With the military encampment packed up, the soldiers hit the road for the return journey to Badendorf. James and his companions joined the attention grabbing caravan, with the exception of Lord Adelar, who returned to her golden eagle form and soared back to her home amongst the peaks of the mighty Grey mountains.

  Neighbors of the Baumgartners lined the roadways used by the procession. Everyone wanted a glimpse of the unique mountain beast. The threat that had hung over the valley for days was resolved and what better way to celebrate but bidding farewell to the monster in person. James considered the fact that everyone he knew back in England pulled out their phone camera to record even the most mundane events in his community, but here there was no chance of a photographic record. The absence of photography seemed to encourage everyone to want to personally witness the passage of the beast. James, in turn, was able to personally observe virtually everyone who lived in the region.

  They were all there: Rich, poor, and everyone in between. The roadside spectators were largely farm oriented people. Homespun fabrics, and home sewn clothing. Horses and carts used for transportation. The more successful the farm, the more elaborate their carts. Two young boys, riding bareback on fast ponies galloped past the caged Chimera whooping and hollering as they went. Their young friends cheered the stunting boys' efforts. A carnival atmosphere prevailed as the trophy was paraded along the country dirt road. Everyone stopped their activities to view the passing spectacle.

  The first section of their journey descended into the valley of the headwaters of the River Blau . At this point in its course the river was not navigable as it flowed south to north through the foothills of the Grey mountains, collecting the outflows of mountain streams. A wooden bridge, manned by soldiers dressed similarly to the Royal cage cart guards, indicated that this was the Empire province of Sudenland, famous for being the source of both the mighty River Reik, as well as the River Blau.

  While Captain Kendrich negotiated with the soldiers, the caravan waited on the approaches to the River Blau bridge. James could see a modest townsite on the far bank of the river, with a good crowd lining both sides of the entry road to the town.

  “Bellsburg, Sir James,” explained Elana. “Captain Kendrich follows the valley of the River Blau as it is blessed with the sturdiest roads in the province of Sudenland. The cage cart requires dependable roads and bridges to bear the weight of the monster.”

  James looked at the road and the bridge, considering to himself the implication of these being the best roads in the region. James was unsure of exactly where their current position corresponded to in his own world but he was quite sure that it was somewhere in the middle of Europe. He imagined the vehicle traffic, cement barriers, power poles, road signs and paved highways which always existed in places like this in his home world and then scanned the scene surrounding him now. Pastoral farmland dotted with wooden country homes. Every homestead seemed to have a flock of chickens, a vegetable garden and an orchard. In the valley below the homes ran a clear mountain stream. Behind them rose the snow covered peaks of the Grey mountains and high overhead circled gulls and eagles in the crystal clear blue sky. It was obvious that the large majority of Empire citizens lived in these distinctly rural locations, leading simple but beautiful lives.

  “This place is quite different from my world, Elana,” replied James.

  “Yes James, I saw enough in my brief visits to understand some of the differences,” remarked Elana. “The most appealing aspect of your world was the lack of Chaotic influence. Here I am always on guard for the possibility of violence or coercion from the Demons of our world. My life is devoted to protecting these citizens from their dark machinations, and I could sense your life was largely free of these threats. Certainly, my Patriarch, Lord Gilderwood considers your world free of the taint of Chaos. Yet I also sensed an odd arrangement of social priorities.”

  “My friends and I take so much for granted, I guess,” explained James. “Elana, in my life food, heat, and all the other necessities of life are provided by others. For a price, mind you, but nobody I know lives like this,” continued James gesturing with his arms back towards the farmsteads they had just passed by. “Even our farmers buy their food in large shops, and nobody builds their own house or sews their own clothing”.

  “Yes, most citizens of the Empire take pride in their self sufficent lives. Only the rich purchase everything they need. I greatly prefer to spend my time with those who have the skills and ambitions to provide for themselves. My own family did this until the Demons from the north destroyed our village. Ever since, I have vowed to protect Empire families from the evils of Chaos.”

  The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

  “Your dedication inspires me Elana. I can see where your determination comes from. Will their ever come a time when you will feel that you have fought the good fight, and you might start your own homestead?” inquired James.

  “Magical talents are rare in our world, James. I may have met a tragic fate as a child, as a result of the death of my family, but for a demonstration of magical potential. That is why the Emerald College took me in. Soon I will enter my third decade of study of the Emerald discipline which would I think would be wasted should I adopt a selfish path. The successful completion of the quest to save the Gardens of Taubra led to my full accreditation as an Emerald Enchatress. Our attempt to save the Fire Dragons of Islandia is my first effort to represent our order as a fully fledged magic user. Theodor willing, I believe this to be my life long calling.”

