"Everyone, gather up!"
The crackle of logs in the fire pit echoes around the spacious longhouse. Old Thomas feeding an extra bundle of sticks to the blaze as each of us drag over wood chairs or some pews. Circling around the fire for warmth.
A crisp and sharp chill has rolled in overnight. Dropping the temperature dramatically and causing a good amount of panic. The [Farmers] were up far earlier than usual just to get a head start on finishing what was missed yesterday. Mama yelled so much while rousing everyone that her voice gave out.
As for us, the [Guards] were all dragged in for an all-hands meeting. Which is more of a most-hands, as obviously we do need to have a team outside to keep watch. So Walt and four others are still out doing a patrol.
But most everyone on the security detail is here. With the addition of Steppan, Ethel, and their band. Which puts us up to seventeen huddling around the warmth. The two mercenary [Scouts] still being out in the forests somewhere.
Which I've honestly been getting pretty concerned about. But I'm just going to have to trust that they know what they're doing.
I'm sitting on one of the pews that Monica, Ethel, and I moved closer to the fire. Burying my face into my red universal fabric currently wrapped around my neck. Clad in a cloak Mama had insisted I wear as well. Even Ethel and Steppan have foregone their plate armor as it would be more trouble than it's worth as it gets colder. Both of them bundled up in dense fur cloaks.
Everyone is sipping idly on some warm spiced wine that Edd has been heating up over the firepit. Ladling it into our mugs or waterskin as we pass them to him. Brings a nice warmth down through my body despite the taste not being entirely to my liking. But during the winter we tend to drink a lot of it. Even when I was little.
But Thorpe is definitely drinking more of it than he probably should...
Old Guard is looking more exhausted with every passing day. Everyone has been noticing. And this morning in particular he looks frighteningly ghostly. Ethel and I sharing concerned glances at one another every time he sways or wobbles.
I asked him what was going on the moment I saw him, but he just brushed it off. And she doesn't seem to have had much luck either.
Thorpe clears his throat a little too hoarsely before tucking his cloak in tighter to his collar, his flask held in a death grip against his chest. "Alright. Let's try to get this out of the way. The more time we have watching the village, the better." He begins, sweeping his gaze across us with slightly squinted eyes. "As you all have heard or seen, we lost one of our comrades yesterday to a monster incursion in the southern pasture."
I frown at the mention. As does everyone else. Some lowering their heads and mumbling something beneath their breath.
"Victor Haverson has been with the [Guard] for six years. He was born and raised in this village. His father, the village's old [Carpenter], passed away before Victor was born. He is survived by his Mother, who is one of our [farmers]. As well as his..." Thorpe's breath catches in his throat. Taking a moment to let out an unsteady breath before he continues. "As well as his wife and their daughter, who was born just last year."
A sniffling next to me draws my attention to Monica, who has her head lowered and her hand covering her mouth. Her shoulders trembling subtly.
The knot growing in my chest grips tighter. Reaching my hand over to grasp her shoulder and giving it a light squeeze. Her head turning slightly to glance at me before her free hand comes around to hold mine.
Thorpe takes another deep breath. "His service will be in three days. His body is with his family until then. So please respect their boundaries." He gestures briefly over to Steppan. "Ser Steppan has offered to commit him to ash with his own coin. So offer him thanks for that. As well as for the preservation of Vic's body."
Steppan has a very complicated expression set into his features as he nods to the brief and quiet thanks he gets from around the fire. But he says nothing in return. Leaving the quiet air for Thorpe to move on.
"I hate to move on so quickly from that, but we have some important shit to go over." Old Guard grunts before he seems to steel himself. "The attack yesterday proved my worst fears are already coming ahead. From all accounts I received, the Saber Badger that appeared was of a variant that none of us have seen before. Strong and fast. And no one but Arric was able to pierce through its muscle."
