64th of Glade, 120th Year of the Age of Steel
Talon vaguely remembered the name of the town that he was in. Truthfully, it didn’t matter to him. He would not be staying for much longer than was absolutely necessary. He’d only come to the town because it was not far from his final destination. His grey gaze stared out across the horizon toward the region of the empire known as the Imperial Badlands. That was where he wanted to go. It was where the creatures he was seeking ultimately resided. He knew little about them, truth be told, most didn’t know about them at all. All Talon knew was that its hide would be perfect for the project that he had in mind. It would just take time to both find it, skill to subdue it and a whole lot of luck to not get killed in the process. The winds caught his scarf and he felt the light touch of the breeze upon his body through the padding of his leather armor.
He felt far too light for the journey ahead but it was merely a shift in what he was used to. Many of Kalzasi’s warriors fought in heavy armor. The plating and shields were necessary to withstand the vicious attacks that constantly swarmed up from the Warrens. But those warriors did not have to travel great distances and also didn’t have a hot environment to take into account. So Talon had opted to eschew his more customary heavy armor in favor leathers. They were relatively new and thus a bit stiff but he would certainly get the chance to break them in.
“You’re certain you want to do this?” Aoren stood beside him with an impassive expression on his face. Talon shook his head. He wasn’t at all certain whether this was a good idea but it was something and he refused to give up for fear of what he didn’t know. The only way to learn was to experience the unknown.
“I have no idea. That is why I hired another set of hands.” Talon glanced up to the position of the sun. It was just a little past midday. He hoped that the mercenary that he’d hired would show up soon. He was itching to get moving and to begin making his way into the Badlands in order to properly explore them in search of what he wanted.
“Let’s hope they’re worth the farthings. I don’t want to have paid good money just for them to end up being shit out by some monstrosity a week from now.” Talon chuckled at Aoren’s blunt remark. He wasn’t surprised by his companion’s demeanor. The dark winged Avialae held the belief that everyone was useless until proven otherwise.
“If things get to be too hazardous then we will retreat and plan another expedition.” He reassured his companion who merely grunted in response. It made Talon smirk. He merely shook his head. Talon knew that Aoren was merely being prickly because he was worried. The two of them had experienced quite a journey between Kalzasi and Daravin. The journey was far from over, Talon didn’t expect to return to his homeland for several years at the very least. He had much to learn and he intended to learn everything he could. As they waited, Talon went through a mental list of their supplies. Between the two of them, he and Aoren could manage to survive in the wilderness for a time if push came to shove. Talon hoped it didn’t come to that. Their biggest concern was going to be food and water. They’d brought rations and medical supplies just in case, not to mention survival gear. There would be no telling until they faced whatever awaited them however.
“They’ve said that there are powerful raider gangs in the badlands. Strong enough to resist Imperial rule.” Another concern. Talon nodded. He had only heard of these bandits in passing. From what he’d come to gather they were far more of a threat than just a passing bandit gang. Talon was hoping to avoid confronting any of them but if it came down to conflict, the badlands were not a place to play hero.
“We will avoid them if we can.” Whatever Aoren was about to say in reply, he withheld as he looked just past Talon with narrowed eyes. Talon followed his gaze to see a man making his way toward them. By his determined stride and attire, the Novalys heir could only assume this was the mercenary that they’d contracted to meet them for this, hopefully, short expedition. Talon immediately stirred his aether into motion, drawing it to his eyes and focusing so that the man’s aura came into view. He concentrated on searching for feelings of concealment or the oily sensation of ill intent. As the man neared, Talon addressed him.
“Constantine?”
Enjoy your rewards!