[Krome] On the Road Again

[Vincent D'Ordyn]

Timestamp: 55th of Ymiden - 6th Break
Location: Adaris - West Gate

The sky was still gray with despite the approaching dawn as Gray led Star through the city's western most gate. That had been were the merchant's guard captain had told him to meet the caravan. It wasn't uncommon for the caravan to leave this early in the day, and Gray figured there would be little need for the extra guards within the city proper. The real need would come when they were a few day's travel from the city and more isolated and vulnerable.

While he waited Gray tied Star to a nearby post and gave the mare an affectionate pat on the neck. She was still new to Gray, but the two had taken to each other rather well. After taking a few moments to check Star's saddle and bit, and his own bags that he had secured to it, Gray went about checking himself. Making sure his armor was secure and that his weapons sat clean in their sheaths.

Soon after other, mercenaries like himself, began to arrive. It seemed the merchant had decided to play this trip safe, recruiting enough extra muscle to scare off any would be robbers. That or, entice the more dangerous bandits to try their hand at the caravan. Gray thought as he eyed those who showed up.

[Rita Fenyo]

Rita

Andaris was a horrible place. Towering buildings looming out the mist, claustrophobia was the norm, stench of filth and poverty drifting from the lower quarters of the city. Rotten choking smell. The arena, a place where the rich put slaves to die because they were board. To watch a life stolen for a couple of silver. Rita hated this place, the government, the people it was a complete polar opposite to what she held dear. She missed Ivorian and was actually starting to get sick of the idea of living in Rynmere all together. However, she was settled in Krome now and the people needed her. Something was wrong in this place. It hung in the air like the stench of rotting fish. Talk of war from the western forts, an uprising against the king. What place did war have in society, nothing but pain ever came from it she'd seen enough of that from the conflict in the Hot Lands. A neighing horse startled her, stumbling back and almost losing her balance.

Come on Rita, pay attention Clutching the parcel close to her chest, making her way in hopefully the right direction. The western most gate was her destination. This was one of the most well traveled parts of town where almost all of the trade to the rest of the island came from. It was an eight day trip on foot to Krome or she could take a Caravan and at least rest. By know Rita knew how to get around and talk to people. She found out about one that would be leaving later in the day, heavy amount of mercenaries. Which meant one of two things, a greenhorn or something valuable. Whilst she was no warrior she knew how to defend herself, the caravan owner was persuaded by her healing hands. Injuries happen even without bandits to cause them and someone that knew how to properly treat a wound was incredibly valuable, infection was a killer and being the physician for Krome meant any unfortunate soul had no chance. Something she hated to do was barter but humans loved it, any chance to save a few coin. Eventually she managed to get the trip and food for free.

Soon enough the mercenaries started pouring in. Quietly she kept to the edge watching them approach and loiter. Varying degrees of skill, even more variation in sobriety. Standard battle scars and injuries, talking and jesting like they were all best friends. Leaning on her stave to appear more submissive. Looking to her left a man came in on the back of a horse. Estimated to be about early 30's at worst. Strong build, very clean kept a soldier through and through not like these other sell swords. Leather armor and twin swords, what was his story she wondered. His piercing emerald eyes met hers for but a moment, dismounting from the large beast. Checking his armor and swords before finding a spot to stand. Interesting, probably a veteran though discharged for something or other. It was a very beautiful horse. Ever so slowly she made her way over, looking over the big creature. Rita always liked horses, she didn't know much about them but still. She was within touching distance of the big girl.
"Hello there" Voice soft and gentle, the majestic creature eyeing her up. Producing an apple from he food pouch.
"Want this do you girl?"

[Yanahalqah]

Yana finally arrived at the west gate, having gathered her meager possessions and stuffed them all into her small backpack. She felt it had taken far too long for her to get to the meeting spot for the caravan members, mostly because her horse Horse –or Hoarse, whichever you prefer- was being stubborn and a nuisance. Again. The mare didn’t like the Yludih -the feeling was mutual- and she wasn’t very obedient. Mostly because Yana had taken her from the stables where the horse did get affection, and did like the people there. The Yludih had only taken the mount with her because her client had let her know that the caravan wouldn’t be returning to Andaris. Thus, unless she wanted to travel the way back from Krome on foot, she needed the mare’s services. She wasn’t too sure if she was better off with or without the beast though.

