Tales From Trebaria - A Chance Encounter

Another Day in Paradise

Summer is always the worst. It's too hot in Rol. Fucking heat.

The creaking of the wagon droned on. I shifted slightly. Another rough month. Only one caravan. All month. My stomach growled. I hadn't eaten in three days. I sighed.

"The bridge is up ahead! We made it!" The caravan driver exclaimed. Once more I sighed. It was a very uneventful journey. Which, normally, most people would be happy over, but as a mercenary who centers on escorting... I charge extra for any problems that come across.

"Cheer up! Once we're inside the walls we'll be fine!" The caravan driver laughed again, "And you'll get your pay!"

I tried a meek smile. It would still be a few hours before reaching Rolheim, the capital of Rol. We trudged slowly up across the bridge, me and one other mercenary as well as the three wagons. Not really much of a caravan. The merchant employed two other guards, ones from their own stable of men. The rumors of bandits roaming in the area had them hire two additional, despite the fact that bandits aren't often seen in any of the areas surrounding the capital nor the small village in which this came from.

My heavy feet ached. I was tired of this journey. Twenty four and already feeling like an old man. What a pain. I sighed once again. Suddenly, i felt a gust of wind, and i looked up. On the bridge, someone stood. A long dark cloak with a hood, looking out into the river and towards the sea. The cloak itself was dirty, but I could tell around the cuffs and hood that it was ornate, some kind of pattern.

My hand automatically drifted to the hilt of my sword, looking for trouble, but with one glance around I noticed there wasn't any danger. There wasn't any places bandit's could hide. Plus the shape of the body from the cloak was definitely woman. And small. I sighed yet again and walked passed.

As we reached the end of the bridge, I looked back. She was gone. Strange. I could have swore...

"Not too much longer now! The capital awaits us! As well as fortunes!" The caravan driver laughed loudly. Another two hours passed and the city gates loomed in front of us.

Rolheim.  Pride and joy of the country. The impregnable city. An island in the middle of a river with one of Trebaria's largest cities. Home.

We slipped into the gate and I finally spoke for the first time in two days, "Excuse me, Leibhart, may I just get my payment now, I have... to see my wife." I laughed awkwardly rubbing the back of my neck.

"Oh no worries my boy!" The caravan driver laughed and fished out his coin purse, "I know how it is when it comes to wives! Here! Go buy her something nice." I took the money, thanked him, and went walking into the streets.

The heat was finally cooling down, and as I strode through the street my longsword slapped against my thigh. My buckler bounced off my back slightly. It was definitely home. The paved roads, so maticulously kept, even in the slums the streets were well mantained. The area inside the gate was always busy. If you traveled just thirty minutes down the mainstreet you'd reach the market, a sprawling complex, filled with laughter, rage, and sadness.

I took a left about twenty minutes off the main road. I followed the familiar backroads like only a true native of this city could. Weaving through the city was second nature. I waved to familar faces, but I didn't stop to chat. Not really anyone to chat with anymore.

Finally I reached my destination. It was area devoid of any buildings. There were a few oak trees, one of the few on the entire small island, hanging low. The stone fence around this area was in ill repair, and the gate was hanging off it's hinges. I passed the gate and stepped into the graveyard.

It only took me a moment to traverse my way to her grave. I stood over it, as the sun was slowly setting. Helena Reinhart. I knelt down and placed my hand gently on the grave, "Hello my love, I've returned..." The familar pain filled into my chest, " It went off without a hitch, no bandits... I bet your happy." I laughed softly, " Not too much pay this time... Just twenty Rolian silvers. I'm not sure... I'm not sure how I'll make it last but... I will. Until I can get another job..." The pain started to get worst so I quit speaking.