Soules slowly rode down the road toward Reajh on his dun colored war horse. His green calvary uniform was caked in the tan road dust. At his side was his saber and on his back was a short horse bow.
"Come on Max pick up the pace" he said aloud as he gently podded his horse "I would like to get to town before night fall". His thoughts turned to a hot meal and soft bed. Soules had been on patrol in the south for months now and this was his first leave long enough come home. The older he got the less he enjoyed cold camps and hard tack.
Soules grew tired after years of war. He had seen families torn apart over whispers of magic, seen villages destroyed over a single mage. He had seen mages caged like animals while being told they were the bad guys. He no longer believed in the cause be could see no way out.
There was shouting down the road, a group of rowdy men were gathered in a circle. A dog's vicious barking mingled with their jeering. They weren't far from the city proper, but far enough no city guards patrolled the tall grasses and short tree forests along a beaten path, some ways off the main road.
"All bets in?" A gruff man asked.
"I'll give my coppers once I see what we're up against. How do I know you ain't got a wolf hound or something in your favor?"
The gruff man raised a brow before giving a rotting teeth smile.
"Oh trust me, Owen. This scrappy beast won't last long."
And he stepped aside to reveal a scrappy dog, cowering at the end of a leash.
"So.. how many seconds you want?"
Owen frowned before slapping his coin into the other's hand.
"Give em thirty seconds." He cracked his neck. "Dades, sometimes I wonder where you get these pathetic beasts "
Dades pocketed the coin with a grin.
"Tw'asnt hard. Rulle nab it from a scrapper. What's free is free. We take what we can get. "
Owen nodded, eyeing the cowering dog before glancing towards the snapping fight dog held by Nurlthe. Then he glanced around, fixing the hood of hid cloak.
"We ought to hurry. Patrol don't often come out this far but it's still day light. "
Dade laughed at that.
"Don't tell me you're afraid, Owen. When's the last time the Grand Duke's men cared about a dog fight?"
"Even still... I only risk my money- never my life."
"Well, we're just waiting for Jee and his men. And.. ah! There they are now. And.. who's that he's got with him?"
Owen turned to follow Dade's gaze and saw Jee dragging along some small boy. He frowned.
Dade approached, eyeing Jee, then his men.
"What's with the boy, Jee?"
The 'boy' struggled determinedly beneath the larger man's grip.
"Found the boy out spying, creeping up on the dog fight." Jee said. Dade made a face. Then Jee tossed a knife on the ground. "Carried this on him. When we caught 'im, he was swearing up a storm that we 'free his dog'."
Dades' brows rose.
"Oh.. so this was our source. Well now.. perhaps we ought to thank the boy for.. donating his dog to the cause."
That's when the spit fire of a boy spat at him, directly onto Dades' face. The man frowned, face growing red. Then he backhanded the boy, the boy crying out and landing face first in the dirt.
"See the boy gets a good place to watch the show." Dades said. "Now.. we've waited long enough." And he sauntered over towards where the cowering dog was tethered, and began to pull him out into the circle.
The moment the young boy saw what was happening, he wrenched free of Jee 's hard grasp and dashed after Dade, picking up the knife so carelessly left in the dirt and he swiped it towards Dade.
"Let my dog go!"
The distraction lasted for a few seconds before the boy was kicked to the ground, and Jee's two men subdued him.
Dade growled, wiping at the blood from the cut on his cheek. Then he moved over to back hand the boy, sending him to the dirt and knocking his hat clean off his head. His red hair tumbled loose as Dade gestured back to the ground.
"Okay, enough distractions. Let the dog's play."
The boy peered up, eyes wild behind his hair as he watched in horror as the raging dog was released upon the other.
"No!" They cried out, and tried to Bodily throw themself into the circle.
As Soules made his way down the road it cut thought a small wooded area. Maybe it was nine years of fighting but the stand of trees just screamed trouble. As he got closer he could hear barking and then yelling, trouble conformed.
He dug in his heels and flicked the reins kicking Max into a fast trot. As he rode into the trees he once again questioned his life choices. He could have just keep on riding but no, he had to be a hero.
Coming into a clearing he was greeted with the sight of men standing in a ring around two dogs and a young lad screaming NO. Putting on his best I'm in charge voice Soules yelled out "What is the meaning of all this!" As he spoke he drew his saber for good measure.
The I'm in charge voice didn't register with the feral dog, who now lunged and attacked the other scrappy beast. And through the confusion of Soule's sudden appearance, men began to back away hesitantly- when suddenly a cry rang out from the ring where the young boy was now being viciously attacked by the feral dog, it's teeth gnashing into his arm. Apparently, the kid threw themselves between the dogs to protect the other.
