[BigJMoney]

Month 7 – The Year Of THE HAG

Things were underway once again in the Great City. In fact, even though the leaders had been killed two months previously, the people were working harder than ever to contribute to the war funds. Ruprecht was turning out to be a stern taskmaster and, from the day he had taken over leadership, he had expected a lot from the Ulmans. If anything, he was working harder than anyone, however. Not only was he now running the city and Keep, but day and night he focused on two important tasks. He studied the secrets of the magic of his fathers and he trained young men to do the same. On this particular occasion, he was sending his finest pupil into the world to gain some military experience.

“Son, no matter what the risk is to you, make sure you keep those troops alive! They are your people, and your responsibility. I didn’t teach you any of this stuff for nothing. You don’t go hiding under a rock or in a cave once the enemy comes running at you, but you do what you were trained to do. Now, the spy tells me that he will take you to the field of battle. He should keep you safe until you get there. Hopefully during the months of your service, we will uncover some things that you can learn when you get back. For now, though, our armies need good smiths traveling with them. And, when you aren’t fighting, make sure you are looking after their armor and weapons. That’s good armor they wear out there; the best! But in the heat of the waste lands, they don’t always take good care of it. You keep an eye out, kid, I know you’ll do well.”

The young smith embraced his mentor, and after a final look of approval from Ruprecht, the spy and the smith headed out of the keep and onto the road into the neighboring land. Linshire was the land of the desert nomads to the east. For some time now, they had become familiar with news of the wonderful Yohlla, and the time was come where these people should officially come under the reign of her chosen people.

As warlike as the people of Machaka were, they were also curious. Curious enough to ask questions about Yohlla. And, while they did not express interest in her as a god, it was causing tidings of disturbance and upheaval among many of the communities. Farmers and craftsmen were finding themselves engaged in discussions and meetings more and more about the idea of a woman who called herself a god; enough so, that the Ulmish spy in the province wondered why the late Bune had not considered meeting with some of these people on friendly terms before. If only the right ideas could be planted in their minds…