INQUIRIES
1527 Words
-But how is that even possible? – The Cahenean lady mumbled with genuine surprise after listening attentively to his initial briefing – I was told that the Commander issued a very strict ban on heavy armament last year...
-That's right – Jogru grimly nodded, looking into her dark eyes – So you can imagine how concerned we are about this whole situation, considering that we confiscated every available piece after the war.
-Or so you thought – The woman replied, eyeing him sternly – Battles are messy, you could have always left a few of them behind throughout the trail without your knowledge.
-That is possible, yeah – The short man admitted, letting out a deep sigh – And we have considered the likeliness of it. Yet it is sort of a farfetched explanation to say the least. You must understand that we were at a serious disadvantage back then, numerically and weapon wise…
-So? – Teranha insisted with a puzzled expression – What does that have to do with anything?
-Everything! – Jogru confidently responded – Had you been there, then you would already know how adamant the Commander was when it came to the thoroughness of our searches for leftover ammunition and horses, and you would share my skepticism towards the possibility that we could have overlooked more than a handful of them. They were simply too precious for us at the time!
-Fair enough… But even if you managed not to miss a single one, let's not forget that people are greedy – The lady warrior reminded him - And for what I've heard, guns are a very compelling asset to own. So, maybe some of the soldiers decided to keep some to themselves and later profit from their sale.
-That I find quite plausible – He conceded, tilting his head knowingly at her as they advanced through the silent halls with firm steps – Except for the part that rifles are not a light thing to carry or an easy weapon to smuggle out. They would have been forced to hide them somewhere along the road and later return to fetch them after the war had passed.
- But it's still doable, isn't it? – The woman retorted, holding his gaze – Even more with the promise of wealthiness acting as an incentive… Nothing is impossible for a sufficiently motivated man.
-I am aware. Yet, even moving them to a different location after finding a willing buyer would have meant a considerable amount of time and effort on their own – Jogru reasoned, scratching his chin thoughtfully while he took the woman's words into careful account.
He inhaled profoundly, massaging the side of his head distractedly as he gave her a determined look.
– Then there's the fact that Hathengatt is miles away, and right on the opposite side from the majority of the battle sites we fought at, except for Lowland's gate itself… So, I am more inclined to believe that this breach came from our very own walls indeed. It is simply the most logical explanation.
-Oh, I definitely agree – The young Cahenean lady declared, offering him a salacious smirk – I just like playing different scenarios in my head, I find it… Stimulating, Sir. Don´t you?
-Well… - Jogru hoarsely muttered, audibly gulping down a lump of saliva – I certainly appreciate a little brain-teaser myself, it always helps put things into perspective…
He flashed her a seductive grin, regaining his wits and slightly leaning forward, but still keeping a prudent distance from her.
– Your input has been truly enlightening, Teranha – He said, distractedly biting his lower lip - Those sharp deductive skills of yours are unquestionably refreshing… It is evident why the Captain has put you in charge.
-Glad to know you approve of my judgment, triplet – A loud voice resonated in a mocking tone coming from behind them – Not that I asked for your opinion in any way… Now I must ask you to step away from my lieutenant if you wish to maintain your virility intact. Please...
-Sheath your sword, Mavaerian – Jogru replied, slowly turning around to face him and rolling his eyes disdainfully with a smug smile on his lips – I was just trying to be polite while acknowledging the lady's talents, that's all. Besides, she doesn't look like she needs your protection in the very least.
-Trust me… She doesn't – Greghan responded, covering the remaining distance between them and giving him a condescending rub on the shoulder.
His mouth nearing his ear and whispering the rest of his warning into it with a playful voice.
– … And it's not about her welfare that I'm concerned about, but yours. As you are standing before Phomtek´s very own sister, and for what I've seen so far, she lives up to the Cahenean´s name… So, thread lightly, old pal. I wouldn't want to see you getting on her wrong side.
-Noted – The young man concurred, cheerfully pulling him into a tight embrace, then patting his back effusively – And don't worry, I'm not my siblings… Unlike them, I do know how to behave.
-Then prove it… – The Captain murmured discreetly with a challenging grimace frozen on his face, his mood rapidly shifting into a brighter demeanor after that – Now tell me! What is your ugly ass still doing wandering around here instead of getting a nice rest like most of your sailing crew? Aren't you tired or hungry at all?
-Drained and famished! – Jogru confessed, letting out a deep exhale and gesturing to the expectant warrior-lady standing next to them – But I am afraid that there are more pressing matters right now than recuperating from the journey, my friend. As I was just telling your lieutenant, we have an issue… A very serious one.
Greghan´s sight had been progressively darkening as he closely followed the short man's detailed account, gradually learning of his understandably valid concerns. His frown deepening with every passing second and each added fact that continued to thicken the plot so far.
-So, Hathengatt… huh? – The Captain pensively asked once the last word was uttered, pacing around before the young ex-merchant and the lieutenant girl – This is certainly… Unexpected.
-Yeah... I'm sorry to be the bearer of this black news – Jogru apologized with sadness, noticing his shocked demeanor, and patting his forearm –Even when you now serve Lowland's gate, I know it is still your homeland. I can only imagine how upsetting this must be for you… But we won't just sit here doing nothing. We will fight back! I promise.
– Oh… You bet we are – Greghan responded, shaking his head off abruptly and rapidly regaining his composure – But what I find most odd is the fact that there are no ill-feelings lying between Mavaer and the mountain city that I can recall… Why is this happening now?
-We don't know – The triplet admitted with clear frustration – We are all as clueless as you are… But I don't think this is only about Mavaer. I have a nagging feeling that the safety of the entire Lowland is at stake.
-You're right – The stern, bulky warrior agreed, eyeing him with severity – It can't be. It just seems too fortuitous. We must protect the surrounding towns as well... We need every available man at hand, so where are your brothers?
-They're at Ragthaer Cove, protecting the supplies – Jogru informed him – We all decided that it was the right call to make. That port is too valuable to lose! And if we are taking any new measures soon, that is one of the first places we need to fortify.
-Fair enough, we'll see this through – Greghan spoke with resolution, his eyes shifting and refocusing on him – Now we must address the real issue here… The guns.
-Yes! Yes, we do… So, we better hop on our horses and go pay him a visit immediately – The bulky youngster stated, nodding at the soldier - If someone can clear up this mystery, that's him.
-It´s late. You need to rest now.
-I'm fine – Jogru stubbornly retorted, standing his ground – We need answers. Let's just go now!
- Jogru… - Greghan sighed, gesturing towards Teranha, who silently stood next to him in a loose but still clear combat position - I want answers too, yet there is no use in exhausting yourself that way, trust me. We will ride there first thing in the morning, so we can all have a word.
-Are you f*****g serious? – The young man called out defiantly with an enraged tone.
- Like a heart attack, my friend - The Mavaerian breathed out firmly, giving him a dreadful stare – And you can choose to do this peacefully, or she can just knock you out to sleep. It's your call. Either way, you're going to bed. Now stop arguing with me and tell me… How many?
-Oh gods… You're not gonna like this.
- Writer