Soules kick his horse into a gallop and rushed to the kids aid. Rush past the attacking dog he swong his saber cleaving it in two. Reining Max in he circled around the young lad making sure no more harm came his way.
"Clear out all of you, Now!" He shouted, glaring at the small crowd.
If the men were apprehensive before, they no longer showed sign of it as Dades and his men scrambled to get away; a few of the men- the tougher and meaner looking sort- casting dark looks Soules' way.
As the circle emptied, the young lad clung to his injured arm, the other to his whimpering dog, cooing it and shielding it from the others. He glared defiantly at the man, challenging him to force the two injured to leave.
Even though the man stopped the event, the fire in the boy's eyes were fierce as he stood between him and the dog.
Soules reined in Max and came a halt at the edge of the clearing. He spun around watching as Dades men scattered and disappeared into the trees. Once he was confident they were alone he turned to face the young man before him.
He wanted to offer aid but the look he was being given told him it wouldn't be welcome. He cleaned his blade and sheathed it than dismounted. "That was a nasty bite, are you ok. I have bandages in my saddle bag" he crouched down as he spoke with a soft voice
The boy visibly flinched away, cowering protectively over the dog as they glared up at him.
Then he spoke.
"First help my dog! He's more injured than!" He demanded, a fierceness burning in his blue eyes.
He was still concerned about the boy but wasn't going to argue.
Soules slipped out of the saddle and dropped lightly to the ground. Digging in one of the saddle bags he pulled out a roll of white bandages and a small pot of ointment.
"Is it ok for me to touch them, or would you prefer the bandage him yourself." He continued to speak in a soft reassuring voice.
The boy's eyes were sharp as he studied the man, putting a hand out fir him to pass the ointment and bandages. Meanwhile, the pair continued to bleed.
With a small sigh he handed over the first aid supplies. This kid was stubborn.
Once he handed over the supplies he stepped back. Turning in a circle he scanned the tree line make sure none of the men came back
The wild, red haired boy snatched the offerings and turned away, working quickly to sooth the dog, as it whimpered and jerked at the ministrations. It took her some time to calm the dog, before she resorted to singing softly- the voice strangely feminine but portraying the boy in another light- that the wild hair near spilling from the hat could mean the boy either was a more effeminate man with long locks of red...
Or it was a cross dressing young woman. The sweet voice seemed to imply the latter as the young lady was finally able to rub the last of the ointment into the open gashes of the fur. Then with dexterous hands, the lad bound the wounds and secured them, before glancing once suspiciously over at the horse rider then began to tend to her own wounds, using whatever salv was left before beginning to wrap up his arm.
Soules gave one final sweep of the perimeter before turning back the pair in the center of the clearing. The lad or was it lass had started singing. They where dressed as a boy but that didn't mean much, Xanti had been dressed as a tomboy when he had rescued her.
He Crouched down to theier level "I am Soules Jolon from Ajhfeld, what are your names?"
The youth glared defiantly towards the man.
"What are our names worth to a soldier?" She asked defiantly. His attire was not lost on her.
"Have a problem with soldiers, I get that. A lot of people don't care for my line of work ever since the war." He gave a soft friendly smile. "To a soldier your names mean nothing, but I am just a man trying to get home"
Standing back up he returned to Max. Digging through the bags again he produced some hardtact and a bad of jerky. "Hungry," he asks, holding up the food.
She looked at him, still guarded. Who was he trying to fool? She would not be simply persuaded by wooing words. That attire spoke volumes. But then he reached for something, and she jerked back, moving even more so between he and the dog- but once the bag was produced- she could smell the sweet, savory salts of the jerky- and her dog began to lick it's lips, sniffing lightly, but not moving from beneath it's master.
She looked from food to the man, before snatching it suddenly and staring at the back, with drawing some, a few more steps and peering at him, then moving to unbind the bag and inspected what was inside.
Her dog's tail began to wag beneath her, as she pulled out a piece and smelled it, taste tested a small portion before eyeing the man warily and moving to give her hound a piece.
"Do you aim to arrest us?" she asked bluntly.
He was surprised by how fast they grabbed the bag of jerky.
"Why would I arrest you after going through so much trouble to rescue you and your dog?" He asked, tilting his head in confusion. "Should I be arresting you for something?"
The youth continued to study the man, before removing another piece of meat and feeding it to her dog. As Soules tilted his head in confusion, the dog began to wag his tail, albeit hesitantly.
The red head continued to glare.
"I didn't know soldier's needed reasons," she stated tartly, winds picking up and blowing her hair. It was then her pale blue eyes widened, and she turned away suddenly, groping at her hair and hat and realizing, with a very unlady like curse, that her hair was spilling from it's confines.
