Lands Across the Sea (Original Story)

Chapter 3: Traveler's Woe

Chapter 3:

Before daybreak, I took my leave, back to the Inquisition that guides me. I know I may not have spoken much to many of you, but I do so hope you understand it is not in my nature to speak plenty. You are my responsibility now, and as such you will be given the supplies to thrive. However, I am no fool, and I understand the desire to partake in such a war no longer.

This castle stands mighty against time, and this church a piece of history untold. Keep these safe, as the men I leave behind will do for you. Much thought has been put into this, and Oregon is no name for a castle that speaks for the men who bare colorless flags. Castle Korvyn shall be the name, such as the ravens that fly above, and as colorless as the cloudy night sky.

May the stars watch over you, and fate guide you fair. May Rhylus’ grace give you order.

Gabriel Caliban of Ashfell, 11th of March.

A homunculus in bare chainmail reads aloud to the many in the bailey, no colors or symbols on him, a fair guard with an ax on his hip and a box to stand on. The morning crowd, of mostly men, disperses as their duties are calling. Yet in this crowd, a certain elf can be noted as missing…

Riding on a horse of brown coat, Ryuji looks down from the outer rims of the mountains, to the South the plains and forests go as far as the eye can see. Snow sparsely freckles the land in splotches of white, with clouds a gentle puff of cotton hanging in the air. He rides to the left of the head of the group, riding beside him is Sergeant Red on his mare. The company stays in a steady trot, at the head the shrouded Gabriel wears a hauberk and metal mask over his face. With them, the company of soldiers are each decorated with their unique flare. At the head, Gabriel rides a stallion covered in sage cloth, its coat hidden from the world akin to his rider.

“This is Ashfell…?” Ryuji tilts his large hat back, getting a better view but shivers from the cold winds, “It looks so peaceful from up here, but curse this cold.”

Sergeant Red chuckles while wrapped under his red cloak, and tells him, “Of course, it is still winter for the coming weeks. It is why the order hosts such events now.” Red’s head suddenly perks up and he ushers his mare to speed up, stopping beside Gabriel, “Sir, before it is too late. Inquisitor Celia had requested me to deliver you this.” He digs out his saddle bag, a slightly curved black bar and holds it out to Gabriel.

Gabriel looks at the handle he holds out, having a cogwheel pommel of metal with a throat of shiny steel. Below it is a grip wrapped in black hide, having a webbed texture on the top which gently curves to a straight bar of shiny steel. He takes it from Red and looks at the bar of steel closer, on the sides are discs with dials, and at the peak of the curve is a small box cut down the middle. “Um… tank you?” He finds it with an octogonal barrel that has on its side written 0.5 inches, the underbarrel is a black wood and under it with a space two thin rods fixed by flat sheets of metal at the front and end of the barrel. “It is a gun?”

Red nods excitedly, his eyes red gleaming with his smile, “Inquisitor Aaron had cut down his men’s arquebus, found it easier to use like this on horse with sword. The order has made only twelve, before my departure, all four of your generation have one. It’s similar to the arquebus, charge some light in it and pull, just keep your hand from those discs.”

“I will remember.” He slips it into his sash, securing it with the rope over it.

“So just what is the event we’re headed to?” Ryuji wonders, still looking off to the world below.

Red stutters as he slips back into position, “It’s- well- it’s complicated. I cannot speak of it.” In front of them, Gabriel looks back and nods. “Are you sure, sir…? Very well. On the solstice, the seventy-ninth generation of inquisitors will be officiated, such as Sir Caliban.”