Chapter 18: Strife Firenight

It was well into the night before the five riders stopped to rest. Yevish had fallen asleep earlier and Peace now handed him down to Justice who took the boy and gently laid him in his bedroll. Zeal set about lighting a fire, they all had things to discuss before they rested. Once all the horses were unsaddled and bedrolls laid out the four adults gathered around the fire.
The stranger spoke first. “I wish to thank you all for your assistance. I had killed one of those soldiers already, but I was running out of strength and likely would not have come out of that fight well if it hadn’t been for all of you.” Justice, Zeal and Peace all nodded to him and he extended his right arm. Justice and Zeal reached out and took it in a warriors grasp, but Peace restrained herself from reaching out. She was accustomed to the warriors grasp with her own men, but this was not one of her men, and she needed to be careful as he might regard it as strange and offensive. However, somewhat to Peace’s surprise, the stranger extended his arm to Peace as well. She took it and grasped it firmly above the wrist, as was customary and then withdrew. This was the warriors grasp, and however simple it seemed, it was quite significant. It was an acknowledgement of partnership and a symbol of potential or existing trust. If a warrior wished to show brotherhood or true friendship they would bring their fist to their chest after the hand grasp. Peace was glad that this warrior found it acceptable that a woman was a warrior.
“I suppose we ought to introduce ourselves.” The stranger hesitated a moment then smiled slightly. “I am known as Strife FireNight.”
The three siblings looked at each other, a knowing light filling their eyes. Strife caught the look and looked at them questioningly. Justice replied for all three of them. “We are the children of Xathin DaySpring. I am Justice, this is my brother Zeal and our sister Peace. And as to former communication, it just so happens that we have been searching for you.”
“Well, that is interesting though not entirely unusual. But before you all get your hopes soaring because of my former ‘glory’ days, let’s get a few things straight.” Strife’s complexion became serious. “I am entirely finished with the insane business of questing. I’m not up for hire by any warlord or king, and no I will not take up the occupation of full time warrior again.” He looked between all three of them to emphasize his point.
“I must say I disagree with your statement and hope that part of it is untrue. It seems to me that once one is a warrior they cannot choose the full time or part timeness of their occupation.” Justice began.
“And being as a warrior is always a warrior and questing is quite simply part of the description of warrior, then I can truthfully say that you are not done with the business of questing.” Zeal continued.
Strife rubbed his forehead with the inside of his hand. “What’s next?” he asked wearily, expecting Peace to finish up the thought.
“We’ve come seeking your help. No it’s not in the insane business of questing, it’s concerning the mad business of war. No, it’s not under the hiring of a king or warlord, indeed it is against the will of the ruling council. It is for a people, a nation. A people oppressed by a warlord.” Peace sighed. “It’s for a people that have striven to do nothing but help others all their lives.” Peace paused to study the downcast face of Strife. “It’s a mad idea and it likely won’t even work, but I do not believe that God would have guided us to you and brought us this far if it was not to work.”
At the mention of God Strife looked up. “Yeshua?”
“Yes.” Peace responded, unsure of the significance of Yeshua to this man.
Strife looked at the three siblings long and hard. “Which people?”
“Those of Arthea.” Peace stated simply, everyone had heard of that land and of the hope and beauty that therein dwelt.
Strife looked at Peace, a very serious light settling in his eyes. “If it were not for these people, I would likely refuse. However I am only one man, I do not lead an army any longer. How am I to be of any help?”
“The plan only depends on a small group of men. The basic concept is to send these men into the enemies encampment as new recruits. If the men were notorious and well known they would be likely to get in and higher easier and faster. From there this band of men would proceed to destroy our enemies from inside out. It was the only plan we could formulate that might actually work, and that we could actually accomplish.”
Strife thought for a moment. “It has potential to be a sound plan. I will need to be closer to the situation before I help to clarify it.” Peace nodded in agreement to this. “However, you mentioned a group of men.”
Justice answered, Peace had explained the plan to Zeal and him earlier. “It is in an attempt to make things easier for those on the inside, as they can be in multiple places at once.”
“Yes, I see. I also believe that I know where to find such men.” He paused and nodded to himself, then looked up. “Are we agreed?”
The siblings smiled slightly at each other and Justice clasped Strife’s outstretched arm. The agreement was made.

Chapter 16: Stumblings Upon

The sun rose to reveal the three horses and four riders continuing across the frail grassed plains of the inner lands. This forsaken country was known to most as Barakdethen or the Barren Death Haven as it was loosely translated. Its farthest borders were comprised of wastes, absolute wastes. They contained more water than the deserts but less life. The waster that they contained was also most often bitter or stale, and the dry, cracked, flat dirt continued forever often hiding the small waterholes from the view of thirsty travelers. Inward from these wastes were the deserts. This was the area where cities started appearing, for it was the place where drinkable water and life were both present. The deserts had less water than the wastes, but what water they had was comparatively clean and not static since it was frequently disturbed by blowing sands and refreshed by infrequent but heavy rainstorms. The rainstorms of the desert were quite as dangerous as its sandstorms were. Small lizards and mammals, as well as the rare bird of prey ranged these areas, and camels became a useful pack animal. Barakdethen had what could be considered 3 deserts, though in truth they were all roughly connected. The 2 main deserts ran the northern and southern edges of the country, on the inner borders of the wastes. A 3rd, long and skinny desert crossed the center of the country creating a z-shaped pattern or snake track as most called it. Between the wastes of the east and west and deserts of the north and south, excluding the snake desert, lay the inner lands. The inner lands contained the majority of the population as well as other life and water. Larger animals such as domestic herd animals and wild grazing animals roamed here, though the frail grasses often struggled to support them. The occasional mammals of prey also ranged here, such as occasional packs of wild dogs and hyenas. The inner lands were carpeted by frail and generally thing grasses, though occasionally lucky patches had thicker or hardier types. There were also occasional trees, though rarely were there groups of trees unless they had been planted and carefully nurtured. Farmers and ranchers somehow managed to scrape a living from the barely fertile grounds of the inner lands. Most of the country’s natural resources were also located in this area and long its borders with the deserts and wastes. Barakdethen contained only one body of water worthy of the title lake, and even at that it was a pretty sorry one. It was shallow, though somewhat long, but also fairly narrow. In essence the land of the entire country was starved, dry, harsh and despairing. Indeed it was often said that the name of the country had brought a curse down on the land.
Justice looked around at the grassed landscape. He and the others had just dismounted and were preparing to rest for the afternoon. Even though the inner lands were cooler, they were still hot and harsh in the day and a traveler could make better time at night. Justice stretched, he had forgotten how good it felt to be on the road, living the adventurous life. Settling down had been good too, but he still hoped to find a better land than this to settle in. He heard laughter and turned to see Zeal and Yevish helping each other to unsaddle Zeal’s horse. Yevish could almost unsaddle Justice and Zeal’s horses by himself, being as they were not as large or tall as Darkstar.
“Whoa Klack.” Zeal calmed his red coated, white hoofed horse. The animal was a bit upset by the semi-careless manner in which it was being unsaddled.
Justice shook his head as he started unsaddling his horse, Kloppit. He patted the horse’s head when he finished. “That a’ boy.” He and Zeal had enjoyed themselves in the naming of their steeds, indeed they had been the most uniquely named horses in the entire army. Justice looked over at Peace who was unsaddling Darkstar with that quiet and gentle smile on her face. She was quite beautiful, though her skin was worn from long years in the sun, just as his and Zeal’s were. He wondered how she had remained single, especially after all those years in the army. Perhaps after the cross-dressing stunt that she had pulled no one considered her an acceptable option anymore. He’d have to ask her sometime, as she had failed to mention her own love life in their earlier conversations. He couldn’t imagine her being without a single suitor for all those years. Suddenly he jerked his head to the right; something was making a hazardous sounding ruckus. Peace and Zeal also looked towards the noise. Zeal gently pushed Yevish behind him. Soon the clanging of swords and battle cries of men reached their ears. The fours travelers drew their respective weapons: Peace her two half lengths, Zeal his specially designed broadsword which had one wavy edge and one straight edge, Justice his long sword, and Yevish his small throwing dagger and large battle dagger. They were all standing on the east side of a small knoll opposite the sounds of the battle. There were two small knarled trees on their side of the knoll. The three siblings looked at each other for assurance. It was always frightening going into a battle which you didn’t know anything about. You could never be sure which side you ought to fight on or whether you ought to take a side. Any battle was frightening business anyway, you never knew when you might end up maimed, seriously wounded, or dead.
Suddenly five men broke over the knoll. They were arranged so as to indicate a four on one battle, with the one doing exceptionally well to even be alive. Peace’s eyes widened; the four men fighting together were the ones she had fought at the inn. Their leader, Erlfag, recognized Peace just as soon as she recognized him. “Why bitch, it’s about time we ran into you again.” The tone of his voice assured Peace’s brothers that these four men were not on their side. The siblings and Yevish quickly jumped to the aide of the outnumbered man. The battle was quick, though somewhat indecisive. Two of the warlord’s soldiers were dead, Erlfag and Gart were alive. Zeal and the strange warrior had quickly disabled and bound them. Peace stood facing them, Zeal and Justice on her left and the newcomer on her right.
“Well bitch, this is familiar. ‘Cept ye had ‘elp this time. Did we scare ye last time?” Erlfag grinned up at her from his kneeled position.
“Why you!” Zeal stepped forward to hit the man for his words but Peace stopped him.
“We’ve had enough fighting and bloodshed for today.” She commented to him quietly. Then she turned back to Erlfag.
He spoke before she could decide what to say. “I see ye got yerself a ‘air cut. Didn’t like me pullin’ on it last time aye?”
“No, I didn’t.” Peace replied calmly.
Erlfag snorted. “Eh, ye all calm toned now that ye got some mutts ta watch yer back. I wonder ‘ow good they’re doin’ at that.” Erlfag meaningfully looked her up and down then and smiled cruelly.
Peace snarled at the disgusting reference. “I don’t suppose a family’s respect of each other means much to you.” Erlfag smiled and opened his mouth to speak but Peace continued before he could. “When you wake you’ll be unbound, supplied with one days supplies and equipped with your basic weapons. Don’t worry about your dead, we’ll have honored them already, since none of you would bother to do such.” Peace glared at the both for a moment. “Sleep well.” Peace took the hilt of her sword and brought it down across the back of Erlfag’s head. She didn’t care much if she caused damage at this point. The newcomer did the same to Gart. It was obvious the stranger held the same opinion of these men as Peace. Peace turned and suddenly her complexion softened. Yevish stood there staring blankly at his bloodied hands. He had delivered one of the killing blows. Peace turned to her brothers. “You know our arrangement. We should burn the bodies, the ground is too hard to receive them quickly.”
“And we need to move soon.” The stranger added. “I know there was more of these men, they’ll probably be here soon.”
Peace nodded. “I have a lesson to teach” she finished gently.
Peace walked over to Yevish and kneeled. She picked up his dropped weapons and gently placed them back in his hands. Then she pulled out two rags, somewhat stained from long ago battles. She handed one to Yevish. “You must clean your blades Yevish. The blood on them is from another. It does not belong to us, but to God, and we must clean it away from our blades. Watch.” Peace started to clean her blades with the rag and Yevish started to clean his own, following her every movement. Zeal and Justice and the stranger watched with admiration in their eyes. It was not an easy thing to help one through their first kill, especially one so young. Zeal and Justice turned to do what needed to be done and the stranger followed, an odd light playing in his eyes, as if of some long forgotten memory.
Peace continued her lesson. She knew that Yevish needed support and love, but he also needed to learn the significance of what had just occurred and what must yet occur. He needed to understand God’s perspective of killing and His forgiveness in such. Yevish also had to learn how to work through it, and the best way to do such was to continue doing the necessary tasks. Once his blades were clean Peace gently guided his hands to put them back in their sheathes. She took back the rag and carefully laid them by her side on the thin grass. It was best to let the blood dry before packing the rags again. “Now we must was the blood from us.”
Yevish looked at her, pain flooding his eyes and a thousand unasked questions swirling around.
“At certain times we would wash ourselves with water, but on a battle field water is not available. So we use the earth. Just as the dead bodies return to the earth, we will return their blood to earth with them.” Peace scraped at the dry dirt and dug up enough to fill Yevish’s hands, then she guided him in scrubbing the blood from his young flesh. Once his hands were cleaned she cleaned her own hands. Mostly only her fingertips were exposed, but the blood was on her gloves as well so she scrubbed with the dirt till she had removed as much blood as she could. She swiftly stuffed the newly soiled rags into their special pocket and then looked back at Yevish. She drew the boy to her and wrapped him in her arms, then she stood and looked over at the others. Silent burning tears begin to flood down the boys cheeks as he curled up in Peace’s strong arms. “It will be hard Yevish, and not all questions have answers, but we will help you work through it. We have all been through this trial. But for now, know this, we all love you, Justice, Zeal and I, and most importantly, Yeshua still loves you.” Yevish nodded his understands and reached out and grasped Peace.
Zeal and Justice nodded at Peace. They had done everything that had needed to be done and were just finishing saddling the horses. The smell of burning flesh wafted through the air. Peace walked over to Darkstar and Justice helped her and Yevish up, with Yevish still facing and grasping Peace as they sat on the horse. The stranger led his horse over and nodded to them. The three men mounted and all four riders spurred their horses onward casting doubtful glances behind them.

