Tales on the Road to Argonia

"This 'ere's one bloody boring stretch of road," Yangus huffed as he kept in time with the horse and cart.

"Would you kindly watch your foul tongue around my daughter!" was the shrill reply from the cart's driver. "I swear, if you utter just one more foul word today…!"

"…I'd pay good money to watch you take on the bandit," replied Jessica flippantly. "It'd be about the most excitement we've had all day. And we're not even in Argonia yet!"

"I hope they do have this magic mirror. Or else I'm making their king pay for all of our footwear for wasting our time on this side journey," said Angelo weakly. Although it had been mostly a day of travel, at least every so often a group of monsters surprised them. As their party's healer, it was the Templar's job to keep everyone healthy. But it did much to drain magic and concentration from constant healing. Even using his Cherub Shot only regained his magic at drops at a time.

"Hey, everyone?"

The Templar, ex-bandit, whip mage, king and horse looked at their leader.

"According to the map, we won't make it to Argonia any time soon. Why don't we find a good place to camp and get an early rest." The palace guardsman known as Akagi folded up the map and nodded to his group. Although it was Trode's quest to break the curse that drove the party all over the world hunting Dhoulmagus, it was becoming apparent to all Akagi dictated the pace. All of them were naturally following his lead.

"Diamond, guv! Just the thing, right? Nice fire with some good food and ale and a good night's sleep." Yangus let out a little yelp of celebration. "Pick a good spot, guv!"

Fifteen minutes down the road found the party setting up for the night. Angelo shuddered as he realized it was Trode's turn to cook. "Goddess have mercy," he said. "I hope he uses spices meant for cooking this time."

Jessica snickered as she set up her own tent. When it'd just been her, Akagi and Yangus, there was some fumbling around for sleeping arrangements. Should they give Jessica some privacy as a lady or all curl up in one tent together because giving a separate tent was somehow demeaning? They did try the latter, but Yangus' snoring was so loud it drove the mage mad. So separate quarters for her it was.

It was an endearing quality of these people that made her laugh. Akagi had been shy about the whole situation and Yangus with a funny bluster that tried to cover up his own sense of embarrassment. Not many gentlemen would consider a lady's feelings in the matter. They are a great bunch of lads. Even choir boy is shaping up to be the same, in his own slow way. "I threatened to feed him what Medea's been eating if he tried that again. I think it was a good threat because he's really trying."

"Hmm. I hope so. It's been a long day and I could use a good meal." The Templar paused and looked around their campsite and he smiled a little bit. "Reminds me of better times past."

Jessica perked up at the small mention of his past; Angelo was not a sharing man when it came to events that predated him joining the party. But no more of the story was forthcoming. She saw the Templar sigh to himself. "I'm going to go for a soak in the pond over there. I should be back in time for dinner. Tell the others, would you?"

"That you're a vain prat? All right, if that's what you really want," she shot back at him. He chuckled in response and walked toward a copse of trees skirting the pond. Jessica set the rest of her tent up in a thoughtful mood. How to get him talking more…in fact, how to get us all talking more about each other…? An epiphany struck her. "Oh, this will be rich," she chuckled to herself.

Dinner went better than anyone expected, including the king of Trodain. He scrubbed their camp dishes and set them to dry by the fire. The sun's light had faded at last, bathing their campsite in early star and moonlight. All of them gazed at the fire.

Jessica took a quick look at everyone. Trode rubbed his feet and complained to himself. Yangus ground out a nick in his axe with a stone. Angelo drank from a wineskin and wiped his mouth with the back of his glove. Akagi stared at either Yangus or Angelo; it was hard for Jessica to discern the exact path of this gaze. No time like the present, I suppose.

"Well, you lot are certainly chatty," the mage quipped at the men. "What happened to all the stories, Yangus?"

"I ain't got no good stories right now," he replied. "Whas your angle, eh? Tryin' t' needle me?"

"Me? Why, what gave you that idea?"

It must have been transparent for Akagi gave her a look across the fire. "How about YOU tell some stories for a change?"

Jessica beamed. Here was an opening! "I don't mind that. In fact, if you gents are game, we can make some entertainment out of this. Even his Highness is invited, if he cares to participate. Medea, too, if Trode can speak for her."

"What are you getting at?" Trode asked, peering at her.

"Why don't we all take turns telling stories? What I mean is, one person will tell the stories but it'll be based on what each person asks. Trode, I guess since you'll speak for Medea, you get to ask two questions."

Angelo set his wineskin aside on the grass and unbound his grey hair to brush. "Fine then. I think you should be the first target. Since it's your idea and all."

"Too right, Angelo." Yangus took fiendish glee at the expression on the mage's face. "I think I'll start. Let's see…wot to ask…wot to ask?"

"Why don't I ask first," Akagi said. "If we wait for Yangus, it'll be morning."

"Sure thing, guv. I guess ladies are first and all that. Ask away." Jessica could only hope they stuck to safe and not embarrassing topics. This was beginning not be such a good idea after all…