She led the horse towards a post where another horse was already tied to, figuring her brown-with-white-spots mount would perhaps soften up a little with company. Horse came willingly, which was something, and greeted the other horse and the people near it with an exited whinny. While tying Horse to the pole, Yana let her eye dart about, taking in the other mercenaries with quick glances. Most were battle-scarred and burly, looking fairly competent at their job, but not all that trustworthy or well-mannered. There weren’t all that many with a bow slung to their backs, but those that did were of a different type of build. All were already wearing their armor, just like Yana did, prepared for the journey ahead of them.

Well, apart from being one of the few females present –one armored, and armed with dagger, sword, and bow no less- she did fit in with her eyepatch and the edge she had about her. Though her copper hair, and the burned patches on her leather armor did stand out a bit. Still, Rayna was far better at blending in than Saeri was; the periwinkle Eídisi form was hard to miss. Not to mention that her armor did not fit her in that seeming. Saeri was a bad choice overall for jobs such as these.

When the Yludih was done with her quick observations, she sat herself down in the grass, planning to wait patiently for the rest to arrive. They were with a big group already, but the clients themselves hadn’t arrived yet, or at least not all of them had. A lot of the other mercs seemed eager to leave, pacing back and forth, or tapping their foot onto the ground impatiently. Others played dice, which Yana considered joining in on, but ultimately decided against. Losing coin was not the reason of her being here, and besides, there was no telling when they’d finally start their journey. Having to stop a game midway was not something she considered pleasant. So she remained in her position on the grass, taking a swig of her waterskin which was filled with ale.

[Aelius Callistus]

It wasn’t as hard as Aelius thought it would be joining the caravan as one of the guards. It was obvious he was hardly equipped with the skills to wield a sword. That wasn’t to say he was defenseless, because he was far from. The reason Aelius was allowed to join the caravan as a guard was because of his Seeker’s nature, of which he revealed to the head of the guard and no one else. To onlookers he was a simple man dressed in simple clothes, perhaps a passenger but the way he carried himself spoke of the opposite.

As said, he was simply dressed, donned in a leather vest overtop a beige cotton and short sleeved tunic. He wore a light colored cloak that draped a short way past his waist in order to conceal the conduit he called his, the source of his power and reason for him being on the trip. He was a magical and secret weapon to the guards, something they hoped they wouldn’t have to use but, due to the growing tensions outside of Andaris City, something that may have to be used. On his legs were lightly colored pants that were tucked into his ankle-high boots. His hands held the reins of the stallion he rode on. The horse was cream colored, complementing the caramel skinned man atop it. A long time passed since Aelius last rode a horse and he had nearly forgotten how to. Thankfully, he hadn’t.

Aelius strode through the western gate of Andaris, the meeting location of the client caravan being divulged to him for that time and that day. To his expectation, he saw a fair few others gathered on horseback and some not. Some were passengers bringing their horses to Krom and some were armed to the teeth, mercenaries. He figured he, too, was a mercenary in that moment, though he didn’t personally call himself one. This was just another test in his eyes, something to grant him experience in both the world and his arcana, if it came to drawing upon it. In comparison to the other mercenaries he was essentially unarmed. All that he had was his conduit hidden beneath his cloak strapped to the belt holding his pants up.

As he led the stallion Milo towards the caravan he would be aiding in guarding he took notice of a familiar face and body, that of an Ithecal. While it was often thought he couldn’t see due to the dullness of his eyes, how they were white and ethereal, void of irises and pupils, he could see quite well. From the distance he could tell the Ithecal he spotted was Rita, a young woman he met in Krom more than a fortnight ago. She was tending to a horse, and if Aelius was to guess, it wasn’t hers. He didn’t believe she could ride with her handicap, lacking two legs and instead being made up of a collection of lengthy muscles. He turned Milo about and approached the Ithecal.

“We meet again,” he said to her playfully, announcing himself in case she hadn’t noticed him already. Aelius showed her a small smile, looking down from his mount. “I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you heading back to Fort Krom? What took you away?” Aelius didn’t believe the Ithecal would have left Krom at all; she had comfort and a small celebrity gathering as the Ithecal healer there. He was curious about her motivations here of all places. Perhaps it was the looming war which drove her?

[Vincent D'Ordyn]

As time passed Gray took little notice of the other mercenaries that joined the growing crowd. They all had the same general appearance. Rough looking men and women, who wore armor like clothing, and moved in such a way that hinted at barely contained aggression. Though there were a few who piqued his interest.

