Oath on Obsidian

Oath on Obsidian | The First Hurdle

Admittedly, it was not the most uncomfortable Logan had ever been. He had traveled with his brothers in tight and uncomfortable places, even as uncomfortable as a boot. Still, the sheer unease churning his insides and shallowing his breath being so close to Noda made the traveling a living nightmare. Logan laid his back against Noda's bony collar, practically feeling her heartbeat surround him. [She hasn't hurt you. Nothing permanent. Just breathe.] Thankfully, Noda kept her pauldron unlatched until she was nearly at the gate. They had left his horse nearby where she would most likely be undiscovered. If his brothers hadn't left, which Logan still possessed mixed feelings about, they would need to be seen entering the city on the horse. If nothing else, whoever discovered the horse would certainly have an excellent day.

"Logan?" she said softly, her voice still reverberating through his bones. "We're almost there, if you're ready that is." Logan felt dizzy. His head swam from his reeling thoughts and the warmth produced by his body and Noda.

"I cannot afford to be anything less than prepared," said Logan, unwillingly glancing up at Noda, whose eyes were fixed on the gate ahead.

"I must ask, and feel free to take this as no resistance, that you do nothing to reveal yourself, regardless of the perceived level of danger. I will defend you if necessary, but you must not act rashly. Do you understand?" Noda's request came at a heavy price. Logan couldn't refuse which, in the end, translated to him forfeiting his ability to defend himself. The bitter taste of acid burned the back of his throat. Getting sick would only alleviate the situation momentarily yet present a myriad of other problems. He managed to restrain himself and choke out an acknowledgment before being surrounded in the darkness of the latched pauldron.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Noda knew her small, Imitari companion probably loathed her at this moment. At the very least, he was uncomfortable and scared out of his wits. Still, she urged her stallion forward at an easy pace as she approached the massive wooden gates into the city. She spotted a few familiar faces at the gate; one hunter and one guard who she knew well. Perhaps this would be easier than anticipated. They spotted her before she had a chance to speak.

"Doyen!" They called, smiles as wide as the walls. "What a glorious noon hour, is it not?"

"'Tis, though not as glorious as the wine in that waterskin, I'm sure," Noda quipped as she pulled the reins and signaled the horse to stop. The two exchanged tipsy smiles before offering the waterskin to her, but she politely refused. "No thank you. Whatever it is will undoubtedly get me into trouble if it can make your heads sway like that What's this about? You usually wait for something so strong." Noda felt a shift by her collar, but couldn't tell if it was due to physical or emotional discomfort. She decided lowering her voice would undoubtedly help.

"No reason, 'cept for the tip we heard this morn'," the hunter partially giggled to himself, his words slurring slightly.

"Shut your trap 'fore I break your teeth in," growled the guard as he swayed on his pike. Noda eyed them suspiciously.

"You two know better than to keep the word of the city from me. Cough up." The two exchanged a meaningful look before turning back to Noda.

"The King." The words sent a chill down Noda's spine and, if she felt correctly, Logan's entire body.

"'E's ordered two battalions o' soldiers for some kind of trainin' further West." This news was new to Noda, and she listened as the hunter continued. "Our guess is 'e shipped 'em out because 'e wants 'em to get better eats. Land can't 'andle that many soldiers sittin' doin' nothin' but eatin' their weight in meat, mead, and grain e'ry day." Noda stiffened, but the only one who would have noticed was Logan as he was pressed against her collar. He could have sworn her heartrate increased and her breathing shallowed as she stiffened. Had this news meant something different? Was it a code?