Everyone at this point has put their full attention on Old Guard as he speaks, his voice echoing off the mostly empty longhouse. "Now I want to remind you. Just because it's a variant we haven't seen before does not mean it's special. Just means it doesn't get out often or its normal habitat is in an area people don't usually go to." His brow furrows. "But that is also pretty bad for us. Because it means that it was likely pushed out of its usual grounds."
I nod along with the assumption. The Grand Continent is massive. There are likely tons of monsters out there that no one has ever seen before, purely because they don't leave their habitats. Saber Badgers are also native to the Meld, so it isn't crazy to think it must have been a variant that just doesn't leave its den often. But something definitely made it desperate enough.
"We don't have confirmation of it yet. But I think with the evidence we've seen so far, the Manticore has most certainly returned to the area." He states seriously. Several of the older [Guards] shuddering at the mention. "The ecosystems around us have been completely thrown on their heads. And with the jackalope population in dire straits, the abundance of prey has taken a massive hit. Which means the likelihood of us getting raided by some tough customers looking to chow on our cattle is pretty damn high."
His eyes scan over us as that sinks in. "We are tough out here. Tougher than the average village grunts. But the only one of us amongst the [Guard] capable of using valor is me." Practically the whole team frowns at that a bit shamefully. Especially me. Cause I don't know if I'll ever be able to get something like that either.
Thorpe gestures again over to Steppan and Ethel. "Now we do have some extra help. Ser Ethel, Ser Steppan, and Arric can use some form of it as well."
Ethel grunts, her lips getting tight. "Actually. Correction. It is just myself and Arric that can."
Thorpe raises a brow, all of us turning to look towards Steppan. The [Paladin] in question grimacing hard. His hands squeezing into fists tightly enough to hear his leather gloves creak.
My lips purse as that thought now occurs to me. I think I had heard Steppan is level 9. And if he's a [Paladin] then he surely should have gotten skills that use valor far earlier on than that. But if he did, he might have just been able to kill the Badger yesterday.
But why doesn't he?
Steppan, though, doesn't seem to want to elaborate. So I glance back to Thorpe who at least looks like he understands why, judging by his expression. Which appears to be pity, unfortunately...
Thorpe sighs lightly. "I see. Well, two extra people that can cut through tough hides is better than none." He states, leaving the subject behind. "But we'll need to be patrolling the tree lines around the village more often and with larger teams. Not too deep, of course, but just enough to have earlier warning if something nasty is skulking around."
Edd grunts from his position on the floor around the firepit. "What about the Manticore? If that thing shows up, we're right cooked, boss." He states bluntly. "You gonna scare it off again?"
Thorpe's nose wrinkles. "Eventually I'll have to. But I can't go out monster hunting with [Bandits] breathing down our necks. So that takes priority." Which he gives a passive wave of his hand as well to dissuade the worried looks some of us give him. "It's very unlikely for it to come anywhere near the village. Especially with these early gelid winds coming in, it'll be hibernating soon if hasn't already started. And if it's nesting in the jackalope warren like I think it is, then it's definitely already eaten its fill for the winter. But I'm waiting on confirmation for that first before we move forward with anything else."
Monica gives my hand a squeeze before letting go as she looks up to Old Guard. "What exactly is the plan for the [Bandits] then? We haven't been told anything and its made us all antsy."
Thorpe glances over to Ethel at that. The [Knight] offering a nod before she answers herself. "If everything has gone well, our [Scouts] should be back in the next couple of days. They'll hopefully have confirmation of both the Manticore and where the [Bandits] are hiding out." She details, folding her arms over her chest. "We know that they might have some brigands with them. But I think we can manage them. We've fought worse odds before."
I frown at that. Not feeling as confidant about it as she might. "Are you certain? What about the [Highwayman]? Ser Steppan said he could barely handle him."
Thorpe grunts in response. "He will be my problem."
That answer just makes me frown even more. "So you're going to go with them? What if some of them are still around us and we get attacked?"
