Hedge Knight

“So, you’ve come to join us have you?” Leaf said with a skeptical tone, “What do you have to offer?”

Jahora scoffed and rolled her eyes, “You know full well what she offers, don’t be difficult.”

The newly Awakened smirked, the light of mischief clear in his green eyes, but he raised his hands in surrender, “I was just having a spot of fun,” he reached a hand across the table, “It’ll be good to have you along.”

Elly shook it, taking note of the calluses along the archer’s fingers, “Full glad am I to be included. Tis silly, but there was a slight worry that you wouldn’t find it necessary to bring me along.”

“Well we don’t find it necessary,” said a voice from the kitchen beyond.

Helbram emerged from the back door of Gorond’s dining room, arms laden with plates of food much like they were the first time she met him.

“We just enjoy your company,” he said as he met her eyes. He wore a small, welcoming smile on his face, and she returned one of her own to him.

The tall man strode around the table and set the plates at the center of the table, allowing the savory smells of a slow cooked roast and vegetables to fill the room. The scents mingled together as they drifted towards Elly, causing her mouth to salivate involuntarily. She tried to not focus on the food in front of her as she looked around the room.

“Are Gorond and Borda not joining us today?” she asked.

Helbram shook his head, “Apparently the two were planning to have dinner elsewhere for the evening. Though that didn’t stop Borda from prepping everything for us before she left, she is too kind to us…” he looked around the table before his eyebrows raised, “Ah, I forgot the bread.”

“I’ll get it,” Jahora said, her frame barely visible past the table as she walked into the kitchen.

Leaf had already left his seat by the time that Helbram entered from the kitchen, only returning to it after he’d set a plate in front of everyone’s seats. His movements were silent, slipping from Elly’s attention until the cutlery was already in front of her. She jumped slightly when he reappeared, much to her embarrassment. Her mind attributed this to the same natural deftness of the elves that she possessed, but there was a quickness to his movements that was not there before.

“Jahora did mention that you had Awakened,” the scholar mused, “the difference is always startling…”

Helbram took a seat across from her, leaving the head of the table empty, “Indeed it is, though honestly tis a bit expected. When an Elf awakens it is their deftness that sees the effects first, as opposed to a human’s strength.” he explained.

Leaf sat in the seat next to Elly, “Is that so? Seeing as I’m only half elf it could have gone either way…” he rubbed his chin, “I wouldn’t have denied a boon to strength, given what we’ve been running into.

Jahora walked back into the room, holding the plate of bread high as she set it on the table, “That does not mean you won’t be able to improve your strength at some point, correct?”

Helbram nodded, “Yes, any initial improvements will be the extent of such changes. It is more about how you Cultivate your Core that determines what your Ether will modify.”

Elly kept her eyes towards the others in the midst of conversation, but her hands were focused elsewhere, making her plate outside of the group’s attention. All except Jahora, who noticed Elly’s movements as she was getting into her seat. They locked eyes for a moment before the mage snorted and made her plate with the same quickness.

Leaf remained oblivious, “I see… how would I go about doing that?”

“Were we in a more privileged position, a Technique of some kind,” Helbram continued to explain, “but seeing as we’re but a small group, we’re going to have to feel it out as we go,” he waved his hand in a flippant manner, “But enough about that for now, we’ve have food to eat.”

He reached for the bread, eyebrows raised as he noted a large chunk of the loaf was gone. His eyes turned to Elly and Jahora, who looked at him with mouths full of food and shameless expressions.

He chuckled and shook his head, “Seems like some of us got a head start.”

Elly took another bite of food, her smile widening to a smirk as she savored the taste of roasted meat. They continued to eat in silence, breaking it with the occasional approving grunt as food disappeared from the table at an increasing rate. Leaf in particular reached for seconds, thirds even, which Elly attributed to his newly awoken state. At least, she hoped so, otherwise she couldn’t see how it was possible for the hungry half-elf to put down so much food.

