The Chronicles of Bael

The Chronicles of Bael Part 31

Wildday, Stasis Week, Storm Season, 1600

As Yelm arose in the east, I departed Fazzur's camp with his good wishes to temper my misgivings. Yet barely had I stepped from the camp when Tallbar the Lascivious rode up to me in great haste dragging a fully laden mule behind him. It was with some trepidation and concern in his eyes that enquired if I was intending to leave Furthest. When I told him that this was indeed my intention he jumped from his horse and fell to his knees at my feet and begged to join me on travels.

It would seem that Tallbar's alchemy skills had once again deserted him and that he had all but poisoned the daughter of a wealthy Lunar merchant with the concoction he had brewed from the Ogre phallus that I had sent him.

"I do not blame you Bael, how were you to know that the phallus must be kept fresh. And while I have no doubt that this wench will recover from the from the philter of love that she imbibed, her father has been quite unforgiving. He is determined to hold my manhood in his hands, and me not attached. He has hired a band of cutthroats for just this purpose. So, it is the open road for the two of us."

What was I to do? Tallbar was all but useless in a fight, but he had had the foresight to bring a mule laden with supplies for the road, and he had never been short of silver when it was most needed. And truth be told, a travelling companion, even a dolt such as Tallbar would be welcome.

Mush to Tallbar's obvious distress I insisted upon visiting the Storm Bull Temple to say farewell to Gorath. Old Gorath greeted me like a long-lost son. He had heard news of my Master's death and had feared for my safety. I told him that I was leaving that day in search of my Master's killers. He grew angry when I told him of my encounter with the Ogre in the streets of Furthest, and of my belief that my Master's murder had been orchestrated by a Priest of Cacodemon. As I knew he would, he declared that he would join me upon my quest. I thanked him, but told him that it was something I must do on my own. I could not afford to be constrained by Gorath's beliefs. We parted as friends, vowing to see each other in better times.

I do not believe that we were followed this morning, and though there were some three score travellers on the barge, none had the appearance of those that I believed pursued me or Tallbar. For the most part the barge was filled with poor pilgrims travelling to the temple to Ernalda at Heruvernalda. To my good fortune there was an officer of the Bagnot Foot regiment by the name of Vandross Olafson who was returning to his garrison at Bagnot with a squad of his men. It seems that I had gained some notoriety at the military camp at Furthest, not only as Fazzur's scholar, but for my daily sparring with such a prominent General. Vandross has offered us his protection as far as the town of Goldedge where he and his men would then turn south for Bagnot.

I am told that some of the long-abandoned forts, known as Arim's Necklace, that follow the road to Goldedge are said to be bandit haunts. And though I am confident that I have not been followed, the presence of the Vandross and his men will make my enemies think twice before they act.