Chapter 15: Partings

Peace looked around at the medium sized room. The sun would rise in a hour or so. Justice and Zeal were also awake. Dafrin would likely wake soon, but Peace would have to wake Yevish. He was young and no internal clock was permanently set for him yet. He had also worked hard at the stables for the last two days.
It was the morning of the day they would leave. Justice and Zeal had told Dafrin the news yesterday and helped him spread news of his need for a new work hand. He had given them his blessing. He would be fine. Justice and Zeal had worried a bit, but Dafrin had reminded them that he had made it through the war without them.
“Besides, you know how eager the young men are for a job. I’ll have plenty of ‘elpers soon.” Dafrin had reassured them. The thought had settled Justice and Zeal.
Dafrin stirred and slowly sat up, his age and injuries were beginning to get to him. Justice and Zeal pulled their shirts on and started gathering their meager belongings. They owned a fair amount but they were only taking what they needed. They were leaving the rest for Dafrin. Peace noted her brothers. They were in their forties, yet both were still fit and strong. Thy likely could’ve been mistaken for younger men. The gray hairs were beginning to show however, likely from the stress of living in this land. Peace wondered if hers was doing the same.
She was glad to find that her brothers were accustomed to sleeping in their clothes, for the most part. They did seem to have collected the habit of sleeping without their shirts however. Peace hoped she could undo that habit, at least while they were traveling together. She had seen many bare-chested and a few bare-bodied men in her life, and that had been bad enough, but to see such with her own brothers was a bit more than awkward.
Justice and Zeal noted this when Peace took to intently studying her bedroll until they had donned their shirts. They’d have to be more careful; it’d been so long since she’d been around.
The brothers finished packing their things as Peace headed downstairs with her and Yevish’s bundles. She would get Darkstar ready now and finishing packing his saddle when they were ready to go. She would wake Yevish after she was done with Darkstar. Once they were all awake they would eat and then head out. Justice and Zeal each owned a horse. They weren’t as large and strong as Darkstar. They had been cavalry horses in the war, and hence were enduring and good horses, even though they weren’t a specific war breed. The would be able to keep up with Darkstar easily however.
It was another 45 minutes before they were all ready to go. They all stood before the stable, horse reigns in hand and surrounded by a silence which came from uncertainty. It would likely be their final goodbye and no one was quite sure what exactly to say. Dafrin’s new work hand, a young neighbor boy with a bit of a limp, stood by Dafrin. He looked at the silent faces, unsure and uncomprehending of the depth of the scene.
Peace had chosen not to wear her face mask, being as she looked enough like a male from a distance and she was safer now that Justice and Zeal were traveling with them. Her face was set, not entirely sad, not really happy, a bit unsure of which expression to take on.
Finally Dafrin spoke, “So… this is it.” He stepped forward and gave a manly hug to Justice and Zeal. “Take care ya rascals. And take good care of your sis.” He continued as he hugged Peace. Then he bent down and hugged Yevish, ruffling the boy’s hair as he did so. “And you keep your head about you and watch these ‘uns. There’s much you can learn from them.” He paused and smiled at the boy. “You’re a good worker, m’boy, keep it up.” He then stood and backed away. “Well, off ya be.”
The siblings and boy called out their farewells and then turned and mounted their horses. They waved and then turned and trotted off down the street. The sun was just rising to light their way, and the street was fairly empty. The gates were open when they arrived and soon the three horses were running off across the desert. While in Qualith Peace had gained a heading on Firenight, after her brothers had officially crossed off all the other names Peace had come across. They had filled her in on every good and bad detail about every so called hero in the land, and only Firenight had remained a standing option afterwards. Their heading was about as good as Peace’s had been with her brothers: it was the last place he’d been seen. A town called Sundown.

Chapter 14: Do You Know Him?

It was a while after the sun went down before the shop was closed up and everyone gathered upstairs. The room was big enough for all of them, though there weren’t enough beds for everyone. Peace and Yevish had their bedrolls however, and there was plenty of floor room. Justice and Zeal, being as stubborn as they were, forced Peace and Yevish to sleep on the beds and took the mats for themselves. Dafrin watched the whole process with amusement. He remembered how they had always used to argue over such things when they were young. The way they interacted hadn’t really changed, save that they were so glad to see each other that they couldn’t stop laughing and smiling. That was different. Dafrin remembered several good fights when they were young. They had sometimes gone days without speaking to each other. Granted, they were younger then. They hadn’t known as much of the world and of the things in it, and they hadn’t been quite mature then. Though, watching them now, Dafrin wasn’t sure if they were mature yet.
When dinner had been finished and the sleeping arrangements had all been sorted out, Yevish and Dafrin headed to bed. Peace prayed with Yevish before he went to sleep, it was the one prayer time they had managed to almost never miss. Peace kneeled beside the bed and smiled as she watched Yevish drift off to sleep. He did so quickly, he had had a long and exciting day. Peace stood and walked over to the small table where Justice and Zeal were sitting. A single candle sat on the side of the table and shed light on the three faces. Peace sat down opposite Justice and Zeal. The three didn’t speak for a while, they just watched each other. They were all still in a sort of shock at the fact that they were actually reunited. When they had sent Peace off, Justice and Zeal both knew they would most likely never see her again. Peace knew the same. In fact, it was almost a guarantee that they would never see each other again. Yet, here they were, all together again.
Finally Zeal broke the silence. “Peace, there is something we must ask you.”
Peace looked at Zeal. She and he had always been a little closer. She had been very close to Justice too, but for some reason, likely their personalities and though patterns, Peace and Zeal had always been a little closer. “What is it?”
Zeal looked at Justice, who nodded. Zeal turned back towards Peace. “Well, we saw you praying, with Yevish.” He nodded towards the sleeping boy. “Though truth be told we’ve been wondering ever since we saw you. Many years ago we learned about a God. A God of love and healing and hope. This God changed our lives. This God sent his only son to this earth, to take away our sins. And we were wondering…” He looked at Justice again. He was obviously afraid of Peace’s answer. It was most likely that she had not heard of this God, and that she would not be willing to accept Him.
Justice finished Zeal’s question. “We were wondering if you had heard of him. If you know Him.”
Peace suddenly broke out in a smile, tears threatening to flood from her eyes again. Could it really be? Could her brothers also have found Yeshua? “You know Him? The son of this God, He is called Yeshua, yes?”
“Yes.” Her brothers nodded.
Peace reached over and grabbed her brothers’ hands. “Thank the Lord of heaven and earth.”
“You know Him?” Zeal cried out in excitement.
“Yes.” Peace nodded, tears happily flowing down her smiling cheeks.
Justice laughed. “What are the chances?”
“It doesn’t have anything to do with chance. It’s God.” Peace stated gently. Zeal and Justice nodded in agreement. 
The three sat for a few more minutes, firmly grasping each other’s hands and silently rejoicing in the fact that they were all united in their belief and salvation in Yeshua.
Finally Peace spoke again. “So what happened to you two? What’ve you been doing all these years?”
They gently released each other as Zeal and Justice began their story.
“We stayed around here for a few years after we sent you off.” Zeal began. “How did that go anyway?”
“After you finish.” Peace smiled. She wanted to know everything that had happened to her brother’s since she’d left.
Zeal nodded and continued. “We kept working here, just making a living. Justice fell in love with a local.” Zeal shoved Justice with his elbow. It had obviously been a point of teasing between the two of them.
“Oh?” Peace looked at Justice questioningly.
“Yeah, she was a beauty.” He smiled as he playfully punched Zeal. “But then the wars came.” Justice and Zeal became a bit grim. “The first battles were only two towns away, in Zerachith. We feared that it would come to us next. So all the men of the village joined the army, save those too old or too young.”
“Though even some of those joined.” Zeal added.
Justice nodded sadly. “Yeah. A lot of us died within the first two days of fighting. Zeal and I managed to keep each other alive.”
“Did Dafrin go?” Peace interjected.
“No. He was injured at the time. And there would have been no one to run the business in his place, with us going off and all.”
“In a sense, he was the smart one. He didn’t see all the death and destruction that the war brought. He didn’t… didn’t…” Zeal struggled to find the right word.
“He didn’t lose himself.” Justice finished for him. Zeal nodded. Peace could see the sadness in their eyes. She knew what it was like. Justice continued. “Anyway, we kept fighting. We traveled to the far side of Dragna and then all the way around her borders. Through the heartlands, and the deserts and then the wastes. So many died from the elements. It seemed that the war went on forever, and we were never really sure who we were fighting and why.”
“We later found out that we actually battled three of the five neighboring countries in that war. Arthea being one of them. We invaded her, at one point. None of the soldiers knew that it was Arthea, or none of us would have followed the captain’s orders. Arthea has always been known as a land of peace and healing. They have sent many people here who try their best to help. Or at least, they used to.”
“Anyway, the five head captains finally killed each other off in their lust for power and blood, and that war ended. So nine and half years after we’d left, we returned.” Justice paused and shook his head. “Rebecca, the girl I fell in love with. She was married to one of the wealthiest men in town, and she had three kids. I couldn’t really blame her. I would have never expected her to wait for all those years.”
“She was a pretty one too, so she’d always had lots of suitors.”
“Yeah” Justice laughed a little. “I saw her around. She wasn’t specifically happy with her husband, but she’d learned to love him anyway. I was happy that she’d found such a good home. So we came back here. Dafrin had a wife, Eloria. She was a sweet lady.”
“By the time we got back they’d been married for four years.” Zeal smiled.
“It made things a little interesting around here, but we all managed to work it out.”
“It was Eloria who taught us of God, and Yeshua. It was through her example that we all came to know Him.”
“Dafrin is saved as well?” Peace asked.
“Yes.” Zeal replied. “By the time we got back from the wars, he’d known Yeshua for years. He also helped to bring us to our savior.”
“Where’s Eloria now?” Peace asked gently, unsure of how sensitive the question was.
“Dead.” Justice responded sadly. “ About five years after we got back, she fell ill. No one really knows what it was that took her. It wasn’t contagious. Only about five others in the village had it. No one could find anything that helped it. She was in a lot of pain for about a week, and then she was gone.” He paused, in memory of her.
“We were sad, but we all knew that she was in a far better place.” Zeal added.
Justice nodded. “Her and Dafrin never had any children. Dafrin never remarried. He had had a good marriage, and he was happy. He never saw a need to.”
“And what of you two?” Peace asked. It seemed curious to her that neither of her brothers were married.
“Well Zeal here is determined to die and old maid.” Justice smiled teasingly.
“The only problem being that I’m not a maid.” Zeal smiled back.
“And me, I guess I never really thought about it again after the wars.” Justice shrugged. Then he smiled again. “So there you have it. Without all the nitpicky details and boring tidbits.”
Peace laughed. “I don’t think I’d consider them boring. Anything about what happened to you is exceptionally exciting right now.”
“Well in that case…” Zeal started off with a wide smile.
Justice cut him off, “No, no. We feel the same way about you. What happened to you?”
Peace smiled. “Well, as you can tell, my trip to Arthea was successful. I was taken in by an old army commander and his wife. They continued to raise me. He was a leather crafter and he taught me the trade. It settled down and helped him out with his business. It was they who introduced me to God. I spent many years learning at the local monastery. All the while I kept up my sword skills by practicing with the local soldiers in training. There was an academy there for them. I couldn’t enter it because I was female, but I basically learned everything they did. I became close friends with a one of the students named Flieshiv. After he finished his schooling he went off to join the army. He returned a year later and managed to smuggle me into the army under the disguise of a new soldier. I fought with his unit for many years in the guise, returning to the couple whom I called family whenever I could. Neither of them were particularly happy about what’d I’d done, but they loved me anyway. Anyway, eventually Flieshiv became commander of his own unit. It was then that he told me it was time, and we finally revealed who I actually was. The men were shocked, specifically my superiors. For a while I was thrown in prison till they could decide what to do with me. God was watching out for me. They didn’t sentence me to death. They had been ready to make me a commander as well, though I hadn’t known such. Through Flieshiv’s arguments on my behalf and the loyalty they had seen in me in my years of service, they decided to let me keep serving. I continued to serve in the army under Flieshiv and eventually became his second commander. It took the other soldiers a while to get used to me, but I had fought beside all of them, and they knew I was one of them, no matter my gender.
I was in prison when your captains ordered the invasion on Arthea, but Flieshiv told me of it later, and of how our army had driven yours back. I had always wondered why Dragna would attack us, but I just blamed it on the corruptness of it leaders.”
“You were right.” Zeal nodded.
“Yes. Anyway, I continued serving in the army. Then came the Urogonos invasion. They came upon us like a plague. We couldn’t stop them. They’d taken the bordering kingdom already. They’re why I came here. The council, which governs our country, didn’t want to send for help, especially not from a land such as Dragna. But Flieshiv and I both knew that we needed help if we were to defeat them. So I came here, looking for you.”
“Do you really think that we can save Arthea.” Zeal looked at Peace in surprise.
“I don’t know. I came looking for a small group of warriors. People whom we could get to go into the enemy camp and figure out a plan. They would be foreign and they enemy hopefully wouldn’t see any reason not to let them in. But truth be told. I have no idea if anyone can save us. It’s our last hope, so I have to try.”
“We have to try.” Justice stated firmly as he grasped her hand.
“I couldn’t ask you to…”
“You didn’t, we volunteered.” Zeal smiled
“Thank you.” Peace smiled. This was an answer to prayer that was greater than she imagined.
“When do we leave?” Justice asked.
“The day after tomorrow.”
The three siblings stood and walked to the side of the table.
“Are you sure?” Peace asked again. “You have a good life here.”
Justice and Zeal looked at each other. “We’re sure.” Justice replied. “You’re the only family we have left. You’re fighting for a good cause, and we want to help. Dafrin’s been more than good to us, but he also understands the desire for something new. He also has several of the young men who would be more than happy to take our places.”
“And in all honesty, there’s nothing here, that we won’t find out on the road with you.”
“Save maybe a little stability.” Justice finished. “But I’m not sure I really like stability anyway.”
The three laughed quietly and embraced. A new chapter was about to start in all their lives. A chapter of hope.