Helbram, on the other hand, finished his meal with a satisfied sigh and sat back in his chair, hands resting on his stomach. His expression was content, but there was a bittersweet glint to his eyes as he looked at the ceiling, “Gods, it has been quite sometime since I’ve had such a fine meal…”

Leaf nodded as he poked at his teeth with a toothpick, “Borda was quite excited to prepare everything for us today. We’ve insisted on helping her so much that I suppose she still felt a debt to pay…”

“Or she’s just a very gracious host, “Jahora suggested, “which does remind me, she mentioned that she baked a pie for us earlier…”

Despite her satiety, Elly felt her stomach rumble at the prospect of desert, “I suppose I could have a piece… if you lot are up for it of course,” she hastily added.

Leaf stood up, “I’ll get it.”

He disappeared into the kitchen, leaving behind a content silence as the rest of the group basked in their satisfaction. Elly found herself humming quietly after a moment, and noted that Jahora was nodding along with the loose beat as her eyes were closed. Helbram continued to stare at the ceiling, a contemplative look on his face as he furrowed his brow momentarily.

“Is aught amiss?”

Helbram quirked an eyebrow and looked at her, “Hm? Oh, I was just wondering where we would be off to next.”

Elly sat up and rested her hands on the table, “You haven’t put any thought to a decision?”

“Not a lot,” He admitted, “Truth be told, I was too focused on the rebuilding efforts to think of a destination.”

The scholar nodded, “It is understandable, the bandits left a lot of destruction in their wake. Many would call you charitable for deciding to stay for so long.”

Helbram snorted, “Perhaps, or just resting on my laurels. Regardless, we’ll have to think of a good destination.”

“Perhaps it would be best to state our goals in traveling together,” Jahora said, “It would put things in perspective.”

He nodded, “It couldn’t hurt. Let us start with you, since you were the one to suggest it,” the man smirked as he looked at Jahora.

The mage clicked her teeth, “Fine. Tis a simple goal really, I planned to stop by Whitebridge.”

Helbram rubbed his chin, “From what I remember that is quite a few miles away. As in clear across the Freemarks. It would be quite the journey to make on foot…”

“Indeed, and Airships are not so common in this part of the world. Not yet at least,” Elly added.

“Tis only a suggestion. I’d imagine that we’d make a few stops along the way, bear witness to all the Freemarks has to offer,” Jahora explained with a smile.

“It is not a bad plan,” Leaf said as he walked back into the room, “Better than my suggestion to just wander about and see what we run into,” he set the pie in his hands down on the table along with an assortment of smaller plate. Elly could feel her mouth water from the faint scent of apples and cinnamon, but she pushed aside her desires at the moment and back to the conversation.  

Helbram laughed, “Well we were of like minds there.”

Elly crossed her arms and closed her eyes in contemplation, “From what I recall, there are rumors of Ruhian ruins within Whitebridge as well. Though, given that it is the largest settlement in the Freemarks I’d imagine they’d have been substantiated at this time,” her expression brightened as she remembered her master’s words, “Given my newfound freedom I might as well look into it myself.”

Helbram thought for a moment, drumming his fingers against the table before he nodded, “Then that’s our plan then. We make for Whitebridge,” he smiled, “taking the scenic route of course.”

The group all nodded in agreement, setting into the pie immediately after. Even with the pastry set in front of her, however, Elly felt another question pop into her mind.

“Glad as I am that we have a goal in mind, I am curious to what plans you all have for the future,” she took a bite of pie, feeling a delighted shiver in her spine as the sweet dessert touched her lips, “Traveling on a whim is certainly a romantic idea, but it does run the risk of being aimless.”

Leaf, who was already halfway through his pie, scratched his head, “Honestly, by the time I met you lot in Silverglen that’s exactly what I was doing. I felt a bit cooped up at home and decided it was time to branch out for a bit.”

“Really? Here I thought you were always the wandering type,” Jahora said.

“Only for the past few years, before that my parent’s and I were nestled in our little corner of the woods for some time. Hells, they’re probably there now, doing what they always do.”

“Which is?” she inquired.

“Bicker,” he said with a grin, “I’d say the animals have been chased away by their chatter at this point.”

Elly snorted, “I’m sure they love each other dearly.”

Leaf smiled, “Of course, not a doubt in my mind. It wasn’t a bad life either, but given that I’ve found a new talent I’d like to explore that, see where it takes me. But that’s enough about me, what about you, now that you’re on your own? Scholarly speaking of course.”