He sighed as the young lady glared at him. "I don't know what beef you have with soldiers but I'm just trying to help. What would it take to gain you trust?"
Turning away, she began to fuss over her hat, but then her entire hat toppled off, spilling long red hair everywhere. Cursing, she snatched up her hat and dashed off, pulling her dog along with her as she kept her back to Soules as she hoped to lose him in the tall grasses outside the city slums. She has left the ointment and remaining bandages behind- she hasn't even gotten to treat her own wounds.
But she couldn't go to prison. Couldn't let a soldier get her. She heard the horror stories...
Without thinking he sprinted off after the young lass. The didn't know why she was making such big fuss over her hair. He didn't care that she was dressed as a tomboy.
He thought about getting his horse but thought better about it. Max would just scare her more. It was best to follow on foot.
"Will you slow down, I just wanted to help" he called after her as he gave chase.
Was this for real? Was the soldier chasing her?! That confirmed her suspicions rightly enough as she moved with her dog into a nearby alleyway where she nearly crashed into another.
The man caught her up, grumbling about she needed to watch she she was going.. but then he recognized the dog.
"Hey.. it's you." He held onto her more firmly, she squirming beneath his grip. "You cost us a lot of money, girly."
He pursued the pair out of the clearing and into the nearby slums. As he turned the corner he saw the girl being held up by a man. Was he from before,he looked familiar but was hard to say. "Can I have a word with the young lady you have there?" He ask not really sure how to approach the situation.
The second Soules appeared the man cursed. Before he could think better, he agreed, shoving the girl bodily in the soldier's direction.
The girl let out a yelp, tripping over her own two feet in a most unfortunate angle before she crashed straight into Soules.
Soules wasn't expecting the man the practically throw the poor girl. He stepped forward to catch her which was good because she tripped and fell.
"It's ok, I got you" he said softly as he help the young lady back up. Turning his gaze to the man who he figured would have ran off by now "did you have to shove her like that, that damn dog really chewed her up."
The young woman struggled only moments after Soules had so eloquently caught her, but any weight on her ankle caused her to cry out in pain- and clutch stiffly onto Soules.
Her ankle.. 'by Ansgar's name,' she thought. 'Please don't be broken!'
"Can you walk or do I need to carry you?" He wished max was here. If he had the horse she could just ride back to the clearing. "We still need to treat your wounds"
Her dog whimpered beside them as the young woman grit her teeth, remaining silent, but in pain. She didn't want to admit how much it hurt to walk, but the tears in her eyes betrayed her new silence towards the pain. She was so frustrated by it all she could spit.
"I can try to walk," She finally forced herself to say.
Soules let out a frustrated sigh as he watched the girl struggle with the pain. "Here, put you arm over my shoulder. I'll help support your weight. We don't want to make it worse."
He looked at her blooded arm, it was going to make a mess out of his nice uniform. Oh well, he couldn't leave someone in need. It just wasn't in his nature to not help.
The young woman grit her teeth, hateful of the fact she found herself with little choice. She nodded curtly, throwing an arm around him and seething at the pain it caused.
"Wh.. why are you helping me?" She found herself asking, through painful grunts as she walked.
Soules help the girl take some of the weight off her injured foot. "I help because you needed it and I was in a position to do something. It is just who I am" he said reassuringly.
The young woman grew quiet at that. He just wanted to help...
So far, his actions proved that yet stilll...
It was always difficult for her to trust.
"Let's move slow. Dozen's injured and I want to be sure he keeps up."
Soules had thought he was taking it slow but at her request he slowed down even more. At such a slow pace it was going to take awhile to get back so he tried to make conversation along the way. "I am Soules Jolon, what is your name?"
She was quiet for a time after he asked before replying simply, "Althea."
She avoided his gaze, staring off towards the road before shifting uncomfortably within his arms. It wasn't until she noted her dog approached and nuzzled Soules ' hand with a gentle lick did she make a strange face.
Dozen never did that to strangers before...
'Althea' was the only response he got. It was a pretty enough name or so Soules thought.
He stopped to let Althea rest just out side of town. As they stood there the dog came up and nuzzled his hand. "Hey there Dozen" he said softly as he petted his head.
She felt a pang of guilt as she watched him interacting with her dog. But what could be done for it? Life had never been easy and one too many times she has been too trusting that it forced her to be this way. The man seemed to truly want to help.
And Dozen seemed to trust him.
The dog licked his hand and its tail thumped as it wagged between its legs.
"Dogs are smart. Dozen knows you've help 'em."
"So true, animals have a 6th sense, they can tell a person's nature," he replied with a small smile. "Let's get back to the clearing and get you patched up." He said as they started walking again.
