Ascended

The Wranglers were getting ready.

Usually, Wranglers would use nets or ropes to bind the Zombies and trap them for a Bokor to handle. It was inevitable that there would be blood spilt if there was a fight, and since it didn’t take much in a cut or to get some in the mouth, nose, or eyes to infect someone, most Wranglers tried to keep their distance. They were still trained to fight in case they had to, but Wranglers were always encouraged to stay alive over standing and fighting.

These Wrangles were getting ready for a fight. I saw that all of them were carrying bows and I saw a torch stake. I’d only seen it used once. Master Bran hated the humans trying to help, so he usually banned them from bringing one, but when I’d seen it used, I had to admit that it was very effective.

The torch would be planted into the ground, then lit. The archers would then light the tops of their arrows on fire and shoot at any Zombies that came their way. The Zombies would catch fire and eventually die, but it still took a few minutes. Which was why there was at least one person with a sword or shepherd's pole to keep the Zombies away from the archers until the monsters burned up. It destroyed the Hearthstone inside, which was probably another one of the reasons that Master Bran didn’t like humans to use it.

“We’re ready to leave when you are, Master Byler.” Berthre motioned for her Wranglers to form up behind her. She pointed to introduce them.

She skipped over Eveth. I had already been introduced to her the day before.

“Prude.” The other woman nodded. She had gray hair, green eyes, and her hard stare told me that she was trying to assess just how helpful I would be.

“Eli.” She pointed at the older of the two men. He was also gray and by his number of scars, I would say that he’d been someone who had seen a lot of fighting. Zombies couldn’t have made those wounds and he still be alive, but there were plenty of other ways to get hurt out in the forest.

“Jaz.” The final man was probably in his early thirties with black hair and a full beard. He was also wearing mining goggles and the one carrying the torch stake.

“You aren’t bringing your horses?’ I looked at the five people on foot.

“Easier to move around on foot in the woods, plus the fire can spook the horses.” Berthre nodded at the gate, “We’re ready when you are.”

I could see some excitement on Jaz’s face, but the other four had more determined looks. Eveth even looked like she might have some fear mixed in. I wondered how long she’d been doing this.

“Okay.” I looked over the humans. “This is how it’s going to go. Once we reach the Zombies, I will begin to purge the nest. You are there as support and to make sure that one does not slip away. We need to get all of these…” I wondered how much they’d been told, but decided I didn't want them to be surprised if the Touched showed up. I had learned how to start my magic, but I hadn’t tested it in combat yet, and I had no idea how well I’d be able to fight against a Touched.

“It is likely that there is a Touched out there controlling the Zombies.” The look on their faces told me they’d either already figured that out, or Master James had told them.

“If the Touched show up, eliminating them will be my top priority.” I wasn’t sure which was worse. A Touched in the city that could pass as human that was so powerful that they could control a dozen Zombies from that far away, or there being two Touched.

“If that happens, then the Zombies will be all yours to manage until I finish.

“We’re ready.” Eli tapped the sword on his back.

The rest of the Wranglers nodded their agreement, so I turned around and started walking towards the rope ladder, “Let’s go hunting.”