Chapter 13: Reunion

The three siblings continued to stare at each other in amazement. Yevish stood between Peace and Zeal, watching their faces with amused pleasure. Justice reached over and ruffled Peace’s short blonde hair. He and Zeal had hair that was just as straight as Peace’s, though a bit darker, and shorter.
“Look at you. Short hair, and this face and you, you’re…” Justice moved his mouth without words, he was so happy he couldn’t think straight.
“All grown up.” Peace and Zeal replied together. They looked at each other and laughed.
“And who’s this?” Justice asked excitedly as he knelt and picked Yevish up in his strong arms. “A son?” He tussled the boy’s sandy hair as he looked back and forth between Peace and Yevish.
“No, not by blood. More like a brother.” Peace said laughingly.
“Well then, anyone who is Peace’s family, is ours.” Justice smiled wide, a playful light jumping in his eyes. Yevish smiled, reached up and caught Justice’s arm.
“You’re just like Kload, always messin’ with my hair.” The boy said jokingly as reached over and tussled Justice’s hair. Justice laughed.
“Kload?” Zeal looked at the boy questioningly, but received no answer as the boy was now bursting out laughing in Justice’s playful arms.
“It’s me.” Peace said with a smile as she watched the boy and her brother.
Zeal looked at her, one eyebrow raised, “Kload?”
Peace laughed slightly at his look. “I needed to be a man to stay safe on my journey. The full thing is Kload Reveille. You can thank Yevish for that.”
Zeal smiled. “I see.”
Suddenly the hatch opened and the four overjoyed room occupants turned to look at it. Dafrin emerged and stepped onto the floor. A bemused smile played on his face. “What’s all the ruckus about?”
Peace rushed forward and wrapped the man in a hug. He stood in surprise, his arms spread out wide, looking similar to a bird pinned to a wall. When Peace released him he took her by the shoulders and gently pushed her back a step. “Well, wadda’ know. How about that? Peace ya little rascal!” This time Dafrin hugged Peace, then stepped back again. “I’ll be had.” He shook his head. A voice called out from below. “Oph,” He gave out a small call of surprise.  “I’ve got a business to run. But I’ll be talking to you tonight. And you’ll be stayin’ here, no ifs, ands, or buts.” He pointed at her to emphasize his point. “In the meantime you stay up here and not a soul will know you’re here.” He paused on his way down the stairs. “As long as ya keep the ruckus down, that is.” Dafrin smiled, winked and walked down the stairs, closing the hatch behind him.
Peace looked back at the laughing Justice and Yevish and smiled. Zeal looked at his sister. She was so different, though, what could he expect. She’d only been 16 when they sent her off, hoping against all hope that it was the right choice. It had been. For 25 years they’d wondered, knowing that it was likely that she was dead, but still hoping that she was actually living in a better land. And now… He smiled as he watched her. She was a beautiful woman, all grown up in every way. He noted the clothing and leather armor, as well as the swords. So they hadn’t saved her from everything. He supposed that she had probably kept up the sword fighting for sentimental reasons at first. It had been a special thing that he and Justice had taught her. In a sense he was glad that she had kept up the practice, it was likely the only thing that had allowed her to get back to them.
Zeal shook his head as Peace burst out laughing at Justice’s and Yevish’s antics. They were mock wrestling now, rolling all over the floor in the process. He looked back at Peace, there were so many things he wanted to ask her. It seemed as if everything was different now. He would have to wait till later though. He and Justice needed to talk to her at the same time, so they could both hear everything, and help each other fill Peace in. They had 25 years of catching up to do, it was going to take both their minds to remember it.
After a few minutes Justice and Yevish settled down and Peace took out her face mask and put it back on. Justice and Yevish kneeled on the floor, panting, wide smiles covering their faces.
Zeal looked at Peace questioningly, “What are you doing?”
“I have to unsaddle Darkstar, and bring him inside, I don’t think he’d appreciate me leaving him out there all night like that.”
Zeal nodded. “We’ll leave you two to catch your breath.” He turned back to Peace, “I’ll get a stall ready for him.”
Peace nodded and they headed downstairs, leaving the hatch open behind them.
Justice looked at Yevish. “You want to come help me work?”
Yevish nodded excitedly. They both stood and headed downstairs.
After helping Peace get Darkstar in and settled, Zeal went back to work. Yevish followed Justice around for the rest of the day, learning all he could about the stables and how they worked. Dafrin couldn’t stop smiling and chuckling for the rest of the day. Life was so strange.
Peace took the saddle bags and packs up stairs and set up an area for her and Yevish. They would be spending a few nights here, though not too many. She still had a mission, and she was still short on time. She prayed that Justice and Zeal would be able to help her, maybe even come with her. She didn’t know what the Lord had planned, but she knew that He knew what He was doing. She would just have to trust and be patient. One question burned on her mind for the rest of the day though: did her brothers know of Yeshua?