Elly set her fork down, “I intend to continue my master and I’s work, which is to investigate any ancient ruins that I catch a whiff of. Perhaps I’ll publish a book or two of my findings along the way.”

“Just keep the mind mazes to a minimum please,” Jahora said in a weary tone, “I still get headaches thinking about Azator’s trap.”

“I’m afraid if we accompany her there is a high chance we’ll encounter something worse,” Helbram said, “I can’t imagine any Ruhian, or Saputan, ruin does not come without its own set of obstacles to overcome.”

Jahora frowned, “Well, let’s hope we have plenty of rest in between such ventures.”

“Indeed, I dare say I could go for sometime without seeing another maze,” Helbram said as he slid his empty plate away from him, “But what about your family? The offer is still on the table to take you to them.”

Jahora grimaced, “I’m still not ready for that… I may have made somewhat of a big stink about wanting to leave and if I go back to them now with nothing noteworthy to show them then I really will seem foolish…”

“Ah, I see… I do think tales of blowing up Ruhian artifacts are rather noteworthy,” Leaf said in a coy tone.

“In an unflattering way,” she said with a frown, “Besides, I doubt they’d be impressed with any tale. They’re more the realistic sort, set in ways that make them successful, if a bit… stagnant at times. I just want to bring them something to shake them from that lethargy, reignite that passion that used to be there…”

“I see…” Helbram said, “Honestly it sounds like you might need to take a look at Esperian magitek. Tis a bit removed from traditional Artificery but it might just be the shake up that your family needs.”

“That was my idea,” Jahora explained, “But you’re not likely to find many unique examples within the Six Kingdoms, and passage to Esperia was a bit too pricey for me, so I went to the one place on this continent that held such technology, and well… here I am.”

Helbam laughed, “I’m sure you’ll find something for your family soon, and if you’ll have us we’ll help you deliver your spoils.”

Jahora beamed, “I’d like that.”

Elly smiled at the smaller woman’s joy, finding it to be infectious. But, there was still one person who did not answer her.

“What of you, Helbram? Why do you venture across the land?”

Helbram rested back in his chair and closed his eyes, “Pure wanderlust, really. I wish to see where my feet will take me, what I can see with my own eyes. Be it the hottest desert or the coldest tundra, I intend to see it all,” he opened his eyes and smiled, “Admittedly, tis a vague goal, one that I considered abandoning altogether, up until I encountered some choice people that made me decide to give it another shot.”

Leaf smirked, “Aye, well we need someone to keep the big ones off of us, don’t we?”

Helbram chuckled, “I suppose you do, though I will settle for just a spot of traveling for the time being.”

“Yes please,” Jahora said enthusiastically, “Gods give me one more month before any sort of crisis comes our way.”

“Only a month?” Elly asked, “I’ve yet to cross with bandits and our previous excursion still has me wary of any excitement.”

“Well we can’t have it all go smoothly,” Leaf said with a smirk, “Otherwise how would we make any memories?”

“Oh I don’t know, perhaps something quaint, like a cozy night around a campfire,” Jahora countered.

“I suspect that we’ll be having plenty of both. Variety is the spice of life, after all,” Helbram stood up and started to gather plates, “But that’ll be something to reminisce about at a later date. For now we need to get ready, we’ve an early morning ahead of us tomorrow.”

Elly noted that Helbram addressed her with that statement. She tilted her head, confused at its context until it finally dawned on her.

Her eyes widened, “You’re planning on leaving in the morning, before anyone else wakes up.”

The rest of the group nodded.

“Not keen on long farewells myself,” Helbram admitted, “…we’ve grown attached. Were they given a chance, it’d be fairly easy to convince us to stay a while longer, and we’ve already imposed on them enough as is.”

“That and it’d be best to travel as much as we can before Winter. That’ll slow us down tremendously,” Leaf explained.

“Course that doesn’t mean we’re never coming back,” Jahora said, “I have a feeling that this town is going to be quite busy soon, and I for one would love to see what it will become in the future.”

Elly stood up, “Well, tis certainly a good thing that I decided to join you today, but now I must pack.”

