The not-immortal Blacksmith

Gilip, Capital city of Demonia;

29th of Anael, First month of Snow;

2109 years since the new gods came.

~1AM

"Uncle Garbelx? Why are you leaving?"

"Oh, I'm going on a trip to visit your great Auntie Vesknana."

"But why now? It's after midnight."

"Because the roads aren't as busy, so I can travel faster!"

"Okay! Night night Uncle Garbelx!"

As Garblex stepped into the cold night air, he was unsurprised to see the rest of his ilk making for the city gates. Someone screwed up. Now HE is coming back!

*-*-*

7AM

"Anything else to report, Sergeant Powell?" Commander Schwartz asked.

"Yes sir, although it's a bit confusing. All of the full bloods left the city early this morning." Sgt. Powell responded.

"What?!?"

*-*-*

22nd of Anael, First month of Snow.

2109 years since the new gods came.

I've decided to take some time off from the bread business to go and have a look at this whole Demonia problem. Liam is well, and didn't have to use the vial of holy water I talked him through making from goats pee a while back. I guess this stupid book is worth something after all.

24th of Anael

I said my goodbyes to Martha and Jenni, promising I wouldn't be gone more than a couple of weeks. Travel at this time of year is slow due to the cold and snow. It's 60 miles by road to Yayasilip; the last town before the Demonia border; and should take me 3 days. From there it is about 100 miles to Gilip; Demonia's capital; and the answers I seek. One way, my journey should take 8 days, one week.

26th of Anael

It is late in the evening, but I have arrived in Yayasilip. Tigra's Inn is a nice place, small, cozy, and specializes in merchant travelers so I fit right in. It is good to be on the road.

28th of Anael

I should make the border today, and be well into Demonia by tomorrow. A fair amount of traffic on the road, but no bandits to be seen. It’s very different from the last time I was through here.

29th of Anael

I have crossed over the border into Demonia. I should have seen any number of full blooded demons by now, as the local populace is supposed to be teeming with them. I should be feeling them by now, much as I can feel the "Hero's" from the other world.

How long have I been able to do that...?

Sometime, when I have more time to look for answers, I will have to explore this development.

30th of Anael

I have stopped in several of the small villages and settlements along the road and asked about the demons. Apparently, for some reason, they have all left for some place to the north. I wonder if they are having some sort of conclave?

In exchange for fixing a couple of pots and pans, I am sleeping in a hay loft tonight. Much more comfortable than the ground.

31st of Anael

Rain and slush have slowed travel today. The roads are a mix of ice, slush, and mud. Everyone on the road has had to slow down. I assisted a farmer who was taking a load of turnips to the next village when his axle failed due to a deep rut. I believe I will write a stern letter to the Teamsters Guild, suggesting they recommend to the crown an improvement to the roads around here. Even if they don't cobble the road, large gravels would be an improvement.

32nd of Anael

Late evening marks my arrival in Gilip. The local branch of "The Green Dragon Inn" is my chosen abode for the night.

32nd of Anael, update

I have moved to an inn in the slums. I have paid a half-blood and his friends a reasonable sum for "protection" for my wagon and team. Mostly I don't want them to get hurt trying to steal the thing. Or my horses.

The local Green Dragon branch had a Large PAINTING of me attending that stupid accord signing! I refuse to ever step foot in that place again. Idiots.

*-*-*

"Sir?" Sargent Powell called, gently shaking his commanding officer. "SIR?!?" He shook him again, not so gently this time. A dagger poked him gently in the chest.

"This had better be good, Powell." Commander Schwartz said, sitting up.

"You wanted to know immediately if anything else weird happened, Sir..." Sargent Powell said, a trickle of sweat rolling down his cheek.

As he started to rise from the bed, Commander Schwartz scowled at his subdominant, and ordered, "Out with it Sargent!"

Stepping back, Sargent Powell swallowed a couple times before saying, "He's here, Sir-"

"Who's here, Powell?"

"The Heretic!" Powell almost yelled, "I saw him with my own eyes. He has returned!"

Commander Schwartz stared at Sargent Powell, and felt himself go weak in the knees. "Oh. Oh shit. Oh gods above and below! I need to see the king... CRAP!"

*-*-*

33rd of Anael

Morning

Today's plan is simple enough. I am going to head to the local magistrates office and start asking questions. If that doesn't get me anywhere, I will head to the "Councilors" building and ask some pointed questions there. If that fails, I will have to resort to diplomacy, and go see the king. I am not looking forward to this.