With all the talk about this captain, she was not at all what Nela had expected.

  The Remuati woman in front of them, while neither tall nor short, was broad and heavily muscled. She held a spear in one hand in a relaxed grip, but Nela could tell at a glance the woman knew how to use it. A faded scar on one cheek stood out, a reminder of an old battle that Nela found herself wondering about. After all, scars were a sign you didn't make it to a healer in time.

  This was Captain Takhat, and everything about her made it very clear that she was in charge here.

  "So you're the travelers I got told about?" Takhat said, eyeing them warily, "Can't say I've seen you before, but we get all types coming through. Or used to. So, merchant and guards, I assume?" Her eyes fell on Hamond. Because he didn't carry a weapon, Nela realized.

  "More of a scholar," Hamond said slowly, "With Hyarch being what it is, you can understand why I would want an armed escort."

  "Yes, because elves normally get to carry around swords without question, and young girls make for the best guards." The sarcasm was heavy in the captain's voice. "If it weren't for the beasts trying to kill and eat all of us, I'd question you long and hard."

  Hamond really didn't have a good answer to that one, and Nela didn't blame him.

  "So here's the deal. If you're willing to lend your aid to keeping us alive, you can keep your secrets. I doubt you have a choice, since you wouldn't last a night outside our safe area."

  "Your men didn't seem to care about us being elves," Ronny pointed out.

  "Half of them have never seen an elf," Captain Takhat answered, "Not many here, and I don't know of any that survived. And even if they did, they're desperate for any relief. Can't spare anyone to send south or north to call for aid, so we're just stuck here. At least we're in no danger of running out of food or other supplies, but still..."

  It wasn't a hard decision. While Takhat was really underestimating what they could do, the people here did need help. And Nela had a feeling she already knew what she was going to end up doing to assist. It would make for some good experience for Jylania, that much was sure.

  "Very well." Ronny had come to the same conclusion, "Although there may come a point where we need to address our own business. We did have a meeting with someone here, and we'd like to check if they are still alive."

  "Not about to stop you, but I wouldn't hold much hope for that." Takhat looked up towards the ceiling. "Still too many dead or missing for my liking. That includes Lord Lasfont himself."

  "Not sure how much help we'd be without knowing how matters got to this point," Ronny stated, "When we asked those men who brought us here, they told us you'd be able to explain it."

  "Of course they did," Takhat said, frustration briefly appearing on her face. "About two hexdays ago, in the evening, a flash of light spread across half the town. No idea where it came from. But you've seen the bird creature. That was the result."

  "We also saw a horse creature outside the town. I assume that was the same," Hamond said, "We dealt with it fairly easily."

  "Saw a couple of those too, when this first started. But they weren't really dangerous, and that's the one good thing." Takhat paused a moment. "These creatures don't like us, but they don't like each other either. That's the only thing that kept a lot of the people here alive...the monsters distracting other monsters. It's also why we still think there's a few survivors, so I keep sending patrols out."

  "And one of them found us. Understood." Ronny glanced over at Nela, his thoughts obvious. Like she had considered just a bit earlier, he was thinking on whether to reveal Nela as a healer. "Then what would you have us do?"

  "Probably send you out on a few of the patrols, maybe have you stand guard otherwise. Not about to ask you, or any of the other men, to go trying to hunt down these monsters, if that's what you meant."

  "Any other work you need done?" Nela could appreciate Ronny trying to nudge the captain into revealing what they needed.

  "I'm not a fool." Takhat was visibly annoyed now. "You think one of you has something else to bring besides swinging a sword? Just say it then."

  This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

  If that was what it took then. "Healing," Nela said flatly.

  "So he's a healer then?" Takhat again looked to Hamond. "One who conveniently shows up right now of all times? "

  That was an admission they needed a healer's skills, but assuming it was Hamond? Really? Whether it was because Nela was an elf, or because she was still carrying the crossbow, it was a stupid assumption. And to think she was starting to respect the captain.

  At least it would be easy to correct that. "Try again. I'm the healer."

  "Which I figured, considering you were the first one to mention it," Captain Takhat said with a grim smile. "Many can hide secrets, but few can conceal pride."

  Nela's mouth dropped open. The captain had been baiting them, and she'd fallen for it.

  "I'm sure you're aware that more than a few lords have banned all Elefae magic, including healing. Given what you just told me, a guard captain sworn to carry out my lord's laws, I feel like I should ask one question. Are you bravely honest, or just bravely stupid?"

