Back in the day, when it was the Acoma “golden ages”, I started to write a short story loosely based on our small band of ruffians. This was set in a fantasy-world-like scenario and I had uploaded some chapters to the Swedeland.com site for all the read. Nothing spectacular if you’d ask me (and you do), but entertaining none-the-less.

As I never have had the time to complete it I can only publish the couple of chapters I have been able to salvage. Perhaps in the near future I will be able to add some new chapters to this epic start of that adventure.

Enough said. Here’s Chapters 1 & 2 of the Rise of the Eagle script.

Everything has a beginning and every beginning has an end. Nothing lasts indefinitely. Nothing? Those are things that riddle the mind. Being is now. Being is what was and what might be. Past, present and future. Time passes and everything moves on. Everything?

It was a typical fall day. The sky was grey, as was the rest of the world. Just one monotonous still setting. The wind was absent and everything was damp and wet. There was a drizzle that kept it that way. Nothing moved. Everything was so still that you’d think that it would last forever. A moment captured in time. Beauty and sadness as one whole. The world was dieing waiting to be reborn again. Would it? Change was in the air. It was so thick that you couldn’t miss it. A presence that is pressing down so hard that it might crush you if you didn’t realize it was just a feeling. As the day continued on it seemed to get a bit brighter. Less grey is more like it. Nothing else changed.

A creaking and splashing sound broke the silence as a two wheeled cart was being pulled by a single horse along a muddy trail. The horse was soaked and you could see the damp coming of its back. The driver huddled in his woollen cloak trying to stay warm while holding onto the reins. The cart rocked hard to the side when its left wheel went through a puddle which was deeper than expected. The driver cursed when he was thrown off balance by it.

“Damned weather!” he muttered. Lujan was more a man of comfort and warm weather. “Why did I have to go to town myself and get supplies?” he thought.

He could have sent someone else, but he hadn’t. He drove on thinking it was to late to dwell on it any longer. His curly hair and face were wet from the drizzle. The water in his eyes started to sting a little. His vision was getting a bit blurry. He hit another deep puddle and cursed again.

“Better be a little more careful.” he told himself.

The cart had already had a rough time towards the village. There Lujan had made some repairs to the left wheel which was about to fall of its axle. He tried to rub the water from his eyes with his hand in order to see a little better. The landscape he travelled through had been the same for the last hour. Rolling hills with leafless black trees on both sides of the trail. Nothing more then a mud soaked brown thin line leading him through a dead landscape. Things seemed to get more and more familiar, but Lujan had a hard time recognizing the surroundings. He could hear the sound of waves in the distance and realized that it wasn’t much further. Maybe over the next rise he would be able to see the house.

When he came over the top he was welcomed by a spectacular vista. The trail winded down the hill and into an open grass plain on which a single building stood. Behind the plain the world seemed to come to a dramatic end. At the end of the open field it dropped 200 feet into the rolling blue ocean, which crashed into the base of the cliff. The building itself was more like a fortified barn. It had a thatched roof which stood on top of a U shaped building with a wall and fortified gate built between the front two wings making it look square and definitely more easily defendable. The windows on the ground floor were small and had metal gratings in front of them. On the second floor the windows were larger and had green wooden shutters which could be closed and barred from the inside. Lujan could see grey smoke rising from the chimney and whished he was inside already sitting next to the fire warming himself, drinking some warm coffee. As he rounded the last turn on the hill and headed straight for the gate he’d already seen movement between the trees and nodded in agreement. The sentries he’d deployed in the surrounding woods seemed to be in place. For him just noticing them at the last moment was a complement for them since the woods didn’t give them much cover at the time. He made a mental note to ask Alu to rotate the guard earlier today. With this weather being outside overlooking a cold and windy countryside wasn’t much of a pleasure. He pulled up to the house, drove through the open gate and entered the courtyard of the building.

As he pulled up to the stables the doors swung open and he drove straight in without slowing down. Inside stopped the cart and his eyes took a few seconds to adjust to the faint light of the lanterns. With a loud bang the doors were slammed shut again behind him. As Lujan jumped down from the cart someone suddenly appeared from out of the gloom beside him. He already had his hand on his dagger when a voice said. “Well don’t be so jumpy and start pulling any knifes on me now or I’ll have to kill ya myself!!” As Lujan turned towards his left he saw a familiar face step into the light.

