Come Winter's End: Fairy Fire Book #1

~𝑪𝒉.15 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑮𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕 & 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝑮𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔~

Place: NorthStar Bridge GateHouse, Timberest
Date: Nollaig 4th 6:10 pm

"So do we get settled and eat first or question the prisoners?" Essi looked towards Jaeger.

Jaeger's stomach grumbled.

"Eat!" the two men said simultaneously.

As they headed through the gate the guardsmen stopped the group.

"Lady Brightday, who are these men with you and the prince?" The guard questioned.

"Haha Jaeger, Escher I was waiting for you two to show up." Captain Flynn appeared around the gate of the guardhouse. Shaking both men's hands and welcoming them. "What no Sebastian or Felipe in tow." He looked behind the group.

"No Felipe, this time and who knows with Bast, he has a tendency to move like a leaf on the breeze." Jaeger joked.

The men laughed. Sebastian de Eron (the previously mentioned elf) was a fellow member of the Elvenguard Knights. He was noble born and a bit of a wildcard, so Flynn was a more than relieved he hadn't occupied the other elves to Emberfrost.

"No this delivery mission. VERY precious goods. " Escher patted his heavy overstuffed bag. As the group walked and talked

Flynn nodded as if to say I see. Just then he caught sight of the smallest member of the group still hiding behind Miri's cape.

"And who is this wee bearn?" Smiling, knelt down to shake Riku's hand.

Miri and West looked at each other nervously. Everyone froze. Thankfully the boy had his cape hood up so no one saw his kitten ears.

"I'm Riku, who are you?" The little boy smiled as he shook Flynn's hand.

"I'm Captain Flynn Autumnsby, nice to meet you." He chuckled as he stood. The officer looked at Miri for a further explanation.

"He is with my men." West quickly explained as Miri breathed a sigh of relief.

"Yes he's my new apprentice", Escher cut in and put a hand on Riku's shoulder. "He came along for the trip." The Neko and the elven mage both smiled innocently at Autumnsby.

"Follow me", the Captain signaled for them as they headed to his office.

"So what's this hear about being attacked by elven rebels. Cordial said about twenty-five men. attacked ye by the bridge. I saw the prisoners, their uniforms look like your uncle Airam's men." Flynn looked at West.

"I don't think they are Airam's men, Not do I think they are elves", the prince stated, as everyone looked at him with shock. West stopped and folded his arms on his chest. The group ceased moving and waited for further explanation.

"Mercenaries?" The captain suggested.

"Airam's forces are strapped for cash. He couldn't afford mercenaries, especially foreign ones he would have transport. " Jaeger added looking at Flynn. "But why don't you think they aren't elves?" He turned to West, more than slightly confused.

"Because out of that whole mob only two used time magic on us. And it was weak time magic. They aren't trained. He wouldn't waste money on inexperienced mercenaries. Ariam is demented not stupid." West informed.

"True, on all counts" The knight responded.

"He wouldn't allow men that weak in his army as anything other than frontline fodder or bait. And certainly wouldn't have them leading a raid party solo." The prince continued.