Blood on the Bridge

[00:00:01] By Jake Care Episode 55, Blood on the Bridge It was paved with large flat stones and was wide enough for two wagons to pass each other without having to enter the dirt. He couldn't imagine the labour it took to create it as it extended from nest presumably

[00:00:58] all the way to Godland. The planes went from scrubby grass to the greener grass that was typical near the river, and to his right and left, Raylon could see small forests or copses of trees, Raylon continued

[00:01:12] to squint into the distance to find evidence of carged and his guards, but there was no dust from the stone road. And as flat as the terrain was, he could see nothing. After a few hours what looked like a stone outcropping in the distance slowly turned into

[00:01:30] a building, and the building finally revealed itself as a huge castle. It stood in the midst of the planes with a small forest of trees to the north. The road led straight to it, Raylon despair that he'd be able to catch carged before

[00:01:47] he faced the dangerous outlanders, patting his horse on its neck, Raylon suathed the poor beast. Just a little longer? He was perhaps 30 minutes away when movement caught his eye. It was far so he couldn't see details but it had to be carged. I've caught him, Raylon thought.

[00:02:09] The movement was between Raylon and the castle but Raylon was catching up fast. Remembering the words of the Rangers, Raylon kept glancing all around looking for a force that might ambush carged or Raylon himself.

[00:02:22] The planes looked clear, his one concern was the forested area which provided enough cover that guards or knights could easily have been hiding there, waiting for carged to get closer. Raylon was minutes from intercepting carged when the deputy guildmaster reached a bridge

[00:02:39] that crossed a wide barrier of water around the castle. Raylon watched, as carged, waited at the end of the bridge as he sent his men forward. They did not unsheath their weapons but moved forward slowly.

[00:02:53] Raylon had hoped that the fact that they had not taken an offensive position would save them but to his horror he watched as every single guard slumped back in his saddle and then slid off his horse to the bridge.

[00:03:07] Carged did not move and just as it looked like he was going to turn and flee his horse collapsed underneath him. Arrows, Raylon thought, who needs an ambush when you have bow men manning the castle ramparts?

[00:03:21] Raylon spurred his horse forward but could only watch as heavily armored knights marched out of the castle. A few stopped and dragged the bodies of carches escort toward the castle while another group grabbed the horses.

[00:03:34] Two guards unsheathed their swords and walked toward carged and his horse which lay on the ground dead. It was at that point that Raylon was close enough that he thought he might be able to save carged.

[00:03:46] All he had to do was grab carged, help him onto his own horse and the two of them could flee. Of course, the bow men could easily cut him and carged down but two things made him think that he could succeed.

[00:03:59] He was wearing black and the outlanders clearly wanted carged alive. Carged was scramming to his feet and backing up when Raylon reached him. The guards looked up at Raylon and in his one glance at their faces Raylon could see utter shock as if they had seen a ghost.

[00:04:19] Carged take my hand! The shock on the outlander guards faces was repeated on carches face but he was not a fool and grabbed Raylon's hand. He pulled himself onto Raylon's horse just as the guards realized what was happening.

[00:04:33] They rushed forward and barely missed getting a hold of Raylon as he spurred his horse back down the road. Into Raylon's ear, Carged said his voice firm and seemingly unfazed from his brush with death. I have no idea why you are here, Raylon.

[00:04:48] But I appreciate you sacrificing yourself so that I could get away. Raylon could act, Carged grabbed him by his cloak and yanked him to the left. Raylon reached for something to hold onto but it was too late he fell sideways off the galloping horse.

[00:05:05] He landed hard on the stone road with the rolling of his momentum slamming his head against the stone again and again. Raylon stopped rolling with his body facing away from the outlander castle.

[00:05:18] In the distance the blue cloak of carch flooded behind him as he galloped away to safety. Rolling to his knees, Raylon felt a headache storming in while the rest of his body ached. Thankfully, he didn't seem to be badly injured.

[00:05:33] He looked back toward the castle to have his view blocked by two women, the women grabbed him and spun him around. I'm the guild master thief. Raylon said hoping it would save him. We know who you are.

[00:05:46] One of the guards said as she tied Raylon's hands behind his back, with a shove they marched Raylon toward the castle. Well, I'm following in Pietro's footsteps in entering Gautland, he thought. With a grim smile Raylon couldn't help but add, although I don't think he ever entered

[00:06:06] as a prisoner, the guards kept Raylon under close supervision as they escorted him deeper into Gautland. They refused to say a single word as he asked questions so Raylon focused on examining his new surroundings there was something different and disturbing about it, as he passed

[00:06:24] buildings and the various people who glance at him, he couldn't quite put a finger on it. It turned out that Gautland wasn't a castle at all, it was a city, a city that looked like a smaller version of Ness.

[00:06:37] There was no river and everything seemed a bit older and less vibrant than even in the flats, but the walls surrounded the whole city and within its embrace were buildings that would have been familiar to anyone in Ness. Tavans, clothing shops and cobblestone roads.

[00:06:54] It suddenly hit Raylon that Gautland looked a lot like the old quarter, even the people would have looked at home in Ness, families, men, women, children, they all walked around with the same kind of rhythm that you would find in the lower triangle.

