Path to the Dark Tower

[Jagged]

....A tribute to the classic board game, and the heroes of fantasy. Close to just
Queen Claire and myself.




Seren the tyrant and Master of the Dark Tower a massive structure which looked like it violated the heavens was at it again. He'd seized the Ancient Magic Scepter from it's resting place in a temple in the Kingdom of Arisilon. Well it was a temple, but now it's a pile of ruins, and most of those who understood the real power of the scepter were dead as well. The legends claim it is the Scepter is the Power Staff of the Empire, and whoever wields it will reunite the four kingdoms and the dark lands where Seren rules under one banner once again. Over the centuries many have tried how to figure out how to use the impressive looking item, but to no avail. It sat and gathered dust a reminder of a time of ancient glories.

Why seize the scepter now was the question that was being asked in taverns and throne rooms throughout the four kingdoms. Seren had to know something even the scholars at the temple didn't know. Perhaps it was how to activate the staff? Maybe a certain date was approaching where a ritual could be performed? Why he and his army of brigands marched on Arisilon destroying all in their path and than retreating once they'd reached the temple was another question many pondered. He'd crossed the frontier and won two large battles, but retreated back to his lands.

The brigands that were captured, largely because they were weighted down with booty and dragging along human women as slaves had little to offer. They were simply told a week in advance of the march that they were going on a large scale raid, and to gather their best arms and armor. These muscular gray skinned savage were of no help beyond saying every tribe had taken part in the raid at their master's request. Another interesting thing they said was that the raid was a welcome change for them, since they'd been working in the black castle for months.

In response all four kingdoms began improving their defenses and stationed more guards on their borders. Local militias were put on alert, and the nobles took up arms. As time passed with no further actions the defensive posture began to relax, and soon the only operations still resulting from the massive raid were private efforts. All four kingdoms offered huge rewards for the scepter, and if possible the head of Seren.

For an adventurer with enough brains and brawn it could mean taking home the wealth of a kingdom. It's a job for the crazy brave and the highly skilled, and the scout known as Kree could perhaps be counted as one of those, but he wasn't interested.

Kree the son of Brynthian merchant and sometimes mercenary, and a Zenon dancer was raised by his mother in the streets of the bazaar. He learned from his many "uncles" how to hunt, track, and fight. By the time he reached manhood he was already know as a skilled tracker and guide. His archery skills could only be described as impressive, and he was skilled with both the desert scimitar and the more commonly used broad sword.

He'd lead caravans all over the desert region, but he'd trekked through all four kingdoms and even into the realm of the Dark Tower. He'd circled all the kingdoms completely several times. He traded, smuggled, and hunted with great success. In combat he'd killed some 30 men and twice that many brigands. He had all the makings a hero, but he wanted none of it.

For Kree satisfaction in a job well done meant having a bag full off gold and stories to brag about. He gambled, enjoyed the women of the harems, and ate and drank the finest foods. When he was out of gold he would simply borrow more from the merchants and use it to finance his next adventure or higher on with another caravan in need of guide.

He could care less about a supposedly magical scepter. The sultan could barely unite his own tribes never mind all four kingdoms. He'd be glad to let other face certain death.



It was was the fatherest thing from his mind as he did business in the early morning hours in Zenon's largest bazaar and his home town. Kree wore the traditional robes and the keffiyeh covered his head. He drank from a jug of cold water as he leaned against the fountain in the square as he ate grapes from a fresh bunch. Nearby a business associate Adan looked over some his latest plunder.

Adan walked back towards Kree caressing his beard as he went. He'd taken his time examining the three massive beasts, and even went to the trouble of having his servants bring out fresh hay and water for them. The desert pack beasts were a bright red with multiple horns around their heads for protection. Compact in design they were capable of speed, but most used them for their immense strength. One noblemen bragged that one beast could easily carry 100 bags of gold. Even in death the beast's hide was highly valued as armor.

These beast were young though and would command a high price, but he could tell just by look at Adan haggling was going to be involved. Adan put his hand on Kree's shoulder and smiled.

"It is good to see you again my friend. I hope you will stay with us longer this time. Shall we enjoy breakfast as friends or shall we take care of business now like were are strangers."

Kree laughed and put down the jug and looked at his friend. "I want 2500 gold for each one. They're trained and the price includes the gear. I'm in a generous mood though and you can have all three for the rock bottom price of 6000 gold."

Adan laughed and walked half way back towards the beasts and gestured to them. "If you wish gold I would say I could spare no more than 1200 a piece for these fine animals. How did you come by them again? Raiding some?"