Back in the clearing, Soules was happy to his horse Max was still right where he had left him. Less pleasant was the gore left on the sand. He would to bury that before he left.
He let Althea down near were she had left the bandages and ointment. "Can you treat your Wounds yourself or would you like some help?" he asked
"I can do it meself," She said a little too quickly. Then turned away to work at her wounds, only peaking over towards Soules and her dog when she was nearly done.
Her leg hurt, but not much was to be done for it. And as she considered it, she sighed loudly and looked around.
Well.. atleast for now.. she and Dozen were safe.
While the young lass bandaged her wounds Soules worked on cleaning up the clearing. He didn't have a shovel so could only dig a shallow grave for the poor fighting dog he had killed. He felt sorry for the dog, knowing it was the humans that were at fault.
Once finished he sat down and petted Dozen while he waited.
"Do you live near by, I could held you home before I leave" he ask kindly
Althea stiffened. Then she was quick to shake her head. The last thing she wanted was for some strange man to.know where she lived.
"No.. no, we'll be fine on our own."
They always were. She didn't need help though...
She tried to ignore the bubbling guilt of rejecting him. It was a stupid reaction and she wanted to Snuff that feeling out.
"You can be on your way. We'll be fine."
"You are very stubborn, you know that." He said as he stood up. "You're only going to make that ankle worse pushing yourself like this" he gave a big sigh. " I can't force you to take my help but I ask that you reconsider".
She shot him a look but the fact her dog was still at Soules' side made her frown.
"I'm not your problem.. I'm nobodies problem. And I've lived fine this far with just Dozen so I'll be fine."
She gave a pat to her side and called Dozen over but...
Dozen remained at Soules' side.
Frowning she tried again but got the same results and pressed her lips onto a line, frustratedly.
Running his hand through his hair, Soules looked up and saw the the sun was starting to set already.
"Since I doubt I'm going to change your mind lets change the subject. It's starting to get late and I have yet to find a place to stay. Do you know any go inn's around here preferably one with a stable attached?" As he spoke he petted Dozen who had been following him around.
He really wanted to help the young lady out but he k ew that he couldn't force her.
She eyed him, almost indignantly. Then she sighed.
"There's stables besides the Tusten Tavern and Inn. At the end of the main road on town. It's hard to miss."
She pointed in the general direction then made an attempt to stand. On her bum leg, it was difficult- but eventually she got there, but heavily favored the other leg so as not to reopen the clotting wound.
She tried again to call for Dozen. He pulled his ears back but still didn't move.
He watched Althea struggle to stand and it frustrated him to no end. He couldn't just leave her like this but she refused help.
"Come on Dozen, go to your owner. You can't come with me." He said gently push the dog towards his owner but the dog just laid down and refused to move.
Soules moved closer to Althea and Dozen got up and followed to only lay back down as soon as he stopped. "I don't know why your dog has taken to me like this, it's strange.
The young woman sighed hotly.
"He's as stubborn as I am.." she grumbled to herself.
Since it seemed that neither was going anywhere no time soon, she decided she'd make the first attempts to leave.
Only as she did so, even as she took her time- her leg hurt like Ansgar's backside. And as she moved she found herself falling into the back of a building for support.
All the while Dozen gently nudged Soules towards his mistress.
" This is just hard to watch" he exclaimed as he watched lean on the wall for support. "You're not going to make it a hundred feet in your poor state"
The dog nudged him forward as if telling him to help.
He threw his hand up in frustration then grab her arm on her bad side. "Please relax I'm only trying to help. Once I get you somewhere safe I'm off to Ajhfeld to see if I can find Xanti".
She was all but resigned to his help- but when he grabbed onto her smarting arm she hissed and reflexively tried to pull away. But even as she stumbled to do so, her ever so helpful mutt of a dog helped nudged her rhe other way- so that as she tried to retreat she ended up falling into Soules' arms with a gasp.
Soules took a half step back to brace himself as the lass fell into his arms. "Sorry about that," he said as he helped her back up keeping one arm on her for support.
"If you don't mind, could you lead the way and I'll follow along to give you something to lean on. We still have a little sunlight left so lets just take it nice and slow." He spoke with as best of a calming voice as he could while trying not to sound patronizing.
Looking back he gave a sharp whistle and Max came trotting up behind them. " it's a shame you can't ride with that bum leg. Max could get you home in no time at all."
She blushed, embarrassed at how clumsy she'd become. Instead, she worked on swallowing down her pride.. that was until the large beast of a horse showed up- and the girl visibly froze.
She never much liked horses, and didn't realize sge has begun to cling onto Soules.
Soules was confused by her behavior. One minute she was stand offish the next she was practically climbing him.
"What has gotten into you" he ask as he looked down at her
"I.. er.." she squirmed, face almost red as her hair. She turned away, muttering.
