The alarm had been sounding on and off for hours. As we neared an area where a sighting had taken place, we once again arrived too late. Rendering aid to the survivors was our only meaningful contribution. Sightings and reports muddied the picture of what was taking place in the city rather than lending clarity. My unit was exhausted and in dire need of rest. As the first signs of a new day began to color the sky, our shift was nearly at an end. I pulled my unit back to the command center at Guild Row.
Inside the longhouse, men gathered around tables covered in maps and markers. The merchant Rothcrow was shouting across the table at Lord Colefire in his condescending drawl. Two men standing near them were covered in mud and waiting patiently for the heated discussion to reach a break point. They looked like they had been out on the moors.
“Kerika! How did you fair?”
I turned to see Tarus Mann. He was dressed in high-threat gear and looked fairly well rested.
“Its pretty bad out there.” I said. “I didn’t loose any men, but that was mainly because were always a step behind the creature. It seems to be employing hit and run tactics.”
Tarus adjusted a buckle on his armor. “Is there any good news?” He asked.
“We managed to collect a number of survivors. Some were pretty banged up. The worst of them are in the infirmary in the next room. We brought them in early in the shift.”
“Anyone I know?” Tarus asked.
“Ya, We arrived in time to save him, but he was pretty torn up.”
“Who?”
“Master Goshu.”I said.
“What about the oil? Did it work?”He asked.
“Not sure. He’s been unconscious since we brought him in. No one has seen his wife all night. The monks from the mountain said the guardian left without an escort. No sign of him either.”
“Well your just full of good news.” He said sarcastically.
“Its on you now.” I said. “I’m catching some shut-eye if I can.”
The door to the infirmary swung open and out waked Master Goshu. Trailing behind him were two healers pleading with him to lie back down. He turned and yelled at them in his native tongue. The words were lost on me, but not the meaning. He pushed his way through the crowded hall and out into the plaza.
“I don’t think he means to sit this one out.” Tarus said with a hint of surprise edging into his voice.
“Ya, with Lady Goshu out there still he…” I couldn’t articulate the rest and the look on Tarus’ face told me I needn’t say any more.
I said a silent prayer for the couple before turning toward the barracks.
“Maybe I can catch a few winks before that thing shows itself again. Best wishes Tarus.” I said.
He turned and winked before striding out the door.
Fare thee well.
