Vexarith watched the newest Mage with excitement. They found this one intriguing. The young human was under-leveled for the mountains and headed toward the biggest war this world had seen in generations. What an ambitious one this was! They looked forward to insinuating themselves into the boy’s life, his mind. In dreams, everything was possible. They would have to be careful, of course. Their target traveled with some powerful companions, so they would have to do this delicately. Yes. Like caressing a flower, they would touch the mind of this human and entice him to choose power. It would be their greatest and most exciting challenge yet.

  With a subtle touch, Vexarith reached out to the Mage. “Just a little taste,” they whispered to themselves. “What is it you want, what you desire?” They got a flash of a younger version of the Mage. No, a younger sibling. A mother always working. A beautiful girl, face lit by firelight. PULL BACK! There was something dangerous to the demon, shielding the boy’s mind — and the Mage was suddenly aware of them!

  “What is this?” Vexarith hissed and stepped back farther into the shadows, disturbed by the Mage’s gaze in their direction. “No, you can’t see us. You will not see Vexarith yet. Not until you’re prepared.” When the young Mage looked away, they felt relieved. They knew his name now. Finn Walsh. What a strange name! They would need to think and meditate on Finn’s ability to sense them. Maybe they would need another strategy. They might use different tactics. Perhaps, perhaps, they could ingratiate themselves with the party somehow.

  The demon pondered various ways of doing so and discarded several possibilities. It would not do to become the Mage’s lover. But maybe a friend? They thought about the boy’s companions. An old man who seemed vaguely familiar. He wouldn’t do. The cambion, a Rogue by the look of her, might be their ‘in,’ so to speak. Not one of their kin, and there weren’t many cambions around. However, the old man might be a problem.

  They would need to think about this. Vexarith felt a buzz from inside their coat. After pulling out a small, leather-bound book, they examined the message that appeared in its pages. The demon sighed. There was a job that needed doing. But it would have to wait.

  The sun was well past its zenith by the time we made it to the first messenger station. It was a simple thing, with a couple of small shacks, a well-established camp and cooking fire, as well as a couple of elves. Or who I thought were elves. I needed to learn more about the people of this world. They waved to us as we got closer to their position, apparently recognizing Harper. We dismounted and approached on foot.

  “Well, isn’t it our favorite scout! Still picking up strays?” said one.

  “Please tell me you have something to drink. All we have is water!” said the other.

  Harper laughed at the two men and rushed to embrace them. “Juan, Finn. I want you to meet the Ornac brothers, Jeffil and Dailen. Boys, this is my old mentor Juan, and a stray we picked up, Finn. He’s new to this world.”

  At Juan’s name, both men’s eyes widened and they straightened stiffly a second before stepping forward and saluting him with their fists on their chests. “General Venegas, sir! Please forgive our lapse in discipline, Sir,” Jeffil said.

  Juan raised a hand to his chest. “No need, I am at large right now. Please don’t worry about protocol,” he replied.

  The two brothers relaxed a little, and Dailen looked at Juan. “Yes, General, thank you. Can we see to your horses? Do you need any refreshments or supplies?”

  The old man dismounted and smiled. “The horses could use some water and a brief rest. I also need to send a message to the Council in the Shadow Lands. Will that be possible?”

  “Of course, General, whatever you need. Dailen will take care of your mounts, and I’ll grab the writing desk to take down your message.” Both elvish brothers rushed to do their duties, while Harper gave Juan a look.

  “Did you have to get all ‘generally’ on them? I had hoped to relax for a couple of hours, catch up on the local news.”

  “Get all what?” Juan chuckled. “That’s one way of putting it. But we don’t have much time for you to catch up. It’ll take most of the day to get to the top of the pass, and we want a strike force ready to go when we get there. But that’s only if I can get the Council to just do as I ask without debate. It’ll take longer if you catch up on the latest gossip.”

  If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  Harper nodded, and fortunately we didn’t have to wait long for Jeffil to come back with a small desk with paper and ink. Juan dictated his message to Jeffil, who quickly took it down. Juan signed it, and the messenger sealed it. Dailen returned with the horses, and the two quickly discussed who would run the message to the next station. Then they rock, paper, scissored for who would stay and who would go. I watched, fascinated, as they battled for the chance to take Juan’s message, fists smacking into palms. It took twelve rounds before they stopped tying. The seriousness that the two men gave this game made me worried it would come to blows.