"I don't like horses."
He gave a small chuckle " is that all." Soules looked around for a moment before finding what he was looking for. " just a little ways into town there is a pub with some hitching post out front" he stated
"Can you tolerate Max long enough for us to reach the pub or should I set you down for a minute while I take him?" He ask nicely.
She held her tongue and damn near swallowed it to try and avoid embarrassing herself any further. She shook her head .
"I'll be fine. I just.. " she drew in a careful breath. "I'll tolerate it." She went on, closing her eyes.
He could tell she was very uncomfortable so he was surprised when she agreed to go on. He shook his head, she was so stubborn.
He lead the way to the pub being mindful of his speed while they walked. Soon enough they came to a brightly lit building with a sign hanging over the door of two crossed tankards above the words Flanagan's pub.
He took her up to the railing in front to the pub. "Hang on to this while I tie Max up"
She nodded and stared around the area, studying every inch around them before shifting uncomfortably and pulling a cloth over her hair, using it to obscure her face.
She didn't like going out in public much- atleast not as an obvious girl. Too much unwanted attention came with being female. Thankfully, grey clouds darkening in the distance brought promise of rain- and that meant most wouldn't linger outside.
With his hands now free, it only took Soules a moment to lash Max's rains to the hitching post. "I'll be back soon," he said to his horse as he patted him on the neck.
Once done, he returned to Althea. The sun had all but set by than but what sky could be seen was heavy with rain clouds. "Looks like we need to get a move on. So which way is your house" He asked.
She stared away, thoughtful at the thunder. Then she sighed.
"Threzzent Field. The slums there. Very back of the alleyways. "
Soules could only sigh and shake his head. He was from Ajhfeld and had spent most of the war stationed in the south. He hadn't spent much time in Reajh other than passing through. "I haven't the foggiest clue where that is. Just tell me where to turn."
With that said he retrieved the young lady from in front of the pub. Being mindful of her wounds he placed a arm around her for support and started walking in what he thought was the right direction.
She gave him a puzzled expression.. but then again.. right, he was an outsider.
"Just continue down this way.. we're.. not exactly that close.." which was part of the reason she wanted to just be off on her own.... even if it would take forever in her state
Following her directions they slowly made their way through town. Halfway there they lost the sun completely. At first this wasn't a problem because there was street lamps and brightly lit storefronts. As they got to the poorer side of town the lamps became less and less common until there was none at all. Now in complete darkness it started to rain.
"Just our luck, I hope we are getting close because I still have to trek all the way back in this." As if the accent his statement a loud crash of thunder sounded while lighting lit the sky.
Just then, a few splatters of rain began to fall. The winds were picking up, the sky darkening. Douzen moved closer to their sides and the rains began to fall more heavily.
Althea cursed.
"My place is just a few blocks away," She lied. "You should head back. Douzen can help me get home."
She had to speak louder, the rain continuing to fall heavier.
"It's fine I'm already soaked" he said between the crashing of thunder. "I want tobe sure you make it back safely."
She grit her teeth. She'd rather not have him take her all the way..
Because.. well..
It was a road to nowhere.
And how would he react when he realized she was homeless?
She she shook her head, stubbornly.
"No! You should go!" She insisted over the rain. "The storm's here just get worse! I'm used to this!"
And the poor girl was thoroughly soaked, her rags of clothing now suctioning against her once hidden body, hinting at the womanly figure beneath.
Soules wanted to see the job through but the storm was putting him in a mood and he didn't feel like arguing in the rain. " If you insist that I leave you here I will but promise me you will meet me at the Tusten Tavern tomorrow morning I want to get you some fresh bandages and ointment".
As he turned to leave he could help but noticed her figure under her wet clothes. 'Way to young for me' he thought to himself. Giving Dozen one last pet on the head turn and started to retrace his steps.
It took longer than Soules would have liked to return to Flanagan's but he was relieved to find Max right where he left him. He thought about grabbing his oil skins from him pack but thought better of it. He was already soaked so what good would they be. Taking Max's reins he headed for the Tusten Tavern with thought of a warm bed and a hot meal filling his mind.
The rains continued into the night, only lightening up in the early morning. But even as the skies began to clear, it was equally clear the young woman from last night wasn't showing up.
She had taken to a hot fever, falling in and out of a sickened sleep from where she lay in a cool corner- barely keeping dry from the storm. But who would notice a dirty heap in the corner? She'd appear like a pile of rags were it now for her dog, that remained pressed into her side.
Soules sat around till nearly noon and Althea still hadn't shown up. She could have just blown he off. She was stubborn enough for that but he felt it was something more.
