Book 3 Ch 21: Eyes

There was a cheer as the rift closed and Michael found himself jostled a bit by the group.

“Making short work of two rifts with no casualties or even lingering injuries. I’d say we’re on track for our best day in a long time,” said Hu.

“We should push the advantage,” said Laird between orders to head back to the wagon and making sure that their supplies were accounted for. “There were three more rifts. If we can close them then we may be able to rejoin with the other knights at Creekbend to help them with their last few. If we can get that done then the villages should be okay on their own for some time. We could move back towards Lataxia and help them clear the roads again.”

Hu frowned. “Is this about supporting the kingdom brother, or about seeing your wife again?”

“It’s about both, Hu. I can serve more than one oath at a time and if Lataxia remains closed off then we lose access to one of the only two real cities left to Hume.”

Hu sighed. “If we were among soldiers and other knights I would say push, but militia is different.”

“Ollie and I can go and scout them, then meet you back at the village,” suggested Michael. “At the very least you need to inform people about the maps they were making. We shouldn’t risk not getting that information to the people who need it.”

The knights exchanged a glance and Laird shook his head. “I don’t think we should send them scouting at all.”

“Because he’s a taker?” asked Hu.

“No, because he’s too valuable to be left alone. We’ve now seen him heal dozens of wounded, close two rifts, and slay enemies we as knights may have died to. The other just threw more spells in a few breaths than any other mage I’ve ever seen. They are assets, and while I do not like him or any other murderer, I am a knight of the realm and have a responsibility to recognize that which is useful to it.”

“What do you suggest then?” asked Hu.

“I suggest we bring him to the knight captain, but unfortunately our orders here are paramount. We cannot leave the people here undefended with so many rifts still open close by.”

“And so we’re back to where the conversation started.”

“Why don’t you ask them?” asked Ollie.

“What?” asked Laird.

“The militia that have been listening in on this entire conversation. Why don’t you just ask them if they want to try and push toward the other rifts? Seems kinda stupid to pretend they might not want to have a say.”

Hu chuckled a bit and looked at the group. “Well? Should we press on?”

There was a general sound of assent among the group.

“My husband will be in the next group out,” said a heavyset woman with a scar across her cheek and a spear that Michael had seen her wield with tremendous force. “I think I’d rather keep him to myself with no rifts to worry about.”

Hu shrugged. “I guess I underestimated them.”

Laird nodded. “They are true warriors of the realm. As honorable as any.”

Hu looked to the squires. “Bawn, Clyde go back to the village and let them know what we’re doing. Take a rest and then both of you head to Creekbend to let them know about the maps the rift monsters were making. Take the maps we took from them with you.”

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“We can still fight,” said Clyde.