  We all watched as the brothers found themselves tied with two wins each, sixteen rounds into the game.. “You know, if you face away from each other, it might make it more interesting,” I said. The two looked at me in horror at the suggestion.

  “But that’s against the rules! This is a sacred game, and nothing that could be construed as cheating is allowed!” exclaimed Dailen.

  Jeffil nodded. “Men and women have died because they cheated. Some have died because others have cheated.”

  I put my hands up. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know! Please forget I said anything,” I said contritely.

  They looked back at each other, intent on each other’s eyes. The interruption forgotten, they began what could be their last chance at the prize. One. Two. Three. Dailen won with rock, ending the tense exchange. Jeffil sighed as his brother whooped. Dailen grabbed the bag with the message, hung it across his chest, and took off running up the pass.

  Jeffil brightened as Harper handed him two bottles of wine and one of brandy in consolation. After saying our goodbyes, we headed on. I looked back at the messenger station. “Why are they going on foot instead of horseback? Won’t we catch up with Dailen and pass him?”

  Juan shook his head. “Not likely, boy. Elves are quick on their feet. He’ll pass us on his way back before we’re halfway to the next messenger station.”

  Sure enough, Dailen ran past us back down the mountain with a wave not half an hour later. We passed two more messenger stations before we made it to the top of the pass. It was much colder up there than I expected, and the air was noticeably thinner. Though the peaks and the snow line were still far off, I felt like I was at the top of a mountain.

  By the time the sun was dipping below the crest of the pass, we spotted a rider ahead of us, taking their time as they rode at a slow walk. Beyond them was the final messenger station for the day, a far-larger place with multiple buildings. I hoped there would be beds and hot food.

  We were greeted by the commander of the messenger station, who seemed rather uptight. Her uniform was crisp and much closer to the uniform of the US Armed Forces than any I’d seen before. I assumed that the influence from the other Earthborn, their inclusion in the Alliance Army, and the input of the Council had led to such a design. There were even patches on the arm that signified rank, and I assumed unit number.

  “Welcome, General Venegas. We have accommodations set aside for you and your companions.” She said with a smart salute to the chest.

  Juan dismounted, with Harper and me following suit. Juan saluted back. “Thank you, Lieutenant. Good to be here. I assume my message is speeding on to the Council?” he asked.

  “It should already be there, General,” the lieutenant replied. “Our message relay is the fastest of the passes.”

  Juan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Very good to hear. With that in mind, please show us where we can rest and eat, and let me know when you receive the message. I expect it to be here before I finish my dinner.”

  The lieutenant puffed up at the expectation with clear pride in her eyes. That message would get here even if she had to ride out and get it herself, riding every horse available until their hearts burst. Two soldiers took our mounts, and the officer led us to a large building. Inside was a serviceable eating area with several rough-hewn tables and benches. The back of the building was an open kitchen, and the sounds—people cooking and tables full of soldiers and messengers, clinking utensils against plates and talking—reminded me of the campus cafeteria.

  The food was better than I’d expected, and after Juan made it clear that he didn’t care about rank, a few soldiers and messengers joined us. A cambion soldier sat next to me and grinned.

  “You seem pretty young to be in such august company!” he exclaimed cheerfully in greeting.

  I looked at him, his almost-olive skin a tinge too green to be Mediterranean, the ram-like horns on the sides of his head too prominent to pass as human. His youthful grin made it harder for me to place his age, but it was contagious.

  I grinned back. “Look who’s talking! What are you, 19? 20?” I asked.

  “God’s no! I just celebrated my 50th birthday! I just look that good,” he laughed warmly and reached over with a hand. “Names Jerseil. Supply and Support Division.”

  I took his hand and shook it. “Finn. Nice to meet you!”

  “That sounds like an Earthborn name. My mom was Earthborn, too, from Canadia,” Jersiel said.

  “You mean she was Canadian?” I asked, confusion clear on my face.

  The cambion laughed loudly. “No! But she hates it when people call it Canadia, I found out from one of my uncles, and I just can’t resist!” he replied, pleased with his joke.

  When what he said dawned on me, I joined him in laughing. The joke was so absurd and childish it made me like Jerseil right away. He had a very open nature and an easy laugh. We talked while we ate, he asked me questions about Earth, and both of us laughed at shared stories.

  It was a good feeling, especially since I’d been needing a wholesome, relatable friend.

  Ah hem. Missing them right now. Lucky Finn. In fact, everything seems to be going his way at the moment, which is good in a way. Oh, and he made a new friend! Love making new friends. Here's hoping nothing bad happens...