"I already told you. The caravan that headed out six days ago didn't listen to me. They didn't want to pay my price to guide them and they didn't want to pay for extra guards, so they were lost when a party of brigands found them."

"Ah tragic and you found them while returning with the dispatches for the magistrate?"

"Yeah got there to late to do anything though. Bunch of families heading towards the Sanctuary, but they went off the trail like I said."

"So there were no survivors?"

"No they butchered and ate pieces of the men, and then they raped and killed the women. I ran into a few stragglers who were trying to get those beasts to move. I took out three with the bow and two with the sword."

Adan made a gesture honoring Kree's bravery and nodded solemnly. "I will say a pray for those who were killed by those beasts that play at being men. I trust you buried the bodies, and took the heads of the brigands."

"Yeah I left those at the magistrates office. He says he'll have my gold by the end of the day. I told him where the marker was, and he said it would tell one of the traveling priests."

"Ah that is most kind of you my friend, and because you're a good man I will not haggle with you over price, but I'm afraid I cannot buy them today."

"Adan I'm not going to sell them to you half price tomorrow.."

"I would not be interested in them tomorrow either. I made a good deal for many camels just last week, so I don't need any beasts for my caravans my friend, but we can still do business."

"Oh what are you thinking?"

"I shall broker the sale for you. You come to my house you rest, eat, and swim if you like. I will see that these beasts are cared for and fed at the central stables since mine are full. I will find you a buyer before the week's end for your price, and I will only take a modest commission minus expenses."

"What percentage is modest these days?"

"Oh I wild say maybe 20%?"

"You're out of your mind. You get 10% and that includes stable fees."

"You hurt me my friend you take food out of the mouths of my many lovely children who love you like an uncle. This this saddens me greatly. So sad that we can't do business like fair and honest people."

Kree almost laughed as he rubbed his face and shook his hand. "15% that includes stable fees and no dirty looks when you wife kisses me hello."

Adan pulled out from his temporary sadness and smiled brightly. "Your proposal is most agreeable, and besides I have credit built up at the stables, so it will cost me nothing. And my friend you did not specify which wife?"

The two men laughed and walked off in the direction Adan's family compound.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve Calime had arrived in Zenon’s largest bazaar only a few hours ago. She had found shelter for the men and let them have some time to rest. She was in need of some beast and a scout. Not being from the area, she figured word of mouth in this place was as good as any. Maybe someone would pop up in the next day or two.

Hailing from the deep forest of Arisilon, Eruve was raised with a sword in her hand. Not because it was custom, but because a seeer told her parents she needed to be taught while she was still in the womb. No one questioned the old lady with the prophecy then, but Eruve figured it had something to do with this now. Or perhaps the king just trusted her more. Either way, she was leader of an army set out to find the keys and storm the Dark Tower.

She walked into the largest tavern in town. Her face hidden under the hooded black cloak which also hid her body armor made from the very beast she was now trying to purchase. She made her way to the bar. Her blue eyes seemed to glow from under the hood. She raised her hands to pull the hood back, revealing long, wavy blood red hair. Her wrists were also protected by hides that had intricate markings drawn on them. She looked to the bar keep and asked for a drink. She looked around the seedy place and smiled to herself. She nodded to the bar keep and placed her coins on the counter as he placed her drink down. She also asked if he knew of any scouts or if he could get the word out that she was looking for some.

He nodded and slid her back her money, “It is on the house. But be warned there are many in here that don’t like your kind.”

“I count on that,” she said with a smile as she raised her glass to him. She chugged most of it before setting it down and looking back around. The men under her stead were told to enjoy the night. She figured most were spending their time with the women of the area. They had been traveling for a while with the only female company being her and she was not the type to mix with her men. She was their leader and she kept it that way. Luckily her second in command helped her along the way. He had been to many of these places in his travels, but he was not a scout. She was in need of a scout, hopefully her gut instinct was right and there was one here willing to help them.

 

[Jagged]

Kree enjoyed a pleasant morning with Adan and his family. First he was greeted by Adan's many wives and children, this task alone to took the better part of an hour, but it was customary in welcoming a guest to one's home in the region. Than there was a lavish breakfast which included fresh fruit and other items one could only dream of on the trail. Next he enjoyed a hot scented bath with one of the female servants. He and Jasmine had met before and the brown skinned girl with the long flowing curly dark hair was wonderful company. After she made sure he was very clean he enjoyed a swim in the large fountain in the center of the compound.

When he first came to Adan's compound years ago he had stripped down and dove into the clear water of the impressive fountain with out a thought. Adan laughed saying that for most it was a symbol of his wealth and power, but for his new friend it was some place to cool down. The rest of the afternoon was spent resting in one of the decadently comfortable rooms in the guest part of the compound.