As Gray busied himself with again checking all of the straps on Star's saddle, he heard the horse snort and soon after she started to pull at the reins he had tied to the post. Curious, Gray moved up her side to her head. "What's the matter girl." Gray whispered to the mare, stroking her neck as he came around. Instantly he knew why the horse had grown so agitated. An Ithecal woman stood on the other side of Star, an apple offered in her hand. Eyeing the woman for a brief moment Gray turned back to the horse trying to calm the animal. Eventually the animal settled, and Gray stepped under her reins coming up in between Star and the Ithecal.

"She's not use to Ithecal, sorry." Gray stated eyeing the woman up and down. "It's the smell of snake. Can drive horses crazy." He continued. Slowly Gray reached out and took the apple that the woman had offered, and took a small bite of it. Satisfied that there was nothing wrong with it, he gave it back to the woman. Give me a moment to calm her some more and when I signal, approach, extremely slowly, and preferably with the apple extended.

With that Gray turn back to the mare and began doing his best to settle the horse more. After a few bits pass, the animal finally seemed calm enough, and Gray motioned for the woman to approach.

Soon after, the woman was approached by what seemed to be a friend, and with that Gray left the two to their conversation. Untying Star's reigns and leading her back to the road.

About a break had passed from when Gray had arrived, when the caravan arrived at the west gate. A dozen wagons, each lead by four horses rolled out of the gate, and with it nearly two dozen of the merchants own personal guards. That put the total number of hired swords close to sixty.

As the last of the wagons left the city, the Guard Captain began shouting for everyone to gather around. When most had he began speaking, raising his voice to carry over the crowd of sell-swords and mercs. "You all are here today, hired as caravan guards. The caravan's route is from here to Fort Krome. The master of the caravan has promised two meals a day and water for the trip. You will be paid upon arrival in Fort Krome. Any who have issue with this arrangement can stay in Andaris." A few disgruntled murmurers ran through the crowd but no one moved to leave. "Good. The journey is eight trials long. We leave in ten bits." With that the captain rode off in the direction of the front of the caravan.

As the crowd began to disperse Gray took one last chance to again check the straps on Star's saddle, and then placed a boot in a stirrup and threw his other leg over the mare back, find the other stirrup on the opposite side. Mounted, Gray turned Star in the direction the captain had rode off in and slowly started in the same direction.

[Rita Fenyo]

The large creature was frightened by her presence, snorting and pulling against its reins. Slowly Rita backed away trying to not agitate the horse further. The rider approached the creature to soothe it, whispering to it. She kept her distance letting him soothe the creature.
“She’s not used to ithecal, sorry.” The rider looking her over “It’s the smell of snake. Can drive horses crazy” She wasn’t sure whether that was meant as an insult or just informative.
“It’s understandable, friend. People react the same way, think that I am my more dangerous kin.” She stood her ground as the man approached, he reached out and gently took the apple from her grasp, testing with a small bite.
“Hmmm suppose you can’t be too careful.” Satisfied he gave it back, explaining to wait and approach when signaled.

The man went back to the mare and continued to calm the beast, its eyes watching her closely. At his signal, Rita moved slowly towards the mare as instructed, arm out palm flat. The horse sniffing at the apple before biting down on the Ithecal’s gift.
“Good girl, tasty apple for the good mare” Slowly bringing her other hand down on its shoulder, feeling it’s hair and gently stroking. She smiled at the man, backing away and nodding her respect.
“Thank you, she’s a beautiful girl” The mare snorted at her.

“We meet again,” A familiar voice brought her attention away from the beast. Backing off and slowly turning to face her old friend, he too had a pretty horse.
“I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you heading back to Fort Krom? What took you away?” With a smile she moved closer to Aelius and offered an embrace.
“What is this, an inquisition?” Rita joked looking her friend over. “Yes, off back home thought I’d catch a ride save the walk. No one wants to lend me a horse for the obvious reasons.” Indicating to her tail lower half. “ As for why, errands to run things to collect” Indicating the package she was carrying, “ now back from where I came. What about you, what brings you this far south. And back again” The stallion seemed less intimidated by her, she gently stroked the big creatures shoulder.
“Sorry out of apples.” She smiled, then noticed an absence.
“Oh, and where is your cat.”

