were called to lunch an hour later. For the first time, they ate in the mess tent at the same time as the other soldiers. Progress of a sort. Permere joined them, appearing from wherever he had disappeared to. The Group was off at a table by themselves, mostly ignored by the other soldiers. However, as the meal was ending, a soldier from a different table came over and spoke with them briefly, wanting to know about the battles they had fought. The group was used to acclaim for their tale of tiger trapping, but this man seemed only interested in the battles themselves. When he found out they had never actually fought other men, he excused himself and went back to his strange, cross-wearing friends.

Our heroes got up themselves and went back to the chicken coop, where they worked the rest of the day. This was interrupted for a few minutes by an unpleasant interlude. A soldier had brought in Orios’s horse, and, hurrying to get back to his other duties, forgot to brush the horse down. The unfortunate wretch was stripped--showing several scars already on his back--and tied to the whipping post in the courtyard. Sergeant Spryos wielded the whip. Three lashes might not sound like much, but the soldier pissed and shit himself on the first stroke, and fainted completely at the second. All the other soldiers stood with stony faces as he was revived with a bucket of water, and the third lash was delivered. As they went back to the chicken coop, the young men looked at one another--what had they gotten themselves into?

Again, our heroes joined the rest of the fort for supper. Halfway through the bland meal, Lieutenant Orios stepped into the tent and announced that the new guys (this meant Our Heroes) needed a sergeant. He called one Sostratos up to stand with him and pinned a badge to Sostratos’s shoulder, then left. Sostratos stopped by the Group’s table to introduce himself and get the names of his new subordinates. Then he returned to his table and finished his meal with his mates.

After eating, it seemed the soldiers had some free time. Some played dice in the mess tent, but Kosmas and Anthoon were most interested in the musicians out in the courtyard. Alas, the musicians suggested the Group practice elsewhere, and so our heroes relocated to an unoccupied corner of the fort, plunking and tooting out some weary notes before turning in to the shelter to sleep. They were awakened briefly in the night by a scream. Someone cried out, “I dreamed I was being whipped!” then fell silent. Nothing more was said, and the group soon returned to their slumber.

The next morning, Sostratos woke them a bit before dawn, taking them to the storage building. The next few minutes were spent teaching the group how to sharpen weapons, and the group was set to putting a finer edge on the old bronze implements that were kept in reserve. Anthoon remarked that it was better than shoveling animal dung; Kosmas noted that this was the sort of thing that might get them punished if they did it badly, and everyone was quiet for a while after that.

They were down to the last few spear points when Sostratos was summoned away. When he returned, he told them to accompany him to the front of the fort. The other men were already gathered there, along with Orios and the two women healers (Leusa and Thoe). Orios announced that Sostratos, his squad, and Lieutenant Permere would be escorting the healers back to their town of Mylessos, and returning with some supplies to make up for the ones that were lost. There was some subdued grumbling from the other men at the new guys getting this plum assignment. Amidst the grumbling, one man spoke up boldly: “Goodbye, Leusa,” watching her closely--she nodded back at him briefly. Orios ignored this breach of discipline, dismissing the men, who went back to their work, but not without a dirty look or two being thrown over a shoulder as they walked away.

Sostratos told the group to move quickly getting their gear, but to nevertheless take a moment and grab any needed weapons or armor from the storeroom before regrouping. Fortunately, they’d been in the storeroom all morning and knew what it had to offer, so a few choice improvements were made before they all gathered at the gates and headed out into the Wastes.

Though outside was a dangerous place, the Group felt relieved to be leaving the fort and its bloody whipping post behind them. They watched carefully all around them, ready for any sneaking ambushers--at least for a while. As they headed east and the hours and miles went by, everyone got tired, and had sore feet, and the sharp vigilance did fade somewhat. Sostratos spent some time talking to Leusa (the pretty one) about the opportunities for learning healing in Mylessos; apparently he had a girl who might be moving there soon. Leusa later came over to Anthoon and spent some time talking with him; she seemed concerned that the loss of an arm might have seriously injured his spirit as well. She explained that there was powerful magic that might restore his arm at some point, though there were many who sought this restoration and only a few could be healed. She also made it clear that she thought the loss of an arm need not make him any less brave or heroic, and she was sure he was both. Anthoon thanked her for her concern, and then a silence hung in the air. Leusa awkwardly said goodbye and went back over to keep stride with Thoe.

