Chapter 8

Darras woke at dawn but found the Elves already awake and assisting the Dryads in preparing breakfast. After a quick wash, Darras went over to the cart and used his knife to remove the bindings holding the cloth around the wheels. He then saw to the mule by feeding it with some grain a smiling Hollana provided.

“They have not yet noticed your theft, sir Darras,” Hollana said.

“They will soon enough, though I doubt they can track it through the Holy Forest,” Darras replied. “I would expect a visit from someone in authority, though.”

“Yes, though we will inform them that no strangers have passed through the woods,” Hollana smiled. “They know we have no use for gold.”

“So, you supply them with wood for free?”

“In a sense, we supply them with wood to leave us alone. The wood removed thins the forest and keeps it healthy.”

“So, you’d likely be doing it anyway?” Darras asked.

“Yes, this is just a convenient way to do it.”

The Dryads and Elves served the group a substantial breakfast. Then, they set off into the Holy Forest, guided by a silent Woodnymph to follow a hidden path to one of the villages within after saying their heartfelt thanks to the Dryads. Darras soon recognised the old Elven Road as the Elves used farstriding to speed them on their journey.

“So, the Golden Empire knew these woods, too?” Demala queried Darras.

“Yes, though at its dissolution, the forest folk sealed it away and removed the entry points,” Darras replied, having been informed by Erren.

“Understandable; I have read the revised history of that age, and Harranis the Emperor was not nice,” Demala nodded.

“The roads were built by previous Emperors who were more friendly to all races; hence, the forest folk permitted this one,” Darras shrugged.

“And sealed it off when he fell, and the Empire was gone.”

“A wise move, considering what came about in the way of Fordel,” Darras chuckled.

“Yes, Mesoli, my teacher does not have a high opinion of the Human leadership here,” Demala smiled.

“Unfortunately, Darmelan business practices have been twisted to extremes here,” Darras explained. “They believe that only contracts between Darmelans are valid, and even then, will try to use any ambiguities to increase their profits.”

In the late afternoon, the group reached the main village and was greeted by Garri and other village elders, including Schtin, a man Darras had once released from a Darmelan temple jail.

“So, this is Lucil’s gold?” Garri asked as Lana, his wife, handed out chilled fruit juices.

“It is, minus a pouch each for the people of Dobra,” Darras replied.

“Understandable,” Garri chuckled. “We have no real use for it but will keep it here until the hostilities have ended.”

“And then?”

“Depends on what the country is like after the Rachtelinians have left,” Garri shrugged.

“Pretty sure they’ll need gold to rebuild,” Darras nodded.

“Looks that way; the Rachtelinians are being very selective in their targets,” Garri replied thoughtfully. “They are also avoiding pitched battles whilst being chased all over the countryside.”

“Yes, they’ll avoid them, though they’ve shown they can fight them at Culn,” Darras agreed.

“Their treatment of ordinary folk stands them in good stead, too,” Garri added. “Many are secretly pleased at the treatment of the worst of the Darmelan merchants.”

“The idea is to force them to come to the negotiating table, though that depends on how hard-headed the council of the Netas is,” Darras replied.

“Well, some of their messengers turned up in Gruss, trying to recruit young men and exhorting the rest to turn away invaders,” Garri chuckled. “They were run out of the town real quick as the people of Gruss want no part of what they call Darmela’s folly.”

Darras stepped through the gateway in the city of Fordel and was eventually permitted entry after a customs check that appeared to be looking for Rachtelinian spies, not contraband. Entry still cost one silver, and Darras’s details as a merchant were noted, though he was advised against wandering outside the city due to Rachtelinian banditry.

‘The Rachtelinians aren’t anywhere near the city, ’ Erren informed Darras. ‘Jertin has them dealing with the mercenary groups in the east.’

“I almost feel sorry for the mercenaries,” Darras chuckled. “Almost.”

‘They’ve oppressed the ordinary Fordelians for too long in the name of the state; a lot of repressed anger is coming to the fore as the defeated mercenary bands are finding they’ve nowhere to hide.’

“No surprise there, Jertin planned for it,” Darras nodded. “It’s why he can use so few of his men to cause major issues for the Darmelans in charge.”

‘Yes, my sister’s followers have created a very toxic background for their state control, which is why it will be a very different country once they accede to the Rachtelinian demands, ’ Erren replied.

“I’m sure the Darmelans will find a way to remain in charge,” Darras murmured.