Chapter 12: Qualith

The early morning sun was just beginning to peak up over the now slightly hilly lands. The scattered trees were becoming more common, though the grasses had not become much thicker. Kload knew that there were very few places where the land looked better than this though. There were occasional creeks, which some called rivers. They came from small and scattered lakes which provided the main water source of the land. Water was a commodity to kill for out here, often literally. There was enough here that people didn’t fight over it as often as in the wastes and desert, but there had still been a few wars on its account.
Kload gently held Yevish with one hand and the reigns with the other. There were more people traveling through these lands and Kload had to constantly keep up her act. She had donned her face mask again, though her now short hair moving across her upper neck and chin made her jump occasionally. It felt so odd to her.
Yevish was still sleeping and Kload now woke him gently. He stretched out his arms, careful not to hit Kload or Darkstar and looked around. Yevish had become accustomed to sleeping and waking on Darkstar. It was exciting in a way, as he always woke up in a new place, although it didn’t always look different and he sometimes wondered if they had traveled anywhere at all.
“Morning Kload.” Yevish said cheerily as he looked up at her. He had started calling her Kload more since he had been saved by Yeshua. Now that Kload had explained to him that she was really his sister, it seemed even stranger to call her father. If there hadn’t been the large age difference he would have been more comfortable calling her brother. So he simply called her by name.
“Morning Yevish.” Kload smiled down at him. He could tell by the slight way that the face mask moved, and the look in her eyes.
Yevish dug in the saddle bag on his left and brought out a piece of bread. He split it with Kload, and they rode on in silence while they ate. Darkstar was eating better now that they had come to the grassy part of the country. After a few moments Yevish solemnly asked the question that had been troubling him since they left the inn. “Kload,” He paused, “what did you do to those men? The ones at the inn?” He looked up at her as he finished.
Kload looked straight ahead, the battle replaying itself in her head. “I knocked some of them unconscious and tied them all up. Then I left.”
“That’s the truth?” Yevish looked at her questioningly, wondering if she was pacifying what she had done.
“Yes, Yevish.” She sighed slightly. It would be natural for the child to assume that she had killed them. That would be the normal thing for people to do here. “It perhaps would have been smarter to kill them. They have seen my face and are a liability. But it would not have been right. I learned that many years ago.”She paused to ask God for the right words. “When God sent Yeshua to earth, He didn’t send Him just for those who do right, He sent Him for those who do wrong. Yeshua said while he was on earth ‘They that that are whole have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ The honest truth is that everyone is a sinner, hence Yeshua came to call us all to repentance. He also loves us all, including those men that attacked us. God also commanded us to love everyone, just as he loves them. Yeshua also told us that we must love our enemies, and pray for them.  What I am saying Yevish, is that God loves those men, He commanded us to love those men, and through his love I was able to love them as well. God did not want me to kill them.” Kload paused again. “It is a lesson that is long and hard to learn, but it is a necessary one. But in learning that lesson, we must also trust God. In leaving those men alive, I am trusting that God will take care of us, and not allow them to find us and cause us trouble. You see?”
Yevish scrunched his face up. “Not really.”
“You will understand in time. We’ll talk more about it later. For now look up ahead.”
Yevish looked forward and there before them, still a good distance out, yet close enough to be easily visible, was a large city. Its walls were made of a strange brown rock and there was a steady stream of people in and out of its gates. Its appearance was much different from that of most of the other cities, simply because it was made of rock instead of clay and wood. Indeed, in the context of this land, it looked quite majestic. “Which one is it?” Yevish asked, a tone of awe in his voice.
“It’s Qualith.” Kload whispered to him, excitement running through her voice. She knew this was her lucky and likely impossible shot at finding her brothers, but it was the only shot she really had. And the thought of seeing her brothers again made her heart race with excitement. Though she would have to reveal herself secretly to avoid breaking her cover.
“Do you really think we’ll find them?”
“I don’t know, but I hope so.” Kload smiled slightly, her hope outweighing her doubts.
Within the hour the horse and riders were merging with the stream of people entering the gates. There were caravans of workers and traders, traveling groups of soldiers, and one group which appeared to be a traveling royal man. This made of the stream of people rather colorful, even if the city itself wasn’t. Kload reigned Darkstar to the right as soon as they entered the gate, and they rode down a still semi-full alley. It was obvious it was only a main alley for farmers and such. It had several stables, several farriers, equipment shops and blacksmiths. Most of the people in the alley had some sort of animal or equipment piece with them and looked and smelled of years of hard work under a hot sun. Yevish was tempted to plug his nose with his hand, but in truth, the smell was homely and spoke of honest work. That was something that was rather rare in this land. Kload reigned Darkstar up in front of one of the stables, which boasted a large sign with a muscled oxen on it. The name on the bottom of the sign read “Sun’s Oxen”. It was a name which attempted to make their oxen sound both special and better than anyone else’s. Whether it was actually affective or not, Peace had never been sure. She did remember the place having many loyal customers however.
Kload helped Yevish down, and loosely tied Darkstar to the tie-post. This made it appear as if Darkstar was a more average horse and had to be tied, while still allowing the tie to be loose enough for Darkstar to pull away should he need to. This helped to make Darkstar more settled with the whole idea.
Kload patted his strong neck and then she and Yevish headed inside. The stable was basically that. It had large double doors to allow animals easy passage. They were currently both wide open. The interior contained rows of stalls lining each side, each containing one or more oxen. In the very back of the shop there was a staircase which led to the upstairs living quarters. Nothing had changed about the place since Peace had last been there. In fact the only thing different was that there were no longer a few work horses for sale. The business had become more specified and sold its horses apparently. Kload walked towards the back of the stable where a man could be heard whistling. Peace recognized both the tune and whistle. It was very distinct sounding, much like a badly tuned horn. Peace walked up and leaned over a stall door. There inside the stall, busily wrapping the foot of an injured ox, kneeled a short stubby man. He had thinning curly hair, which was now of a dirty grey color. Peace remembered when he had had a very full head of lighter black curls. He had been a fairly young business man, not much older than Justice and Zeal. He had inherited the business from his father. He had always been a very good and kind boss, and friend. Peace was quite tempted to throw off her mask and give the man a bear hug, but she feared what the repercussions might be. He had always treated her and her brothers well, and he could always find something for Peace to do that wouldn’t be too strenuous and hard. Indeed it seemed to Peace that he was one of two in this land, outside of family, that had treated her like a lady. His father had been the other one, and he was surely long dead now.
“Hello Dafrin.” Kload greeted the man, whom had not yet turned and seen that she and Yevish were there.
“Oh, Hello.” Dafrin called back cheerily. “I’ll be with ya in a moment. Ole Buster here done busted ‘imself up.” He broke out in a small bout of laughter at his joke and Kload joined him, struggling to keep her ‘man’s laugh’. She had remembered all the ridiculous things Dafrin had used to say to make anyone smile. Dafrin finished wrapping the oxen’s leg and then stood and turned to face Kload. She and Yevish backed up as he came out of the stables. He was about two inches shorter than her, which made him roughly four to five inches shorter than her brothers. It had been quite a point of teasing among them, especially considering that Dafrin was done growing at the time, and Justice and Zeal were not.
“Well welcome friend. I’m afraid I don’t recognize you. My old noggin don’t work as well as it used to.”
“It’s been many years since I’ve been here.”
“Well what can I do for ya?” Dafrin’s friendly attitude was not even affected by the mask that Kload wore, unlike most.
“Well truth be told Dafrin, I’ve come looking for Justice and Zeal.”
“Ya have aye? Well wadda’ know. It’s been a long time since anyone’s come lookin’ for them.” Dafrin cocked his head at Kload a bit. He was obviously trying to bring up a memory of her, or him, as he believed she was.
“Are they still here?”
“What? Oh, yeah.” He chuckled a bit. “They’re upstairs takin’ lunch.”
“May I go up and see them?” Kload could barely contain herself. She wanted to kiss the man for the news he’d just given her.
“Of course, go right ahead. Though don’t be too surprised if they shove you right back out for disturbin’ their lunch.” The man added the last statement on an undertone, and then broke out in boisterous laughter and waved them on. Kload took Yevish’s hand and walked as calmly as she could towards the stairs. She wanted to run, but she knew she mustn’t. Kload quickly climbed the stairs and stepped up onto the second floor, watching the small table and its two occupants from the moment she could see them. They looked so grown up, and yet as if they hadn’t changed at all.
The older of the two, by only a few minutes, Justice, looked up at Kload. “May we help you sir?” He put his fork back on his plate as Zeal followed his gaze.
“Justice, Zeal. Is it really you?” Kload asked, her voice full of near wonder.
“Of course it’s us. Who else could it be?” They responded together, smiles on their faces.
Peace quickly pulled Yevish up into the room with her and closed the stair hatch. Justice stood abruptly, a slight bit of alarm showing in his eyes. Peace pulled her mask off and quickly tucked it in her belt. She put her hands back down on Yevish’s shoulders and he could feel how shaky they were. “Justice, Zeal,” Peace looked at each as she said his name. “It’s me. It’s your sister.”
Zeal stood and both he and Justice stared in amazement for a moment, as realization suddenly dawned on their faces. “Peace!” They both called out excitedly as they rushed forward. Peace stepped forward, in front of Yevish and met their hug, thus preventing Yevish from getting bowled over and squished in the process.
The three siblings stood their embracing each other and tousling each other’s hair. Questions whizzed around so fast that Yevish and possibly the rest of them, had no idea what was being said. After a few moments they quieted down and stepped back, broad smiles on their faces and a most wonderful light in their eyes.

Chapter 11: Codes of Honor

Kload and Yevish sat together on the rough grass speckled and dry ground. They were out of the desert now, and starting their journey into the heartlands. They had ridden all the day before, barely stopping to drink and eat. Their desire to be away from that place had been that great. Peace was sitting with her legs folded under her in more of a kneeling position. Her face mask lay in the thirsty dirt beside her. Her face was tear stained and covered in dust, and her eyes were still somewhat red. Her lips were dry and slightly cracked from the journey through the desert. Yevish’s were the same. Peace’s hair hung down her back, completely undone, dirty from the weeks of travel and strait as a board. Her hair had always been straight and Yevish had insisted on brushing it, one last time.
Yevish kneeled behind Kload, in much the same manner that she was kneeling. His eyes were also slightly red and his face tear streaked. The hint of terror still floated in his eyes, and his mind was somewhat feverish. Things had happened so fast that night, and now, it seemed as if everything was changing. Indeed, right now a major change was about to happen. It perhaps didn’t seem major, but to him and Kload, it was gigantic. There in his hand, he held a small dagger, and there before him was the flowing golden carpet that was Peace’s hair. He knew what he had to do, and so did she, but neither of them were finding the strength to do it.
Suddenly Yevish broke out, “Kload, I just… I just can’t…”
“Here.” Peace stated as firmly as she could. Her voice still sounded worn and somewhat hollowed from the stress. She handed Yevish her side blade, which was a few inches longer. Yevish took it timidly. “Now, take it like this.” Peace gathered all of her hair up into one hand and held it out to him. “And cut it all at once.”
“That short?” Yevish almost choked, she was holding it right at the nape of her neck.
“Yes. We have to eliminate the risk. And if it’s that short I may not always have to wear my mask to appear a man.” Peace stated simply, sounding as if she were completely resolved. The truth being that she was completely unresolved. It had only been one incident, perhaps she was overreacting. Somewhere deep inside however, Peace knew that she had to do this. She remembered the fights from her childhood, the wars. People here had no codes against using hair in a battle. She remembered bar room floors being covered in chunks of bloodied hair that both men and women had pulled from each other. Warriors here always kept their hair very short or shaved. It simply wasn’t safe to have it any longer. She knew that if she left her hair uncut, it would be used against her time and time again. She had to do this, though, she couldn’t bring herself to cut it extremely short. If it hung about ear length or a little longer, she would be safe. Besides, she attempted to reason with herself, it would be more practical and easier to deal with at that length.
Yevish stared for a moment more, then took all of Peace’s hair in his hand and swiftly drew the blade across it. There was a definite shink. Yevish looked down at his hand, all of Peace’s hair was there, attached to nothing. He gave a slight yell and dropped it as reality hit him. Peace quickly turned around and looked at the golden heap on the ground. Then she began to chuckle slightly. Yevish poked it with the knife in his hand, almost afraid it would come and choke him for what he had just done. Then he too started to chuckle. Peace gently picked up the hair, and mulled it over. It was so strange, to be able to hold it like this after all these years. She had had it trimmed before, taking only the very ends off, but never had she completely cut it like this. She was so confused at the sight of it. She wasn’t sure whether she should break down crying or burst out laughing at the irony of it. Yevish seemed to have reached to the same point of indecision. He reached over and tussled Peace’s now short hair. It was so strange. Peace laughed slightly as the short hairs lay themselves back down looking as if they had just been through a tornado.
“We can get a good price off of this.” Peace held up the hair and laughed again.
Yevish nodded and laughed along. Small tears were coursing down both their faces. They continued to sit there for a few minutes, completely at a loss. Both were unsure whether they ought to be laughing or crying, and whether the other was actually laughing or crying.  
Finally the both of them settled a bit. Their small tears dried up and their laughter ceased to a strange silence.
“Kload, how come you kept your hair long before? I mean, you were in the wars in Arthea weren’t you?” Yevish looked at her.
“Yes, I was.” Kload paused a moment and stared at her hair. Then she looked back up at Yevish. “Arthea is very different from here. From most of what we call the outerlands. In Arthea, everyone lives by a code of honor. The common folk, the warriors, those who fight for good and those who fight for evil things. All of us live by a sort of unwritten code of honor. The truth is, no one would have done that back in Arthea.”
“But they do it all the time here.” Yevish interrupted her, the oddness and shock of the last few days causing him to forget his general manners.
“Yes, they do. But back in Arthea, it just isn’t something that’s done. I suppose our code is a bit strange. For if two men were fighting, whose hair was roughly the same length and equally exposed, they would be able to use each other’s hair to the others disadvantage and their advantage, without being dishonorable. It is the same for any two or more challengers who have basically equal hair. But even with that as it is people simply don’t use it as a weapon or advantage. It’s just not something they do. “
Yevish nodded slowly, still somewhat dazed. “I wish they had such a code here too.” He said softly, only having halfway comprehended what Kload had said.
“As do I Yevish, as do I.” Peace nodded slowly, then she gently took the hair, wrapped it in a soft cloth, stood and gently placed it in a saddle bag. The morning sun was quite high in the sky, though the rather stunted tree they had stopped by provided a fair amount of shade.
Kload walked back over to Yevish and dropped his bedroll by him. He didn’t need it for warmth, but it made the ground feel a bit softer. “Get some sleep Yevish. We’ll start again when the sun begins to go down.”
Yevish nodded distantly, then rolled out the bedroll, laid on it and promptly went to sleep. Kload couldn’t blame the boy, it’d been a hard two days. She looked out over the scraggily lands. It had been over four weeks now, and still she didn’t have a good heading. She and Yevish were heading towards the heartlands, towards Qualith, and hopefully towards her brothers. She prayed that if she found them, they could help her find someone to help. She only had about two months left before Flieshiv would assume she wasn’t coming back. She didn’t know what he’d do then, but she knew that it would be desperate and likely cost many lives, if not all. She reached up and moved her hair around a bit. It was going to take some getting used to, that was for sure. Her head felt a bit light, after losing all the weight of her hair. She needed to get some sleep too. She grabbed her bedroll, patted Darkstar on her way by and laid down to rest. Before she let herself drift off to sleep, she asked God to lead her where she needed to go, to keep her people safe, and to keep her and Yevish safe. Things were getting harder than she had anticipated. Perhaps they were just getting harder in different ways than she had expected. Either way, God had a plan. With that comfort in mind Peace drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 10: Characters