The pair talked until the guard captain called for silence beckoning everyone in. Giving an explanation of what everyone was to get, with a few murmurs of disagreement, yet no one left.
" Do you know what we are traveling with. Three score mercenaries, not counting the personal guard, makes easy five per wagon. I'm no expert on the matter but that seems a bit heavy to me. You know anything? " Rita turned to Aelius, hoping her friend had an answer.
"We leave in ten bits" the guard captain called, Rita taking a moment to put that word into her tongue.

Soon enough the convoy set off, Rita sticking close to her friend. Feeling slightly out of place next to the other warriors.

[Yanahalqah]

Yana sat silently waiting, her legs crossed as she watched the rest of the group. There weren’t that many interesting people around, not at first glance anyway, though there was a snake-person. Ithecal or Raskithecal. Probably the former, if the Yludih remembered this right, the other race wasn’t exactly welcomed. This one, while one of the horses did not seem to like her very much, wasn’t shunned, and didn’t look quite bloodthirsty.

A break or so later, the caravan finally arrived. With a command of the guard captain, everyone began gathering around, which included Yana. The captain explained the route and the terms of the contract they’d been hired under. Some weren’t happy with it, but that was their problem. No-one left though, which was no real surprise. They wouldn’t have come in the first place if they hadn’t agreed with the contract. The crowd dispersed, and Yana slowly walked towards Horse. She untied his reins, and the mount stared at her for a moment. The mare have a whinny as she mounted it, but other than that it didn’t protest.

She nudged her mount into a trot with her heels, steering it towards the back of the caravan, deciding she’d guard the rear. Bandits and highwaymen didn’t need to try and rob from the front or the side, the Yludih reasoned, believing the back was actually the best place to start an attack. If they played it clever, they could pick off the guards one by one without anyone ever noticing. Though it would be a difficult thing to do. She didn’t believe the chance of that happening to be high though, as the great number of mercenaries should be enough to scare potential threats off.

Despite that knowledge, Yana kept looking back every so often, scanning the road behind them, as well as the fields and the edges of forest and woodlands for possible signs of enemy troops. Slim as the chances might be, she did not want to be surprised by an ambush. Last time that happened, she'd lost an eye. Absently, her right hand stroked the leather of her eyepatch, the accessory a constant reminder of the city she'd left behind. As were the scars the patch hid, and the ones underneath her leather armor. The armor itself very much did the same thing; she could -and had- burn away the emblems of the Etzori Army, but the memories of the time she'd spent there remained. But none of that mattered. Not today.

What did matter, was why the caravan needed such a great number of guards. She'd counted more than sixty, which even for a caravan of this size was a bit too much. She reckoned that half would have been more than enough in usual cases, perhaps forty if one wanted to be careful. Sixty though? It reeked. Something extremely valuable was being transported, that much was certain. Quite a few of the other mercenaries within her earshot had come to the same conclusion; their conversations had the very same subject. No-one was quite sure what it was they were protecting, and most did not care. They were getting paid for this job, and that was all they found important. Others however, were curious, and Yana was no different. She did like mysteries and puzzles. If she could, she would like to find out. But she doubted she'd get anything out of the guard captain or the members of the caravan. She had never been known for her conversational skills, nor her ability to seduce.

What she could do, however, was get the opinion of some other mercenaries. See what they thought was being transported. Yana herself was thinking of weapons. Not like swords and spears, but like chemicals that would burn even on water, or fluids that ate away at organic and inorganic material alike. There had been talk of impending war after all.

The Yludih steered her horse from the back to the front of the caravan, spotting the snake-woman easily among the less conspicuous travelers. She had been the only one among those who'd gathered at the west gate who had not been a warrior. But she did not seem to be a part of the people who'd hired the many mercenaries either. The Yludih slowed Horse down so she was right next to the Ithecal, frowning slightly as she noticed the man already accompanying her. Was she imposing? Perhaps, but it mattered little to Yana. "You're no mercenary," she spoke to the snake, after having scraped her throat to get the Ithecal's attention. "Are you one of the caravan's members?"

[Aelius Callistus]

Aelius smiled softly at Rita’s reply, it indeed was an inquisition, if only a small one. Aelius had struck up an unlikely friendship with the Ithecal woman not too long ago, it was something unexpected to him but welcomed nonetheless. His iris-less eyes looked to the package she was carrying then met her sights again as she asked her question of him. Aelius naturally shrugged at the replying inquiry. It was plain to see that he was unsure himself, but he wasn’t bothered by the loss of reason either.