“Mass, this sneaking around is going to get you killed sometime.”

“And it’s good to see you too chief!” he said mockingly. “You look like something the cat dragged in. You’d better let me take care of the horse and wagon and get your sorry ass inside.” Mass, a veteran of many battles, was Lujan’s company sergeant. He came originally from one of the southern provinces, which was still apparent in his speech. He was a valuable asset for Lujan’s band and had served him on many campaigns. He was one of the companies’ most reliable men.

“If you’d like to live on the edge, d’Inzane has some hot stew left over in the kitchen.” he said with a grin on his face.

“I’m not sure I’m that desperate.” Lujan replied. “You’d better take a look at the wheels of the wagon when you’ve finished unloading things. It was a rough ride.”

“No problem chief.” As Mass whistled on his fingers 2 boys jumped down from the haystack. Barely 16 years of age they started to unload the cargo while Mass took care of the horse.

As Lujan turned towards the door he took a last glance at the boys and thought. “They just keep getting younger and younger these days.” And felt an old man as he headed for the kitchen.

He walked into the kitchen and took off his soaked woollen coat and hung it over a chair in front a blazing fire which provided for more warmth than necessary. He sat down heavily on another chair at the large wooden kitchen table. It took up most of the room right in the centre of the kitchen and let out a relieved sigh. He stretched and let the warmth sooth him for a few seconds.

“Well, well. Are you a sight for sore eyes!” d’Inzane said as he walked through the doors which lead towards the main hall of the house. A young man of barely 18 years entered carrying a large tray with empty mugs and plates. He set the tray down on the kitchen counter and turned towards Lujan.

“I hope you got what we needed. We’re almost out of stock of everything.” he said while unconsciously tearing of a loaf of bread and stuffing it into his mouth. “We don’t want to starve. Now do we? It’s hard to prepare anything without good ingredients.” he said with his mouth full.

Lujan wondered on why d’Inzane wasn’t as fat as a pig. It seemed like he was always eating every time when he wasn’t in close combat. And of late there hadn’t been much of both of that around.

“If you weren’t eating so much we didn’t have to go and resupply that often. We might actually have something in store for more than 2 days.” Lujan said teasingly.

“Oh stuff it you old geezer!” d’Inzane said. Lujan gave him a dark look and he quickly added “Sir.”

“You want some hot stew? I’ve got some left and it might warm you up a little.”

“Mass said I should give it a try when I felt like committing suicide. So give me a bowl then. Just make sure you bring me some hot coffee to wash it down with.” Lujan grinned.

d’Inzane walked over to a large black cauldron which hung over the fire. Scooped something brownish into a bowl and set it down hard in front of Lujan with a piece of bread.

“I hope you choke on it!” he said. Lujan heard him muttering something about getting back at Mass as he left the kitchen through the door towards the main hall.

“You’re forgetting my coffee!!” he shouted after him and smiled silently.

“They might seem rough and loud mouthed, but they’re a caring bunch nonetheless.” he thought.

Lujan had seen d’Inzane and Mass fight side by side and knew that even how hot the discussions might be between those two they’d always cover each other’s back in battle without thought. As he dipped a loaf of bread in the stew and stuck it into his mouth he knew Mass hadn’t lied. It had some weird flavour to it, but he’d eaten worse while on campaign. He was too hungry anyway and stopped thinking about it.

He ate quickly and had almost finished when a large man entered.  He was soaked as well and could barely fit through the door. Broad shouldered, with long blond hair spilling from under his conical horned helmet and short beard. He wore brown leather armour with a green eagle marking on his chest and carried a large war hammer on his hip. A fierce looking giant of at least 6 feet 6 inches tall. He regarded Lujan with bright blue eyes which revealed youthfulness still present underneath all that toughness. He walked across the room and slapped Lujan on his back. Lujan was pushed forward by its force alone and almost ended up face down in his stew.