  It took everything Nela had to keep her panic from showing. "Probably both," she said.

  The captain laughed. "I can't argue with that. And if you were wondering, no, we have no problem with Elefae here."

  Equally frustrated and relieved, Nela set that aside to deal with later. "So, what happened to the town's healers? They all dead or missing?"

  "Two missing, and the third...let's just say he could use a healer right now," Takhat explained, "And he's not the only one in that condition. Curse those snakes."

  "I would guess that is not a turn of speech. So we will be facing snake creatures?" Edeline spoke up.

  "Not unless you're total fools. It's why I only have patrols out in the town during the day. The serpents seem to come out at night. They have toxic bites too, which is why I'm taking a chance on your friend being the healer she seems to think she is."

  Poisons and venoms weren't Nela's expertise, but she did know of a few herbs she could try. Of course, she only had the one on her, but it was possible more could be stashed somewhere in this part of Lasfont. "Do you need me to look at the ones who got bitten?"

  "Not going to force you to. They haven't died yet. Still, if you're feeling up to it, that would be helpful. If we could get Jisry back on his feet, that's two healers we have. Although..." The captain trailed off.

  "Although what?" Now Nela was curious.

  "I don't think Jisry and you will get along." Takhat closed her eyes, grimacing. "We can worry about that problem when and if he's fit enough to start working again."

  Wasn't that something to look forward to, Nela thought irritatedly. Shit, any objection the man might have to her would also apply to Jylania too. She knew it went against what she'd been taught, but might there be a chance this man wouldn't be able to work again?

  "So there's snakes, horses, and birds," Ronny said, counting them off on his fingers. "What other types of creatures can we expect?"

  "Too many," the captain answered, "In truth, I haven't been keeping count. Most of them aren't that dangerous though, acting no different than any other wild beast. They can be outfought, and they can be outsmarted."

  "So other than the snake creatures, there's no real threat to us then." Edeline's voice was confident, or as much as someone as worn out as her could sound. "We should be fine."

  "If only it was that simple." The captain shook her head. "I was going to hold off on telling you all what you'd be dealing with until tomorrow, but if you're going to get drunk on your own brew, I won't have that."

  "What else is there then?" Hamond and Nela shared the same thought here, it seemed.

  The captain looked around the room. "Don't speak of this out in the open, but the Spellking apparently knew about this, or something. A gigant has been wandering around Lasfont. I'll tell you what I told my men: stay far away from it. You wouldn't stand a chance."

  Nela immediately looked over at Edeline. It was no surprise to see her companion struggling to not say anything. Edeline had already defeated one such gigant, and they'd all expected to encounter more defending the...wait a moment.

  "What's it doing here?" Of course, Ronny would pretend they didn't know. Or maybe he hadn't put the pieces together yet. Not that it mattered, since they could fill him in later.

  "Who knows? But it being here tells me the Spellking has someone here. Or had, maybe, but either way, I'm not taking chances. Keep away from it, and keep word of this to yourself."

  "Wouldn't it be noticeable regardless?" Hamond made a good point. Gigants weren't small, and if it got close enough to these streets, everyone here would know.

  "Yes, people here have seen it. No, people here don't know enough to put together just what it is." Takhat's frown deepened. "And because I don't want to start a panic, I'm keeping it that way. Understand?"

  "Right," Ronny said, "We know all too well how to keep secrets."

  "Of course you do." The sarcastic tone in the captain's voice made Nela snort, although probably not for the reasons Takhat would think. "Do you have any more questions?"

  "I don't think so," Ronny told her.

  "Just need to show me where you've got the sick and wounded resting." Nela turned to Hamond. "Probably can look them over while you see about getting our food ready."

  "Scholar and a cook? That's a new one to me."

  They all ignored the captain's comment. "I'll go back with Hamond then," Edeline said wearily, "And I know Jylania's going with Nela, so..."

  "If no one minds, I'll go with Nela as well." Ronny stepped closer to Nela. "Gives me a chance to see more of this place, anyway."

  Nela knew there was more to it than that, but she didn't have the energy to question it. Taking Ronny's hand with a quick squeeze, she turned once again to Captain Takhat. "So, you going to show us the place?"

  "I'll send one of my men with you," Takhat said, "I have other things to worry about than leading you all by the reins. I'll meet with you again tomorrow, and give you more specific orders then. Just make sure you get your rest." The captain paused a brief moment. "You'll need it."

  Check out the Heirs of Hyarch website!