[00:07:09] A young man around Raylon's age ran up to the guards escorting him, the crown would like to see the guildmaster immediately. I expected as much. The guard to Raylon's right said, telling we will be there shortly. The messenger nodded and ran off.

[00:07:26] Five minutes later they approached a large stone building that was three stories high. Unlike Ness, Gautland had no towers and the building was bigger and taller than everything other than the wall that surrounded the city, which was even higher than Ness' wall.

[00:07:43] Broadstone steps led up to double doors that were open. The architecture was utilitarian and plain, the guards walked him up, receiving nothing but nods as they passed centuries and guards. They were stopped on the second floor by a mid-laged man in what would be considered formal

[00:08:01] weariness tightly woven pants and shirt. He had pale skin and straight blonde hair that would have been considered unfashionably long in Ness. Unbind his hands! The man said, he spoke with the authority of someone who was used to having his commands followed.

[00:08:20] The guards quickly untied his hands, Raylon stretched his arms and rubbed his wrists. He had a slight headache from his fall off the horse and he was sore all over but he didn't feel bad considering the circumstances. The man in the formal clothing held out his hand.

[00:08:37] It has been over a year since we've been blessed with the presence of the Guildmaster thief. Raylon took his hand and shook it. My name is Raylon. Bowing his head, Raylon added, and you are, well met Guildmaster, I apologise for not introducing myself.

[00:08:54] I am Joseph, Lord Will Helm II, turning to the guards, Joseph Bacht. What are you two still doing here? You are dismissed! The two turned and left, as Joseph returned his attention to Raylon. Come the crown wishes to meet with you.

[00:09:11] Joseph placed his hand on Raylon's shoulder and led him up the steps, as they walked, Joseph chatted nonstop. So, all Pietro's died? Yes, about a week ago. Only a week ago, and you visit us so soon we are honoured!

[00:09:28] Before Raylon could say more, Joseph asked about the other guilds, taking care not to touch upon politics but to ask only for basic news. He appeared to know all the guildmasters of Nest by name and had a grounding on how the city was run.

[00:09:42] The more he talked, the more shocked Raylon was. How could the Outlanders know so much about what was happening in Nest? Did they have a spy? And why didn't the guildmasters in Nest know more about the Outlanders?

[00:09:55] Joseph moved on to describe the building they were in, which he called the The Seat. And it's important as the seat of the crown that ruled the plains. Presumably the Outlanders ruled all of the lands from Nest to the sea far to the west,

[00:10:11] clearly assuming Raylon knew all the details of the geography, use if would correct himself and say things like, Of course we don't technically rule over the desert, but that land has never been claimed and our stake has never been questioned.

[00:10:27] Alan just nodded and took note of one more detail that he didn't understand. There was a desert and a sea. There was a large tapestry along a long hallway and Raylon stopped to look at it. That looks like Nest. He took a few steps closer.

[00:10:42] Yes, that is the great river and that is the thieves tower but there is no wall and there are no buildings north of the river. Noting, Joseph replied, Yes, that is Nest before the wall was built in the city shut down trade. We were close friends then.

[00:11:00] Raylon was going to ask about what Joseph meant but the second added, But you can enjoy our art later. We are expected by the crown. Raylon nodded and followed Joseph as he continued down the hall.

[00:11:14] The hall opened not to a huge throne room or a guild master type office, but rather to a small, receiving room with a throne on a day as and chairs facing it. It looked like the place where the leaders of the city would meet and discuss issues

[00:11:28] before the crown sitting on the throne was an old man. He wasn't as ancient as Pietro but his white hair and wrinkles made it clear he had quite a few years behind him.

[00:11:39] Like Joseph he had pale skin with piercing blue eyes and a thin mouth which was open in an attempt at a smile. He didn't appear cruel so much as humillous. Lord, will help I present you the new guild master thief.

[00:11:55] Joseph back to the side as will helm remain seated. Raylon stood still. So young man, Pietro has finally left this world. His smile disappeared. It is a sad day. Will helm didn't look sad. Yes, I was named the guild master thief a few days ago. Raylon felt nervous.

[00:12:17] He was not prepared to meet with the leader of the Outlanders. What if he said something wrong? How much should he reveal? It appeared that the Outlanders knew a great deal but what if that was only true on the surface? He decided to answer as succinctly as possible.

[00:12:33] Days. Will helm shook his head. Near days and you come visit us here at Goatland I am honored. Will and had always been taught to fear and hate the Outlanders but facing Will helm presented him with a different kind of fear.

[00:12:48] The fear of being the victim of cunning that was honed over decades of conflict in the face of so much that he didn't know Raylon stuck to the truth. I'm afraid I did not come here for a visit Lord Will helm.

[00:13:01] I was in pursuit of one of our citizens. Raylon considered explaining more but decided to provide the bare minimum of information. Other depth to Guildmaster of the merchants I believe he got my message. Will helm laughed. You didn't kill him. Of course not, I am not foolish.

[00:13:20] Will helm leaned forward and for the first time Raylon got the sense that Will helm was going to speak from the heart. Let me give you some advice. The unknown is much more powerful than violence. Will helm set up straight again. Pietro was masterful at that.

