Click to confirm you are 18+

The Year Of The Bear - Ep.11

ButonflyOct 2, 2018, 11:38:24 AM

(Start at the beginning)

The road provided a cold but uneventful journey after leaving the empty settlement on their way to the next. The rocky, green covered dips and valleys made for beautiful scenery as the party wound its way over the landscape, carried by their horses. The leg might have ended up much longer had they been left on foot, and Julia was thankful for the blessing the beasts of burden provided.

The continual demand to press on beyond her capability was not to her liking but she had no standing to argue with her Bear overlords. Where she’d of gladly cut the days riding as the sun descended toward the horizon, her companions, Carmel in particular, had them riding till just after the light had all but faded from the sky. In Julia’s estimation, it made for more difficult evening activities, but she had to admit at the end of the second day that the extra effort had paid off.

They saw it first at the top of the nearest ridge, down the long winding slope, flanked by sporadic pines, and littered with shale from sheer faces of jutting rock that crumbled beneath the elements. The settlement they’d been looking for. The light was already fading from the world and in the shadows of the gully, torch light could already be seen surrounding the village.

Julia couldn't help her excitement at the thought of a roof to sleep under, and the creature comforts that could be provided under the rules of basic hospitality. Though she didn't hold much hope for a wonderful experience with which to give a shining review, the fact she would be off the road and experiencing anything at all was a huge win in her book. Perhaps she’d even find some more favorable individuals to socialise with. Ones who didn't consider her a spy, or have a hide-like mantle as thick as the creature they named themselves after- Bears.

As they approached the boundary of the town they emerged from the shadow that kept their ride hidden from view. The noise of five horses had not been missed however, and a score of men had taken up placement at the entrance along the road. Before them a cross beam barred the way, forming a retractable line of defense that linked to an equally unimpressive boundary surrounding the town.

Carmel came to a stop before it, looking down upon unfriendly faces as the others filed in behind him.

“Hold there! Who dares approach after the decent hour.”

Julia looked from Carmel to the speaker and found a fresh faced but able bodied man who composed himself with authority. He wore the clothes of a common tradesman, simple but relatively descent in condition. At his side was a short blade, sheathed, which he had his hand on ready to draw.

Looking around the other faces Julia saw much of the same. Young men, some even boys, armed with far less steel; bows; spears; and even a sling. She also noted- among a handful of the score- a common set of physical features that suggested a vein of shared ancestry.

“Where I come from, any hour you can find a hearth is a decent hour.” Carmel responded. Julia noted a hint of annoyance in his tone and, as always, whatever displeasure the Wilderman was experiencing, it was now clearly plastered across his face.

“We don’t know you. Tell us your name and where you hail from, so that we may discern your intent.”

“I am Carmel. I hail from The Northern Wilds. My intent is to bask in the hospitality of your hearth for an evening, and afford my companions a bit of common decency for enduring your jabber.” He thrust his thumb over his shoulder indicating his crew, and Julia couldn't help but wince. As far as diplomacy went, she hadn't been able to hold Carmel in high regard.

“Then you’ll have to forgive us. Our town has been harried by outsiders of late, and I can’t permit your company at this late hour.” The man spoke firmly, with conviction, but Julia noted some other subtlety in the manner of which he spoke. Not as a man issuing an order, but a man following one.

“Late hour? The sun has barely fallen out of the sky. I’m practically still sweating- the air is so dry.” Carmel’s arm waved at the distant horizon, the appendage only visible by the faint light of the nearby sconces. The sun had well and truly vanished by even the most liberal mans reckoning.

Julia thought, trying to recall some detail that zipped about her mind, eluding her inner eye.

“I’m sorry.” The man shook his head. “I wouldn't risk it.”

“You’re risking offense right now, which might be more troubling for you long term.”

Julia felt the breakdown in negotiation like she might a wound being pressed upon for the purpose of displeasure. It hurt, but she couldn't let that distract her from her thought.

The gatekeeper unlatched his blade, and drew it half an inch as both warning and statement to back his word. There was a stirring on his side of the fence as arrows were notched, bow strings tightened, and spears shifted in their grips.

“Please, I don’t wish you ill will. If you come back on the morrow I’ll happily receive you. Under the light of day. With time enough for us to get to know one another.”

Carmel considered this for a moment, unperturbed by the show of force, but seemingly disinclined to descend into violence. He turned his horse to face Dolev and Kodiak, turning his back on the town to speak privately with his companions, despite their being able to hear anything he might have to say. “Can you believe this guy? I thought this was still the North? It feels like anything south of the mountain might as well be soft country.”

“I’ve been this way before,” Kodiak said quietly. “I’ve never had a problem like this.”

“It seems they have some troubles of their own,” Dolev offered. “Perhaps you should ask who these outsiders are. If for no other reason than that we may avoid them.”

While the three talked, a name formed in Julia’s mind- first as a sound that prompted her to bring it to being. “M-M, Mathias!” She looked to the gatekeeper. “I’d like to speak with Mathius, you can tell him Julia Boot is at the gate.”

The man seemed taken back but rounded as his well thinking manner took hold. “Mathias is unwell and I’m disinclined to bother him. What is your relationship?” The question seemed trying, testing for authenticity which Julia found odd. But she had no reason to toy with him.

“I came through here not so long ago on my way North. I spoke with him during my brief stop. I believe he offered me marriage to one of his sons.” Julia looked within the recess of her memory, markedly visible in the expression of her face.

The gatekeeper paused in a moments reflection then seemed to make up his mind. “Peter,” He called to the youngest boy amongst the group who hopped a few hasty steps over. “Go and fetch father. Tell him he’s needed at the gate. Mention the girls name.” The boy nodded, and bounded away.

Carmel, Dolev, and Kodiak watched as it all unfolded.

Julia beamed to her own delight. She wouldn't be denied her bed.

(Continue to Ep.12)