North Chedii

On the tenth day after departing Sukech, Esmeliyah reached the outskirts of North Chedii's capital city, Cheq.

Over the past ten days she and Bull had built a very understanding relationship.

They had moved from country side to city to jungle spending their nights sleeping in any good enough shelter they could find and their days running at top speed, trotting or just dragging themselves through miles.

Fortunately travelling by the riverside meant there was always water to drink and something for Bull to graze on so ultimately it wasn't a horrible journey. It wasn't even Esmeliyahs worst.

At the moment she was waiting for an arms dealer that frequented the city of Cheq. This arms dealer was her entry ticket into the city. She would enter as a mail order bride that was being escorted by the arms merchant people. It was a little off but everyone knew that for the right price merchants never stuck to only one product. Besides she needed the dealers load of arms to hide her own specislised daggers, swords and bow and arrow.

The sun was behind the hills when she finally heard the whistling of a familiar tune. She whistled a reply and stepped out of hiding behind a huge rock Bull by her side.

'My lady', a tall brown skinned man in silk robes addressed her, 'you are late by a full day'.

'Forgive the inconvenience Sir Antin, some squabbles were inevitable', she showed of a spot of blood on her boot that had dried off. Because the sun was descending it took a minute for the merchants attendance to see the stain. However, when he smiled with increased leniency towards her.

'My dress?', Esme questioned.

The tall man gave her a sack that had been tied around his waist.

'There are also a few things to fix your hair with. I'll wait for you over there'. He said pointing towards a big tree.

Esme hid herself behind the rock barely convincing Bull not to follow her.

She changed her cloths and did her best not to appear too haggard.

As soon as she estimated that she was decent enough, she stepped out and found the attendant.

'Sit on the horse my lady and let me lead you towards the goods cart'.

So Esme sat on Bull and allowed the man to lead them to a company of men riding with a cart full with goods.

The other men acknowledged Esme's presence without much talk and watched as she emptied her weapons into their cart disguising it as one of the goods.

The merchants procession continued towards the gates of Cheq.

By the time they reached the gates the sun had already fallen completely and the guards were antsy about letting strangers into the city.

Half a dozen guards surrounded the cart poking and probing about while a man that seemed like the captain walked up to talk to the attendant that received Esme.

'Jiv', the captain greeted.

'Jiv', the attendant returned 'I'm Nez, I believe we have met before'.

The Guard in charge squinted his eyes and then said 'the iron trade merchants'.

'Indeed sir, we have goods to deliver for Lord Nican and we bring a few things to sell in your markets as usual'.

The guard hummed. As he spoke to the attendants his men looked through the goods.

'I was informed of your coming Nez but you were given a deadline to enter the city and you are a whole day late'.

'Forgive me captain', Nez said with some charm. 'It was the lady', he finished pointing to Esme seated atop Bull.

For the first time the guard looked up towards Esme, though she looked a bit haggard from travel he smiled at the sight of her.

'Jiv', he greeted. Esme just bowed slightly portraying the image of a shy maiden.

'Lord Nican had special orders this time and we had to stop more often than usual to accommodate the girls inconveniences. She is frail and not used to much travel' .

'I see', the captain said his eyes still on Esme.

'What is your name?', he asked.

Nez interrupted, 'She will be called whatever Lord Nican says she is to be called'.

One of the guards who had been probing through the goods lifted Esme's sword and unseathed it with a loud whistle.

'This blade is quite magnificent', he commented.

'Where do you merchants acquire such goods?'

The other guards stopped looking through the goods and gathered round to pear closely at Esme's sword.

Esme shifted on Bull barely stiffling her annoyance.

'From far and wide', Nez replied seizing the sword at the hilt and slowly pulling it out of the guards hand. 'This magnificent sword has been paid for and has an owner. I would love to deliver it in top condition. I have several other blades that i would display at the market should you choose to purchase some'.

The guards murmured at the attendants arrogance but stepped back. The blade looked like it cost a fortune which meant somebody of importance must have purchased it. If they tampered with the attendants goods and fell out of favour with a person of much importance it would be hell.

After making sure his goods were okay, Nez looked to the captain.

'Well are you satisfied?' shall my men and I proceed.

The captain made a gesture that said they should be allowed in. The guards made way for the horses and carts to pass.

Nez bowed, 'Jiv', he said as he took Bull's reigns and led his whole flock through the gates.

As the procession of carts and goods rolled by the captain kept his sights on Esme until they were out of sight.