“Curiosity,” he answered almost earnestly. He didn’t lie but the whole truth remained unspoken. Time was ticking for the young Seeker; he had but a year to become adept in his chosen arcana. Though he would never wish harm upon an entire caravan, he couldn’t help but hope for a chance to practice his magic. Curiosity was the primary driving force though, he wanted to see more of the world, or at least of Rynmere.

He watched Rita caress the shoulder of his stallion, apologizing to the beast for being out of apples. Another soft smile came to Aelius as he sympathetically patted the stallion’s muscly neck, as if promising it apples at another time. The question of his feline companion came from Rita, making Aelius motion to one of the rather large saddlebags on the flank of his mount.

“She’s sleeping,” he told her.

The conversation continued until the guard captain gathered all those imperative to the protection of the caravan, debriefing them on what their task was and when they were to get the gold promised for their martial services. With ten minutes offered to them, Aelius walked with Rita to the fore of the caravan, parking himself beside it in order to continue conversing with the Ithecal woman he was growing fond of.

It seemed all parties involved in the protection of the caravan had the same question on their minds: what exactly were they protecting? Surprisingly, Aelius hadn’t inquired or investigated himself but since Rita was bringing it up, he wanted to.

Aelius shook his head at the question. “I’m sorry to say, I don’t know what we’re guarding,” he said almost hushedly. “I haven’t seen many caravans guarded this heavily either,” he admitted, “but I think it’s because of the tensions between the duke and the child-king of Rynmere. Perhaps we’re guarding something important to that?” He pointed the question back at Rita, pausing to hear her thoughts.

Whether her thoughts came or not, they were joined but another woman mounted on a mare. Aelius greeted her with a nod, showing she was welcome, that she wasn’t intruding on anything but casual conversation. Aelius, however, didn’t seem to be the object of the woman’s attention, Rita was. Growing quiet, the half-blood’s milky eyes examined the new woman. He didn’t know her name, nor did he observe her amongst the other guards before the caravan took to the road. She was very much unknown to him. His gaze fell upon her eyepatch, a glimmer of solidarity piquing in him. While his eyes were unafflicted by blindness, as many so often believed, his human-esque appearance often left him under the discrimination of both full-blooded humans and Eidisi. He wondered if this new woman faced scrutiny for her injury, though with her apparent combative ability, he presumed not. Finally, his gaze went back to Rita as she answered the woman’s inquiry.

[Rita Fenyo]

OOC: sorry stupid thing didn't post my reply

A soft sea breeze blew in from the south bringing with it the smell of the lower city, garbage and rot. Rita wrinkling her nose in disgust. Not a pleasant way to start the journey. Shaking her head to dismiss the smell, which worked, salt and forest.
“Curiosity” Aelius said it with earnest, catching her a little of guard. She smiled.
“I don’t think that actually answers my question fully but sure why not.” Laughing slightly with a smile showing it was in friendliness. The stallion was soft to the touch, a strong and noble creature, she liked horses and was in a way upset that riding was so difficult. Both animal and rider having to go through extensive training. At the offer of apples Aelius put his hand on the beast reassuring it that there would indeed be apples. As for his feline companion, she gently opened the saddle bag to see the ball of fluff curled up at the bottom gently breathing.
“Naww so cute.”
She kept close to him once the caravan set off, both for company and safety. He didn’t know anything about the cargo. “But I think it’s because of the tension between the duke and the child-king of Rynmere. Perhaps we’re guarding something important to that?” He deflected the question back to her. Rita paused for a moment to think.
“Honestly I don’t know much about, nor care for, this war. Though if it is the caravan is incognito in the sense it doesn’t look like a military convoy. Though at the same time being armed to the teeth. Mainly if this were for the king, and partnered with what little I know, we are going the wrong direction. Krome holds no tactical advantage to the King, although it allows for the defenders to counter with a flank the distance and terrain makes that difficult. As well as manpower requirements to stage such an attack. If it’s for the Duke then we’d firstly never leave the city. Alternatively in the situation that the Duke has power enough in andaras to allow such a large shipment he has enough power to force a coup. At minimum a riot to kill the king. So I very much doubt it would be for either side of the fight.” Anyone else Rita would feel embarrassed about saying so much and showing her ability. However, Aelius she liked and she knew he’d listen to her. She paused and contemplated what it might be.
“Always the possibility it isn’t for krome but Krome is a stopping point on a longer journey. I don’t know and I very much doubt anyone will tell us. “