The innkeeper watched as the pair dismounted. It wasn’t a usual pair, but it wasn’t extremely unusual either. It consisted of one rather small man and one boy, well and of course, their horse, which was of formidable size considering the two that rode it. The man was small, though not specifically short. The innkeeper figured him to be about average, or perhaps a little less. He was quite small in the shoulders and indeed the rest of the way down as well. He didn’t appear particularly strong, but he had an air about him which told the innkeeper that he had more than enough brains to handle himself in any fight just fine. He wore a collection of varying shades of brown. His knee-high leather boots and elbow-length leather gloves were worn from years of use. His slightly baggy pants were made of a medium weight material which provided the wearer warmth or coolness. His strap long sleeved over-shirt was made of the same material. The small man also wore a mask of dark brown. It completely covered his head save his eyes, making him appear rather suspicious to the innkeeper. Such people normally had something to hide. The mask was made from several pieces of material sewn together to form one. It unclasped at the left side of the face and was fastened by two rough buttons. It was made of a slightly thinner yet tighter woven material than the shirt. This allowed it to keep the wearer cooler while still keeping out the elements, specifically sand.
The innkeeper watched as the man spoke with the boy, they were likely related by blood, if anything could be told by the way they smiled at each other and spoke gently. No master treated his slave like that, not in this land anyway. The boy was quite small, though healthy. His frame was thin and he was short for his age. The innkeeper placed his age at about ten, but his height could have been that of a boy’s two or three years younger. The boy was well filled out and had good color, and his young muscles were developing well. He would likely have a growth spurt in a few years and then he would probably be a giant, the innkeeper joked to himself. Young folk were like that, always springing up in the blink of an eye. The boy had sandy hair which was cut somewhat short but long enough that it still hung down a bit around his head.
The man tussled the boy’s hair affectionately and then the boy took the horse’s reigns and walked off towards the side of the inn. The man then stood and walked towards the innkeeper. He wore two swords which rested across each other on his back. They were not full length swords, but if anything could be told by their handles, they were good ones. Though the innkeeper was sure that the man had daggers hidden in various other places there was only one visible one, which hung at the man’s side. It hung from a belt full of various pouches, which were likely full of herbs or small instruments. The innkeeper smiled at the man and he nodded in response as he passed. The innkeeper then shrugged and went back to his porch sweeping. As long as the man paid for whatever he bought and didn’t cause any trouble the innkeeper was alright with it.
Kload surveyed the common room carefully. It was filed with an assorted crowd of rough looking men. There was a group of ten split around two tables who looked to be a team. By the looks of them Kload guessed them to be glass-trackers. Glass trackers were generally single men desperate for work, or young inexperienced men who thought that such a job would let them travel the world. It only took a few months for them to realize just what the job was and a few months less for them to all look the same. They were all worn and torn from the wind, sand and sun, even the newest ones. The basic premise of the job was to travel the deserts following lightning storms and searching for glass among the sands. They would then collect it and haul it back to a base town to be refined. This team wore the generic clothes; thin yet protective clothes made of cheap, rough muslin. Kload knew that they also carried a set of warmer clothes for nights and storms.
The majority of the rest of the room was filled with small groups, likeliest traveling workers following their underpaying bosses around the country and wondering why they had ever thought their jobs would work out. They were likely thinking of home and wishing that they could go back and settle down and then remembering that there was no way to make money at home, and hence giving themselves the strength to make it through another day by thinking of the needs of their families which they were fulfilling. Kload noticed an odd group at a somewhat isolated table off to her right. There were five men at the table, but Kload got the feeling that there were more in a room somewhere. They wore assorted pieces of leather and metal armor and looked as if they’d seen many years in battle. They all wore a specific cut left arm brace which donned a green and silver symbol. Kload didn’t recognize the symbol but she was quite sure that it belonged to one the lands warlords, likely a lesser one. Kload mentally noted that she would have to be carefully around them, they had potential to start a fight for any reason.
Kload went to the counter and bought two waters and a first level room. Such a room would make it easier for them to leave in the morning without disturbing their neighbors. Kload wasn’t specifically worried that they would actually disturb their neighbors so much as their neighbors disturbing their progress out the door.  She turned and took a seat at a small table close to the wall. There were several open tables but she chose this one so Yevish wouldn’t have to walk by the warlord’s men on his way to her or the room. 
By the time Yevish came in most of the people had cleared out of the commons room. The innkeeper’s wife, whom was watching the counter and serving drinks, even looked a little board. It was not incredibly late, but the sun was basically gone for the day. Most people went to bed with the sun. There were two table seating about six men left, save the table where the warlord’s soldiers sat. One of their members had left for the night, but four still remained. It made Kload a tad nervous. Yevish drank his gritty water gratefully. It tasted great after the hot afternoon. Though they had been doing most of their traveling at night and hadn’t stayed in inn’s much, they did so every now and then to catch information on local and widespread heroes. Kload hadn’t heard anything promising here, but it was always worth checking.
Once Yevish was done he and Kload stood and headed towards the rooms. Kload could see the warlord’s soldier watching and pointing at them. This had potential to end bad. One of them suddenly stood, walked over and blocked her and Yevish’s path. Kload instinctively ushered Yevish behind her.
“Yor an awfully small un’ mister.” The soldier sounded slightly drunk, but mostly looking for a bit of action. “If’n I didn’t know better, I’d be sayin’ you was just a dog wit’ yer ‘ittle whelp followin’ you along.”
The other soldiers snickered while the other occupants of the room went silent. The innkeeper’s wife perked up, a bit afraid of what might take place.
“Maybe ye don’t know betta’ Erlfag!” One of the soldiers shouted encouragement to his fellow.
“Yeah, maybe I don’t know better, dog.” Erlfag emphasized his last word.
Kload simply met his eyes and said nothing. She didn’t need to aggravate him with foolish words, and at this moment those were the only ones coming to her mind.
“What? The dog ain’t got nuthin’ ta say for itself? Not even a bark or whimper.” Erlfag continued, cheered on by his fellows’ laughter.
“Well maybe I aughta’ make it whimper.” Erlfag became aggressive enough to reach out and grasp Kload’s shirt collar. Yevish gasped slightly, but Kload just looked calmly at the soldier. A few of the others in the common room started to sneak to their rooms behind Erlfag’s back. That left only two or three others and the innkeeper’s wife as spectators.
“The whelp makes noise.” Erlfag smiled contemptuously.
“I’d suggest you take your hand off me, sir.” Kload stated pointedly yet quietly, keeping her man’s voice as well in tact as possible. She was intimidated and started saying a mental prayer almost faster than she could think. Somehow she managed to keep her breathing and heart rate steady.
“Why the mutt don’t even growl loud enough ta be ‘eard.” One of the other soldiers called out. They were all getting quite excited.
“Well mayhap I’ll make it.”Erlfag’s smile widened. “If’n I does sumthin’ to the ‘ittle whelp.” Erlfag started to reach down and around Kload, so as to grab Yevish, who backed up slightly. Kload was expecting such a move however, and grasped the arm which was holding her collar and forced it across the man’s back. She slipped behind him as he stood straight, the pain rushing to his brain.
“Ow, ow. Let go a’ me ye mutt.” Kload didn’t release the man, but instead forced him to his knees.
Keeping her voice low and yet still strong Kload leaned forward slightly and spoke to Erlfag. “If you want me to do that, then I suggest you stay away from my son.”
“The whelp’s yer kid aye?” Erlfag replied through gritted teeth. He was obviously used to more abrupt and forward pain from weapons, and the pain from someone’s hands was rather new to him. “Well then, all the more reason ta make him squeal.” He smiled. “At ‘im boys!” He called out. Kload looked up in concern. The innkeeper’s wife sunk down on the ground and peaked around the corner of the counter, and the last few patrons fled the room in anticipation of the upcoming fight. The three soldiers at the table stood and rushed towards Yevish, who could barely force himself to back away. He was terrified and for good reason. Kload didn’t hesitate. She used Erlfag’s back as a platform and jumped over to Yevish. She landed securely in front of him and turned to face the oncoming enemies. She drew her swords and took up a defensive stance. They were not going to touch Yevish, no matter what. The men smiled as Erlfag joined them.
“It’s four on one, mutt. The whelp don’t really count. Ye can’t hope ta win.” Erlfag smiled as he drew his sword.
“Not of my strength, but with Yesua’s, yes I can.” Kload kept her stance. She knew God was watching out for her and Yevish. Their mission wasn’t going to end in a little inn on the edge of the desert. Kload also wasn’t going to let Yevish life end just yet.
The other three drew their swords. “Yer god can’t save ye now mutt.” One of the other soldiers spat as he spoke.
“Yeshua saves.” Kload whispered. She had give Yevish enough time to hide himself under a table. That was as safe as she could get him at the moment. Then she sprang forward and cut low, taking them all by surprise. One of the men yelled in pain. Kload’s sword had hit leg flesh. The man dropped slightly and grasped his leg. The other three lunged at Kload. She had now officially made herself a threat. She deftly deflected their blows and used the momentum to spin herself around behind the men. She struck at another’s side and pierced it. He cried out in pain and went down, wounded but not fatally so. The remaining three turned to face her. Kload had to watch herself, she didn’t want to kill anyone, just wound them enough so her and Yevish could get out of here. They wouldn’t be staying here now, it was too dangerous. The three men split themselves up and formed a circle around Kload. This made it more difficult, but Kload knew she could handle it, she’d been in these type of situations before, many a times.  She used her two blades as moving shields. She defended herself expertly while still giving a blow here and there. She caught the other leg of the man with the leg wound and he went down.
“Why ye little bastard!” Erlfag snarled at her.
Kload kept herself calm as she handled Erlfag before her and his companion behind her. Then suddenly a strong hand grasped her ankle, threatening to trip her. It was the man with the leg wounds. Kload managed to keep her balance, but she lost her advantage. She turned slightly in her fight to keep upright and as she did so Erlfag reached out and unknowingly grasped her bun. It caught Kload off guard and surprised Erlfag a bit, but not enough. Once he realized he had hair he grasped it tighter and pulled Kload backward and upward by it. She screamed in pain.
“That’s a lotta hair for a man, mutt.” Erlfag hissed. His companion quickly took advantage of Kload’s moment of weakness and forced her blades out of her hands. “Here, ‘hold the mutt Gart.” Erlfag shoved Kload towards his companion, who grasped her firmly in a bear hug. “Now, let’s see what’s under the mask, shall we mutt?”
Yevish watched in horror as Erlfag reached for Kload’s mask. He wanted to do something, but he could think of nothing which he could actually do without getting them killed. Erlfag grasped Kloads mask and began to pull upward. Yevish panicked, if she were discovered… He tried to move, to yell, anything, but his body wouldn’t respond. Then suddenly the mask was off. Kload shook her head defiantly, her loose bangs drifting down around her face.
Erlfag stared. “Why it ain’t no mutt at all!” His companions also stared in disbelief, and Gart loosened his grasp and moved to get a better look. Erlfag finished his statement. “It’s a bloody bitch.” He continued using the dog terms out of habit. Kload snarled at him and then took advantage of their surprise. Within a second she had forced her way out of Gart’s loose grasp and was standing firmly behind Erlfag with her knife to his throat. The other men started to move then froze as they realized that their leader like companion was now in life-threatening danger.
Kload looked down at Yevish. “Yevish, go outside. Now.” She commanded through partly gritted teeth. The boy didn’t need to watch what would have to happen next. Somehow the sound of Kload’s voice and the fact that she was still alive gave Yevish the strength to unfreeze his muscles. He quickly but shakily ran through the room, avoiding all the men, and then outside. Once outside he ran around the building and to the stables where he hid himself between Darkstar’s strong legs. He grasped one of them and hugged it tightly. The horse put its head down and licked him comfortingly, then perked back up at the noise from the inn. The two of them listened as screams and the sound of breaking objects flowed out of the inn. It was a good many minutes before they quieted, and a few more before Kload emerged. Her face mask was loosely thrown on, her hair was a complete mess and her face was stressed. As she dropped the bags near Darkstar’s feet he could smell blood. She kneeled and quickly pulled Yevish to his feet.
“We’re leaving.” She said. Her eyes were somewhat clouded and her tone was even and devoid of emotion. She walked over with solid steps and grabbed the saddle. Within a few minutes Darkstar was all ready and Kload and Yevish sat atop him. They rode out and headed towards the gate. It was completely dark, but just barely so, so the gates were not yet closed. Darkstar and his riders rode out swiftly and the gatekeepers closed the gates behind them.
Yevish held on silently, his eyes still wide with fear and terror at what he had just witnessed. Darkstar ran swiftly out into the night, knowing his heading well, and also sensing Peace’s and his own need to be as far from that place as soon as possible. Peace said nothing for a while and then, faintly at first, she began to cry. Yevish leaned back slightly and hugged her arms as she wrapped him in a hug, her tears wetting his dusty hair.