Adan came in a short time before dinner to wake Kree and inform him that a small army had come into town. With military patrols, militia units hunting brigands, and mercenary bands always coming into the city it was hardly news, but this group was different. They came baring the banner of Arisilon.

The great wooded forests of Arisilon were many leagues and a mountain range away. Kree had been there before, and thought it was green and beautiful, but hardly in the neighborhood. Their merchants who came to trade seldom got beyond the western cities of Zenon, and even than they didn't carry the banner of their homeland. Small parties of adventurers did come out to the desert to search for relics and treasure, but few came in great numbers.


This was all merely interesting news to Kree who was ready to roll over and go back to sleep, but his host mentioned that the woman who lead the group and been spending the day looking for supplies for her expedition and a guide. Among the items she wanted were the great hauling beasts. This was an opportunity worth looking into, so Kree dressed and head to The Barrel and the Sword, the largest tavern in the market city.

There he arrived and saw the red headed woman sitting at one of the largest tables holding court. She was beautiful, but there was something even more intriguing about this warrior beauty. He and Adan approached her table and were briefly stopped by crossed spears of two Arisilonolion guards. Adan not intimidated introduced them to the woman not even acknowledging the guards.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve had spent most of the evening speaking to various people that had things to sell. She was never one that liked to haggle, but found it necessary most of the time. Though today, she turned most away. They seemed to think she was fool and would pay more than triple the price for most things.

She had met with her men for dinner and discussed what they did for the day and what the next plan was. She was not ready to leave yet. She needed a guide. She remained silent for the most part during dinner, listening to the men, who were in good spirits. It was good.

Once she dismissed them, she stayed behind. There were a few more people waiting to meet her and they too thought she was an idiot. She turned them away in frustration. She sat back and was about to give up for the night when two more walked in. She looked up at them as one spoke to her, telling her who they were.

She smirked as they ignored the guards. It was cocky. “Let them in,” she said casually, sitting up in her chair. She wondered what they were going to try and sell her at three times the price. “I am Eruve Calime,” she said, motioning for them to sit down, “I assume you are here to tell me something. What is it you bring to the table?” She eyed them both, but her eyes lingered a bit longer in the one introduced a Kree.

 

[Jagged]

Adan spoke up before Kree could and with a smile launched into his salesmen routine. "My dear lady we're here to solve all of your problems. Not only do I broker the many sales that are profitable for all parties, but I have also planned an taken part in no less than 38 expeditions and countless caravans across the desert, and made a profited from the vast majority of them."

Kree sighed and interrupted. "Look ah you need beasts to carry all your supplies, I have them. Also I was the scout on many of his more successful operations, " Kree said as he shot a look that said relax to his friend and sat down at her table.

"So, what are you doing in Zenon? Here to explore the ruins maybe? Mapping for the merchants guild or the royal family? Wait this more of a military operation right? I don't know what they're paying for brigand heads back in your kingdom.."

Adan interrupted now. "Well I'm sure it is a lot considering their last raid into your kingdom. Lonesome creatures to be sure, and even if you wish to hunt them I would suggest you take plenty of supplies. You could probably could use both beasts and camels, and does one not need a superior mount when one leads their forces into battle. Oh an does the lady need something soft to lay her head and silks to cover herself? One need not be a warrioress all the time. And I will say all of my wives ride, so I understand women and horses."

After that last line Kree spit out some of the wine he'd been drink from a goblet he'd take off the table. "Ah look let's start this again. You need beasts I have three beasts and they're your's for a fair price. Also I'm not committed elsewhere for the moment, so I'm open to talking to you about becoming your lead guide. Oh and I'm Kree, "he said hold out his hand to shake. The forearm tattoo that marked him as the son of a whore given out in harems was clearly visible.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve furrowed her brow as one of the men went into selling mode. She knew it would not be the one to deal with. He was working for a profit, and probably a high one. She was not one to be tricked into paying for something she did not need or should be much less. Her eyes drifted to Kree as he spoke up. She was going to say something to him but the other interrupted her before she could speak. She raised an eyebrow at his last few comments. She could not help but laugh softly at his comment about needing silks and not being a warrioress all the time. Now she knew it would be working for a profit. He had wives to feed.

