“It’s where we’ve come from,” Rune replied.
“How would we find the camp? The Riverlands are vast and we don’t have that kind of time,” Max said.
Rune narrowed his eyes, “By the way, what was it you five were doing near Grandwood that got you mixed up in a goblin attack? It’s not very common to see a warrior of the Rollo Islands in these parts, traveling cross country in possession of a magic crystal, no less.”
Max motioned to Thomas to remain silent this time. He didn’t want them giving Rune and Saaja too much information, even if they were possible allies.
Britt responded, “We’re crewmen of a merchant ship that was commandeered in Grandwood’s port. The governor and his armed militia took our goods and sent us away. As we were preparing to leave, the town was attacked by a horde of goblins. We barely escaped with our lives and she was bitten in the process.”
Rune nodded, though Max saw from his expression that he didn’t put too much trust into what Britt told him. “Merchants would explain why you’re not armed. Though I doubt any of you have ever worked a single day as a trader, you’re no enemy to us. We’re on our way to Merg, er, Grandwood rather, on a recruiting mission for the Resistance.”
“You’ll have a hard time getting anyone in or out of there, I’m afraid,” Max said.
“The whole town’s been overrun. There’s a magical force there, a powerful one. It keeps those who enter through its portals trapped behind a barrier. But after the goblins attacked, who knows if it’s still up,” Britt said.
“How’d you escape if there’s a force keeping everyone inside?” Rune asked and Max could tell he was fishing for more information about who they really were.
Max shrugged. “Could’ve been her necklace for all we know,” he lied.
“Yeah,” Rune said his gaze flickering between Britt and Max.
“You think anyone survived?” Saaja interrupted.
“Hard to say for sure,” Max said, looking this time to the broad man. “I’d bet anyone safely locked inside their homes made it through alright. But if the barrier keeping everyone trapped inside is still operational, the goblins might be stuck there, too.”
“True, but goblins are magical creatures and crafty in that. If they found a way inside, they could find a way out. You found a way, so they could too,” Rune said.
“What about my sister?” Thomas said, trying to draw the conversation back onto what mattered most. Max saw the pain in his face again as Thomas asked, “What are we going to do?”
Rune snapped his fingers. The sudden movement startled Max into nearly attacking the man. “I’ve never met him, but there’s rumor of an old wise man who lives just outside Brookside. I believe he’s called Slamoran or something,” Rune said.
“Solomon!” Bo blurted out.
“Yeah, that’s it,” Rune said. “Maybe he can help you? I’ve heard rumors he has a wealth of knowledge about magic and the like.”
“Why didn’t I think of that before?” Max said, cursing himself.
“So you know him?” Rune asked.
“Yeah, I know him,” Max said, then stopped himself from revealing any more about his backstory.
“But old Sol lives at least four days’ walk from here,” Bo said. “And that’s on rested legs and without the extra weight of someone to carry.”
“It’s closer than the Riverlands and at least we know where it is,” Max said.
“Do you think Kirsten can make it that long?” Bo asked.
Thomas nodded, “She’s tough and stubborn as all get out. Kirsten will hang in there as long as she knows there’s a chance.” Thomas bent over and whispered into his sister’s ear. His words were gentle, but Max could still make them out over the sounds of the crackling fire. “We’re taking you to someone who can help us, okay? Kirsten, listen to me, you have to hold on as long as you can. I can’t lose you. We’re going to get help, you just need to hold on.”
Max turned, recalling the horses they’d passed when approaching the camp. “If we took one of your horses we’d get there in a day,” he said.
“There’re four others in our group. Our mission is of great importance to the cause and we’ll be needing those horses for our journey. I’m sorry you’ve been dealt this difficult hand, but there could be people we can help in light of what’s happened in Grandwood. We can’t let you take the horses; they’re essential for the greater good of the Resistance,” Rune declared.
“We don’t need to keep them,” Britt argued. “We can bring them back after we get help.”
Rune considered it briefly, but shook his head, “How would you find us? That would be at least three days. We’ll be gone from here and getting the horses back to us would be too difficult.”
“What if you came with us?” Bo asked.
“No,” Rune said. “I’m sorry, I truly am, but I can’t help you.”
“Wait,” Max said. “Bo’s got a point. What if you came with us? Not as our doctor, but as our transporter. You could escort us, with the horses to Solomon’s, about a day’s ride. Drop us off there, then turn around and lead your horses back here. If you’re planning to go to Grandwood in its current state, you’ll need to spend at least a day scouting it out before entering. You can meet back up with your group in a planned location.”
Rune grew quiet for several long moments, “But if my group needs my medical expertise while I’m gone, they could suffer.”
“Maybe not,” Saaja said. “Ophelia is getting a solid handle on things. You even said so yourself.”
Rune’s glare told Max he knew Saaja’s comment held weight. Sighing, Rune said, “If I help you, I’ll be needing compensation.”
“Done,” Bo said. “Name your price?”
Rune leveled his gaze on them, “If I help you, you’ll need to tell me why you were really in Grandwood. And if it’s for the reason I suspect, and after this goblin bite issue is resolved, you’ll volunteer your services to our cause by joining our forces in the Riverlands.”
Looking to his brother, Max already knew his answer. He nodded to Bo and leaned toward Britt to consult their captain. After a hushed discussion of their options, Britt came to her conclusion. Glancing at Kirsten, who lay limply in her brother’s arms, Max offered his hand in agreement to Rune’s terms and said, “I can’t vouch for Thomas, or Kirsten, if she makes it through this alive, but for my brother and me, we’ll join your cause.”
Rune nodded, moving his gaze to Britt, “And you? Will you join the revolution to save your friend?”
Max saw Britt flare her black nostrils before replying, “I don’t agree with the tactics you’re using to drag us into this mess, but since we’re already fighting for the same cause, I don’t see why we wouldn’t join forces. I won’t guarantee that I’ll remain in Westland, but I can guarantee that I’ll oppose anyone who sides with the imperial forces trying to consume the free nations of Kartania.”