Lunch came and went without incident, and a couple of rest stops excepted, the rest of the afternoon went safely as well. It was late in the day when they came over a hill and into sight of the walled town. Everyone breathed easier as they approached the river that ran along the west side of the city. It was by far the biggest city the young men from Colchis had ever seen; Thoe said that at least a thousand people lived there. Despite themselves, the group felt a bit awed and nervous as they approached.

They crossed the river on a conveniently placed ferry (after Sostratos forcefully negotiated a reasonable price for the trip) and entered the gates. Sostratos told the guards that he knew where the in-town campsite was; they warned him that there were some riders already camped there, and there wasn’t going to be any trouble, now, was there? Sostratos agreed, though he warned the guards that one day they’d regret their town’s permissive attitude toward the riders.

They entered Mylessos, the feel of cobblestones strange under their feet. Leusa and Thoe guided the group to the Chalana Arroy temple, and asked them to wait a moment to meet the priestess Anthippa. This notable lady soon appeared, mature but still comely, dressed in a white gown with white flowing hair. Leusa bowed to her, and immediately asked that Anthoon be put “on the list” for having his arm restored. Anthippa agreed, grinning broadly at Anthoon, warning him that it would be several months at best before he might hope to be considered for restoration. She then made a lewd comment about what Anthoon and Leusa might still be capable of doing in the meantime. Anthoon went pink and the group looked at each other in surprise. Anthippa cackled at their obvious discomfort, thanked them again, and wished them luck fighting “those chaotic pieces of shit out there.” The group, stunned, started to take their leave, but before they left Leusa did ask Anthoon to come see her if he was back in town again. As they were leaving, Kosmas and Leucas watched Anthoon with new respect.

The sun was setting as the group made their way to the campsite inside the walls. As promised, there were four nomads there, with a few bundles of goods beside them. Kosmas and Laos speculated that these might have been the same nomads that stole their supply shipment, coming to town to sell the goods. However, they could not be sure--there were no riding animals present, so they couldn’t even be sure these were lizard riders, much less the same ones from before. They had no idea what goods had been taken. Having no proof, they held their peace.

After they made camp, Sostratos announced he was going out for a bit, and asked Permere if they were going to stay in the camp. Permere agreed, and the Group played music and sang for an hour or so before turning in to bed. Kosmas was still awake when Sostratos returned, smelling faintly of wine.

The next morning, they awoke and broke camp. Sostratos mentioned that they were expect back by late afternoon at the fort; they would have to get their supplies and leave soon. They walked down the main road through town as the shops and temples opened up. Sostratos stopped at a particular shop where they would get the supplies and a new mule. Permere muttered something to Sostratos and wandered off on his own.

The list of supplies to be gotten was not precisely in stock, and Sostratos and the shopkeeper argued a bit about what substitutions were acceptable. After a while, they came to an agreement and our heroes started loading up the new mule and cart with bags of grain and beans. There was enough room for their packs as well, so they’d have an easier trip back too. Once loaded, they stood around outside the shop and waited for Permere to return, listening to Sostratos grumble about the delay.

As they were waiting, a figure rode up on horseback and halted before them. It was Permere! Where did he get a horse from? Kosmas started to ask Permere, but Permere interrupted him.

“I am leaving now. I will ride to the central fort and meet Captain Stamath as I originally planned. Fare you well.”

This didn’t *seem* like Permere. What happened to the guy who was always asking the new recruits what he should do? Sostratos didn’t seem worried about that, though. He got red in the face and started telling Permere to get off the horse and stop this nonsense. An argument ensued, but Permere held his ground. He was the ranking officer, he was not deserting but completing his original mission, he would take his chances riding alone through the Wastes, and if the group got in trouble because he didn’t return, well, that was not his fault.

Sostratos, however, was not persuaded. He grabbed at Permere’s reins and ordered the group to assist him. The group argued with one another. Kosmas said they should all go with Permere. Anthoon insisted that Permere was in the right. Laos wanted to stop Permere from running away. Sostratos and Permere just shouted louder. Finally Kosmas and Laos broke the standstill and went around to help Sostratos subdue Permere. Sostratos was dragging Permere out of the saddle when a city guard came up, followed soon by another one.

