Chapter 4 Escort

We then went to the Guild hall to see about an escort quest. Jeanette was going to ask a receptionist, but I pulled her to the board instead. I noted that escort quests were in a specific area. “What are some town names on the way? I’ll just look what’s up here.” She told me, and very quickly I spotted a perfect, and an almost too perfect, quest. “Holy crap, there’s actually, one going to the Capitol!”

I snagged it and went to the counter. The receptionist looked at the tile, then up at me, and amazement hit their face. This was a different person from the day before. “Is this quest legit, or is someone trying to prank me?”

“Milady, there is another lady here, and their escort has lost two people they need replacements, that’s all!”

“In that case, it’s my quest, I don’t care if you need another higher ranker to join too, but we’re going regardless, so may as well be on the quest.”

“What’s your rank, Milady?” I showed him my silver card, and he sighed in relief. “Splendid, that is higher than I would have expected to find here in any case, I’ll register the two of you now.”

So saying he made a notation, and handed me the tile. We left instantly. “Whoever it is, we need to reach them quickly. If I were attacked, they’re in danger too.” Jeanette nodded.

As we approached a very gaudy-looking coach, the guards around it, all wearing liveries indicating importance, straightened and were readying their weapons, but then froze seeing me. Instantly, their hands left their weapons, and they stood at attention instead.

Panthers to a man, they were an imposing sight. “Relax, guys, we’re your replacement escorts; I know it’s probably not normal, but I’d like to see the Principal.”

The Guard captain looked questioningly at me. “Principal?”

I sighed. “Any decent guard detail NEVER mentions the name of the person they’re guarding. Just in case someone is listening. They are referred to as the Principal. Seeing me, and not being originally designated as my Guards, you might consider me as the Secondary, although I am NOT, in point of fact, a Noble. You have probably been trying to place me since seeing me, and it’s not possible because nobody has ever seen me before. I come from another country so far away that you’d not be able to reach it in your lifetime. My arrival was not of my own doing, and now I’m here, I assume that the Nobles are going to expect me to join the bloodline somehow, which is yet to be seen. I am educated, but have no Noble Etiquette whatsoever. I’ll ask you all to treat me as you would any guard, at least till we reach the Capitol, since it’s the last bit of normalcy I’ll have left.”

The Captain was stunned, yet equally relieved. “Thanks for explaining all that. I agree that this situation will undoubtedly end as you’ve predicted. The Principal, as you’ve called them, will be delighted to meet you, I’m sure. I presume you have registered with the Adventurer’s Guild. May I see the Tile, and your Rank Cards?” I handed the tile over and showed my Silver rank plate while Jeanette showed her Bronze plate. “Silver, and Bronze, we couldn’t have asked for better here, and with it being so perfect for yourselves, and with your eventual future, being that she’s going to be family soon in some respect, this is, absolutely, perfect. We can depart immediately upon the Principal’s wish. This way, please.” He returned the tile to me. “Milady, the replacements have arrived, and though it’s unusual, you truly need to see one of them. They are both women, and high enough rank, but seeing this one will explain things, just at a glance, please.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?!” The coach door is flung open, and a pretty Tiger Clan girl appeared, with an annoyed expression, which instantly turned to shock, and then joyous wonder. “Who?! I know I’ve never seen you before, but that should be impossible!”

“May I come inside for the time being to discuss some of that? I don’t want casual passers by to overhear things.”

“Oh yes, please do! I’m ever so excited to get to know you!”

“Ah, and the other person, well, she’s Mine, if you know what I mean, and she was there when I first arrived, so she can verify anything you need to know about my arrival here in this country.”

Looking at Jeanette, she instantly invited both of us inside. “Please depart now, we have our replacements, and now more than ever, I don’t want to waste time.” With that, we entered the coach, handing our packs to be added to the luggage rack.

“Firstly, introductions are in order. I am Princess Adel Marion, and who might you be?”

“I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, my name is Jane Rae Richards, and my Companion is Jeanette.”

I smiled as I tipped my head in respect. “Oh my three names?!”

“Please don’t think I’m being pretentious or anything. I’m not even a Noble back home. Everyone there has at least three names, just in case an extended family member has the same first name, the second name is a method of telling them apart. Some people get multiple middle names because everybody in their families wants to be remembered in some way. I know one person who had six, and he was a Teacher, not even a College Professor either, just a grade school teacher.”