She looked back at the other one as he started over again. “Nice to meet you,” she said as she shook his hand. Her eyes briefly lingered on the tattoo, but not very long. She looked at him, “I could definitely use your help. I have things I need to have hauled for my army. It is a long journey for us.” She smiled, “To answer your earlier question, this is a military mission for the king. I need a guide that knows his way around the other three kingdoms and has no problem being gone from home for a while. This will not be a quick job and it will be dangerous. I would prefer a guide that can fend for himself, I don’t need someone that I have to worry about protecting when we run into trouble. If you feel you can handle that, then perhaps we could talk further about the mission.” She did not want to say too much if he was not interested. It was not anyone’s business what she was doing unless they were part of her group. She knew this mission was not for everyone and some guides were not ones to fight if there was a battle. She needed a tough one if they were to survive this. The odds were pretty much stacked against her as it was. “Now,” she said, leaning back in her chair, “tell me about your beast. I am willing to pay a fair price, but I will not be paying three times the price just because I am a woman. I am not a fool, like most around here seem to think." She brushed some of her red hair off her shoulder.

 

[Jagged]

Adan wasn't about to step out of his role as Kree's representative even if the lady wasn't interested in his wares at the moment, but it would require him to change tactics. One of the boys from the bar came over and he quietly ordered food for the table as the lady talked. He made sure to include his friend's favorite and put it on his tab. He would zealously represent his friend even if he didn't wish such help.

"The red skinned beasts with many horns have many names in the desert, but all tribes can agree on my dear lady is that they can make or break an expedition such as your's so I think it is only fair that we sell the three beasts he has for 9,000 gold. Currency of your realm or ours perfectly fine."

He quickly turned and looked at Kree. "I have a friend on the exchange he will see you get the full value of your money minus fees of coarse. Unless the lady wishes to pay in other ways.

He turned back to Eruve and smiled as the food arrived. "I will say silver is always welcome and gold bars. Slaves well not so much, but we can come to an arrangement. But come now eat enjoy the bread is to die for, and worry not I like a woman with a healthy appetite. Now I think 9,000 is fair, but to include all the bridles and other leather items let us make an even 10,000 gold. Though you understand this price doesn't include my friend's services. "

Kree just shook his head. One had to be quick in dealing with merchants like his friend Adan. As a child he could remember men haggling over a simple cup of coffee as if their lives depended on it, but a shrewd man could walk away with two cups for the price of one, so he let Adan handle business for the moment.

That is how things were done in Samarkand, and had been done for generations. While most cities had a bazaar most travelers would say Samarkand was a bazaar with a city. The city was founded as a regional capital of the old empire, and was actually a impressive fortress town divided by a might river which ran through the city. That was the inner part of the city though, and there was now a thriving city around it. Because it sat near well known caravan routes including those to the other kingdoms and had ample water the city quickly grew into a trade hub of the desert nation. Commerce drove the city and everyone had something to sell.

Kree broke his short loaf of dark bread in half and dipped in one of the small bowls of dip and looked back over at Eruve. "Ah judging by your armor you know about these beasts. Sometimes I offer a flat rate other times a percentage, so you can help me if you told me a little bit more about your plans. I mean it isn't often you see troops of another nation passing through. Honestly though with an expedition of your size regardless of what your plans are you're going to need more of everything."

He paused to take a drink and glanced over at Adan who nodded and stroked his beard. He seemed pleased that he was going to offer advice that would make them even more money. The fact was he was actually being honest. Like the group slaughtered in the desert he'd offered his advice, and even suggested other guides. Maybe it wasn't profitable, but it was fair, and those who didn't listen suffered.

"You need the beasts, camels, and probably more horses for a desert trek. You can buy supplies from the nomads, but I wouldn't count on it since they only trade what they can spare and are more into barter than gold. You should have a surplus. I usually figure out what I need and double it."

Adan nodded and broke in with, " I can help broker these deals and let me be frank many of my peers do not like dealing with women directly at any rate. So, I am valuable as a go between as well."

Kree nodded and continued, "tents are a must with the desert winds. Than do you have camp followers to handle all the little tasks that needed to be handled? Also ah (ahem) do you have companionship for your men? It is customary when there are no wives about. "

Taking another drink he looked into Eruve's eyes. "We never see women leading troops never mind one who plans to travel the known world. This isn't a simple undertaking. So, what do you seek?"

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve just sat there, not touching the food as Adan upped the price once again. She wondered if the bridles and such were really worth the extra money. Still, it was cheaper than the cheapest offer she was quoted. She had been told by the king to do whatever she needed and she could spend as much as this mission needed. However, she would still be frugal. And yes, she may need help getting what she needed. Like they pointed out, women rarely were taken seriously as leaders and some men refused to deal with them at all. Unless it involved bedding them.

