Chapter 38
“Your goal may be clear at the start, but there is no determining exactly how many leagues the journey may take. The gods have a sense of humor, and they always seem to express it at the most inopportune moments for travelers intent to arrive on time.”—Isocar Berenica, Cleric of Pilinar
Weston, Cryptonia, Ground Plane
Jasper and his company bid Gerrida farewell the following morning. Jasper promised once more that he would be working tirelessly to rebuild a reliable constabulary, and to bring more trade as soon as they were able.
“Your efforts are most appreciated, Lord Jasper,” Gerrida bowed. He already looked more sure of himself and actually smiled as he waved. “Be safe on your journey!”
Jasper returned his gesture as they departed to the northeast, toward the Snow Fort. The further north they traveled, the weather turned colder and the wind bitter. Calian was largely unaffected by the chill, but the mortals paused briefly to don additional clothing when they grew too uncomfortable. The vampire spoke up as they drew nearer their next destination. He explained that Snow Fort was not so much a defensive border fortification as it was a waypoint between the Tower and the stone elves’ Hollow Mountain further north. The elves or any visitors traveling to the mountains would stop over for a time before continuing on their way.
The outpost was considerably smaller than Fort Lillian, and had a proportionate guard garrison. There were much the same bare necessities at the outpost as at Jasper’s first stop. The soldiers there were happy to see him, as Balthazar’s troops had been. The middle-aged woman in charge of the Snow Fort was a senior sergeant named Wydra.
The sergeant ran a tight post. Boots, buckles, belts, and swords were as polished as they could be. The harsh wind whipped against the soldier’s pink cheeks and noses. They stood in formation for a brief time while Jasper inspected the grounds and walls. He ordered them all inside afterwards to share a warm meal together before he moved on. The men and women of the fort were grateful for his attentiveness and desire to meet their needs, as their comrades to the southwest had been. Sergeant Wydra spoke quietly to Jasper while they waited for their food.
“This post is hard on them, ser. On all of us, truth be told. Between the weather and the sheer boredom, it can drive people a bit stir-crazy.” Jasper nodded in understanding. He thought for a long moment and an idea occurred to him. He turned to Calian, who sat beside him at the table.
“Do you think this crew could handle patrolling Weston’s streets? Give them a break from this damn wind and sleet.” Calian tapped his chin with a finger thoughtfully.
“Hmm. Perhaps.” Titus did not look convinced.
“We would need to find replacements here. If we did redeploy these troops, we could not send all of the veterans from the fort. Some would need to train the replacements.”
“Would it be such a terrible thing to secure the fort and simply let it be for a time?” Asked Jasper. “The elves to our north will surely not give us trouble, from what I have learned. Maybe have ten or so people to keep it in order so visitors can still stay.”
“That would be a better choice.” Calian agreed. “They would not even necessarily need to be soldiers, but servants and some minor craftsmen to maintain the premises.”
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“I’d be willing to stay on here and train the green ones,” said Wydra. “I know the place best, and it would be right for an experienced sergeant to stay and keep it in good condition.”
“Very well, ma’am, as you are the one who has spent so much time in the fort, I’ll let you make the decision to stay,” said Jasper. “But, if you change your mind and want to transfer to another post, notify me and we’ll have it sorted. I want to look after my people. You all deserve it after the time you’ve had.” She grinned at that.
“Snow is my home, ser. I’ve guarded the place since I was first posted here—‘cept for a few furloughs now and then.”
“That is another thing I was going to mention,” Jasper looked intently at Wydra. “I want to give leave to those who have served and are deserving. It is important to me that my people know how much I value them and their loyalty.”
“We all appreciate that, Lord,” she chuckled. “It’s more than most of us have seen from a Lord, ever.”
“I plan to make it a common occurrence.” Jasper smiled. “I want the best from my people, which means I want the best for my people as well.”
“Regarding leaving the fort empty, I believe it would be wise to wait until you have met a stone elves’ representative other than Lady Elle,” said Calian. “As capable a warrior as she is, the Stone Knight holds very little sway in the elven court. I suggest that we establish that your reputation is accurate and we posit the prospect of temporarily vacating the premises to the Queen.”
“She may even supply some of her own soldiers to man the battlements,” put in Titus. “Alliances with the elves have been tenuous lately, but the Queen has been a reliable ally in the past. I believe reestablishing a good rapport with the Hollow Mountain would be good for everyone.”
“I agree,” said Jasper. He looked at Wydra again. “Can you and your demi-cohort hang in there for a while longer?” She nodded.
“Knowing there is an end in sight will do them some good, ser.”
“Very well, we’ll postpone shutting down the fort for now. When we have the manpower, I’ll have a few squads sent up to help square things away. I want to give the less experienced recruits some time at various posts under different conditions. You need to be prepared to operate in any circumstances, right, Titus?”
“Got it in one, ser,” the knight grinned. “Now sergeant, about your provisions?”
They continued to go over the various needs of the fort. Jasper understood some of what the soldiers said but had a great deal to learn. The practical fact of the cold northern weather made additional warm clothing, thick boots, and supplemental space for firewood storage a necessity. Jasper did not know the turning of seasons in Cryptonia as they did and would have to absorb all the information he could. He followed their discussion closely, using the notepad Calian had given him to jot down anything he thought was relevant.
Eventually the veterans finished and Wydra insisted that they share a meal of venison and potatoes before the visitors departed. Jasper graciously accepted once he realized the deer had been harvested that day and the troops at the fort would be joining them. The soldiers and Jasper’s party ate heartily. They savored the warmth of the large fireplace and the ale that had been brought out. Jasper liked seeing those who were now his responsibility take time to relax and to enjoy their time off.
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The party had intended to leave for Ka’Din that afternoon, but Calian and Titus agreed that being exactly on time was not worth the risk of traveling the roads in the worsening winds and freezing rain. Sergeant Wydra offered Jasper the commander’s room on the second floor, and he took it. She told him there was plenty of room in the barracks, which she was more than happy to give up for one night. He settled into the simple room and slid his armor over his head. He sighed in relief when Calian helped him slide his chainmail off and removed the rest of his underclothing.
There was no bath like at the Tower, but Jasper was too tired to care. He hung his gambeson, trousers, and stockings on a rack by the small fireplace to dry before pulling back the covers. He was pleasantly surprised to find that a bed warming pan had been set under the wool blankets to heat them. He smirked while he emptied coals back into the fire, recalling Elizabeth Swann using a pan to smack an undead pirate. He settled onto the stuffed mattress and was quickly fast asleep.