[00:13:37] What can you tell me of my predecessor? I confess that I do not know his business with your impressive city. Laughing Will helm replied, calling our modest outpost impressive. You speak like him. Do you know that? Will helm scratched his chin. So our business?

[00:13:54] Well here is the sum total of our business. He would occasionally visit and tell me that for reasons he cared not to explain, he would like our raids to cease for a time. Then you complied with his request? I did. Do you mind telling me why?

[00:14:11] Brailin was unsure of how far to push Will helm, part of him was certain that Will helm was toying with Raylon by treating him as an equal, although he didn't see him as such and part of him felt that Will helm was gauging Raylon as Pietro's replacement.

[00:14:27] As a result, Raylon was unsure how to handle his own curiosity and Will helm's current pleasant demeanor. Will helm stared at Raylon with such intensity that Raylon looked down at his feet. You are young. Raylon looked up and nodded.

[00:14:44] Then let me give you some help as you navigate your innocence. It will lead to the answer of your question. So ask me this question. Lord Will helm, why do you raid my fair city of Ness? Go ahead. Ask me.

[00:14:58] Lord Will helm, why do you raid my fair city of Ness? Even felt embarrassed being led like a child, but he didn't want to upset Will helm. Because to the west is desert and to the north, eastern south, the plains are barren.

[00:15:12] The field near the river of fertile yet as unreliable as the rains. In short, Guildmaster we raid Ness because if we did not, we would starve. Raylon was stunned. He knew with absolute certainty that Will helm was not twisting the truth.

[00:15:28] The rangers had said something about the Outlanders raiding their stores and wanting Ness' fields but Raylon didn't realise that it was as fundamental as a matter of life or death. Almost in a whisper, Raylon replied, But why don't you trade with Ness?

[00:15:43] We have large fields and a surplus, the silo district is huge and never empty. And now we have come full circle. Ness has not traded with her neighbours in centuries. You ask me why I help Pietro.

[00:15:55] It is because he said he would open the trade routes again and I believed him. So when he asked for my help I granted it. Will helm stood up and walked down the steps of his day as, He stopped directly in front of Raylon.

[00:16:08] What is your name again, young Guildmaster? Raylon! Raylon did his best to speak with authority. Guildmaster Raylon. It appears Pietro did not pass along his plans for opening trade with Goodland. Will helm leaned forward, his nose nearly touching Raylon's. Do you think he lied to me? Never.

[00:16:26] Raylon could not read Will helm's face. He didn't know if Will helm actually believed Pietro had lied, But the question was undoubtedly a challenge. Standing tall, Raylon continued. In fact I will promise you on the seal of my guild

[00:16:41] that I will continue Pietro's efforts to open trade with our neighbours. Will helm stepped back. I'm not sure you quite understand the scope of your promise, but I believe your sincerity in making it. Will helm turned and spoke as he climbed his day as.

[00:16:56] Return when you learn more of your challenge. I trusted Pietro, And I believe he has set the pieces in place Even if you don't know what those pieces are. Will helm sat down on his throne But you have not earned my trust.

[00:17:10] So when you return next I would like to hear details of your plans. That is a fair request. Raylon replied, You are young but there is a wisdom about you. I will provide you with a horse and supplies. Keep the seed as a symbol of my good will.

[00:17:25] Fill helm wave to hand. You may go. Raylon stood still, which caused Will helm to raise an eyebrow. I have a request. You do? I offer you a horse and my good will and you have a request? This I must hear. Will helm didn't sound offended,

[00:17:42] But he definitely didn't sound happy either. I request that you cease raiding nests for as long as you can. Will helm's brows far-owed and he clenched a fist. Before he could say anything, however, Raylon held up his palm and continued.

[00:17:59] I ask because it will provide me with the same kind of authority that Pietro had. The rangers had a high degree of trust in him due to the piece his visits inevitably brought.

[00:18:08] I can only imagine that there are other benefits within nests among the knights and perhaps the harvest guild. Raylon bowed his head. It is butter request. Notting his head will helm replied. You are a worthy heir to Pietro Young Raylon. I will grant your request.

[00:18:26] Tell all of nests that you brought peace. And when you do, you will bring me trade. Not wanting to push it any further, Raylon bowed and left. Joseph escorted him to the front gate, and it was on the way there when it suddenly hit Raylon

[00:18:42] why he found Gautland so odd. There were only pale faces with light brown or blonde hair. Dark skin, light skin, red hair, blonde hair. Nests was a broad mix of every possible look you could imagine.

[00:18:56] He took the variety for granted so it surprised him as he looked from face to face and saw nothing but a single look. How strange Raylon thought? It is as if they took a subset of nests and created a city for them here on the planes.

[00:19:10] His horse was waiting for him and it was magnificent. Nearly 18 hands high and a dappled brown and white. It held its head and tail high as if it knew it was better than most horses. Raylon mounted and saluted Joseph. Until I return, travel safe Gilmaster?

[00:19:29] With a kick the horse took off at a gallop through the gates and across the bridge. Raylon could still see pools of blood on the wooden planks.