“Good to have you back with us, Captain. I hope you brought us some new supplies. As you can see we’ve been living on this crap that little rat d’Inzane has been cooking for us. That’s no men’s food if you ask me. I tried to catch some wild boar, but the wildlife hasn’t been abundant these days. You haven’t forgotten to bring some casks of ale as well?”

“Good to see you too, Deumus. Mass and those 2 boys of his are taking care of the supplies as we speak. It took me a while, but I got us what we needed in the end. Anything eventful happen while I was gone?”

“Not much that needs mentioning. Things have been quiet for some time. I’ve been drilling a bunch of new recruits with Alu. Also did some scouting on my own last week. There’s nothing special going on within a 20 mile radius.”

Lujan was always surprised at the skill of woodmanship that a large man like Deumus demonstrated. He could easily sneak up behind you without you ever noticing until it was too late. Besides that, he was a trusted second in command of this little band and a dear friend.

 “All this seems a bit too quiet for my taste. Then again it’s nice not to have to worry about being attacked all the time.”

“I know what you mean.” Deumus replied. “But where’s the honour in things when we’re just sitting here doing nothing. I kind of miss the old days down in the south-eastern jungles. Hunting down enemies and gaining respect.”

They both fell silent for a while. Then Lujan smiled.

“What’s so funny?” Deumus asked.

“Not much, but you’re right. We’ve grown into a bunch of fat whining ladies out here. So tonight we summon the troops and I’ll propose a plan.”

“Does it contain slaughter, blood and certain death?”

“It most certainly does.” Lujan grinned.

“I like it already.” And Deumus laughed out loud.

The evening had come. The rain had stopped a few hours ago and there was a strong wind blowing outside which made the shutters rattle. Lujan had taken a nice and long warm bath. Changing his damp clothes for a dry white tunic with green pants and his black boots, he had settled down in front of the large fireplace in the main hall. A large mug of cold ale was his companion while he was lost in thought.

The main hall was 3 stories high, with in the back, high windows facing the ocean. The roof was held up by large dark oaken beams which rose up 25 feet in the air with cross beams every 7 feet. Banners of different colour and hue hung on the white plastered walls around the hall. They were the silent reminders of victories and conquests of the past. A past consisting of some defeats and mishaps as well. Lujan looked at a yellow banner with a black crow on it. One of the less favourable reminders present. The battle against the Black Crows, the last campaign they had fought, which had become a tragedy. Making them fall back towards their northern exile or getting hunted down by this sinister band of assassins. They had been staying here for a year now.  Regrouping, finding new strength and taking a well-deserved rest. Some guys had asked why this banner was up on the wall. And Lujan had replied “Never forget where you’re coming from. Never be afraid to face your own mistakes. Only this way you will be able to grow and become a better person.” Not everyone could accept this explanation and some had left the company in order to find their own luck as mercenaries.

“Stop dwelling on things you can’t change.” Deumus said as he walked across the main hall and pulled up a chair. He was accompanied by Alu who did likewise.

Lujan grunted and said “Did you rotate the guards an hour early like I asked Alu?”

“You didn’t need to remind me about that Lujan. I’ve been on guard duty since this morning and have seen my share of rain and wind.”

Lujan nodded.

“Now Deumus tells me we’re about to see some action again. What’s this all about?”

“It means we’ve be sitting here licking our wounds long enough.” Lujan said while staring into the fireplace as if seeing something in the dancing flames.

“Well, that says it all.” Alu replied with dissatisfaction when nothing else came.

“I’m sorry. I was lost in thought for a moment. Let me explain.” And Lujan started to explain.

            “When I was in town seeing to our supplies I stayed at the inn called ‘The Blue Wheel’. I was minding my own business having some supper when a pair of the Kings’ Own came in. Wearing their bright colours of red on white and polished armour they happened to end up on the same long table I was sitting at. I had almost finished up and was about to leave when I unintentionally overheard part of their conversation.”

            “Unintentionally. Yeah, right!” Deumus said. “But please continue.”

            “Anyway, they were talking amongst themselves without taking notice of me listening in. The discussion was about some weird things happening down west of the kingdom. Couldn’t quite hear what was going on, but I heard them say they weren’t too happy with the King recruiting bands of mercenaries to settle things there. Saying they couldn’t be trusted with such a delicate task. But it was better to go there themselves, because..”

