Chapter 12: News ---------------- It was a sight. A lone figure coming over the horizon accompanied by a rock. Didn't matter. Wasn't the Empire. Empire couldn't be stupid enough to send a single man. But then... what was the rock? As the figure came closer, the guard took a good look at him. He was thin and quite tall. Angular features adorned what was visible of his face. His hair covered part of it just as a brown cloak covered much of his body. Something hung from his belt, surely a sword scabbard. His clothing was dirty, and his hair, though regal with the touch of gray at the sides, looked as if it had been through better days. The boulder at his side became clearer. It had antennae and seemed to be some kind of very large insect. Hundred of tiny limbs flailed about beneath, propelling the thing forward. The rocky-like appearance was due to the rough skin of it. Looked like tough armor plating. He thought he heard the creature squeak as it moved along. The guard waited silently, studying them until they approached. "Kohlingen, isn't it?" said the stranger. The guard nodded. "You have business here?" The man smiled. "I have business anywhere I can find an inn." "Well, I believe the inn's in good shape. Not sure what they'd do about your friend there." The stranger frowned. "Good shape? Isn't the rest of the town?" The guard shook his head. "We've been better. Never even used to need a guard like me. Heck, I was just a farmer's kid not a week ago. Now..." he trailed off. "That new empire's got us all scared." "Empire?" "You don't know about the new empire? Where have you been hiding yourself the last couple of months?" asked the guard in shock. The man smiled again. "Cavorting with dwarves." He surveyed the dirt on the stranger's garb and grinned back. "Looks like it. But really, this new empire's had us a while. Finally sent 'em back, but they'll return." His eyes narrowed. "We might not have a chance in the world, but we will be ready." "Back to where?" asked the stranger. The guard scratched his chin. "I remember them saying something about Doma Castle a lot. Maybe that's their station." The guard thought he saw the stranger's eyes flash a moment, but when he blinked, all was the same, except the stranger's face was quite serious. Silence pervaded the air for a time except for an occasional squeak from the insect. "Thanks for your help." He turned to leave. "Sure, but... didn't you want an inn?" The man spoke as he walked away. "Thanks, but my plans just changed." Shaking his head, the farmer's son watched as the stranger strode south into the distance partnered with a boulder. Strangely as he came, he walked away. * * * * * * * * * * * "I realize that my plan at that point really wasn't much of one. What was I planning to do? Fight an entire empire on my own? I'm still not sure, but I headed off for Jidoor, hoping to find passage from there. And still I was accompanied by a rock. "But even that would change soon. And like I never dreamed." * * * * * * * * * * * Kebah chittered, noticing his master's serious mood. "This empire sounds like it's not exactly friendly, little one. And if they've got Doma, I have to see what's being done about fighting back for it. It's my home." Kebah chittered again. Kindar laughed a bit, his mood lightening a little. "As if you really understand what I'm saying, eh?" He smiled and looked down at the creature. "For all you know, I could be planning on roasting you for dinner soon." The insect stopped and began to slink away from the man. "Hey! I'm sorry!" He continued when Kebah came back to his side. "Maybe you can understand me. Or at least have a feeling for what I'm saying." It chittered emphatically. "Well." He started forward again. "I'm hoping Jidoor has a port built by now. Surely after this many years they'll have something arranged." He thought back to the conversation with the guard at Kohlingen. "He kept calling it the 'new' empire," he said, rubbing his chin. "Sounds to me like there was an old one. I certainly don't remember any, but then... a lot can happen ten years. I should have stayed to talk with him a little, or at least to stay at the inn. Would have done me a little good. The sun looks like it's going down soon. Ah, well. Looking back doesn't do me any good. I figure I can get some information in Jidoor. A city of that size ought to have a good deal of information." The two walked continually for several hours before the sun slipped behind the mountains. An array of colors illuminated the clouds, bathing the land in pinks and oranges. It reminded Kindar of the underworld. "Look like home, Kebah?" Its antennae waved around toward the sight. "Yeah. Somehow, I miss it, too." He rubbed the insect's shell, and it turned to look up at him. No sounds, but still an understanding. Kindar nodded and looked around. "I'd rather it were an inn, but it'll feel like the old grasslands again." He smiled. "You'd like it there, little one. All sorts of creatures to play with. Some even as strange as you." He thought of Mipza and continued, his voice trailing off, "Some even stranger." Kindar shook his head. "No sense remembering the past now, Kebah. Let's look at the present, and see if we can find something for dinner, eh?" Kebah chittered and then dashed off for the forest. "Hey!" said Kindar in surprise. "Didn't know you could move that fast. Wait up!" By the time the man had caught up with the beast, it was circling a fallen deer. When it noticed its master, it chittered excitedly and advanced to meet him. He reached down and patted the shell. "Good job." It caressed his leg in thanks. After the meal was eaten, Kindar looked over at the creature. "Didn't know you could hunt, little guy. Guess I never thought about what you ate naturally. You were always just satisfied eating whatever I gave you. I wonder what else you can do..." It looked up, seeming to speak to him, "Oh, you'll see."