This startled Adel quite a bit. “You’re saying you’re not a Noble, but you have schooling? Is that normal?”

I nodded. “Back home, it’s mandated by the Government. Every child from the age of five, at the oldest, is required to attend school until roughly their eighteenth birthday. That’s the age of adulthood there. After that, many elect to pay for further education, that is typically more career oriented, or at least that’s the idea, usually doesn’t work out that way though, they end up wasting money on schooling, while they just get drunk, and attempt to be shall we say intimate with as many people as possible.” Adel’s eyes tried to open even wider. “I wasn’t one of those idiots, I just got a Job, and worked it, all the way up till I came here. The place I come from is so far away that I shouldn’t be here at all; there shouldn’t be a way for it to happen. Some power beyond my understanding pulled me from there and brought me here. It seems like I was put here specifically to help guard you on the way home. I’ve only been in your country for two days so far, this is the third day now.”

Adel looked at Jeanette, who nodded. “It's true, Milady, when Jane arrived, it was in a flash of light, she landed face first, and was completely naked. Teleportation is supposed to be impossible, so whatever brought her here is beyond my understanding. Then, to be able to meet you only two days after her arrival, it does seem rather orchestrated. Plus, last night someone tried to take her from our Inn.”

Adel was shocked again. “What happened to that person?!”

“We killed him, tossed him out the window, and went back to sleep,” I answered casually.

“Good, that’s one less thing to worry about. How are you funding yourself by the way? You seem to have excellent gear, all things considered, though I don’t see any weapons, you aren’t relying solely on your Claws, are you?”

I chuckled a bit. “Well, the morning of the second day, I was attacked by a particularly troublesome Boar. I killed it within a few seconds, but as it turned out, that Boar was Jeanette’s quest target. So with my share of that Reward, and yes, Jeanette TRIED to make me take it all, I wouldn’t let her, and then the sale of the Materials, and Meat, I was just able to get my weapon and armor, clothes, and shoes. Jeanette spotted me for camping equipment, my water skin, and food, though, expecting to get paid back out of an escort quest. Imagine our surprise when we went to look for an escort quest, and we discovered one going to our destination. Then finding out you were here as well, it was impossible not to take the quest, like I’d trust anyone else with it, we’re going to be family soon I expect, I’d have felt awful if I found out later that something happened to you, and I had been that close.”

Adel grabbed my hand and squeezed it in gratitude for the sentiment. “You said you had weapons made, but I don’t see them.”

I reached for my Knuckles and showed them to her. “These are Knuckle-type weapons. So I can punch things full force, without worrying about my fingers breaking, then there’s the spikes on either side. Also,” I reached for the Crossbow, which was already loaded, and the safety was on. “This is a covert Crossbow. It fires bolts, not arrows. Less effort to aim, I just have to release the safety, then pull the trigger once I’m lined up. The range isn’t as great as a bow, but the power is higher. They can punch through most armor types.” I handed it to Adel, and she marveled at the simple, yet deadly design.

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“Incidentally, I taught the local smith how to build full-sized versions for guards, as well as oversized ones for wall defense. The oversized ones are called Ballista and are anti-siege weapons. Then there’s the metal, it’s Stainless Steel, it won’t rust.” I pulled out the one Ingot that I was bringing with me. “This is a Stainless Steel Ingot, I’m bringing this to show the King, and intend to teach the Royal Smiths the technique to produce the Stainless themselves. It only requires a Chemical that Alchemists tend to be overstocked on, and raising the temperature higher, also using scrap metal tends to improve the process, so that reduces waste.”

Adel positively beamed at the new metal. “We can make similar things with Mythril, but it’s too expensive for general deployment. This will be very well received. As with the Crossbow, and to a lesser extent, the Knuckle weapon. It’s good for someone who has yet to be trained to use a more conventional weapon, but most Nobles won’t want it, and the Army needs more reach.”