Chapter 9: The Yeshua Bond

29Yevish smiled as he ran the brush through Peace’s long golden hair, it reminded him of his mother. He couldn’t remember much about her but he remembered that she had long gorgeous hair, though it was quite dark. When he was little he always thought it was quite like a big soft blanket. He had loved spending time with his mother and when he told her that he thought her hair was like a blanket she had always laughed sweetly and smiled. One day he had asked her why she brushed it, he thought it was so beautiful that it almost shouldn’t be touched. His mother had told him that no matter how beautiful an item was, it could always use care. She said that brushing her hair was how she cared for it. He remembered looking up at her and swelling with a sense of childish duty and love he had asked her if he could brush it. He figured if there was something that he could do to take care of his mother then as the ‘strong young man’ he though himself, he’d better do it. His mother had raised her eyebrows slightly at first, but then had smiled and handed him the brush. Yevish remembered that he tangled his mothers hair more than untangled it the first few times, but eventually he had figured out how to, and it had become a habit of theirs, with his mother often telling him a story while he brushed. When she had died, the one thing of hers that he managed to hang on to was the brush. Yevish figured that if he had had sisters it would have been a different story, but being as he hadn’t, that was how things had went.
He focused back on Kload’s voice and the golden carpet in his lap. Her hair was not incredibly long, but it was long enough that it went a good ways past her waist. Hence when she sat down she could easily sit on it. This was why he held its ends on his lap, so they didn’t collect all the sand grains off the ground. Kload read to him out of God’s book as he brushed. She was reading to him about the home in heaven that Yeshua had promised to his disciples. He described it as place that would be made just for them, and that He and His father, God, would live there with them. Kload told Yevish that this was where they would go when they died. It was a place commonly referred to as heaven, but one that Kload called ‘our real home.’ “You see Yevish,” she said, “When we become children of God, we are no longer of this world. We are of God’s family and hence His world, which is heaven. This earth suddenly becomes just a temporary place of dwelling, like an inn. We are waiting at this inn for the day that our father comes and takes us to our home, with Him. Do you see?”
Yevish nodded his understanding to her. It was a comfort to him that they would not live here forever. He liked the way that Kload always asked if he understood what she had said. It assured him that she really cared and that the concept was important. She was always willing to try and explain it in a different way if he didn’t get it. It was part of what made her feel rather like a mother to him. She was the only one that he had now.
Kload gently took her hair and twirled it up into a bun and Yevish helped her tie it up. Kload made sure that it was well secured by covering it with a small netting, which helped to hold it in place. This method of doing Kload’s hair ensured that it wouldn’t come out for quite some time, and hence they wouldn’t have to redo it every day. They normally did it once every one or two weeks. The netting also made sure that no hair came out on accident and peaked out from under her mask to raise suspicion. They didn’t need anyone suspecting that she was a female. The face mask, which encased her whole head, effectively hid the presence of the bun. 
Kload and Yevish stood and finished placing their bags on Darkstar. The horse was not as well fed or groomed as he had been in Arthea, but he was doing quite well. He did not struggle with the change, or complain about it too much. To him it was similar to the wars. One was always hungry and not as well taken care of then. There wasn’t enough food or time for such things. Peace had always made sure to keep him fed enough though, she was very attentive to him. Much better than his former master. He had been old and sickly though, so Darkstar supposed he wasn’t really capable of taking care of him, but he still resented him for the days that he had spent basically without food or water or light or air. Darkstar snorted slightly and tossed his head. They were ready to go. The little boy whom Peace had collected recently and whom she called Yevish was on his back. The child hardly weighed enough for Darkstar to feel his presence. Darkstar was quite happy with the youth. He was very small but very hard working and had become quite good at caring for Darkstar.
Kload walked beside the horse and boy. She would ride later on, when she needed a respite. This method of her walking some and riding some allowed them to have good speed without tiring Darkstar too much. It was a good and working method. As they walked her and Yevish would talk some. She told him of her days in Arthea, though she left out the tales of her childhood. She had not yet told Yevish that she was from here. All he really knew about that was that they were headed to Qualith to find her brothers. Qualith was where they had been when she left, and even though the chances of finding them there were slim, they were the best chances that Peace had.
“Kload.” Yevish said thoughtfully. “You keep talking about God’s family and how we are a part of it.”
Kload looked up at the child, but said nothing. She would let him finish his thought first.
“And well, I was wondering, if you and I are both part of his family, then how are we related to each other, and to God?” Yevish finished and looked down at her. This question had been puzzling him since he had become cleansed by Yeshua.
Kload smiled at Yevish and then looked out over the darkening lands. She watched the last rays of the sun fade as she thought of the best way to respond, then she looked back at Yevish. “Being as I’m not God, I’m not exactly sure. But as far as I have it figured from what God said in his book, we are all His children. And since we are all His children, then you and I and all of God’s other children must be sisters and brothers. “
“So, you’re my sister then?” Yevish cocked his head at her, a look of delight slowly spreading over his face.
“I’d say so, little brother.” Peace smiled up at him.
Yevish laughed a little. “I always wanted an older sister. Actually I just wanted an older sibling, so a sister counts.”
“Indeed it does.” Peace paused a moment in appreciation of this child’s joy. “Alright, up I come.”
Yevish scooted forward slightly as Kload swung herself up behind him. Once she was settled she leaned forward and hugged Yevish, then tickled him a bit.
“No, no, stop!” Yevish laughed as he struggled to pull her hands off of him.
“Well, if I’m your sister, I’ve got to act like it don’t I?” Kload questioned teasingly.
“Yeah, but ya don’t have to do that.” Yevish strained to push her hands away, a smile on his little face.
They continued to tease each other as Darkstar started galloping across the darkening desert.