  James nodded in respect for her words, and contemplated her approach to life. Elana’s dedication was compelling especially since they were both the same age. Could James ever imagine himself dedicating his entire future to a single profession? Was it even imaginable that some life pathway might be worth discarding all other options? Is this even a good idea?

  Captain Kendrich was waving the convoy forward. Permission had been granted to cross the bridge and enter the town of Bellsburg. The townspeople were ecstatic, cheering wildly, everyone’s attention focused on the beast. The Chimera did not dissappoint, thrashing side to side and up and down, causing yellow sparks to fly and crackles of energy to flash. With every exertion the crowds cheered and hollered, hoping for more. James saw real maniacal obssesion in the eyes of some, and many villagers carried religious icons. Smoke braziers, framed paintings, banners and parchments covered with holy words. Many villagers had brought their barking dogs, restrained with think hemp ropes and collars. James was starting to get quite uncomfortable with the situation. A man, who appeared to be some sort of religious leader began chanting a song holding a silver metal rendition of a twin tailed comet. Dressed in deep red robes he stood in front of a large wooden church decorated with elaborate carvings depicting various demonic figures. The church leader led the chants of his followers lining the roadside, waving his arms above his head, exhorting them to sing louder and louder.

  “Foul beast! Chaos spawn! Leave our peaceful province and never return! Go back to your foul breeding dens of squalor and filth! Begone Demon! Begon Devil!” bellowed the priest, with sweat spraying from his fiery and unkempt red hair and beard.

  “Prelate Franz Xavier,” commented Elana. She also was taking in the spectacle of the charismatic preacher. “Prelate Xavier is Theodor’s representative in the Sudenland. He defends this region from Chaotic influence with great enthusiam.”

  The crazy scene endured for almost an hour as the Chimera and his enourage forced their way through the milling crowds of Bellsburg. Just when it seemed the end of town was in sight Captain Kendrich did the unthinkable and made a U turn and directed the Royal Cage Cart and the rest of the parade back towards the center of town, on the street parallel to the main drag of the first passage. The whole town had already seen the show, but this discouraged no one. Every townsperson simply ran over to the next street and took up spectating positions for the second trip through Bellsburg. The entire crazy display repeated itself with enthusiam of the townsfolk increasing, if anything.

  Progress through the crowds was just as difficult, with another hour being required to return to the edge of the River Blau whereupon another U turn swung the company on to a third parallel road. Once again the crowds moved to viewpoints available on the third street, tumbling through the yards and properties along the block, climbing fences and navigating chicken coops and pig runs.

  The third passage through town seemed to be enough for everyone involved. Mercifully, Captain Kendrich kept the convoy on a northward heading, and this time the Royal Cage Cart and its company of guardians finally exited the town. Two hours of travel along the wide dirt roads brought the travelers to a flat grassy area surrounded by pine trees, on the banks of the River Blau. By this time the sun was beginning to set in the west and Captain Kendrich called out for a camp to be struck for the night.

  The next morning James woke to the sounds of horses galloping into camp. Peaking his head outside James took note of the arrival of two scouts on fast riding ponies coming to a halt in front of Captain Kendrich’s tent. He rose to meet with them and an animated conversation took place. James quickly put on his traveling clothing and shoes, then opened his tent door and stepped out onto the dew covered grass of early morning. The scouts had finished reporting and had tied up their mounts. Soldiers were packing up tents and the smells of breakfast wafted over the clearing from the mess tent. James noticed Elana walking up the slope from the river. She saw James and made her way towards him.

  “Scouts have reported a caravan ahead of us on the road to Helm. They are concerned the caravan may present some risk, but were unsure of this. The Captain has requested our assistance with the investigation. Would you like to accompany Lord Irontooth, Mage Saturin and myself?” asked Elana.

  “What are we investigating, Elana?” queried James.

  “The advance scouts report a traveling carnival is on the road ahead, making their way in this direction. Captain Kendrich is concerned that they may be concealing something. There are many such traveling shows spread throughout the Empire. Entertainers such as these often provide a source of enjoyment for outlying villages and towns. I remember enjoying just such a show when I was a young girl. It is one of the few memories I have left of my family before I was orphaned,” detailed Elana wistfully. “But individuals of questionable reputation are sometimes the operators of such bazaars. We need to investigate to insure they pose no threat to the passage of the Chimera,” explained Elana.

  “Can I eat breakfast first?” asked James. “I would love to come along and see this for myself.”

  “Of course!” replied Elana. “I need something to eat for myself. I will come with you.”

  With the Elana and James walked up to the mess tent.