Growing tired of sitting around he decided to retrace his steps from the night before. It took him a while. Everything looked different in the light and he had to back track a few times but in the end he found the alleyway.
He saw Dozen and rushed to his side. It was only then that he noticed Althea. She looked so small curled up on the ground.
Douzen didn't rise to greet him, but whimpered and wagged his tail. He prodded at Althea 's side and whimpered again. The young woman didn't stir.
Soules went forward and felt Althea's forehead. She was burning up but at least she was alive. He wasted no time scooping her up. Holding her like one would a child , he headed back to the nice side of town to look for a doctor or a healer.
He asked anyone he happened to meet where the nearest healer was and soon found the shop of a older lady that sold herbs. He stopped at the door and knocked frantically.
By then, Althea began to stir. She murmured incoherently before peering up at Soules, confused. Douzen immediately began licking one of her hands furiously and prodded at Soules' leg.
Just as Soules was looking down to see what had gotten into Dozen the door cracked open.
A small frail looking lady peered out from behind the door "yes, what do you need" she ask in a small voice.
"She is very sick and and was unresponsive when I found her" he exclaimed. "You where the first healer I could find, can you help her."
"I normally just sell herbs but being her in, I'll see what i can do." She said as she opened the door wide. You'll have to lay her on the floor, I'm not really set up to treat patients." She pointed to a small rug in the middle of the shop.
Soules stepped into the dimly lit shop hand was hit with the smell of herbs and incense. As his eyes adjusted he saw where the lady was pointing. Carefully he laid Althea down on the rug.
Uncertain what was going on, a hand suddenly clung to Soules arm as he laid her upon the rug.
Even her hands were hot to the touch, yet she was shivering as if she were cold.
Soules laid her down but held onto her hand to comfort her.
"Wait here for a moment while a get some things together" the healer said as she went behind the counter and through a curtain leaded to a unseen back room. When she returned she had a blanket and several small bottles. She set the botyles down and folded the blanket up and placed it under Althea's head as a makeshift pillow.
She got up again and retrieved a kettle from a small stove in the corner. Pouring some tea into a glass she began to add the contents of the bottles to the cup before offering it to Soules. "Have her drink this, it will help break the fever"
He took the cup and put it to her lips with his free hand. "She also has a number of dog bites that need cleaned" he told the healer.
She choked as she sipped on the offered tea, but was eventually able to drink more with better luck.
At the mention of dog bites, the old woman turned towards the dog.
"I'm assuming not from this creature?" She asked, moving to go get her supplies to treat wounds.
"Easy there" he said softly. Turning to the healer he replied "that is Douzen, Althea here was trying to rescue him from a pit fight." He gestured first to the dog than to the young lady on the floor. He paused for moment then added "I'm Soules Jolon, and you are?"
"I am Kishra Anver" she said as she returned with a large bowl of medicated water and some clean towels. she started to unwrap the old bandages and inspect the wounds. "Please hold her still, this stuff burns a little but I have to clean the wounds before I can redress them" she ask as she wetted the towel and started to clean the bites that were red and inflamed.
Soules set down and cradled Althea's head in his lap doing his best to keep her still.
Douzen moved closer towards Althea, almost so that he was in the way. But as the woman went to clean and tend to the wounds, it was enough to sober Althea briefly from her fever as she let out a cry and squirmed beneath the pair.
Douzen, sensing his master's discomfort, inserted his face between them all, softly yipping and licking in protest.
Soules reached out and petted Douzen. "It's ok boy, this nice lady is helping." He continued to cradle Althea's head as she squirmed.
Kishra was patient and worked around the dog as best she could. After washing the wounds she gently dried them. Have drying she applied fresh ointment and clean bandages.
In her fevered state, she had turned and curled up against Soules, seeming much smaller and frail than she already was. Douzen only protested now with soft noises, buy it seemed the woman ought to be okay- once her fever would break.
Once she was finished with dressing the wounds Kishra turned to Soules "I have done that I can. Now she just needs a few days in bed to recover. Unfortunately she can't say on my floor. She will have to be moved."
"I understand, I'm not from here so I'll have to find a inn, also what do I owe you for the medicine and help." Soules replied.
"It'll be three gold but I'll include more of the tea for her fever. Have her drink it four times a day." She spoke as fetched more of the powdered tea mix.
Soules thanked Kishra for her time and handed over the coin. Three gold was a lot but could you really put a price on a life? As gently as he could, he picked Althea up and headed for the door. Back in the streets he returned to the inn he had stayed the night before. He settled her into the only bed and pulled up a chair to wait with Douzen by his side.
When Althea woke, she was much more lucid than before. It took her a moment to realize she was inside...
In a strange place..
And with...