I nodded at that. “I understand that, but weaponry back home is far more advanced. Nobody can survive with just a sword, arrows are too short ranged even. Some of our weapons can be fired from our country, and fly across an ocean to attack an enemy, only it makes a sort of poison that would render the land uninhabitable for a century or more, thus we only ever used it twice, each weapon destroyed a city, and ended the war instantly.” Her eyes looked like saucers, and she trembled in fear. “Like I said, it should be impossible for me to even be here; those weapons can’t reach here at all. I also don’t have the slightest idea how to build them, and even if I did, I wouldn’t, they’re a weapon of last resort in a world of too advanced warfare. I don’t want that coming here.”

Adel relaxed slightly. “If I couldn’t smell your conviction, I’d be tempted to have you assassinated after that sort of a revelation. To think such terrible weapons can be created, I’m glad you’re smarter than the country you came from. Would you please discuss any technology you want to introduce with the King, or his advisers, before you do anything else? The Stainless is of no Consequence, even if every Smith starts using it, they still have to craft the weapons with his skill, so it changes little, and the Crossbow is perfectly fine, it’s sort of a Lazy person’s weapon, something that can be handed out to even the young during a Monster Raid, and the larger size can’t be moved, so it only bolsters our main defenses, so those things are all well, but with the vast difference between what you know, and what we have, I worry about what may happen if you just do as you please.”

I nodded firmly. “That was my intent, if I hadn’t casually mentioned Stainless at the Guild, I wouldn’t have done anything, I just assumed you already knew about it, likewise, the knuckles were for myself, but I figure it doesn’t hurt for previously unarmed fighters to have something that works with their style, and the Crossbow is exactly what you said. I feel like I’ve already stuck my foot far enough into my mouth for starters. Your father is much more capable of deciding what should, or shouldn’t be introduced.” Adel smiled at that.

I made a decision and opened the screen to the Driver’s Bench. I handed my Crossbow to the lookout, I explained how to release the safety, and to fire the weapon, and handed my bolts. “Better you have it, and not need it, than need it, and not have it.”

He gave me a firm nod. “Thank you, Milady, I will not squander a shot!”

I closed the screen again and returned to my seat. “That was an excellent notion, Jane; I heartily approve!”

Adel looked proud of me. “I may not be the smartest person, but I hope I’m not too stupid.”

Everyone chuckled at that. “Still, the thought of even the lookout being able to help in a battle never crossed my mind. A normal Bow wouldn’t allow that, but your crossbow is a different story.”

At that point, the carriage hit a particularly nasty rock, and we came to a stop. I immediately got out to see what was wrong. “The wheel is cracked! How are we supposed to replace it out here? There aren’t nearly enough men to lift it! Ugh!”

The Captain was rather agitated. “Captain, do we have a spare wheel, or is that the reason you’re so stressed right now?”

He turned to me, his tension slightly lessening as he replied. “We have the wheel, but not enough people to lift the carriage so we can replace it.”

“Ah, no problem then. You there, go fetch that rock over there, and you, with the ax, I need a tree, almost as thick as the axle, let’s say five times your height, you don’t need to limb it, as long as we can reach the trunk at the upper end, roughly five times your height from the base cut. Hurry with that, please!” They didn’t even hesitate. The Boulder was brought first, and I had it placed where I wanted it, and within about fifteen minutes, the tree had been felled and brought over; I had them place the base of the tree under the carriage, and put it on the Boulder. I then went to the other end, and leapt up to grab the trunk, smooth as silk, the carriage was lifted until I was touching the ground again. “Someone else needs to help me push it down to get it high enough to replace the wheel.” The captain pointed to one man, and even with the wonder on his face, he wasted no more time in changing the wheel.

Repair completed, I let the trunk rise back up, and conversely, the carriage settled back down. “Sorry for barking orders at your men, but explaining leverage without a demonstration is practically impossible. We aren’t strong, but we weigh plenty, and with where the Boulder was placed, we were lifting with four times our combined weight. More than enough to lift a Carriage.”

He shook his head. “No, thanks to you, we’re back on the road in less than half an hour. We’d have had to send someone to fetch help otherwise, and been stuck here for over a day. I can overlook a few well-timed orders being barked, and besides, it’s good practice for you.”

He smiled broadly at me. “Don’t tell me they’re going to expect me to lead people in battle or anything. I’d rather roam the country doing inspections and adventuring quests along the way.”

Adel had witnessed the Lever in action, which pleased her, but seeing my casual interaction with the Captain didn’t. Once inside the Carriage again, she spoke. “You seem quite relaxed with the Captain.”

