A Pilgrimage to Northington by Culbreth Andrew

Author:Culbreth, Andrew
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Andrew Culbreth
Published: 2023-10-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Jennifer hadn’t slept so well in ages. It was a strangely comfortable bed. Once she went out on her own, she would have to look up these so-called box springs and see about procuring one for herself. What wonders the pre-Calamity world held!

Breakfast was held in the common room of the inn, and Steven appeared as his usual grumpy self. He seemed a tad tired but served their food briskly while James walked down the stairs and yawned heartily. He slapped the table appreciatively after the meal of bacon and apples, which was a staple in every corner of the known world, apparently. Justin and John looked like they had slept well, though Justin kept glancing at Steven and James oddly. Richenza settled the bill, and they walked outside into the clear sunlight. The day was looking to be a good one for travel and, according to James, they were only a day and a half ride away from Northington. They would reach the old outskirts today and might have another inn to stay in if they were lucky.

“Peak pilgrimage season right now, what with the northern championships happening and the southern championships almost through. The big game is approaching, and if you’re lucky, you may get tickets. Wouldn’t count on it, though.”

James had been a few times and knew the layout of the place. He gave them a few pointers on what to see and do and where to avoid. Tourist traps were everywhere in Northington.

Justin then asked where they kept their dogs. James smiled, and he and John followed the big man around the back of the inn. They were gone for about ten minutes and came back a little pale. They didn’t answer questions and hopped onto their respective carts for the last leg of the journey. Jennifer tried to get some answers out of Justin for the first mile or so but gave up quickly. He was clearly spooked by what he saw, and all he would say was that he was sworn to secrecy.

The last leg of this journey was quite different. Whereas the southern lands were flat with a few hills, the north contained a multitude of inclines, and the roads snaked around them. There were also a few more travelers on the road. Three Rivers was a crossroad for a busy area, with Northington and the Crater nearby, along with the trade that followed the rivers. The Rulekeepers’ Guard patrolled the area.

Unlike soldiers, who had poor reputations, the Rulekeepers’ Guard was a well-respected organization. They protected pilgrims and the Head Rulekeeper as well as kept the order in Northington. They were an elite organization that only accepted the best. Jennifer had heard that they only accepted former players of the Game and that soldiers could not apply, though that was only a rumor. The convoy encountered their first Guard outpost at full sun. It was a small wooden fort that contained twelve Guards. Steeds were tied up in a stable out front, and a gigantic cannon poked out from the front gate.

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