Helbram scratched his head, “Apologies for that, it was a bit of an impromptu decision to be sure.”

“Tis no problem, honestly it is better this way. I’m eager to be back on the road again.”

Helbram smiled, “Well then, we shall see you early tomorrow then.”

Elly smiled back, “That you shall.”

 

 

Helbram once again found himself seated at the back of a magitek wagon, though rather than a sea of trees around him Goldshire’s buildings stood in their stead. The air was brisk, biting through his armor and seeping into his skin. It washed away the morning drowsiness that clung to his eyes, and he felt his vision brighten to the structures around them. They stood at the town gate, now fully restored thanks to the town’s, and his party’s, efforts over the past month. With it came a few new additions to the gate itself and the town’s wall, courtesy of the town’s now resident wizard. The structures held a soft yellow glow to them as Aether flowed through their make. It was more structured than the previous reinforcement that Jahora had performed during their fight against the bandits, taking the form of a thin, rigid circuit as opposed to a web. Its presence was also much more subtle, only drawing attention to itself during the early hours of the morning or at night, but its effects were much more pronounced as well. Helbram felt it first hand when he was told to strike the wall repeatedly with an axe, only for the tool to break before a scratch could be made. Agatha was not satisfied with that abrupt end and made Helbram swing another until his hands were numb, just to be sure. He shivered, and it was not because of the cold.

“She’s late,” Leaf said. He stood towards the front of the wagon, eyes peering towards the town as he ran a hand through the fur of the Auroc at his side. Bessie let out a soft grunt under his  ministrations, and nuzzled against him affectionately. Leaf smiled and put a hand on her head, “That’s a good girl. Hope you’re ready, we’ve got quite the journey ahead of us.

“I’m sure she’ll show up,” Jahora said, “Gods know I almost slept in this morning.”

“Yes, but I would like it if she decided to do so before people started waking up, can’t exactly make a quiet exit if we’re just standing in the middle of a crowd, can we?”

Helbram took his eyes away from the wall and looked back towards the town square, noting that there was now movement he could see through the morning fog, “Looks like she’s here now… along with some others.”

From the fog emerged Elly along with Agatha, Garuf, Gorond and Borda. A large bag hung from Elly’s shoulders, filled to the brim enough that the scholar was hunched over as she made her way forward.

“Apologies…” Elly said in a strained voice, “My master gave me the pick of a few books and it took some time to come to a decision.”

“A few?” Agatha scoffed, “you’ve looked like you packed an entire library, girl.”

“Tis why you should have set a limit,” her former apprentice said with a smile. She looked to Helbram, “Do you mind giving me a hand? This is far heavier than it looks.”

Helbram hopped out of the wagon and took the bag from Elly. The moment it left her shoulders his arm dropped from the weight of the pack and he felt a strain in his arms as he hefted it back up. It was a large, bulky monstrosity up close, and he half expected it to burst at the seams.

“No… I’d say it’s about right,” Helbram said in a weary voice. He pulled the pack up and looped a strap around his shoulder before looking around at the others that had come with the scholar, “I see you told some of our departure.”

Elly scratched her head, “Well I couldn’t well enough hide it from my Master, especially with such sudden notice.”

“And I told them,” Agatha said as she motioned to the others, “I see the reasoning behind your intentions but it won’t do to leave without saying some sort of goodbye.”

“Here here,” Garuf walked up to Helbram and clasped a hand over the taller man’s shoulder, “I’d be in a sour mood if you just up and disappeared on me after all you’ve done.”

“Agreed,” Gorond said, “I do understand your reasoning, but allow us this small farewell as a compromise.”

Helbram smiled at them, “Fair enough.”

“I suppose it’s up to me to be the one to ask them to stay a while longer,” Borda said in a coy tone, “you’re welcome in our home anytime, after all you’ve done for us.”

“I thank you for you hospitality, truly,” Helbram said, “but we’ve imposed on you long enough, I’m sure the others would agree.”

“Indeed,” Jahora walked up to the small group that had formed around Helbram, “If I spent anymore time reveling in your cooking I’m afraid they’d have to roll me out of town.”

Borda laughed and knelt down to give the smaller woman a hug, “It was a joy to have you all with us, do stop by if you find yourself in the area.”

