Book 3 Ch 16: Hu’s on first

From the gate Michael was able to see what looked like fifteen or sixteen men and women. Four were on horseback and with them was a cart being drawn by a mule. Two of the men on horseback were clearly the knights that Kris had mentioned, and the others behind them on horses looked to be lightly armored as well. The knights’ armor was interesting, with solid pauldrons rather than layered ones like the more modern designs he’d seen that provided more movement. He wasn’t certain if it was an aesthetic choice, or the suits were antiques.

As they approached, the gates were opened and the knights and militia were welcomed inside to cheers and praise from the crowd that had gathered to watch their return. At some point a number of small children and elderly had come out to see them and they returned their smiles and praise with smiles and waves of their own, even though Michael could tell that they were exhausted. When they’d approached the gates he’d actually watched them make a concentrated effort to stop slumping in their saddles and sit up straight. When the knights’ eyes reached his, there was a brief look of confusion. They leapt off of their mounts with a clang and handed their reins off to a young stableboy before approaching Kris who was standing to meet them.

“Welcome back sers,” said Kris, bowing a bit.

“No need for that,” said the nearest one, removing his helmet, revealing a middle-aged man with a dark complexion and a shaved head.

“Yes there is,” said the other knight, removing his own helm to reveal a similarly aged man with a short cropped beard and gray hair. “There’s always a need for respect and etiquette, especially in dark times.”

The first man sighed, but ignored the other’s comment. “Kris, report.”

“No sightings of rift beasts. Received a wagon from gatepoint and sent them along with warnings to Creekbend. Had these two show up,” she pointed to Michael and Ollie. “They said they were here to help. The pretty- er the blonde one is a healer and the tall one is a mage. The healer already saw to the entire infirmary.”

“The entire infirmary?” asked the bearded one.

“Yes, Ser Laird,” she responded.

“Then he should be passed out. Or dead himself.”

“Do you still have anything else left in you?” asked the other knight. He presumed he was Knight Hu, since the other was Laird.

“Plenty, who needs healing?” asked Michael.

Hu gestured for him to follow and Michael arrived at the cart where a number of people were bandaged. Some were unconscious, and one was already dead. Michael raised a hand and began to heal them. Fixing concussions, cracked ribs, arrow wounds, and even a tremendously violent bite mark. When he lowered his hand all of them were looking at him in confusion tinged with awe, except for one. A portly man with white hair stared at him wide eyed and pointed a finger like a sausage in his direction. Michael could feel that he’d been divining him, but he was too focused on healing in the moment to really do anything about it. What could really be done? Was he going to kill a man for staring? It seemed like it would cause even more problems than what was about to happen.

“Taker! You’re a taker!”

Michael met his gaze. “Yes. I am.”

The awe turned to disgust on several faces, but not all of them and a rumble of murmurs and barely hushed accusations began to quickly travel through the assembled crowd.

“Has he paid his fee?” asked one voice.

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“Should he not be indentured?” asked another.

“Quiet!” yelled Knight Laird. “The indenture is over. I’ve already told you this. Any who arrive with weapons here are to be drafted. Takers, deserters, mercenaries, soldiers, kids who borrowed their father’s sword. All must serve Hume in battle against the rifts now. That is the proclamation of our King and the only reason we have not already been overwhelmed.”

Hu nodded. “These two have already volunteered to help, and from what Kris tells me his healing has already restored this village to near full-strength. Go about your business and spend time with your returned loved ones. We’re heading out again tomorrow, so appreciate what you have while you can.”

There was more mumbling and Michael and Ollie received more than a few glares, but no one started anything.

“Thanks for that, mate,” said Ollie to Laird.

“Don’t thank me taker, if I had my way we’d go by the laws of the old kings and run you through right here. Luckily for you I am bound by my oath to obey the laws of my liege.” The man stormed off, with one of the younger men that had also been on horseback following quickly behind him.

Ollie sighed dreamily and looked at Michael with a mock smile. “It’s like being back home. You really take me to the loveliest places.”

“Anything for you, dear,” replied Michael, making the same mocking expression.

Hu approached them after having a few more words with Kris.

“Your weapon, it’s of Stent make, but I’ve never heard of any takers ever managing to escape them? Their brands are fatal if one is away from them too long.”