Chapter 8: Yeshua saves

Kload looked out over the brightening desert. It was the day after they had left Sandgrass, though for Kload it wasn't far enough. She watched the sun for a few moments, as it peaked its hazy head above the sand dunes. Within two hours on the earlier day they had traveled from grassed waste borders to plantless, sandy desert. Peace was somewhat glad that a sandstorm had come while they were at the city. It meant that there wasn't likely to be another for at least two days. That was basically all she and Yevish needed to get across the desert. The outer desert, as it was called by the natives, was not as far across as the wastes.
Yevish walked up and sat beside Kload. He was ready for their morning reading. They would travel for a ways after that, then they would rest till the sun started to set. They had been traveling all the night before, after resting yesterday afternoon. They were stopping this morning only to do their reading and give Darkstar a rest. They had walked as much as possible, so Darkstar wouldn't tire out in the dry heat, but they also wanted to hurry across the desert, so they had ridden a fair amount. Darkstar was holding up well. He had been in deserts before, with their scorching heat in the day and their freezing chill in the night. Really, aside from being a bit thirsty, due to water conservation, and sandy all three were holding up well.
Kload turned to Yevish, smiled, and opened up God's book. She read to Yevish the story of Yeshua's death, and watched as tears rolled down his cheeks. Then she read of Yeshua's resurrection, of how God had brought him back to life, and how in this act both God and Yeshua were glorified. She told Yevish that this act meant that the sin which had held such a strong grasp on men's lives, had lost its grasp. She explained how this death and resurrection had paved a way for men to be saved, and to spend eternity with God. Kload had read this particular story to Yevish several times, hoping that he would want to know Yeshua as his savior, but Yevish had not yet been ready.
Yevish listened to the story with tears in his eyes. He didn't like to cry, but he had learned from Kload that every now and then it was good for the eyes. He also noted the small tears in her own eyes when she read this story. It was heartbreaking. How God could watch His creation, men, take His son, beat him and then kill him. Yevish couldn't imagine bearing that pain, yet he understood why God had had to. Kload had helped him understand that. God had had to watch His son die, so that man could once again have a way to God. So that man could be saved from his sin, and could join God in heaven one day. Yevish understood sin very well, he had seen it most of his life, and he understood the need to be cleansed of it.
Yevish looked up at Peace as she paused. He was waiting for the question that she had asked every time she read this story. The question that could allow Yeshua to come into him, and Kload's God to be his God. Yevish hadn't been ready for it the first few times, but now he was. He wanted this God, he wanted this savior, and he wanted them to be his, just as Kload had said they could.
Kload took Yevish's hands. She looked at him for a moment, that hope dancing in her eyes. He knew she was getting ready to ask.
"Yevish, I have told you of God and His son Yeshua, and what they did so that we, sinful man, could have a way to come to them, to know them. That is through the cross, through the sacrifice of Yeshua, who can cleanse us." She paused. "Do you want that Yevish? Do you want that cleansing from sin, and that relationship?" Kload looked down at Yevish, hopeful that he would finally be ready, that he would finally say yes.
Yevish smiled up at her, he was sure, and he was ready. "Yes."
Kload smiled, joyful tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "Then pray with me. You know how to talk to God. I know you will understand what I say. You can use the words I use or find your own, but either way, God will know your heart." with that Kload bowed her head and closed her eyes."Dear father, I know I am a sinner."
Yevish followed along, saying it in his own way. "Daddy, I know I've sinned, that I've messed up."
"I know that you died on the cross for me, and that you rose again."
"I know that you suffered a lot of pain and died, and then, because you love miracles, you came back to life."
"I want you to come into my heart, to cleanse me, and to save me."
" I want you. I want you in my heart and in my life. Take away my sin, the bad and evil things in my life. Save me from them. Work the same miracle in me that you worked in Kload."
Peace opened her eyes and looked at the child. There were no more tears rolling down his face, instead there was a glow coming from it. A beautiful radiating glow, that Peace knew to be the light of the holy spirit, of God. Peace waited till Yevish looked up.
"I feel it Kload. I feel Him. I'm free Kload!" Yevish said joyously. He had never felt such a deep and true feeling in all his life. He never wanted it to leave, and he knew from what Kload had taught him, that it never would leave. Kload's God, his God, would always be with him, in him.
Kload wrapped Yevish in a hug, a small line of joyful tears running down her face. She had not only an adopted son, but now a new son in Christ, a brother, a friend. She smiled up at heaven. "Thank you father." she whispered.
They sat for a few more moments in joyful silence before releasing each other and standing. Yevish smiled up at Kload, and Kload smiled back. Yevish knew he had opened a new door in his life, a door that would keep him save and free no matter what. A door that gave him hope in hopeless places. A door that gave him love for everyone, even those he hated. A door that offered forgiveness, no matter what. A door that was his God, and now his life.
Kload smiled as they walked along with Darkstar trotting beside them. There would still be many things she would have to teach Yevish. Many things he would struggle with, and many times he would sin. But now he had the forgiveness of his savior, and now he had the strength to go on, regardless of what life threw at him. Just as Peace had gained so many years ago. She knew now that God had not just given her someone to help, He had given someone to help her. Together now they could struggle, and together they could persevere, through Yeshua their savior.
The two walked on across the desert, their animal companion without understanding of the change that had occurred in them. He had always known that his creator had created all, he didn't understand why humans seemed to struggle with the concept.

Chapter 7: Passed? Perhaps.

Kload woke Yevish early in the morning, just as the sun was rising. Not that anyone could really tell that the sun was rising. The seemingly natural dust cloud blocked a portion of the light, and the high city walls and crowded buildings kept the rest from reaching the inn.
Kload lit the room candle so her and Yevish could put on their boots and bundle their possessions. They had slept in their clothes, as both of them had been doing for most of their lives. It simply wasn't practical to change clothes to sleep, especially now that they were traveling. After they had put on their boots and bundled the rest of their belongings, Yevish and Kload sat on the old wooden floor. Yevish was very quiet, and very excited. It was time for their morning study of what Kload called 'God's Guide to Life.' She said it was more commonly called the Bible, but personally Yevish like her name for it more. It was more true to what this book was. It was the inspired word of Kload's God, given to men to guide their lives. It have Yevish hope, and joy; hearing these words that taught of a God of Love. He was a God of many other things as well: justice, compassion, truth, life. But love was the part that stood out to Yevish the most, for it was the Love that he had never known before, it was the Love that Kload had shown him, the Love that he could feel burning inside him every time he thought of Kload's God. Yevish smiled as he listened to Kload read of Yeshua, God's son, and how he had turned water to wine at a wedding. It had made all the wedding guests so happy. It was beautiful.
Kload smiled at her little friend as she closed the small, hand-written, leather-bound book which contained the four Gospels from God's book. She had written it out herself, though it had taken nearly two years to do. She would have liked to have had a full copy of God's book, but such a thing was rare and would have been immense in size. She had copied these four books because they contained the story of Yeshua's life on earth and therein the story of salvation, which to her was the saving light of God, and the bread which she needed to live. She didn't specifically need a copy of God's book however. When she had arrived in Arthea and learned of God, she had developed a hunger like Yevish was developing now. A hunger to know everything about God and his son that she could. So, she had spent every spare minute reading, studying, and memorizing God's book. Now after all these years she could almost recite the whole thing by memory, and even if she couldn't remember the exact words she knew the stories and what they meant. The local church leaders in Arthea had aided her in every way they could, excited at having such an eager pupil. She now felt their excitement as she taught Yevish. She prayed that soon he would come to know God personally, through Yeshua, just as she had. So she had been and would continue to teach him diligently, telling him all she knew.
As Peace sat there looking at Yevish she suddenly realized that this was what God commanded her to do. This was helping those that she could. God had placed Yevish in her life as one of the many that she could help. Peace almost cried as the depth of this realization hit her. She would have liked to, but she knew she couldn't, not here, not now. Instead she thanked God for his provision, smiled and took Yevish's strong little hands in hers. Together they bowed their heads and closed their eyes, then Peace prayed. After she had finished asking God's blessing and protection on their day Yevish prayed. His prayer was simple, but heartfelt and honest. In all, it was one of the most beautiful prayers Peace had ever heard, and somehow she believed that God felt the same way about it.
After sitting for a a few moments in silence, listening to God as he spoke to their hearts, Kload and Yevish stood, hooked on their packs and left the room, taking the key with them. No one was in the common room this early in the morning, save the inn keepers teenage son. The inn keeper was to lazy to rise early in the morning, so he forced his son to run the desk in the morning. It wasn't that uncommon of a practice. The son of the inn keeper was quite smiley however, and seemed to be a morning person naturally, so Peace supposed it worked out just fine. Kload handed the boy their room key, and gave him  a dep for being so cheerful. Then her and Yevish headed out to the stables. There were two men there, checking on their horses, though the man who had helped Yevish last night was apparently absent. Kload and Yevish saddled Darkstar together, as they had been doing for the past few weeks. Kload did this so Yevish could learn, but she also helped him simply because he wasn't large enough to do it by himself, and he probably wouldn't be until he was nearly full grown. After all, Darkstar was a Friesian, and a good sized one at that, being a war horse. After they had finished Yevish took the reigns and the three of them started towards the front of the inn. As they turned to go, one of the other men at the stables left his horse and quickly walked up in front of Kload, blocking her path. Kload defensively stepped in front of Yevish.
"That's a good strong young lad there." The man stated.
Peace didn't like the sound of this man's voice, it was too eager, too accustomed to changing to please others. Peace scowled, though it didn't particularly do any good, the man couldn't see it beneath her face mask.
"And you're a good strong man," the man smiled then commented under his breath, "though a bit wiry."
"What's your point?" Kload asked roughly. The other man at the stables leaned on his horse and watched with quelled interest.
"Well, you see sir, I'm getting on in years, and my youth is long gone." The man commented trying to look older and thinner than he really did. "And well, I be in need of a good house sla..." He coughed. "Servant, to help me out."
Kload had heard all she needed to, she had dealt with this man's kind before. He was a slave trader, she could tell it by his stance, his speech, his method of making his desires seem more kindly than they were. "My son," Kload emphasized the word, "is not for sale, sir." Kload took Yevish's hand and shoved her way past the man.
"But...but, I, well," The man struggled to find words, he obviously wasn't used to being refused. However he knew when he had lost and simply went back to his horse looking dejected.
Kload knew now that this had been the man who had been watching them the night before, her suspicions were correct. She sighed inwardly, this was going to make their journey more difficult. They all stopped at the front of the inn and Kload helped Yevish up onto the saddle. As she did so she sensed another watching them. Kload resisted the urge to look around for this person, she simply watched herself carefully to make sure that she appeared as man-like as possible. She quickly but carefully jumped into the saddle, and spurred Darkstar on down the street. Kload took one swift look back and saw a cloaked traveler watching her. She could see just enough of his face to tell that he was somewhat suspicious, though of what exactly she would never know.
Kload halted Darkstar by the gates. The guards were just getting around to opening the gates. Indeed she really couldn't blame them. The sun was just barely shedding enough light across the desert for it to leak into the city. Darkstar waited somewhat impatiently for the guards to open the gate, then trotted briskly out of the city. They rode in silence for a few moments before Yevish spoke up.
"So do you think we passed the first test?" He looked up at Peace as he spoke.
"I'm not sure, perhaps." She responded thoughtfully.

