[MGM]: 88 - Heavy Rain

There was a harsh wind running up the mountain that day, gusts thick enough to plaster the cloak to my back. I would occasionally readjust it, but the wind proved more stubborn. The daylight caught us at an angle, and it was my improved Perception that stopped me from shielding my eyes.

Up ahead, a thin cloud of dust swirled idly, pulling loose leaves and dry twigs into a chaotic dance. We darted straight through, the horses galloping with rhythmic beats, kicking up a trail of dust in our wake.

I was certainly not the most proficient when it came to riding—that honor belonged to Luna. Though I was not the worst either—that title belonged to Cassia. I could be considered the third best in our group.

But why third best though, if you're wondering?

"If we continue east, we should arrive at the Market Town within half a day's time," Captain Aldrin informed us. "And if we ride into late evening, the Free Mount Crossing should be close."

Aldrin had learned of our departure and insisted—if I was to be respectful—that he be allowed to accompany us. Now, I wasn't an unreasonable fellow who would deny him company, especially after the episode of not-begging; I had allowed him to follow us.

"The horses cannot endure the drain over such lengths," Cassia argued. "We'd best find lodging and continue tomorrow."

That was indeed true. Even if we could—theoretically—cross the Feylance territory into the Leroux Barony, the horses wouldn't be able to endure such great taxation. They had already been running for hours at a fast pace, and my Perception kept me privy to their inner state.

"Cassia is right," I said. "We have to find a place to rest. This is a journey that will likely take days, if not weeks, and we don't want to run ourselves ragged."

I could see the emotions warring on his face, but he eventually offered a stiff nod. His impatience was understandable to a degree, but understanding it didn't mean forgoing caution in favor of uncertainty.

The rest of our journey to the Market Town of Feylance Barony carried on in peace and silence. The wind wasn't as impactful as it had been at higher altitudes, but the presence of dark clouds in the sky indicated that rain was likely to greet us.

We increased our speed the rest of the way when we spotted the distant farmlands. Already, spots of wetness had started to bloom in our fabrics, and the wind had grown eerily quiet. The sunlight that had once warmed the lands was no more, and only a dark shade covered the fields for the distance ahead.

Passing through the farmlands, the green valley of vital produce, we spotted a couple of houses—more built for the purpose of storage than with any thought for lodging. There were some farms to keep the cattle as well, with barns and stables. We found ourselves rushing straight through, the rain having started its torrential downfall.

It was raining heavily when we arrived at the Market proper, our clothes sticking close to our bodies from the wetness. Despite the cloak, the front of my tunic was soaking wet, less to say about my breeches.

"There's an inn ahead; I know the way," Aldrin said loudly, veering his steed to the left. We followed close behind and arrived at a small two-story building.

"Let's move quick," Cassia mumbled, more jumping from the back of her steed than alighting. I followed behind Aldrin, who knocked heavily on the doors. There was a shuffle of footsteps, and then the door swung open, revealing a young boy of about fifteen years.

"We need lodging," Aldrin said, "and food. For us and our companions." He gestured at the horses.

The boy nodded and stepped aside to let us in. He then stepped out himself, likely to take the horses and feed them. We didn't concern ourselves with that, because the wetness had developed into terrible discomfort. We needed to dry our bodies.

"Welcome to Haze Inn," a woman greeted us with a smile. She had stepped out of the backroom, wearing an apron and professional garb underneath. "Would you like to take a bath first?"

"That would be kind, indeed," I answered, whipping my golden strands over my head, a rivulet running down to fall on my neck.

The inn had a bath, as it turned out, only it was a single one and thus had to be used one at a time. Luna and Cassia were the first to run off, while Aldrin and I, being gentlemen, chose to inspect our rooms instead. The inn lady had been kind enough to lend us towels while we waited for the ladies to finish.

As it was a shared bath, Aldrin and I decided to take one together. Of course, the shared bath was only shared in the sense that it was one big room with one entrance. The inside was compartmentalized by wooden planks to act as dividers.

After the bath, we were provided some fresh clothes. I had been curious and asked about their origin.

"Why, you would think that people would avoid traveling during heavy weather," the lady replied. "But people rarely listen to their own logic; they would much rather take their chances than lose an opportunity. But of course, I cannot hope to understand the needs of every person, so I try to help however I can."

"That's a noble thought, certainly," I nodded, impressed.

We gathered for the meal at dawn, the quiet hum of the rain pouring against the cobblestones acting as soothing background music.

"It seems awfully quiet today. Is there no one else here?" Aldrin asked.

The lady shook her head. "Much of the Market Town hasn't seen business since the Tide ended. Many of our locals left the town, and no one from the outside ever came." She then smiled. "Besides you, of course. You're perhaps the first ones in many weeks."

I stopped mid-motion with a spoonful of caramel liquid just hanging before my lips. I straightened, dropping the spoon back into the bowl, and looked ahead. Cassia was staring back at me. Around the table, the four of us shared a look, though I had a sneaky suspicion that Luna didn't quite understand the reason.

"I heard Erdwatch is half a day's travel from here," I said, idly.

"That's right," the lady replied, standing with her hands held in front. "Many of the hunters used to come here to resupply before the Tide happened."

"What of the travelers from outside?" Cassia asked. "Merchants or folk from Vaelin or beyond?"

"They used to, missus, but not anymore."

"It must've been difficult for you," I said. "Making do without the flow of trade from the outside, that is."

"Oh, it certainly has, mister," the lady said, offering a terse nod. "But what can we do? We are just helpless civilians, not the ones that run the place."

I raised a brow. "Why didn't you complain to the ones that do run this place?" I asked. "The Baron?"

"The Baron," the lady scoffed. "Everything has been hush after the disaster, but the Baron seems to have nearly disappeared off the face of this Continent. Besides... no, never mind."

I leaned forward, curious. "Besides what?" I asked, but the lady shook her head. I frowned and pulled out a coin from my coat pocket. "I'm a very curious man, lady; please do tell." I pushed the coin forward.

There was a brief moment of hesitation before the woman stooped to pick it up, then cleared her throat. "Alright, if anybody asks, you didn't hear it from me," she said; I nodded. She received similar confessions from everyone at the table before she was ready to speak.

"Right," she said, "the Baron. Look, I don't know if it's true, but there's a rumor that the Baron is involved in some illegal activities. Something that involves the Cult and that he keeps Cult people in his own castle."

I nearly tripped my elbow over the table but caught myself at the last moment. Luna wasn't as lucky as she started coughing up soup. Aldrin managed to avoid any accident, but a look at his face revealed what he thought of her words.

I coughed and pretended to clear my throat. "That's a pretty heavy accusation. Wherever would one have had the chance to hear of it?"

The lady stilled, caught off guard by my somber tone. "Um..." She glanced at everyone before saying, "I already told you what I know. I heard the rumors in Market, but nearly everyone already knows."

I stared at her for an intense three seconds, then looked away. We finished our dinner with added somberness and retired to our rooms. Since the inn was empty, each of us managed to rent a single room for ourselves.

"Well," Cassia said, "I think things just got more interesting."

[If Volume 2 had parts, then Part 1 would end here; it has, so it does.]

Authors Note: I apologise for not having uploaded the past couple of days. I hadn't been well and couldn't write. I will try to compensate in the upcoming for all the missed days. Thank You.