She looked to Kree as he asked about the mission. She did not like sharing too much information about since there were others out there searching for the keys as well. She did not trust anybody to not deceive her, but she needed a guide and only a fool would join before knowing what they were doing. She sighed, deciding to let them finish talking before she tackled all their questions.

Once they were done she looked to Kree, “We have tents. The soldiers take care of the task when we make camp. They are not helpless.” She leaned in, resting her arms on the table, “I don’t know what is customary in your kingdom, but in ours we don’t risk the lives of others just so the men can have female company. Women are distracting while in battle and that is just more blood on my hands. More souls to lose. I need my men focused while we are out, not pining over some woman he slept with the night before.” She paused, “That being said, they are more than welcome when we hit a town to follow their cardinal desires and bed as many as they want.” She then added, “And I have found the nomad’s wives and daughters along the way are very helpful in that sense as well.”

She looked to Adan, “As for you, I suppose I could use your help when dealing with these peers of yours.” She held up a finger, “But, you screw me over and I will have your head on a silver platter. Don’t test me. I promise you I am not one you want to mess with.” It was the truth or she would not be leading the army of her kingdom into what some called certain death. She was fine with that. Death only reminded her of how alive she was. “I will pay your 10,000 in gold for the beast. I am sure you will be a nice commission off of that.”

She looked back to Kree with a smile, “I need a guide because I am in search of the three keys. I am sure you have heard the rumors. Since this is a dangerous job, I can pay you more than you usually ask, but I ask you to abide by the same rules as my men for the most part. As you are not part of my army, I cannot force you to uphold them all.” She looked him over for a moment. In the back of her mind she hoped he took the job since he was quite handsome. She decided to ignore that voice for now. She did not need to be distracted at the moment. “But I guess the real question is, will you be ok with a woman in command?”

 

[Jagged]

Kree was listening intently to what Eruve had to say and he liked her offer up until he heard her mention the keys. Another one of these people out looking for something that probably never existed. What's more the crown was going to pay for this expedition? What the hell was going on? Seren the Master of the Dark Tower was said to be mad, so him sending out an army to get some relic was twisted, but normal for him. Now the crown of Arisilon was interested.

"Look I don't do treasure hunts never mind ones that take me all over the four kingdoms. You want to waste your time well that is up to you, but I've seen it many times. Every year a couple of guys come through with a map or a vision about where the key is in the desert. They get outfitted and most of them come back broke or dead with nothing to show for it. Other guides take advantage of people like that, and some even die because they believe it too. I'm neither."


Kree stood up and walked away from the table and looked back. "It might be crazy, but this man will show you what you need to survive. The mission might be futile, but you should be prepared."

He looked to Adan and nodded. "You handle the rest for me I'll be back at the house."

With that he head out into the street and didn't look back. She was lovely, but he wasn't in love with this woman and wouldn't be risking his neck with a fool's errand.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve nodded at Kree as he decided to leave. She could not force him and though she wanted to have a good scout on her mission and he was said to be the best, she would survive. At least she hoped so. She sat there for a moment debating on what to do. She drummed her nails on the table as she thought. Her eyes drifted to Adan. She pushed herself out of her chair, “Give me a moment.” She hurried out the door.

She hoped to find Kree before he disappeared into the crowds. Even though it was late, they crowds in the area were still thick. She pushed her way through a few small gatherings until she caught up with Kree. “Kree,” she said, catching up with his stride and then suddenly cutting him off by stepping in front of him, “What is it that you fear?” She took a step back from him and gathered herself again. She went back into solider mode, “Whether you believe in my mission or not, as you have stated, you know all four lands. I need someone like you to help me.”

She paused as the wind caught her hair, blowing it across her face. She brushed it out of her way, and looked back at him, “I need you to help me. Your reputation has preceded you and I know you are one of the best. I know you owe nothing to my king or kingdom. But don’t you see what is going on in these lands? Even if the keys are useless and the scepter nothing more than a pipedream, the more brigands we take out, then there are less to come here and threaten your doorstep. You cannot deny the fact that there is a war coming. Seren needs to be stopped at all cost.” And she meant all cost, even if this mission took her life.

The wind was picking up and she pulled the hood of her cloak over her head. Her eyes shone in the shadow of the cloak. “If you happen to change your mind, I am staying in the Inn across from the tavern. I will be around for a day or two.” She turned to walk off. She then turned back to look at him as she walked, “Remember Kree, in this masquerade we all must one day die.” She then turned and walked off towards the tavern.

 

[Jagged]

Kree lay naked in his bed that night thinking about Eruve and what she had to said to him hours before. Just before they parted company he had agreed to aid her and her expedition in the quest for the lost keys. This was no small task even if they could be found. They were supposedly hidden away centuries ago, but there was little actually known about where they were, but that didn't stop people from speculating.