“Because, what??” asked Alu.

 “I don’t know. They noticed me listening and I tried to look like I just finished eating and was heading out the door. They kept staring at me till I was actually out the door.”

“So that’s your brilliant plan? Working for the King as mercenaries for meagre pay and obeying others? Not knowing what we’re up against!!” Alu threw his hands up in the air out of frustration. “What’s next!! You’ll start liking d’Inzane’s cooking??”

“I heard that!!” Came a shout from across the hall and d’Inzane stepped out of the shadows across the hall and walked towards them

“d’Inzane, have you been eavesdropping on us!?” Alu asked.

“What else is there to do in this remote and godforsaken place? Besides, I always like to know what’s going on and speak my mind before you three make any decisions.”

Deumus said “So what do you say then about this idea?”

“I dislike the idea of being commanded by some rookie kingdom officer who thinks he can bully around a bunch of seasoned warriors and getting us all killed in the process. But I even more hate being stuffed up in here for another few weeks with you guys complaining about my ‘haute cuisine’!! “ d’Inzane said with his hands on his hips looking every bit a housewife.

Lujan, Deumus and Alu looked at each other and started to laugh loudly. Letting d’Inzane standing there saying “What’s so funny!?” Eventually he turned around and headed back towards the kitchen, muttering.

When the mirth died away Deumus said “He did have a good point. We’ve been cooped up in here for too long. But being in the service of the King? I don’t know. I’m not so fond of nobility these days.”

“If you’ve got a better idea I’m all ears.” Lujan said.

“I don’t think we have.” Deumus replied looking at Alu who was shaking his head to agree.

“I don’t like it one bit, but the Kings’ men we are then. Facing whatever it is that’s out there.” Alu said.

“May there be lots of bloodshed and booty.” Deumus added.

And they drank to that.

“Now we tell the men.” Lujan said after finishing his ale.

It had been 3 weeks since the decision was made to head west in service of the King. Deumus and Alu had prepared all the necessary things in order for the departure towards the capital. Weapons had been mended. Horses had been bought for everyone. Those who never had ridden before were given lessons, which led to some minor injuries and hard laughs from time to time. Now this little caravan had been made ready to move out. Lujan was walking towards the line of men inspecting everyone one last time. He looked every bit the captain suited up in his armour, his long sword on his side on which his left hand rested on the hilt. As he walked along the line seeing his troops all fitted out in the same armour with the green eagle mark on their chests. They were ready to mount their horses when ordered, and follow him into an unknown future.

It seemed like yesterday that they had assembled the troops and told them of the enterprise they were going to undertake. The main hall seemed too small with all the men inside it. Over 50 men were currently part of his company and they had all taken the news of this unknown future indifferently. But all agreed to the plan and everything was set in motion to get underway.

Now as he walked along his troops he felt a certain pride swell within him. At the end of the line bringing up the rear were d’Inzane and Mass. They had selected the two youngsters to join them. Kami and Gunna were their names and they looked somewhat comical in their slightly oversized armour and helmets. “How are you two doing?”

“Fine, sir!” Kami shouted and they both saluted simultaneously.

Lujan smiled “Now don’t get too excited. We don’t need another set of hero’s. They usually do something rash and die prematurely. Just stay close to sergeant Mass and d’Inzane and do what they do. You’ll both be fine.” As Lujan was about to turn away he said “Come to think of it. Stay close them, but DON’T do what they do.” And he resumed walking towards the head of the line.

“Now what does he mean by that?” Gunna asked.

“Hell as I know” Kami shrugged. “And what did he mean with too excited?”

“That loud mouthing, FINE SIRE, ya did you dumb ass!”

Kami tried to elbow Gunna after that remark.

“Will you two quiet it!!” Mass said angrily from behind “Or we’re going to leave ya two behind here.”

“No can’t do!” d’Inzane told Mass. “Who else will be polishing our armour, swords and shoes every single day?” As he emphasized the last few words he was grinning evilly towards the two youngsters.

“Now see what you’ve done!” Gunna said and threw Kami an angry look.

