29 – Ambush

Just to make sure, Ren used insight once more on one of the half-rotted vegetables.

“[Mana-drained orange squash. Rotted. Potential effects removed due to mana density.]”

In contrast, the healthy fruit was not infused at all. Juliette, very helpfully, informed him that it was an “[Orange Squash. It’s orange. No additional effects.]”

Ren faced Kaylin. “These squash,”—he gestured at the pile—“have all been mana-drained. And yes, before you ask, it’s a cooking thing. I wanted to make sure.”

“What does mana-drained even mean?” Jax asked.

“Well, I was hoping one of you could tell me.”

“It’s not something that is at all common in reference books,” Kaylin said, closing her eyes in concentration. “The closest thing I can recall is that there are certain broodlings who have the ability to draw mana from their environment. Like a leech of sorts. I don’t remember specifics. But it could be a number of different things.”

“Sorry to interrupt, but what are yous all talking about? What do you mean, mana? And the brood?” Crawley asked, fidgeting from step to step.

“Ah, our apologies. You know of the refined and nexi, yes?”

“Of course we knows of ‘em. We’re farmers, not imbeciles.”

Kaylin and Jax both shot a look at Ren who tried to look sheepish.

“Mana is the force that living creatures draw upon too—”

“It’s weird magic energy,” Jax interrupted her. “Everything uses it, monsters can sometimes use a lot.”

“That makes sense. When Ellis was back last season he spoke of a fight between a refined guard and a giant bear, you remember Craw?” Jed offered. “He said the creature tried to tear into their wine barrels from the city.”

“Yeahs I remember, but he didn’t say nothin’ about any mana or brood or anything.” Crawley was glancing over his shoulder and around the field. “I think wees should head back.”

Ren stood. “You said it was happening every couple of days right?”

“Over three times a fan,” Jed said, nodding.

“Well, I think we need to look around some more. I might be able to find where it will happen next.”

“Jed…” Crawley started.

“It’s alright, Craws, you head on back.” Jed looked up at the afternoon light. “We still have a few turns of light left. Tell Da’ he may be right.”

The younger brother appeared hesitant for a moment before nodding and returning the way they had come.

“Ok, let me look around,” Ren said. “Jed, what’s the closest that any of the patches have been?”

The broad-shouldered farmer thought for a moment. “Maybe a few hundred paces.”

Nodding, Ren took a few steps, picking a direction mostly at random.

“I’ll come with you,” Jax said. “I may be able to assist.”

“I don’t think so, big guy.” He pointed at the small pile of gourds in the middle of the ruined plants. “Before I cut those, could you tell that they looked any different?”

“Well…”

“No, Ren, we couldn’t,” Kaylin said.

“I’ll investigate. I’m no good at traps, though, why don’t you all think of a way that we can hide and see what might be causing this.” Without waiting for a response, Ren set off.

He counted out two hundred and fifty steps before stopping and waved back at the others. He turned to his left and set off in his best guess at a circle, trying to keep the distance even between himself and the group. Twenty minutes and almost a full loop later he backtracked and called out to the others.

“Ok, this is the spot.” Ren gestured in front of of him.

“Are you certain,” Kaylin asked. “It looks the same as the others.”

Jed remained silent, his face pensive.

“Yeah, I’m positive. I checked all around it, this is the only patch close by” Around him, two dozen orange squash glowed a faint blue-green.

“[Mature orange squash, cultivated. Imbued with the Vigor and small amount of rapid healing.]”

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Ok, there’s Vigor again. Why can’t I just have a magical pantry and a bunch of time to experiment? Is that really so much to ask? “I did my part, did you all come up with a plan to hide and wait?”

“So… We were thinking…” Kaylin began.

“We lay down,” Jax said. “Two dozen ticks of waiting and planning and that’s what we decided.”

“Yes, well. It will work.” She nudged a plant with her staff. “Probably.”

“Is think it’s not a bad choice,” Jed finally spoke, reaching down to brush one of the broad leaves. “The plant will provide good cover from anything looking for us. That and it’ll be dark.”

“Sounds like we’re setting an ambush.” Ren laughed. “By lying down.”

With night still a ways off, Jed offered to go back to the house and bring them something for dinner while they waited.

As they all walked back the path Kaylin turned to Ren, “We have the squash right here, why don’t you cook it now?”