Some say they were hidden in the mountains in caves, others claimed they were in the mountains, but protected by fierce undead guards sworn to protect them in life and death. The list of possible locations were endless, and everything from great treasure to the tombs of the royal family were supposed to be with the keys. Even if someone truly wanted to believe the stories how did they remove the fact from the fiction.

Well Eruve was confident enough that they were out there, but that was just one woman's opinion. He felt the hardness grow between his legs thinking of her. Now she wasn't a harem woman or a dancer, but she was very lovely to look on even in armor. Perhaps he would learn more of her, but he couldn't just take the job because he wanted to share some hot and sweaty nights with her until he decided to move on.

He had to be sure of what he knew and had to be confident that he would at least accomplish some goals. Killing brigands and making some gold were two important things right there, and being able to brag about circling the four kingdoms could mean some higher rates. And there was spending time with Eruve which for some reason kept coming back into his head. He'd only just met this woman and the relationship looked to be all business. She could be married or at least had a lover in court.

http://well-of-souls.com/tower/dt_play.htm

So she promised pay and adventure, and if he was being optimistic he could take part in a legendary quest. In Zenon the legend said the brass key was supposed to be hidden in the desert, but that was hardly a clue. Now the legend did indicate that the key was brought by a group of priests and loyal nobles to the deserts. They supposedly were the ones who founded the primary desert clans and the original dynasty of the sultan. Kree was now to wound up to sleep so he got up and lit a torch and looked a the map of the kingdom on the wall.

Now the Sanctuary had been built around the time of their arrival, but people had explored every inch of that place, and though it had great knowledge within it's walls and another trade hub that rivaled the bazaar nothing would stay hidden there very long. The citadel would be a great place to stash and protect something, but it was only build a few sultans back, and before that nothing sat on the site. Now if you went by the legend they didn't stay near the frontiers at all, so many long established villages were out, so what was left?

Your a group of loyalists in the last days of an empire what do you do? You leave the legendary capital with one of the three keys and go and get lost in the desert. Can't trust anyone and though your symbols are around there isn't on particular site that you call home. The fact was if they were real they spread all over and fit in well with the desert tribes. What would they have found in the desert though all those years ago. There wasn't much there to begin with and few lived in the region, so where would they've hidden the key.

Suddenly it struck him like a lighting bolt. The ancient tomb and why not it was said to have been of a previous emperor, and it would have been a location they knew about before living the capital. What better place than the tomb of a legendary hero. Some nasty creatures made their home in the area and bandits had been common there since the early days of the trade route. Sure others had looked there, but nobody really did it justice. Everyone feared the curse, but nobody knew what is was really. If they were respectful and fulfilling destiny though they might might have a shot.

The rest of the night Kree worked by torch light figuring out the best routes on the map marking the way. Satisfied he fell asleep in the early morning hours until one of the bath servants woke him. She was young and had a very pleasant smile on her face, so not wanting to disappoint Kree went with her to the compound's bathhouse. There she washed his body and than soaked with him in scented waters making sure he was very clean before he dressed and went to seek out Eruve at her lodgings.

He found her at breakfast and laid out his map for her and whispered his thoughts in her ear before sitting down with her at the table. The server brought him food and coffee without a word and Kree leaned back as she looked things over.

"Still going to need plenty of supplies it's about 10 to 12 days to get there if everything goes well. Hope you''re ready to fight."

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve was relieved once Kree agreed to lead them around the four kingdoms. She had gone back to her room with a smile on her face, feeling a bit better about this whole mission. Of course she was nervous about the whole thing. Leading men was never an easy task. Leading them blindly to something that may or may not exist was deadly.

She had spent the night lying in bed thinking over her meeting with Kree. He had seemed so adamant on not joining her quest at first. She wondered what had changed his mind. She tried to sleep some, but every time she closed her eyes, Kree’s handsome face haunted her dreams. She had wanted to find someone that find someone that knew what they were doing, but in the long run would not be a distraction for her. Seemed that this would not be the case…

She awoke in the morning, finding she had dreamt of Kree. She sighed got out of the bed and got ready to go eat. She had cleaned up once a basin of hot water was brought to her room. She dressed in traditional dress of her people, a long flowing gown that hugged her feminine curves, and found her way to the private room she had set up for her and her men. Most of them, of course, were still asleep, entangled with the young women they had seduced the night before.

She, however, had more important things to do than follow her cardinal urges. Once again, Kree popped into her mind. She shook it from her head as her food was brought to her and she focused on eating. She had almost successfully not thought of Kree until he came walking into the room.

