Power and Steel (Nachthexe x Headwrapper)

[Nachthexe]

With the damage done and any means of easy transportation destroyed, heading immediately towards the capital was now little more than a hopeful fantasy. What were they to do? Journey on foot, inevitably delaying their journey further? Ismet realized that his companion was right. They would have to commute to the next town and hope, plea that they had horses available. This poor village they now found themselves in, well, they had their work on rebuilding cut out for them.

At least the stablemaster would not have to go about his work alone, though.

Ismet nodded at Kasim's suggestion. The least they could do for the man was giving his animals a proper burial in a tow ravaged by so much destruction already. Besides, it was growing far too late into the day to travel anywhere at all. They would have to derive a new plan, one that did not involve getting trapped into the path of dangerous beasts or perhaps the Safavid enemy that was restless at the border. Just what options did they have? Maybe that was something to discuss after nightfall over dinner.

The work around the stables was carried out with much effort, leaving Ismet exhausted by the time it was all over. The call to prayer came as a relief to the man as it blared across the village, thus forcing everyone away from their laborious tasks for the night.

It was upon finishing up his prayers that Ismet opted to join the stablemaster and his family in their home. He thanked the man and his family sincerely, particularly for their hospitality. It was once dinner, a rather late one, was served that his attention turned back towards his unlikely companion from the day's events. "We are obviously stuck up here until at least the morning, but we need a plan." He began.

It was between bites of his food that Ismet thought about the situation they were in and everything that could possibly go wrong. They were caught between a rock and a hard place, he realized. Each route came with its own set of risks with so much unrest occurring across the empire, but maybe some were simply easier than others.

"The monsters are restless recently. Perhaps they know how vulnerable we really are right now." Ismet explained, "I do not mean the Persians either, but they of course are another form of threat we may have to contend with. They have spies everywhere, according to a reliable source of mine." Monsters. Spies. Nowhere was safe, according to Javad. Oh no. Was Javad himself one of the spies he spoke of? No, he did not want to think about that, especially if the man eventually came around and opted to be useful. Maybe even now he could have been useful, particularly if they found themselves having to traverse through hostile territory.

[Headwrapper]

Kasim listened to Ismet's words carefully, mulling over the imminent risks of their journey. It was true, that there was a good possibility to run into more monsters on their way back to the capital, especially if they had to make the journey on foot. More time spent on the road only drew more risk. The same was true about the risk of spies, a constant threat that Kasim was already accustomed to, especially closer to the capital.

"We'll find more horses at the next town," Kasim said. "If we can make the journey on foot, then we'll be in the clear. I rode all the way here from the capital, after all. No reason to expect the journey back to be any more difficult, especially with two travelers now." He stifled a yawn before drawing his feet underneath of him, where he sat on the floor. "If today was any indication, I think we are well-suited to handle another monster situation if it came to it. Spies on the other hand... Well, we'll sleep with one eye open, won't we?"



They set out for the next town the following morning, just in time for the morning sun to illuminate their way. After the travelers made their way to the edge of the town, Kasim squinted in the direction of their heading, adjusting the straps of his bags and weapons to ensure they were secured. The weight was annoying, and he would much prefer being able to unload the burden on a horse or a mule, but that was not an option for the time being. At the very least, he was able to arrange his cargo in a way that he could release one strap and quickly drop the entirety of his bags, his bow, quiver, and sword excluded. A handy trick in the case of an ambush. A white cloth shielded his head and face from the sun that would rise above them in a few hours time, and prevented dust and sand from agitating his sinuses.

Finally, Kasim whispered a request for a safe journey under his breath, indicating to Ismet that it was time to depart.

The beginning of their journey was silent, for a while. Neither traveler were the type to waste their words and both of them were focused on their duties. Still, Kasim could not help but feel that it was in his best interest to increase their companionship, if they were going to be traveling together for a while. He pulled the white cloth away from his head, letting him get a good look at Ismet. "Tell me, how does one become a renowned monster hunter?"



Several days passed when they arrived at Constantinople, seated atop new horses. It was the second pair they had gone through, and the beasts were lathered with foamy sweat. Kasim lead the way to the palace, through the busy streets. Even in such a crowded town, two ragged travelers on equally exhausted horses earned enough glances to be noticeable. When they reached the gate, Kasim announced himself, and the guards let them in. Only when they reached the front courtyards did Kasim finally drop from his mount and hand it off to a nearby stable hand, and he indicated for Ismet to do the same.

"Welcome," Kasim said lightheartedly, leading the way into the palace.