Chapter 7

After what felt like an eternity of pushing and shoving, the pair finally made it to the southwestern gate. There were countless people on both sides confused, yelling for an explanation. Having manned this gate many times, Ygg is able to quickly locate the gate captain, an older man with a few grays beginning to show. He is flanked by two subordinates.

“Captain Gruth’un, I need to escort this barbarian over to Eppling forest, she may have some useful information for our scout team in the area.

“Oh? Well I’m going to be leaving this post soon, so I had been having Bretth be acting guard captain after noon this week. What do you say Bretth?”

Bretth looked the two women over. The Alchemist was a beauty for sure, but a little arrogant looking. The barbarian was large for a woman, but her features were most hidden on her huge cloak. “Did you hear that bell a while back?”, he cups his ear. “That means no one in or out unless they show me a seal from the Laureate or we get the all clear.” Pumping his chest out in superiority, he looks towards buddy for reassurance but is dismayed by his nervous look. “What's wrong, you know her? Ex-lover or something?” He let out an uneasy chuckle.

“That’s Ygg man.”

“Who?” Bretth asks confused.

The captain speaks up, “Ygg of the Ggiryid Clan. UV alchemist. On the shortlist for the a leadership position in Functions Shield. Decent chance she will be your boss one day.”

“The hell old man, lead with that!” Bretth offers his hand out in apology. “Apologies UV Ygg, I am sure you have the proper documentation for passage.”

Ygg shakes the mans hand, “Of course, but I left it all the way back on the training fields I was so eager to get to work. You aren’t going to make me back track all the way to get it will you?”

Bretth swallows hard, “No. You word as as good as gold around here”, he says with a smile, “Safe travels.” He instructs two guards in background to unlock the personnel opening near the main gate.

Ygg feels a slight wave of sadness wash over her, but is able to hid it as she escorts her master out while promising the men she will return soon.