Mass and d’Inzane smiled. It was going to be a long ride.

Lujan approached the head of the column were Alu was waiting. “Everything fine back there?” Alu asked.

“Just some harmless fun I guess. Mass and d’Inzane will run a tight ship back there. Any sign of Deumus?”

They had send Deumus ahead with a pair men to scout the area.

“Nothing yet. But you know what they say. No news is good news.” Alu stated. “Do you really think we should be doing this?”

“We’re not having doubts now do we?”

“Nope just being a good lieutenant and questioning everything we do before doing it.”

Lujan mounted his horse and said “And you have been a great one as long as I’ve known you, but no time for questions. Let’s get this show on the road.”

Alu gave the signal to mount. The entire company mounted simultaneously although Gunna and Kami had some problems and struggled to get on in their heavy armour.

When everyone was ready Lujan said “Role out the green eagle flag!! And let the Acoma banner fly once again!! Let’s ride!!”

As they rode out through the gate in a stately progression the velvet black flag with the green eagle waved along gracefully in the wind.

Lujan thought smiling. “We’re back on another adventure. Let’s make it a good one.”

And as they climbed over the first hill the house that had been their home for over a year disappeared behind out of sight.

Deumus crouched low and crawled through some shrubs still around this time of year. It was getting colder by the week, but snow was at least one month away. He moved slowly but with a determination and security like one born in the woods. He grew up in the dense woodland parts to the south of the kingdom called The Great Greens. His father had been a woodsman for some local baron. He had been a tall man like Deumus but less muscular. And had taught him everything there was to know about the forest and it secrets. How to stalk wildlife without letting it know you are there. As well as how to survive the wilderness with only a hunting knife as a companion. That knowledge had proven to be as valuable as gold. And there wasn’t a better thrill than being able to stalk prey. That thought alone brought a faint smile to his lips. His father would have been proud of him the way he had turned out. The thought of his father darkened his mood. A noble man, he had eventually become a pawn in a game which had cost him his life. Betrayed by a man he thought he could trust, the baron. Out of fear of being branded a traitors son and getting arrested by the baron, Deumus had fled to the east and into the jungles of Prenam. There he had encountered Lujan and his little band of merry men, which had asked him to tag along their path to glory and riches. He had proven himself over and over again during fights and had become close friends with most of the men. But he loved the lonely life as well, surviving by wit and knife alone.

So right now he felt right at home on his own as he was trying to find out what was up ahead, behind the next hill. He smelled the lingering smoke of a quickly extinguished fire. Sending the rest up ahead at a slow pace so that he could easily catch up with them, he had pulled off the road to find out who had been camping in the middle of nowhere.  After securing his horse to a tree branch down where a low hill began to rise, he had started climbing it as stealthy as possible. Now lying down on his stomach, he pulled himself across the muddy ground. As he neared the summit of the hill he took his time between moves. Not knowing what was on the other side he took every precaution possible. Slowly he raised his head a little, peeking over the edge. A still smouldering, slightly smoking extinguished fire was the only thing visible in the small clearing down below. He lay there listening to the surroundings and after a few minutes he was convinced that who ever had been here had left the area. He stood up and carefully made his way down the steep slope into the clearing. Scanning the area more closely he noticed that it had been a small camp situated near a easy flowing brook. He looked for tracks and found a pair of boot prints in the mud and the place where they would have picketed the horses.

“Not more than three persons on horseback.” Deumus thought.

He followed the horse tracks leading off on a parallel course along the road towards the capital.

After a few minutes he stopped. Satisfied that the campers weren’t stalking the woods ahead he doubled back for a second look. He couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary. It had been a well organized campsite. Maybe a bit too organized. It certainly had been more strategically placed then any roaming brigands would have.

“Who was camping here? And why?” Deumus asked himself.

Knowing he wouldn’t find out by just standing there he hurried back towards his horse.

Deumus caught up with the men he had sent ahead and took his place at the front of the squad. He whispered to then men to be wary for anything hiding in the surrounding trees, but to act casual. They rode on in silence till they got at a crossroads where an inn called “The Wanderer” was situated. Deumus took his squad off the road towards the inn.