The rough hooves caught her attention before the person cleared her throat. Looking up to the tall rough looking woman. Looking closer she noticed the weight the women bore, the scars of the past and then her eyepatch fitted over the socket rather than tied on usually meaning that the eye was completely gone. The woman had a rough voice typical of a warrior
“You’re no mercenary” She stated, “Are you one of the caravan’s members?” Rita took one look at the woman and her steed. Neither were happy to be in each others company.
“Just along for the walk,” Smiling up, “ I need to get back to Krome anyway so I thought I’d tag along. Anyone get’s hurt I’ll heal them up. You do know that you have the reins upside down right? I think the saddles backwards, the nubble it goes at the front for holding onto. That way around you’ll break your spine “ She looked up at the woman hoping to be helpful, though Rita knew practically nothing about caring for horses she did know one or two things from watching others ride.
“What about you, rear guard keeping an eye on the straglers?”

Rita hopped that it would be a quite week. She was in good company and would prefer not to use her tools. Something deep inside her however was saying otherwise. A heavy guard and mystery cargo were more than enough to tempt in bandits. The caravan themselves seemed to be inexperienced at it. Getting lost was quite easy on the treacherous road.

[Yanahalqah]

It seemed the snake woman was no part of the caravan after all, instead being a doctor in need of transportation. Yana could see why she had been allowed to come with, someone with experience in medical care would come in handy along the way for sure. The comments on her riding were less appreciated, though Yana hardly took offence for it. “Is it now?” She frowned, and looked behind her to see that, indeed, the saddle was put on backwards. Huh. Those bastards at the stables were incompetent. Weren’t they supposed to know how to care for and saddle a horse? Or was this a not so subtle way to get her to pay for the more expensive courses they had?

“Seems like I will have to file a complaint at the stables then.” Though she should have checked the gear herself before setting off. How little skill she might possess in riding a mount, she did know how to saddle the beast at least. She should fix this as soon as possible. “Yeah, I guard the rear. Keeping an eye out for ambushes mostly. People trying to sneak up from behind and all that.” A brief pause. “Excuse me for a moment. I’ll redo … this mess.” she made a wide gesture towards her horse and its gear. Then she fell back, slowing down until Horse had stopped in its tracks.

The process of undoing and redoing the work of the stableboys did not take too long. Well, not for Yana, but certainly someone more experienced could have done it in far less time. Yana had not been part of the cavalry during her time in Etzos, mounted warfare not being her expertise. Despite that, she had had some classes on basic care for a horse, in case a mount was needed. It payed off. She struggled a bit with the straps and buckles, and Horse wasn’t exactly compliant either, puffing up her belly to have the straps be less tight. She also danced away when Yana wanted to close buckles, and threw her head aside when she wanted to pit the bit in her mouth. But eventually the Yludih prevailed, stuck her feet in the stirrups, and raced back to the caravan.

“Nothing out of the ordinary behind us,” she reported with a straight face as she reached the back guards. They merely nodded, not seeming all that worried with that stuff and returned to their bickering. Yana then made her way back to the snake woman and her companion once more. “Thanks for the heads up doc,” she said, believing friendly behavior would get her further than being sour about it. “So, Krome. You have a practice there? ” While she waited for the answer, her gaze drifted to the man the doctor had been talking to before. He seemed human, with caramel skin and tall frame, however, his eyes stood out. They were a pure white, no iris, no pupil. Yana knew those eyes, not only having grown up in a family where those were possessed by both father and mother, but she’d grown up with them herself. If she wished, she could still giver herself those, though her entire form changed to that of an Eídisi if she did.

To her, assuming the man had blood of the periwinkle folk streaming through his veins was far from a stretch. Some would perhaps think the man blind, but Yana was more than aware what a blind eye looked like. It wasn’t entirely white. The half-blood wore simple clothing, and was unarmed. He too did not seem to be part of the hired guards. “And you? Are you a doctor too?” she asked him, thinking it a reasonable guess. Eídisi were mostly scholars and the like. That said, they did not lack the capacity for combat either. “Or a scholar of some kind?”