Thankfully he had layed out a map for her to look at so she could focus on something else other than the way he smelled or his breath on her ear. She actually had to focus on his words. She looked over at him as he sat down. She smiled at him as she thought about what he said. She looked back at the map. Seems her scout had been doing some homework over night. Probably something she should have been doing instead of thinking of him.

She looked back at Kree and nodded, “I am always ready to fight and now that we have a plan we can move on.” Her eyes lingered for a second on him before she forced them down at her plate. “You think your friend can gather enough supplies for us in short amount of time?” She picked up her drink and took a sip before looking back at him with a soft smile.

 

[Jagged]

She looked back at Kree and nodded, “I am always ready to fight and now that we have a plan we can move on.” Her eyes lingered for a second on him before she forced them down at her plate. “You think your friend can gather enough supplies for us in short amount of time?” She picked up her drink and took a sip before looking back at him with a soft smile.


Kree smiled and looked over at her and nodded. "Adan will have everything you need in two days times without a doubt. Thing is out there in the dunes a lot can happen. Off and even on the trade route you can always find bodies of the slaughtered and their corpses picked clean."

He drank his coffee and traced out the path for Eruve with his finger. "Everyone knows where the tomb is, but nobody actually has explored inside it. Most of the nomads say it is cursed, and anyone whose gone in there has never come out. Well, some say there is treasure, and I think there is, and if that's true the brass key could be there as well. Thing is there is supposed to be a LEGION of guards down there, but nobody could survive in the sealed tome, so probably just some legend to scare people away."

The pair finished their breakfast and in the days that followed they were never apart, but always because they had business together or that's what Kree told himself. The thing was Eruve for all her battle hardened attitude and being a warrior on a mission she was still very much a woman in every way.

Soon though everything was readied from the heavy hauling lizard beasts to the nomad scouts hired to go ahead. Local warriors were brought in to aid in the desert fighting as well as camp girls to cook, care for the animals, and other things Kree wasn't about to discuss with Eruve though he figured a woman with any army knew all to well. The new hires new little of the expedition other than it was to be a mapping trip commissioned by the crown of another realm.

Adan and the family invited him and Eruve to dine and pray with them at the family shrine the night before, and though she was a foreigner she was very respectful and even adopted some of the garments a woman of the desert would wear. The morning they headed out Adan met them and wished him well. As was the custom before heading out you wished a friend well like you would never see them again. The desert took many lives, so one didn't take things for granted.

In three days time they were out on the first leg of the journey towards the tomb. This didn't worry Kree to much since the area was well traveled with other caravans and military patrols passing regularly. Even near the area of the tomb nomads camps could be found even if they didn't go near the tomb isn't. There were dangers to be sure, but worried him was the middle part of their journey. It was filled with peril and a whole lot of empty desert before one would reach anything that resembled civilization.

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve made her rounds to the men’s tents as the sun started to set. There was talk of a sand storm blowing in during the night with how the winds were picking up. She wanted to make sure everything was secure enough. They had made camp where the sand should not pile up too much, but they would still get the wind.

The fire had been made and the meal was already cooking for them all. She liked how Kree had worked in the women to follow on the expedition. She would have said something to him about it, but did not think the women would hinder them just yet. Plus some of the men seemed happier now.

Once done checking on all the men, she made her way back to the fire to check on everything. She noticed all the women were present, so that was good. At least they were doing their job first, that made her happy. She stood there for a brief moment before heading her to own tent. With the storm in the helm, most people that were in the desert would be keeping out of the elements for the night, so she felt it would be safe enough without all her armor on.

She removed the top part of her armor, but left the under armor on. She had a light long sleeve, white shirt on, that would have been see through, if she had not had a leather corset on, that covered her stomach and breast. Her shoulders and arms were exposed under the sheer fabric. She left on the brown pants and brown leather boots that came up to her knees. It did not seem feminine, but on her, it was very. It enhanced all her curves.

She came out of her tent, with her long red lock loosely pulled back. Small locks blew with the desert breeze. She made her way back to the fire, were many of the men were gathered and telling stories of their previous expeditions. She stood back a bit and listened to them speak. It was nice to see them all bonding like they were. Her mind wondered to Kree. She did not see him there, she wondered where he was. They had spent to much time together lately that it seemed odd to not be around him at the moment.

 

[Jagged]

Kree was a scout by nature and though he'd spent part of the day riding beside Eruve he had to find out what was ahead of the party. So after a quick meal he'd headed out to scout the trail that was head of them for the next day. They'd had stopped early since he knew there wasn't a better defensive stop for miles. They were still on the main trade route where patrols and other travelers were regularly encountered, but as they pressed further the odds of running to bandits and brigand raiders only increased.