“We’re going to rest the horses here.” he said. “You two take some rest and quick bite. Then scout ahead and report back.”

The two men complied and led their mounts towards the shade of an old oak tree. Deumus rode up the small stable next to the inn and a boy rushed out and took is reins. He instructed the boy to water the horses and feed them some fresh oats. Then he entered to small two story house. The common room was small and two long tables were with benches was the only furniture in it. Over the fire in the hearth hung a black cauldron in which a spicy stew was bubbling. As he walked towards the counter a man of middle age entered through a door which probably let to the kitchen.

“Be welcome at The Wanderer, sirs!” He greeted.

Spotting the green eagle emblems on the armour his eyes widened a little and seemed tenser then before.

“Is there something amiss, my good man?” Deumus asked.

“No, no. Nothing’s wrong. I just remembered that I forgot something in the kitchen.” he replied. “Now if you could excuse me for a minute I’ll be right back.” and he tried to hurry back through the door. But Deumus intercepted him before he could.

“What’s the rush?” he said while looking down at the man, who had started to show drops of sweat on his forehead. Deumus nodded with his head towards one of his man to enter the kitchen and take a peek. After a couple of seconds he returned and reported that no-one was in the kitchen. Deumus stepped back and let the innkeeper pass, who seemed more relaxed. Deumus followed him into the kitchen and saw that is contained a large table in the middle on which vegetables and such lay. Some hams, other dried meats and herbs hung from beams on the ceiling. The innkeeper rushed towards a small fire and removed pot from it.

“Almost burned me pot.” he explained.

“Right!” Deumus said as his eyes spied the backdoor not entirely closed. “Just bring us some food and ale. And be ready to supply some more.”

“How much more will that be, sir?” the innkeeper asked.

As Deumus exited the kitchen back to the common room he said, “About a full company of hungry men.”

The innkeeper’s eyes widened once more and was about to mutter an objection, but somehow sensed it would be useless. He turned around opened the door and shouted at the stable that the boy to come in. And that he should start helping him prepare the meals.

Deumus walked straight through the common room out the front door. Turned right and hurriedly made his way towards the back of the inn. When he was almost at the back of it he dashed into the trees and circled the area behind the inn. As he expected horse tracks led away from the inn. Listening quietly at the forest and animals he knew that whoever made them had escaped their noticed by only a minute or so.

“Better wait for the Captain and discuss this matter.” he thought and returned to the inn for a well-deserved food and ale.

As soon as Deumus rounded the corner of the in, a figure in black clothing lowered himself from a tree branch and dropped to the ground. Stood still for a moment, to make sure no-one had noticed him and then swiftly made his way deeper into the woods.

“That was a close call.” he thought as he dashed through the shrubs and bushes. “Good thing they took the horses a little further away else we’d been riding hard and loud with that large mad man on our tails.”

As he approached the agreed upon spot, his two companions were waiting for him.

“Did you succeed?” one of them asked.

“Yes. They’ll arrive in less then an hour and the innkeeper doesn’t know I’ve poisoned his ale supply. And with the extra gold I slipped him for information about the green eagles, he’ll just think I was an ordinary spy. Things should be over before the day has gone.”

“We’d better hang back a little and come back at sunset.” the third guy said.

“We have to be more careful though. I almost got caught by that large ranger.”

As they mounted their horses and rode off in silence a black crow flew up from a nearby tree and followed them.

The column pulled up at the inn and Lujan told Alu to setup a provisional camp next to the small barn. “When all is in place bring Mass and d’Ínzane with you.”

Alu hurried off to see it that things went promptly as ordered. Lujan dismounted and handed the reins to one of Deumus’s scouts and went into the inn. As he entered he walked over to Deumus, who was stood staring into the fireplace, sipping his ale.

“What’s wrong, Deumus?” Lujan asked.

“How could you tell somethings up?” Deumus replied.

“You might be the best scout in the open field. And able to notice even the smallest of changes in your surroundings, but I can read people the same way just as easily. Besides, you barely touched your ale. So what’s on your mind?”

Deumus looked down at his ale and smiled. “I’m not thirsty when something is bothering me.” he said. Putting down his almost full jack of ale, he said “Let’s go and sit down over there.” and gestured towards one of the tables.

