My escort led me along a path I hadn’t seen previously. I knew we were somewhere north of the toll bridge I’d managed to cross without pay. The water here wasn’t nearly as threatening as it had been at the bridge, though even there the bridge simply eased the crossing. It was little more than a decent sized stream. At the widest spot, a careful few steps could have seen one safely across.
“First event?” He asked me, darting over the rushing surface and scaling the slight incline on the other side.
“That obvious?” I replied, following suit.
He handed my swords back to me, giving me time to secure them away. “Only a little. The farm here is split into five territories. Evinwood, the one we just left, is mostly forested and ruled by the elven king, Aldulrien. His real name is Doug. Right now we’re in a no-man’s land, but the border for Aldridge is marked by a tree with a couple signs on it.”
“I remember it. So, what are you? And why did you help me out back there?” I followed every step, ducked every overhanging limb, and avoided every thorn branch, mimicking my escort’s movement. Together we were soundless in step, keeping a steady pace through the faded trail in nature. Were it not for our conversation, I had no doubt we would have been invisible to any who happened upon us.
“I’m not elven, if that’s what you’re asking. And I helped you because everyone needs a hand every so often. Besides, by ensuring you have a pleasant experience you’re likely to come again. The game can’t grow without new members.”
We walked the hidden trail in silence for several minutes before I saw firelight ahead of us. There had been a few spots where I thought I’d seen the road which I’d traveled earlier, though my companion seemed to have no desire toward it. We snaked around the fire and stepped into an opening at the top of a hill, providing a clear view to more of the area than I thought possible.
“Welcome to our camp!”
There were three other guys sitting around a fire that was protected by large stones. Now that I was here, had we not been so close to it, there would have been no way to see it from the road. A large wooden bench wrapped two sides of the fire pit, held up by large flay rocks that were easily bigger than my body. I watched one of the three occupants stand and approach.
“Who’ve we got here?” He was a few years older, though clearly the oldest of the group, and he had a bald head with trimmed red goatee.
“Brian, this is Evan. It is Evan, isn’t it?” My escort asked.
“Yes.”
“Good. This is Chad.” He gestured to the next oldest among them. “And Chris.”
Chad greeted with an elegant bow, while Chris, easily the youngest among us though not by more than a year or two, gave a wave and returned his attention to the fire.
Brian extended a hand and vigorously shook. “What brings ya to our humble abode?” He gestured around.
They’d erected a wooden gate where the road led into the hilltop camp. A wooden barrier protected on three sides, and an odd shelf and table system sat just inside the gate. It had been loaded with weapons, armor, and an assortment of camping supplies. A little pocket of the leafy area just beyond the weapon rack was filled with three tents and a canopy that protected a table. In all, it was a fantastic camp site and one which would provide an advantage to any on the defense, especially under attack.
“He got caught wandering in Evinwood. I figured he could use some direction.” My escort smiled. “I’m Justin, by the way. I don’t think I’ve introduced myself.”
“Thanks for having me.” I said, unsure what else to say.
“Make yourself at home. There’s room for a few more tents if you want to set up. Chris likes to sleep by the fire, so he won’t be setting up. Other than that, if you have any questions feel free to ask.” Justin added, making his way to the cluttered table.
“You said earlier that there are five territories. Is there anything in particular I need to know about them?” I dropped my bag near the tents and began unloading the few provisions I’d brought.
“Most you’ll gain with experience. It gets easier once you start building a reputation. People are less likely to mess with you. For the most part, each territory is ruled by a specific group. You’ve already met Doug. Shadgull is rule by Remle, or Daniel.”
“I know him.”
“We’re in Aldridge which really doesn’t have a ruling class. It’s kind of the home for mercenaries and standalones. Our group and the mage tower across the ravine there—” Justin pointed down the hill and to a set of glowing lights about halfway up the other side. “—are the strongest factions here. We’re technically protected under Shadgull’s banner but it’s more of an outlying territory which is often contested. Krondar is in the Southeast, making the corner between Shadgull and Evinwood, and further North is Tresengal. Out of game, most members of Evinwood are from St Louis. Tresengal is mostly Kansas City. So on and so forth.”
“Where are you guys from?”
“Here. Or, local anyway.”
Brian returned to seat at the center of the wrapping bench. “Did you guys see that new group? I think we’re gonna to have our work cut out for us?”
“How so?” Justin asked, seeming to have found what he was looking for. He carried a small bag toward the bench and took a seat. “Hey, Evan. Catch!”
I turned as a black piece of cloth came flying toward me. I caught it, realizing it was a shirt. The neck had a V slit and the arms were slightly baggy.
“It’ll probably be a little big on you, but it’ll keep you from being naked.”
“Best I can tell, they’re here to fight us. All of them chose to play as Drue. I guess our reputation got out.” Brian continued, ignoring the side chitchat.
“All of them?” Justin asked.
“Yep. Not sure how we’re gonna handle that.”
“How many are there?” Chad joined the conversation.
“Thirty-four I think.”
“Damn! That’s—Damn!”
“Perhaps if someone didn’t take so much joy in pissing them off.” Justin nudged Brian.
“What? I can’t help it. I’m an asshole. I’ve very open about that fact. If they can’t handle it, that’s not my problem.”
“If there’s over thirty of them, it sounds like it’s going to be our problem. I don’t know how good a fighter the kid there is.” I didn’t have to look to know Justin was talking about me. “On my best day I can’t handle more than five or six at a time. If they’re here to target us, we’re going to have to use our heads.”
Brian and I can hold the front line. Chad can target the sides, and you can flank behind them.” Chris spoke, refusing to look away from the fire.
“Not a bad plan but I feel we’d be too far spread out. It might be best if we stick together for this one. Besides, if Evan fights with us, we’re going to have to train him.”
I was beginning to understand the dynamic of this little group. Brian was clearly the leader, though it was more a partnership between him and Justin. One as the brawn and the other as the brain. I hadn’t quite figured out how Chad and Chris fit in, but they felt like they belonged.
“Evan, your swords aren’t going to pass an inspection. You wrapped them instead of running strips. Wrapping compresses the foam too much. When you’re done with your tent, have a look through the weapon rack. You’re free to use anything that isn’t colored.”
“Okay.” I had just finished staking my tent down when Justin spoke. I couldn’t help but feel he was grooming me for something I didn’t yet understand, though I wasn’t about to complain. I felt comfort at the hilltop camp, almost as if the area was warded by magic equal to my own.