Douzen nudged her hand softly, licking her fingers as his tail thumped happily. She smiled and scratched his ears. The shaggy dog was alright.
Then she froze- realizing she wasn't alone.
Soules was there too. He must've been watching over her. That much she could deduce from her memories. She frowned but studied him, truly studying him before speaking.
"Thank you. I know you didn't need to help me but..." she shuffled uncomfortably. Here she was.
"Why?" She asked after a time. "You don't know me. Or know Douzen."
Soules gave gentle smile. He was glad to see her awake and was actually glad to see some of her attitude return. "I'm a helper, I always have been so I couldn't just leave you to die in the gutter."
She studied his face, her eyes expressive- both of concern- and respect.
"You've helped me on numerous occasions these past two days and I... I'm sorry if I have not been the most reasonable towards you. I'm..." she squirmed. "Not used to anyone caring."
"It's all good, and you'll have me for a few more days before I absolutely have get back on the road to Ajhfeld." He didn't help for the thanks. He helped because it was the right thing to do.
A few more days?
Her eyes went wide. But then, where he said he was going sunk in.
"Ahjfeld!? Why would you go there?" Even she heard the horrors of what happened to that duchy.
Soules' expression went solemn "the closest thing I had to a family was in Ajhfeld. I've not heard a word from them in four year's. I doubt I'll like what I'll find but I need answers." He looked down at his feet as he spoke.
He was concerned about Xanti, she had soon signs of magic when she was young. While she had learn to control her magic, it only took one accusations to get her locked up. He hoped she had stayed safe.
Althea's frown deepened. So many had been hurt, families ruined and destroyed, by this damned war. Her family, however, ruined itself.
The fact he had family he actually loved...
She felt his pain, but only out of the memories she missed of her past.
"So it's just you from your family right now?" She asked, truly curious. "Have you not married?" It seemed most soldiers that had survived were quick to pick up wives. Maybe he had one in that duchy?
He gave a heavy sigh. " I was engaged before the war. We took different stances on the fighting. Luna became a confessor and I disagreed." He looked up at Althea "I thought about deserting every day for ten years, mages aren't all bad. I've seen plenty of atrocities done by none mages." His voice was full of pain as he spoke.
"My only other family was a young orphan name Xanti she should be about your age now."
Her age? She had to wonder if he truly knew how old she was. Most wanted to presume she was just some child.
"Why didn't you desert?" She asked, genuinely curious.
He thought about her question for awhile. "Couldn't leave my men, I had trained most of them myself and I felt responsible for them." He ran his hand through his hair as he spoke. "When the fighting stopped they disbanded the Ajhfeld long patrol and reassigned everyone. I took the opportunity to resign my commission. I'll always be a soldier at heart but I've more then done my time."
She studied his face as he spoke. At a glance, he looked as wicked as any other soldier- the scars on his face only cementing that. And well, the eye patch.
"And your eye.
" she asked softly. "Was that lost to the war as well?"
He traced the scar down the his face with his fingers. "This came from a bandit, long before the war."
"What will you do when I leave. Living in the gutter is not a life I would choose." He said.
She nodded, not pressing but looked at him with a frown at the question.
"I chose this life," she said, quietly. "It.. was a better place than I had left. "
"You could tag along if you want, you deserve better Althea." He said kindly.
There he was playing hero again. He could help himself, it was just second nature. He wanted to save everyone he met.
She visibly flinched at that. She hadn't meant to, but the reaction was atleast honest.
Did she deserve better? She wasn't even sure- she just knew she didn't want what waited her back at home. She pet Douzen's head as she kept her eyes away.
"I don't want to be anyone's burden," she finally admitted. "It wouldn't be right, it wouldn't be proper t' take advantage of yee."
No.. no he'd already done enough.
Douzen continued to look at her, tail thumping when she smiled at him. Although.. it would be nicer for Douzen.. wouldn't it?
"Could ye.. atleast take Douzen?" She asked, not able to look up at him when she spoke.
He expected some pushback, not this resignation it was sad. "I'll take Douzen with me but he is your dog, you have to take care of him and You won't be a burden, quite the opposite I enjoy having a traveling companion. Remember I spent 20 years in the army. This is the for first time I've traveled alone in a long time."
Althea had no idea what to say to that. A part of her hoped for a chance to get out of her situation, to better herself and not have to live onnthe streets.
Dare she act on that hope? Dare she trust this man?
She barely knew him..
But what she did know was that Douzen trusted him..
The dog smiles as he turned to look at Soules, following his masters lead.
"I.. couldn't possibly." She frowned. "I haven't the money nor means."
"Don't worry about the money, this is my gift to you and Douzen" he said with a soft smile. As a seasoned caption in the army he he had made his fair share of money. He could easily afford to support another.