Chapter 6: The First Test

Their journey continued for many days more, with Yevish continually critiquing Kload. Though Kload got annoyed with the continual nitpicking, she knew that it would keep her and Yevish alive. There had been a time when Kload had taught herself how to be as a man, but that was when she had needed to just to survive. Yet, now that she thought about it, it was the same situation. In order to survive in this land of her childhood she would have to re-adapt the ways of her childhood.
Kload looked up at the large fortressed city before them. The land had collected a green pallor now, though the sky had not cleared much. The wastelands created great clouds that filled the sky, blocking out the sun and choking out the air. Kload hated this land, and for the first time since she started her journey she wondered why she had believed they could find help here. A small ray of light suddenly broke through the continual clouds and highlighted the dust particles which filled the air. Kload remembered these rare events from her childhood. It was the only time when this horrid atmosphere looked gorgeous. The dust particles reflected the sun and brightened the world for a moment. Then the clouds shifted again and the ray of light disappeared.
Kload sighed, she mentally focused on her savior, 'Okay God, you've blessed my journey, you've given me a companion. For some reason you want me here. Help me, guide me. Thank you father.'
Kload finished her prayer and focused back on the city. She knew that Yevish had been watching her. She also knew that Yevish had already learned to tell when she was praying. It was strange to her. She prayed often when she was going about her day, and she didn't think that she acted differently at all. However, Yevish had noticed a slight change in her behavior when she was praying. She seemed more concentrated he had said. It almost scared her sometimes how quickly this child picked up on things, and how much he understood. It was good though, for he was easy to train, and learned fast, which was especially crucial in this land.
They stopped a ways out from the gates. Kload looked up at Yevish, her rough, black mask hiding all of her face save her eyes. "Alright Yevish, remember what I told you." She said this as more of a statement than a question. She knew that he did, but she just wanted to be sure he was ready.
Yevish nodded "There will be lots of people, so keep my head about me. If I get separated from you, meet you outside the city near to the gate closest to the direction we're going in. As far as anyone else is concerned I'm your son, and you're a traveling warrior and no you're not for hire. Try my darnedest to stay out of fights or unnecessary arguments. Listen to everything I can that might find us a good warrior or soldier. If anyone asks what we're doing were looking for the best warrior in the land to deliver a petition to him and no they can't hear the petition. You buy all supplies unless I get separated from you for too long, and other than that, just plain be smart and use my head." Yevish looked down at Kload for approval.
Kload nodded, she was amazed how much he'd grown since she'd picked him up. His speech had improved drastically. His mannerisms, his self-confidence, his strength and stamina had all improved. It was like he had magically grown several years older within the course of a few weeks.
"Good job son." Kload had been talking with her voice roughened ever since Yevish had started teaching her to be a man. She had to get used to doing so. According to Yevish even the most observant people wouldn't easily be able to tell that she was a woman. Kload grasped the saddle horn and swung herself onto the saddle behind Yevish. She had needed little direction on how to ride a horse like a man, being as that was quite honestly how she had learned to ride a horse. Not to mention that one couldn't exactly ride Darkstar without having good, strong riding form.
Yevish and Kload looked towards the city. The large gate in its high wall was open, though not wide open, none of the cities in the land opened their gates wide. A few caravans and lone riders made a semi-continual string in and out of the gates. This was still one of the outer cities so there weren't as many people here.
Kload leaned forward and whispered to Yevish, "Alright, here we go. In for the real test of how well we've done. Keep your dagger close but hidden."
Kload hadn't had time to teach Yevish how to use a sword, not to mention that he wasn't hardly strong or large enough to even use one of her half-lengths. However he was very handy with a dagger both in close combat and ranged combat.
Yevish looked up at Kload and smiled, "Yes father."
Kload smiled, knowing that Yevish could see it. Then she spurred Darkstar on. Darkstar trotted forward and joined the slim traffic entering the city gates. The city was called Sandgrass, being as it was one of the first cities which was surrounded by the scraggily waste grasses. Kload had never complemented the people of this land on their creativity, especially considering that Sandgrass’s sister city was called GrassSands. The gate guards regarded the pair of travelers with contempt and suspicion, but let them pass. Kload’s garb and appearance were quite common in this land, as were Yevish’s.
Kload leaned forward, “Tell me if you spot a bread merchant. I don’t really trust them, and I’d prefer to make our own, but we haven’t got time.” Yevish nodded.
A few minutes later Yevish was buying bread at a lower price, due to his bargaining skills. Such skills were one thing the inn master had taught him. Kload was two merchants over bargaining for a small quantity of salted meat. It would be lizard meat no matter what the merchant said it was. That was all there was for meat out in the desert. Peace would have preferred to hunt their own lizards except that the merchant’s hunters had gotten them all already. Peace knew they needed the meat to provide much needed protein in their diet. Kload would have tried to buy some vegetables save that there weren’t any to be bought, not to mention that most vegetables that they could have bought wouldn’t travel well.
Darkstar, whose reigns were hooked to Kload’s belt, stamped his foot impatiently. He hated the smell of this city, they all did. The busyness and desperation of the marketplace also bothered them. Yevish walked up to Kload, whom had just finished her bargaining, and showed her the bread. “10 decs and a barth(1/2).” He stated as he smiled smugly up at Kload.
She held out the small package of meat, “7 decs and a dep(1/4).” She smiled back at him. In any honest or reasonable land both prices would have seemed rather outrageous, but here they were an incredible bargain.
Kload gently placed the food in the saddle bags and helped Yevish up onto the horse, then followed him up. Darkstar started to carefully walk through the crowds of his own accord, he couldn’t wait to leave this place.
Kload looked down and around at all the people. She felt pangs of pain and sorrow, mingled with hatred. She hated this land, always had, for everything it had done to her, and taken from her. She felt her own pain and the pain of a thousand other suffering souls of this land. Their pain was the same as hers. She also felt sorrow, sorrow for this people who had not had a chance at a better life like she had. Suddenly a new feeling flooded over her, one of compassion. She knew that this came from God. It was his compassion for the people, for His people, that He had created and that he loved. Compassion for their suffering and their blindness, their blindness to Him. Kload had not learned of Christ till she had gone to what she now called her homelands, to Arthea. He was not known here, at least not to more than a handful. Peace wanted to help them, to heal them, but there were so many. God could heal them all, but she could only touch a few. Suddenly she realized that was what she was supposed to do, help those that she could and leave the rest to God.
“Father.” Kload felt the gentle nudge of Yevish’s elbow and gathered the hint of worry in his vice. She followed his pointing finger with her eyes. Up ahead were the gates out of Sandgrass. A dozen soldiers ran around them franticall, trying to hurry in the last few caravans and stop the others form leaving.
“Sandstrom! Sandstorm approaching!” came the cry from the lookout.
Kload reigned Darkstar to a halt. “Looks like we’ll have to stay here for tonight, its close enough to dark that they won’t open the gates till morning.” Kload turned Darkstar back and headed towards an inn they had passed earlier. She was not happy, but they didn’t have much choice. Even if they could’ve gotten out of the city they would have been sitting ducks for the sandstorm. They had no form of protective coverings, no outer coats, no tent, and their meager bedrolls wouldn’t provide the covering they needed. Peace remembered now why this section of the outer country was more hated than the wastes. It was a desert, and a sandy enough one to have constant and harsh sandstorms. The walls around these cities weren’t just to keep out invaders. The wastes were less deadly simply because they were just dry and hot. The desert could conjure all sorts of tricks and storms which could kill a man in an instant. Kload reigned Darkstar up in front of the inn. She deftly jumped down then helped Yevish down. “Use those extra decs and get Darkstar a spot in the stables, I’ll wait for you in the common room.”
Yevish looked up at her almost questioningly. He had been with her almost a month now, but they had never stayed in an inn yet. “You mean… I get to… to stay in the room with you?” He hesitated, afraid of the repercussions his words would have. He would have received a whipping for just suggesting such a thing to his old master. He knew Kload was very different from anyone he’d met, but he still wasn’t sure.
Kload kneeled down, gently but firmly grasped his shoulders and looked into his little bright eyes. She could see the fear and it sorrowed her that he had been so abused formerly. “Yes Yevish, my son. When I took you from that inn I made a choice, a commitment. A commitment to treat you as you should be treated. A commitment to love you and to show you God’s love. And a commitment to never abandon or abuse you. That’s a promise Yevish, a warrior’s promise.” She spoke the words quietly so as to not arouse others suspicions, but she knew that Yevish heard every word.
Yevish’s eyes widened, a warriors promise meant more than the world to him. It was invincible, unbreakable. For the first time he could remember, Yevish had no words, and it was okay. In fact if was more than okay, it was wonderful. Yevish jumped forward and hugged Kload tightly. Kload hugged him back then they both released each other.
“Alright now, go along, I’ll be waiting.” Kload struggled to keep her man’s voice as she spoke. Yevish nodded and led Darkstar around the inn. Though Darkstar still didn’t like being led he was okay with it as long as it was Yevish or Peace doing the leading. Kload smiled as Yevish walked off, then turned and went into the inn. She paid for the room, after carefully picking the cheapest one that still had walls. She surveyed the common room, one good thing she could gain from staying at this inn was information about local heroes. She picked an empty table next to a table manned by five partly drunk soldiers. Such men normally had plenty of stories about mighty warriors of the land, or of its available armies.
Peace wasn’t expecting to be able to find a whole army to help, but a bond of well trained warriors would help. Her idea was to find a band of warriors seeking to get their names out, hence being more willing to do something without pay. Then with their approval and help she and her home armies could create a plan which would allow these warriors into the enemy’s camp where they could destroy the enemy leadership. The enemy would allow these men in since they were foreign and not associated with her homeland people. Her only worry was that the group she would find would decide sticking with the enemy would gain them more money and fame and betray her and her people. She would just have to trust God to lead her to the right people.
“Did ya hear about the Firenight man?” A large soldier questioned his fellow in a low excited tone.
“Yeah,” His fellow replied excitedly.
Kload listened while studying the rest of the room. She didn’t need them knowing that she was listening to their conversation.
The second soldier continued. “I heard he killed a thousand men by himself.”
Stories got so exaggerated that the main job for Peace was to decipher what was true from what was false.
A third soldier, a thin wiry fellow, spoke up. “ I heard he used to be chief commander of Lord Clarest’s armies.”
“But I hear he’s an outlaw now.” A fourth soldier spoke up.
A fifth soldier leaned forward, “So how’d he go from chief commander to outlaw?”
“He ain’t an outlaw.” The wiry soldier stated as he glared at the fourth soldier. The other soldiers leaned in, ready to hear a good story. “The way I heard it he plain quit.” The wiry soldier continued, his voice filling with excitement at having a new story to tell to an eager crowd. “ They say he’s the best fighter in the land. That’s why Clarest hired him. Firenight served Clarest for many years, becoming more notorious every day. He was already famous having been a high commander in the king’s army already. After a good many years of being in the kings service, the king allowed him to retire, giving him a large payment for his services. After that Firenight got restless. When Clarest heard he was looking for work he couldn’t resist, and snatched him up right away. Firenight served Clarest for a while, but then something strange happened. For as long as anyone had known Firenight he’d been an amazing strategist with an iron will. He was also extremely loyal. But one day Clarest ordered Firenight to force a small village into submission. Firenight had been acting strangely after a recent battle, and Clarest wanted to make sure this change hadn’t affected his loyalty. The village was a small one in Clarest’s lands that was protesting the lack of protection they’d been receiving. They’d decided to raise a militia and prove that they could defend themselves. Clarest had promised them protection if they would settle down, but the townsfolk refused.”
“So what did Firenight do?” The first large soldier interrupted.
“Shut yer trap, I was just getting there.” The wiry man glared at the other soldier.
The inn door opened and Yevish entered carrying the saddle bags. Kload waved him over, and he ran over happily and sat down next to Kload. She pushed a mug of water towards him, which the barkeep had brought earlier, then signaled him to be quiet.
“Well, as the story goes, Firenight had become quite fond of the folk in that particular village. Some say he fell in love with a maiden there. Some say that some of the boys there had saved his life. Whatever way, Firenight knew that the village wouldn’t submit without a fight, and he didn’t want to injure them. So he told Clarest he’d do it. But then,” The soldiers voice lowered excitedly, “Then he smuggled all the villagers out to a safe place under cover of night. Such kindness was said to have never come from Firenight before. The next morning Firenight walked right up to Clarest and told him he was done, then he left and rode off, without even getting his last payment. Right after he’d disappeared into the rising sun, a messenger came to Clarest telling him that the village was completely empty, and no one knew where they went. Clarest knew what’d happened though, he’s a smart one. Clarest could’ve gone into a rage and sent his whole armies out, but he didn’t. They say he just shook his head and went about finding new workers to populate the empty village. As for Firenight, no one’s seen him since, save here and there, riding through the night.”
There was a moment of awed silence as all the soldier soaked in the tale. These tales were the things that kept their lives interesting and their deadened imaginations flickering.
Suddenly the fourth soldier perked up. “I knew he was an outlaw!”
The second soldier spoke up. “Saving a village don’t make ‘im and outlaw you idiot. It makes ‘im a common mans ‘ero.”
The soldiers continued talking but Peace had heard what she wanted. She would keep the tales of this Firenight in mind. She turned and looked at Yevish, he had drank the water quickly. She couldn’t blame him, this place was dry, the days were hot, and the nights were cold.
“Let’s get some sleep my son.” Kload stood and Yevish followed suit and they walked out of the common room and into the hall which led to the rooms. Though Kload acted as if she didn’t notice anything, she could sense someone watching her and Yevish. She just hoped they were doing so out of curiosity and did not have some other plan in mind. There were many slavers in the land, and Yevish was a very fine looking lad, as well as a healthy one. She would have to be careful, though she was committed to Yevish, his presence brought her more enemies.