A brief discussion took place; the guards took Permere’s side. Reluctantly, Sostratos turned loose of Permere, who rode off toward the gates. The guards went their own way, proud at having served out justice. Sostratos said that if the group didn’t want the whipping post, they’d find a way to get Permere back to the fort. He said they might be able to ambush Permere outside the gates if they hurried. Anthoon stayed behind with the mule; the other three went with Permere, moving along the road where Permere had left, trying their best to be inconspicuous.

They caught up with Permere outside the gates, on the ferry. Another struggle commenced. The ferryman jumped off the platform and started yelling. Somehow, Permere and his horse managed to stay on the platform during the struggle until a couple of guards--not the same ones from before--came down to settle the trouble. These were stout and resolute fellows. Sizing up the situation, the guards decided to let Permere go. They briskly moved the others off the ferry, one at a time. The group watched as Permere was slowly drawn over the river, disembarked, and rode off to the north.

They headed back through town to Anthoon and the mule. Sostratos was silent, but clearly furious. He dragged the mule forward and the rest of the group followed him. Without a word, they headed out of town and back out into the Wastes.

They had traveled in silence for perhaps two hours when Leucas spied a couple of lizard riders watching them from atop a hill. The riders wheeled around and headed south. Kosmas and Laos pointed out that the lizard riders had never been aggressive before, and were probably no threat, but Sostratos insisted they prepare for battle. They continued on. Moments passed, then minutes. After about twenty minutes, Sostratos told them to unstring their bows and proceed normally. Nothing untoward happened, and about noon they paused to have lunch.

It was just as they were finishing lunch that they saw four figures come around a bend of a hill. These were riders, but not lizard riders. The four were riding small deer (Sostratos called them impalas), and the riders were themselves small--small men, as the group later found out.

They hailed the group and told them they could give up the mule and supplies and would not be harmed. Sostratos scarcely acknowledged the threat, but only told the group to prepare for battle. A moment later, Kosmas answered them with a shot from his longbow, which demonstrated impressive range, if not very good accuracy.

As the huge arrow went past them, the riders abandoned talk and began to ride their mounts rapidly back and forth, shooting arrows at the group, staying outside the range of hostile spells. However, the riders were not the only ones with bows, and it appeared the young men were their superiors in this regard. Only a few arrows had been launched before two of the pygmy warriors had been wounded, and a moment later Kosmas launched a missile that struck the leader perfectly under the breastbone. He fell slack from his mount and tumbled along the ground. One of his comrades braved a hail of arrows to attend to him, but quickly gave up and rode after the other two, already fleeing.

Our heroes approached the body, somewhat cautiously. It was indeed a small man, quite dead. Rifling his corpse, a few silver pieces were found and shared around, and a dagger decorated with a few jewels was tossed on the cart; they’d figure out what to do with that later. They also stripped the fellow of his armor, not that it was likely to fit anyone at the fort, but perhaps someone could make some other use of it.

After the fight, Sostratos breathed a little easier, and there was even some light conversation on the way back. However, as they got closer to the fort, Sostratos grew quiet. As the fort came into view, everyone got silent. As they entered, the guard asked where “the other guy” was, and Sostratos just shook his head. He told the group where to unload the cart, and went to see Orios.

It was not long after that the group was told to meet in the courtyard. Uh oh. Orios came out and delivered a lecture about discipline and loyalty to one’s comrades. He said that perhaps the new recruits did not understand these things, and that they must sometimes be enforced. Now, apparently, was the time to teach them.

One by one, the group was tied to the whipping post and whipped. Three lashes. One by one they bit back screams, voided their bowels, and finally staggered away from the post. Sostratos, too, was whipped. When it was finished, they were generously afforded the remainder of the day to recover, but they were warned that magical healing would only result in a new whipping. They limped back to their cots and lay face down, saying nothing. Kosmas turned to face Laos, thinking of a joke to lighten the mood. But the words dried in his mouth, and Kosmas said nothing: he was looking at a man with murder in his eyes.