"Just think about it, first we need to get to better."
Althea wanted to protest further, but she truly felt exhausted. And she was thankful for the help. To think.. dare she hope she and Douzen could get a better life?
No.. she couldn't let herself get too carried away, but a part of her couldn't help but grow anxious.
"Ahjfeld is far.." she commented. Although she had never been, she knew it wasn't just a day trip or two from their location.
"It's about a week and a half walk, two if we take it easy. Would be faster but you don't ride horses which is ok, Max can still carry the gear." He replied.
He could tell she was getting exhausted. "You rest up, I need to do some shopping for new clothes." Ajhfeld was still occupied territory, it wouldn't do to show up in full soldier uniform.
She nodded her head, frowning before taking his hand and gently squeezing it.
"Thank you... it's been sometime since anyone's been kind t' me. Ye've been more than admirable and I'm still sorry I've been a thorn in your side since the beginning."
Life hadn't been easy- it was her defense mechanism and she had to grow up swiftly- so she always felt much older than she was.
"Take your time. I'll rest up and maybe soon, ye can get back home to Ahjfeld."
Soules left the inn and from shop to shop looking but not buying much. Part of it was him being pick and part of it was he just needed to stretch his legs after watching over Althea for so long.
After a long time he settled on a tan long sleeve shirt, a green vest and black trousers. He decided to keep the riding boots. He also got a new saber, one that was less ornate than the officers sword he normally wore.
On his way back, Soules stopped to check on Max. While in the stable he got the feeling something wasn't right. He had a weird ringing in his ear. Moving to the exit he had just stepped in to the street when a large explosion rocked the town.
Picking himself up he could see smoke bellowing from the north gatehouse. The streets were littered with glass as the shock had broken all the windows.
He rushed back to the inn and up the stairs to check on Althea.
Althea had barely fallen back to sleep when the explosion happened. She was snapped to her senses, the burning fever an after thought, as she scrambled out of bed.
She could smell, whatever that had caused it- an acrid smell- curling in all around her. Douzen was barking as she all but threw herself from the window to try and figure out just what was going on.
There was panic down below- and she couldn't make heads or tails of it and wasn't sure she should count herself lucky the place she rested hadn't been the source of that explosion- but then her heart sank at idea...
Soules.. that soldier..
He..
She threw the door open, and all but ran into Soules as she rounded down the stairs. She managed to catch herself against him.
Ansgar's name.. he was okay!
"What happened!? Are you okay?"
Soules took the stairs two at a time as he ran up them. He nearly ran Althea over as they meet at the door.
"There was a explosion at the gatehouse, I suspect fowl play. I was going to investigate but I needed to know you were ok first."
Althea started. He had to check on her, first? Before she could process the flutter inside her belly, Douzen was pressing against her legs and she gestured down the stairs.
"I'm alright. But if you can help others, don't be held back on account of me." She patted Douzen on the head, giving a good scritch to his ears.
"Douzen will stay with me."
She wasn't sure she ought to join him- but she wasn't sure she was simply going to remain inside while the world outside was on fire and exploding.
Was it an attack? Ansgar's name..
If so.. what could she even do?
"Stay away from the windows and I'll be back as fast as I can" he ruffled Douzen's ears before turning and rushing down the stairs.
In the street chaos still rained. The gatehouse was now fully engulfed in flames. As he approached the heat was oppressive.
Out of the corner of his eyes he saw a robed figure disappear down a alleyway. He turned and gave chase.
Curiosity got the better of her- despite having nodded in agreement to stay there. She followed him down the hall and peaked outside. It was total chaos- then when Soules took off, so did Douzen. Althea gasped, calling after the dog but her words were lost in the crowd.
She almost crumpled when she tried to snatch at her dog- bit it was too late- and soon Douzen was rushing past Soules and towards the runner.
Soules was at a full sprint when Douzen passed him. He tried to catch up but was already giving it his all. "Here boy" he called after the dog.
He drew his sword as he gave chase. The figure disappeared around a corner. He slowed down as he came to the blind corner.
She couldn't just let Douzen rush off like that. What was that damned dog thinking? So she made chase, soon catching up to Soules when she realized her dog had moved out of sight.
"Soules?" She asked him quietly as she approached his side.
Pausing to catch his breath, Soules was startled but the soft voice at his side. He had been so focused on the cloaked figure that he didn't notice her approach.
"What are you doing out here? It could still be dangerous." He ask with concern.
"Why else? Douzen ran this way."
But she frowned at what he said and shook her head. "I know it can be dangerous- but I'm not about to just let my dog run into trouble alone." Her frown deepened
"Did you see him run past this way?"
Then she heard his distinctive bark.
"Douzen!" And moved suddenly in that direction.