The Gate Saga: The Landing

Part Six

More and more people flooded from the homeland into the camp looking to claim their slice of fortune. With so much interest surrounding the Expedition, rich lords and ladies began investing in the endeavor trying to get an early spot at the table. However, Curtis was clear that it was a private affair, and while donations were appreciated, the leadership of the Expedition had no need for any further input.

While this definitely rubbed some the wrong way, more decided they would send their young scions to test their mettle in this dangerous new world. Unfortunately, these "nobles" often brought with them a serious attitude in need of adjusting as well.

"I demand a higher tier contract this instant." Came the shrill voice of a short dark haired teen in expensive armor.

Colton looked down at the young man with a nonplussed expression. "Listen son, I know you think you are entitled to something here because you were born to Lord and Lady whosiwhatsit, but I'm here to tell you that while you are in my camp you will follow our rules. They are there so that shiny suit of armor you are wearing doesn't become your pretty coffin."

The boy fumed and turned a dark shade of red. "You cannot speak to me in the mann-"

Colton cut him off with a wave of his hand. "I can, and have." He slid over a folded piece of parchment. "This contract is more to your strengths, I think the barber needs the sap from the nearby trees for some sort of hair product. I hear he's paying well! Now scoot before I put you on a boat headed back to mommy and daddy."

The disgruntled noble boy huffed and stomped away, but not before snatching the parchment from the table.

Colton sighed and rubbed his forehead trying to relieve the tension headache forming there. I've got to find someone to hand out contracts to these little lords and ladies that is not me, he thought.

With a grunt he pushed himself from the desk and strode toward the window looking out at the horde of new arrivals coming from the docks. As he watched, people from all walks of life stepped into the camp with various expressions of trepidation, and excitement. Equipment spanning from shining plate mail and exquisite weapons, to shoddy daggers and ratty leathers were plain to see. Here they were all equals, no special treatment or plush quarters to stay in. No, if you were here, it was to earn your keep.

Colton was about to turn from the window when a woman dressed in fine leather walked in with the next group. Her long wavy dark hair cascaded behind her as she moved confidently into the camp. Her beauty was enough to turn heads to be sure, but in this case what caught Colton's attention was the weapon she wore on her thigh. It was some kind of gun.

Colton leaned forward onto the window sill. "Now where did you get that, miss?" He muttered to himself, no one had guns unless they had stolen it from the vaults of New Eradin, and not even the pompous brats he'd been teaching respect to all day had one. She was an anomaly.

Moving to the door in his small office and exiting into the midday sun, Colton watched the young woman finish speaking with the dockmaster and then walk further into camp. He quickly adjusted so that her path would intersect with his own. As he passed her, he quickly cast a spell to detect her thoughts to glimpse what she may be thinking. Thoughts flooded into his consciousness

So far so good, I wonder if I was convincing enough. I'm glad that's over.

Without hesitating Colton walked up to the dock master and leaned over the table getting close to the attendant. "That woman there, what is her name and where did she say she was from?"

The dock master lifted a paper and pointed at a name. "Her name is Orielle Lawson, and she said she came from, looks like Kelyfos. Dang if I knew they looked like that in Kelyfos I'd have moved there years ago."

Turning from the table Colton absently muttered, "Thanks." Then took a few steps away and pulled out his communicator. "Imbrose, I have someone I'd like you to sign on as a scout. Her name is Orielle."

"Oh, has someone caught the eye of the fabled Mirage Knight?" Came a mocking voice.

Colton looked down in surprise. "What? No! I mean she is beautiful, but that's not what caught my attention. I think she might kn-"

"Come on! You and Nadyra are toast, my friend. She basically said that if you leave she's through with you. Though to be honest that was the best choice you eve-"

"Would you shut up!" Colton half-yelled at the metal disc in his hand.

"Sheesh... touchy... alright let's hear about this girl you are stalking." Teased Imbrose.

"I'm not... anyway, I think she may know more about this place than she let's on, and if I am right then putting her as a scout is the best way to find out where she could be from."

Imbrose paused. "What has you thinking she is special?"

"She's wearing a gun on her thigh," Colton said quietly, "and I may have pried into her mind as she entered the camp." He added quickly.

Imbrose chuckled. "Ah so you were stalking her, oh alright I'll check in and get her sent my way. Anything else? Any news from the big cheese on when we might do something other than start an amusement park for upstart adventurers?

Colton sighed. "No, and I'm thinking he's becoming more erratic. He keeps hiding in his study for hours at a time, won't let me in anymore."

"Be careful Colton, you remember what happened to his father." Imbrose warned.

"I know, just let me know what you learn from this Orielle character, I'll handle Curtis."

"Roger that, take care man."

As the communicator went dark, Colton turned and looked toward the tower where Curtis was currently sequestered and rubbed his head underneath his hat. I'm getting too old for this crap. As he returned to his post.