“He seems an ok sort, didn’t throw a hissy fit when I ordered his people around. Too bad I won’t be able to act so casually later on.”

Now Adel pondered my words, I knew I wouldn’t be allowed this sort of casual behavior as a Noble, but at the same time, I wasn’t a Noble yet. “Well, I suppose this is the last time of you not being a Noble then, and you’re trying to enjoy it as much as you can, while you can.”

I nodded my head. “I refuse to accept any Noble Decorum one second before I have to.”

“I wonder, which one of us will you marry? Do you have any Preference?”

“Um,… I don’t have any knowledge of any of my options, but I’m not into men. So hopefully some Noble's Daughter will take pity on me, and offer herself so I can avoid the worst case scenario.”

Adel was Radiant. “There’s nothing to worry about there, my Sister would probably want you for starters. I’m into men, or else I would. I was rather vexed with your casual nature around the Captain, because well.”

“I can guess, best not to say it aloud, until you manage to ask him directly. Though I expect he will refuse as long as he’s on your personal guard detail. Maybe you should ask him to switch with your Sister’s guard captain instead.”

Adel’s eyes widened. “Do you truly think that’s the problem?” I nodded. “It would be too much of a distraction to be in love with his charge, or more accurately, to be in a relationship. You can love someone, and still focus, but when you’re allowed to embrace them, then your focus is reduced.”

Adel smiled, thinking of the thought of finally getting somewhere with the Captain. “I think one thing I will introduce is Leaf Springs, This carriage is rough on the body.”

Both Adel and Jeanette looked at me. “Leaf Springs are a collection of different length metal bands that are stacked together. They allow the carriage wheels to bounce while the Carriage itself stays relatively still. It’ll be more of a swaying, rather than a hard bouncing. Then a lesser version under the seats will help too. That, coupled with proper cushions, and this, will become a much smoother ride. Although the roads leave a lot to be desired. Tar and Chip would be a good option, assuming tar can be found cheaply, that is.”

“I expect you can get Tar without any difficulty, but what for?”

“You heat the Tar, then mix it with rock chips, then spread it on the road, and tamp it down. Once the tar cools, it’s practically a single rock, and you can level and crown the road so there’d be no bumps, and water runs off to the sides. It needs to be resealed every couple of years or so, maybe ten years at a stretch, but that’s just for cracks and the occasional pothole. Carriages and horses will be able to move quicker on that kind of road too.”

Adel smiled. “This is an example of something Father needs to handle, tell him how it’s done, and let him handle the rest. That’s a National investment, but I’m sure he will implement it gradually over time. Most likely connecting major trading hubs first, improving shipping times across the board will be worth the investment. As to the Leaf Springs, you’ll need the smiths to manufacture them, but the Carriage-Rights will need to redesign the Carriage to use them; are you able to help with that aspect?”

I nodded to Adel’s words. “Yes, the modification isn’t difficult; I will have to explain the processes on both to the craftsman, but they’ll pick it up almost instantly. Also, has the concept of a Stage Coach come into being?”

Adel shook her head. “Explain it, please.”

I sighed, “A stagecoach is a public transportation carriage. It’s designed to hold around sixteen passengers between two compartments, then the luggage rack on top, and the driver, and lookout just like on your carriage. They accept fares to take people between cities or towns, and carry mail and parcels as well. They’d only go between two locations, and the fare is per person, unless it’s a child, who can sit in its parent’s lap. Those children can ride free, as long as the parent pays.” Amazement, simple amazement, is all that Adel’s face could reveal. “Couple that with a Government Sanctioned Postal Service, where the Coachmen drops off all the mail, and it gets sorted to be sent on, or else handed to the recipient, and you’ve got a pretty good infrastructure and can send out Royal decrees without dispatching individual riders.”

Adel was positively shaking with joy at this. “We are beyond lucky you came to us! I know my Sister is going to love you, that is, if you can accept her as she is.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, concerned.

“No, it’s best if you see that part for yourself, it’s what she looks like, nothing about how she behaves.”

“Ah, well, I don’t hold anyone’s appearance against them. As long as she’s an actual girl, that’s all that Matters, well that, and I don’t want to be a Mother myself, maybe someday, though I doubt I can make myself go through with it.”