“That we shall,” Leaf approached Gorond, “though we’ll need to be doing a bit of paying back ourselves next time. I still can’t believe you gave us the wagon.”

“Was never ours to begin with,” the mayor’s voice was matter-of-fact, “Besides, the Auroc listened to you best, it’d be a disservice to keep her cooped up with us.”

Leaf snorted, “I suppose so, but I thank you nonetheless.”

Garuf held out his hand to Helbram, “You stay safe out there lad,” he smirked, “I don’t need to be hearing tales of how the Hedge Knight met his end anytime soon.”

Helbram sighed, “Gods that’s going to be sticking around, isn’t it?” He shook the older man’s hand, “But thank you for the concern. Though I should be more concerned for any fresh recruits sent your way, don’t be too hard on them.”

“I make no promises.”

Borda gave both Helbram and Leaf a hug as they exchanged the rest of their farewells, and Helbram made sure to shake Gorond’s hand as well. It was all smiles, but Helbram could not help the bittersweet feeling building in his chest through it all.

Before it grew too pronounced, he started to make his way back to the wagon, “We should be off, I don’t want to make you all stand out in the cold for too long.”

They all knew it was a flimsy excuse, but the couple and Garuf nodded as Helbram put Elly’s book laden pack in the wagon. As he turned around to take another look at the town, he was greeted by the sight of Agatha standing before him. He had not noticed her approach, but given her other feats he supposed it was to be expected.

“Elly tells me you are making your way to Whitebridge,” the elderly woman said.

Helbam adjusted the back to make sure that it was secure, “Yes, tis our current objective, though we’ll most likely make quite a few stops along the way.”

“I see… well it should be an eventful journey if that’s the case. She’s a curious sort, I do hope you’ll be able to handle her.” There was a weight to elderly mage’s voice, settling over Helbram like a heavy blanket as the message behind her statement made itself known.

“I cannot guarantee her safety, I’ve not the strength to make such promises,” Helbram said, “But I will keep an eye on her, that I can promise.”

Agatha beamed at him, “That is all I ask, though from what she described of you she may have to keep an eye on you in return. You don’t strike me as the type to not know his limits, but you certainly strain them.”

Helbram winced, “Only when I need to, I’ve no plans to make fighting stone giants, or Quetali, a habit.”

“I’d be careful of such statements,” Agatha warned, “those that speak of such things tend to do the opposite of what they wish.”

Helbram clicked his teeth, “Now I’m tempted to say the opposite, but fate might decide to toy with me and give me what I want for once.”

The elderly woman snorted, “Perhaps it may. Fare you well Helbram, I wish you fair skies on your travels,” she reached up and patted him on the shoulder.

Helbram returned the gesture, “I thank you. May your studies prove to be fruitful,” he looked back towards Elly’s pack, “If you have any books left to read that is.”

Agatha giggled, “I’m sure I’ll manage.”

She turned away from him and walked back, but not before giving her student a hug. Elly returned the gesture, her grip visibly tight around the old mage’s clothes. They didn’t say anything else to each other after, and only nodded to each other as they parted ways. Elly wiped her eyes as she approached Helbram, and was all smiles when she looked up at him.

“Let us be on our way,” she said. Her tone was weak, but determined.

Helbram nodded at her and let her get into the back of the wagon. Jahora joined her soon after, and Helbram took a seat at the front of the wagon with Leaf, who took the reins.

“I didn’t know you knew how to drive a wagon,” Helbram said.

“I’ve learned a few basics, but Gods help me if I let you take the reins again,” Leaf said with a smile. He readied himself as Goldshire’s gate opened, revealing the forest beyond. The sun was now peaking over the trees, casting its light on the path ahead, “Onwards then?”

Helbram smiled, “Onwards”

Hedge Knight Arc Two: Archive of the Smiling Architect

End.

Author's Note: And so ends Helbram's adventures in Goldshire. Time wise he wasn't in there long, but for me it's almost bittersweet since I've spent 4 months writing in this setting, which is crazy to think about. Thank you all for sticking with me for this long, it means the world to me and I hope you continue to enjoy this world as it expands and grows. Till next week everyone! Have yourselves a wonderful day :)