‘Yes, but they’ll tread very carefully around my people.’

Darras made his way to a tavern he was familiar with from a previous visit, finding Amina, Tiruk, the agent of Crannok and a few of her compatriots sitting around a table.

“Well met, Darras,” Tiruk cheerfully greeted him.

“Friends,” Darras replied with a smile. “How are your missions going?”

“We have kept track of the former King’s Council and many of the state treasures of Rachtelin,” Amina replied. “When the Fordelians finally negotiate to end hostilities, they’ll find the Rachtelinians have quite a list.”

“Can you get any back now?” Darras asked, placing a bag of gold onto the table as if paying for a service.

“A few that we’re working on, but the old Council are very much on their guard at the minute,” Amina nodded. “They’re also trying to interfere in the Fordelian military with unwanted advice.”

“Probably Mirrs,” Darras chuckled. “Not that his troops really faced Rigilo’s men in any strength.”

“Him and Cranagh,” Amina confirmed. “Though Cranagh is now mostly ignored as a nuisance.”

“He probably hasn’t realised,” Darras smiled.

“Probably not, no,” Amina laughed. “Anyway, we’ll keep tabs on the location of the national treasures and the former Council, trying to get back those treasures we can.”

“Good,” Darras replied. “No killing, though, not unless you don’t have a choice.”

“Understood,” Both Amina and Tiruk nodded.

“How’s Nemmos’ group?” Amina asked.

“Going on to their next mission in Tempath after feasting with Erren and getting new identification papers,” Darras replied. “Firios and his team will be escorting them from Coromina.”

“I’m glad. That mission in Lucil had the potential to be very dangerous,” Tiruk nodded.

“Yes, the town guard in many Fordelian cities is quite adept at their job, if corrupt in the sense that they’ll look the other way for a price,” Darras chuckled.

“A price we weren’t going to pay,” Amina smiled.

At this point, several guards entered the tavern and demanded to see the entry papers of any merchants. Darras handed over his and waited for the inevitable question as to his reasons for being in a poorer part of town.

“So, you are using the locals to gather herbs for healing potions?” A guard asked.

“Yes,” Darras replied. “My client requires a large amount, so using locals makes economic sense.”

“Who is your client?”

“None of your business,” Darras firmly replied.

“You may be a Rachtelinian spy, using this ‘business’ to scout out the military situation around Fordel!”

“I’m not, and there isn’t a military situation here; the Rachtelinians are all in the east ... according to the Darmelan temple,” Darras shrugged.

“You could be counting troops!”

“What troops? I’ve never left the city; all I’m doing is buying herbs,” Darras hit back. “Is it the job of the town guard to interfere in a legitimate business?”

“Leave it,” another guard broke into the conversation. “He’s never left the city, and the people he buys from are known to us.”

“He’s up to something!”

“It’s called business,” Darras replied. “Now stop this harassment or face a complaint from the temple and guild.”

‘That’ll settle it, ’ Erren commented. ‘A complaint from a merchant is always taken seriously.’

“I’ll be watching you,” the guard snarled before leaving.

“Idiot,” Amina chuckled. “Still, he’ll be watching you, not us.”

“That’s why I was confrontational,” Darras smiled.

“Who are the herbs for?”

“Mirion needs them for the Elves in Asulnarath and Tuthraman; she’s teaching their healers new techniques and medicines,” Darras replied.

“With herbs from Fordel?”

“It’s a sideline for most poor Fordelians as the herbs aren’t regarded as a cash crop here but weeds to be pulled from their fields. Hence, they are happy to gather them for you at a reasonable price,” Darras explained.

“True, we get volunteers constantly,” Amina shrugged. “Most do consider them weeds.”

“When you get a wagon full, send it on the freight run and think Asulnarath, Erren will take care of the rest.”

“Will do.”

“Is that how you get out and scout?” Darras asked.

“Yes,” Tiruk chuckled. “Our people find out stuff, tell me, and I tell Crannok.”

“And the locals like to talk,” Amina added. “Particularly as they are being paid for something they thought useless.”

“True,” Darras chuckled. “And with that, I’m off home.”

“No mission?” Tiruk asked.

“Yes, the one stated, to focus the guards’ attention onto me, not you,” Darras replied. They now know who you’re selling to, which was bothering them somewhat.”

“For a so-called ‘business’ friendly state, they sure are nosey,” Amina frowned.

“The ones at the top are corrupt; they look to see if they can muscle in on any trade that might increase their profits.”