Ethel gives me a reassuring pat on my back. "We know. Lord Felix obviously isn't coming with us. So I'll be leaving Arric and Steppan behind to watch over him and help defend the village."
That assurance eases my mind somewhat. But not enough to accept it entirely. My attention shifting back up to Thorpe who gets a bit tight lipped at my stare.
"Liore. Believe me. I wouldn't be going along with it if a [Highwayman] weren't involved." He says honestly, meeting my stare. "From the way you and Stepp described him fighting, he would make a terrible matchup for Ethel or him. Especially with him likely healed up after taking one of my draughts."
A grimace settles into my features and my eyes look away to glare into the fire instead. Not able to refute that. "Aye. You would be the best at fighting him..."
He nods solemnly. "We've thought about this a lot. We've been taking it easy and waiting things out, sorta hoping he'd just try to raid us. Save us the trouble. But unfortunately, we're definitely not dealing with an amateur. If we want them gone, then we need to go get them gone."
The mercenaries and many of the [Guards] nod in agreement despite the subtle air of uncertainty. Most of it coming from me, though.
Old Guard sighs, taking a sip from his canteen. His shoulders shuddering from likely the burn sliding down his throat. "But, we need the confirmation first. And an idea as to how many assholes they've got with them. So once we do, we'll have another meeting laying out the entire plan. Understood?"
I nod along with everyone else while he scans over us. The old man taking a breath of relief.
"Good. Then I'll be calling out shifts and team composition. So pay attention."
Thorpe begins calling out the teams and positions for today. And as he promised last night, I've been teamed up with him in the evening and night. Where I am hoping to get some actual honest conversation with him for once in several weeks now.
But as he lays out the other teams and coordinates with Ethel and Steppans mercs, I can't help but feel anxious.
Despite everything, I have been stupidly lucky to be surrounded by competent and powerful people who care for me and my home. People who have experienced things beyond my wildest dreams. Who are prepared for anything and everything.
But for some reason, I don't feel—safe?
Not that I don't trust Thorpe or Ethel. I trust them more than anyone. I know they can handle things.
Right?
It's strange. Just a few weeks ago, having Thorpe around would make me feel pretty confident. But now it doesn't feel as—potent...
My hands squeeze tightly together on my lap. My attention fixated in the firepit as Thorpe's voice fades into the background a bit.
I trust him?
My cheek twitches. Sending a wave of agitation through me at how my mind phrased that.
I know he can handle things and he's just making the best decision possible to make us safe.
But why do I not feel reassured?
Another twitch in my cheek causes my head to jerk slightly. And for a moment, I swear the fire in the pit turned violet. And my ears briefly heard some sort of screeching noise.
My right hand suddenly feels tingly. My fingers closing ever so slightly in the same way I would grip my broadsword.
As if it craved it.
"Liore!"
I jolt and my head whips up to see Monica and Ethel standing in front of me. The rest of the [Guards] and mercenaries already heading out of the front door while Edd douses the fire.
Ethel frowns at me, lowering a hand down to place against my forehead. "Might have just been the fire, but feels like you're burning up there. Are you alright?"
It takes a moment for me to register what is going on. Blinking a few times before I nod and clear my throat, standing up from the pew. "Aye. I'm good. I'm okay. Just early morning. Might go get some extra winks since my shift will be in the evening."
Monica and Ethel give a glance to each other before they both nod. Ethel offering a light smile "Likely a good idea. I think I will do the same."
The two women head for the door along with me. Monica giving me a quick hug from the side and a wave before she heads off down the dirt street to start her patrol. "See you later, rabbit!"
I wave back briefly to both of them, all the while searching around for Thorpe who seems to have already booked it.
Causing me to sigh and shake my head. "He had better actually talk to me tonight." I mutter under my breath before turning down the road as well to head back home. The frigid wind sending shivers down my spine.
The excuse of needing more sleep becoming less and less of an excuse with each step.