He should have done his scouting earlier even if it was still light out he felt he was being sloppy. Any other assignment he would have been on the trail far ahead of the group most of the day, but there was something different about this adventure. It was the beautiful red haired woman. She had started off as only someone to look at and if he was honest with himself Eruve was his golden goose. Now though he just enjoyed watching the red haired woman smile. The other women in camp said in their desert dialect that she was his woman, and he didn't correct them like he should have.

Noises brought him back to earth though as he heard the grunts and mutterings of what sounded like brigands. He dismounted and stroked his horse's mane and took his bow and a quiver of arrows and stalked ahead. Over the next sand dune he saw a small party of brigands raiders with their wolves. There were about half a dozen of them he could see plus their mounts and a cart for booty.

They were probably part of a larger group moving through the area, and if they found their expedition and get word back things could get dicey. Kill them now and you at least improved your odds for later. With that he said a silent prayer and rose from his hiding spot drawing back his bow. The first brigand who was nearest to him lifted his shield as he cried, but it was to late as a arrow pierced through his eye. Before the it even struck though he had another drawn back, and he was picking his next target.

In a few fast and furious moments the combat was over. He'd been lucky and the the wolves were the only ones to get even close to him. He had to cut them down with the sword they'd gotten so close, but he walked away from the fight unharmed. Any time he could say that meant it was a good fight.

He piled up their belongings he couldn't use and tossed them along with corpses on the fire. Than he heard something from under the tarp that covered the wagon. He drew his blade and approached carefully.

Hours later he was back in camp to the cheers of those around the fire. He had wolf pelts, a few hardy warhorses, and a handful of weapons and treasure. He saw Eruve standing by the fire and he thought he saw her smile. He smiled back and walked back to the last mount and came back over to her with something wrapped in a bundle.

"Hello Eruve I have something special for you." With that he pulled apart the bundle and revealed a Bedouin pariah dog. "She's a puppy and doesn't have a name yet, but I thought you'd like her to watch your tent."

Just than the small pointy eared dog sat up and looked curiously at the red haired human and licked her face and nuzzled her gently. "Oh yes she's very friendly. They had her with the baggage and she was terrified until she smelled I wasn't a brigand, and I gave her some treats."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaan_Dog

 

[queenclaire]

Eruve was standing by the fire as the cool night air started to blow in. She could sense the winds were changing and the sandstorm was approaching. Everyone was in good spirits at the moment and she decided to let it pass for now. She would warn them to get inside the tents when it was closer.

She stood silently as a few of the women decided to entertain the men with a song and a dance. She watched them move and how the men were mesmerized by them. She had never been taught things like that. She knew how to sing and was quite good at it. The dancing, not so much. She was taught to fight and increase her special skills instead of move her hips. She was sure they would come in handy during this expedition, but she started to wonder if knowing such things would help gain the attention of certain people…or person in her case.

She was lost in her thoughts as Kree rode up to the camp. She looked up and smiled slightly seeing him ride in with extra horses and other things. He must have had a good scouting trip considering the loot he brought back with him. Of course, the other side of that was, he ran into trouble as well. He seemed unharmed, so she will call it good.

She watched him approach her with something in his hands. “Oh?” She asked curiously as he spoke. She could not fathom what he would be bringing her. It was not as if she was someone people brought presents to. She was the type they brought bad news to.

She smiled as she saw the puppy in his arms. “She is so cute,” she said as she leaned in to pet the curious puppy. She laughed softly as the puppy licked her face. She looked up at Kree and smiled at him. He had a way of making her smile where others could not. “She is precious, Kree.” She took the puppy from him and held her as she continued to lick Eruve’s face.

She looked at Kree with a serious look, “How many?”, she asked referring to the Brigand comment. She did not like hearing he ran into some up ahead. She looked at the puppy and back at Kree, “There is a sandstorm approaching, it should put a halt on most traveling for the night…but, as you know, Brigands don’t seem to mind. At least it should slow them.” She motioned for his to follow her away from the group around the fire.

She stopped outside of her tent, letting the puppy run inside to check it out. She looked to Kree, “The storm should cover any tracks. If strong enough, it may even hide the old camp, leaving them to think they moved on.” She paused as she debated about what to do. “Too risky to have guards out tonight.” She looked in to check on the puppy, that had taken up sleeping on her cot. She smiled, “Look at that, she is already at home.” She smiled at Kree once again, unable to help herself. He was such a gorgeous man. “So,” she continued, “This is your land, what do you suggest?”