When they were seated the innkeeper brought Lujan a fresh platter of cold meats and cheeses. “Some ale to go with that, sir?” he asked.

“No thanks, but some wine would be nice.” Lujan said.

The innkeeper nodded and returned a minute later with a bottle and a goblet. Then he made his way back into the kitchen. Lujan sampled the wine and said “Not all too bad. So what’s on your mind?” And he stuck a piece of meat into his mouth.

Deumus leaned a bit closer and said “Our movements are being watched. I’m not sure by whom, but they know what they’re doing. I first encountered some signs about 15 miles down the road and I think they just left the inn when we rode up at it.”

Lujan looked sideways towards the kitchen door and asked “Do you think the innkeeper is in league with them?”

“I’m not sure, but when we arrived and he saw the markings on our armour he was jumpy and tense. Shall I’ll interrogate him later on?” Deumus said with an evil grin.

Lujan chuckled. “You’re always eager to scare people into telling you the truth. Don’t you.”

“Perhaps, but mainly because I think he’s holding back something and we don’t have the time to waste.”

“We’ll ask him some questions later. First I want to know some more about our stalkers. Anything else you might be able to tell me about them?” Lujan asked.

“Nothing interesting yet, they’re probably three of them working together as a unit. Which suggests they are more than your normal bandits and thieves. If I could have glimpsed them, even from a distance, I could tell you more.” There was a questioning note the last bit Deumus said.

“So, you want to go and stalk our stalkers then?” Lujan asked.

“That might be a wise precaution. I think Alu could lead the forward patrol. Then I’ll go after whoever is following us.” Deumus suggested.

Lujan nodded “We’ll talk it through when Alu gets back with Mass and d’Inzane.” And he resumed eating his food.

After some minutes Alu, Mass and d’Inzane walked into the common room. They made their way towards the table Lujan and Deumus were sitting at and joined them.

“Camp has been made, sir. And food and ale is being distributed to the men.” Alu reported.

“And now I’m starving myself. So I hope you won’t mind I’ll be digging in right away.” and d’Inzane grabbed a large piece of meat and cheese. With his mouth half full he asked “Massf, coulds youf passf me the wine pleasfe?”

Nothing happened for a few seconds as the whole table was staring at d’Inzane.

“Whatfs!? Never seenf someone eatf?” d’Inzane exclaimed irritated.

And laughter broke out from everyone at the table.

d’Inzane swallowed his bite and reached over for the wine bottle. “I might as well get it myself, since you old ladies are to damned slow anyway!”

The innkeeper walked into the room and brought them a fresh plate of food and wine.

“More wine, sirs?” he asked when he had set the plate in the centre of the table.

“Yesf pleasfe!” d’Inzane replied “Buth a better bottle then thisf one.”

The wine had been brought and they had a pleasant meal together.

When everyone, except d’Inzane, had finished eating, Lujan said “It seems we’ve been attracting someone’s attention.” Everyone turned towards him. “Deumus told me we’re being watched. I’m not sure as to why, but it’s concerning that someone was keeping an eye out for us.”

“What do you mean watched?” Alu asked.

“Like in being stalked from the woods.” Deumus answered. “There are at least 3 men on horses. I found their base camp 15 miles back up the road. It was well organized and located in a clearing within earshot of the road. No-one could have passed them without attracting notice.”

“As to who they are and why they were waiting for us we don’t know.” Lujan said. “But Deumus said they were here minutes before he arrived and the innkeeper might know something more then he’s willing to share freely. So he and Mass will have the honour of asking him some questions ‘nicely’. Then he’ll try to track them on his own.”

“Which means I’ll be in charge of scouting patrol?” Alu asked.

“Yes, and Mass with be my second in command of the company.” Lujan replied.

Mass grinned, “It’s about time ya promoted me. And as a bonus I’m not stuck with d’Inzane in the rear anymore.”

“I lovef yous too, Massf! You totfal geek!” d’Inzane said, while finishing a chicken wing.

“Then it’s settled. Better get some rest while we can.” Lujan suggested and was starting to rise when the front door opened and someone fell through it.